Story by Claire Long Almeida Photos by It’s Wonderful Photography

My family has a multi-generational tradition of spending summers on Mackinac Island. Ryan and I had an idea of what we wanted, but needed help in keeping planning on track. For the Love of Mackinac and Jazell Raycraft did that and more to make our wedding day perfect.

We chose May 24, 2025 for our wedding date. On the Island, this is the early part of the season -Springtime in late May. The tulips and other early season flowers surprised us with their beauty. My bridesmaids and I were together in one of the Mission Point bridal suites which was lovely. I adored the large windows with all of its natural light and the outdoor garden area.

The wedding service at Ste Anne’s Catholic Church was performed by Ryan’s family priest. Our family and friends from all over the country were there to witness us become husband and wife. Afterwards, they watched and cheered for us as we left the church in our horse drawn wedding carriage.

Our photographer, Sara Wright, of It’s Wonderful Photography, came along on her bicycle, stopping downtown and at the Iroquois Hotel and then the Secret Garden, where we were astounded by the beauty of the red and yellow tulips and the deep blue hyacinths.

Our Wedding Reception was held in the Cypress Room at Mission Point Resort. Everything was fantastic. Jazelle Raycraft kept everything on track over the course of the day and more in helping to make our wedding weekend perfect. I would absolutely recommend Jazelle from For the Love of Mackinac! .

St Ignace in Bloom provided all of my flowers. I loved my flowers and think that they brought so much life to the wedding day itself. Many guests commented on how beautiful they were.

We had chosen fudge favors from Joann’s Fudge for every place setting in a variety of flavors. The Lilac Lemonade was our signature cocktail and it was a hit. There were lots of toasts given, and we cut in to our delicious wedding cake, created by Bella e Dolce.

Musician Myk Rise played for our happy hour which our guests loved. A-List Event Group provided the entertainment and kept us dancing all evening.

i truly love being able to relive my wedding day through our wedding video. Aaron Harris of Aaron the Filmmaker was very experienced and so nice the day of the wedding. His documentary style of filming truly captured the important moments of our day. And as we look back at our photos, we can’t help but treasure them and all of the people that made our wedding day perfect.

Mackinac Island Wedding Vendors

Wedding Reception: Mission Point Resort

Wedding Planner: For the Love of Mackinac

Photographer: It’s Wonderful Photography

Videography: Aaron the Filmmaker

Ceremony: Ste Anne’s Church

Welcome Party/Rehearsal: Iroquois Hotel

Florals: St Ignace in Bloom

Carriage: Mackinac Island Carriage Tours

DJ Entertainment: A List Event Group

Wedding Cake: Bella e Dolce

Invitations: Kate Creates