My Happy Place
by Erin Pentowski Photos by Andrejka Photography
I grew up on a canal home off Lake St Clair and being near the water has always been my happy place. For our wedding, I envisioned a warm, sunny day surrounded by water and all our loved ones. My now-husband Joe and I had been taking summer vacations to Mackinac since we first met, so we were very familiar with the Island’s special beauty. We knew Mission Point Resort was the perfect spot having everything we wanted: a lake front outdoor ceremony and reception venue surrounded by the glittering waters and the summer breeze of Lake Huron. Mission Point was close to downtown, and of course for our Australian Cattle Dog, Indigo, it was dog-friendly! We ordered the Wedding Guide and began contacting and hiring local vendors for just about everything because of their inside knowledge of the Island’s unique supply chain and experience working with one another. This made for a stress-free day and was worth every penny!
The mothers of the bride and groom, the maid of honor, and myself used Lakeside Spa and Salon for our hair, makeup and nail services. They were very accommodating to fit us all in the day of the wedding and went above and beyond to make sure we were all happy, especially me! Tranquility Suite was our honeymoon suite and the bridal party got dressed for the ceremony there. Joe arrived and we shared a private first look at one another which was perfect.
The ceremony on the Great Lawn at Mission Point Resort came together beautifully. Afterwards, we had family photos taken and departed for our carriage ride. We worked with Jodi Gough, of Gough Carriage Livery, for our carriage ride to and from the ceremony. Our driver was amazing and took us down to meet with our amazing photographer Andrejka to capture some of the most beautiful photos. One of our favorite parts of the day was while riding down Main Street, where our driver stood up and announced us as husband and wife. The onlookers on both sides of the street began cheering us on. It was truly a special experience that neither on of us will ever forget!
Cassie, our go-to coordinator at Mission Point, performed wonders to ensure our wedding and reception ran without a hitch. All the staff was amazing and provided top-notch service to us and our guests throughout the entire weekend! Our photographer Andrejka and her assistant exceeded our expectations at every turn. She patiently kept everyone on schedule and her assistance went well beyond taking pictures. We returned from our carriage ride and made our entrance on to the Promenade dance floor where Joe surprised me with a lift and a dip!
The evening weather was beautiful, warm, but with a light cool breeze off of the water. Jay from Weber’s Mackinac Island Florist provided all of the live arrangements, bouquets and boutonnieres. We contacted Weber’s very last minute, but Jay went out of his way to make sure we still had everything we wanted for the big day. Our cake made by Paige of Bella E Dolce and was simply gorgeous and even more importantly, delicious. We had a champagne tier toast and it stayed light until close to 10 pm. We played bocci, took lots of fun photos and had so much fun dancing and enjoying our guests who came from so many places to be with us on our wedding day.
Indigo performed her duties as our ring bearer in a custom flower-covered harness made by my mom and I. The prettiest girl of the day, if I do say so myself!
To reflect on everything about the weekend makes me so happy. Yes, Mackinac Island gave me all the fairytale vibes I dreamed of and more!
Ceremony: Mission Point Resort Great Lawn
Reception: The Promenade Deck, Mission Point Resort
Photographer: Andrejka Photography & Planning
Floral Design: Weber’s Mackinac Island Florist
Hair Styling & Make-up: Lakeside Salon & Spa
Carriage Ride: Gough Livery
Wedding Cake & Pastries: Bella E Dolce