Contributed by Carole Erbel, For the Love of Mackinac!
As a Mackinac Island Wedding Coordinator, I see weddings in all shapes, sizes, religious denominations, some casual and some formal. When Maura asked me to help with her wedding, I wasn’t sure what her style might be. She is young, beautiful, hip, and lives in California working on her Masters. I was surprised but delighted to find that Maura desired a classic wedding -sophisticated and traditional.
The beautiful wedding gown and tiara were worn by her mother -and worn by Maura- stunning. Carrying a gorgeous bouquet of lavender lilac, lavender lisianthus, white oriental lilies and soft blue tweedia - the perfect accompaniment for a fresh-picked wildflower look.
Zac and his groomsmen wore black suits accented with deep purple ties while the bridesmaids wore lilac colored dresses with bouquets that were a smaller version of Maura's. All flowers were arranged by Margaret's Garden at Grand Hotel.
Maura and Zac chose an early June wedding during Mackinac Island's annual Lilac Festival. The Groom was surrounded by his friends and family at the church, while Maura and her bridesmaids were transported from Grand Hotel to the Little Stone Church by a horse drawn Grand Hotel carriage.
The ceremony took place in Little Stone Church built in 1904 of local fieldstone and was officiated by Rev. Dan Hans. Maura's family has been members of Little Stone Church for years so the wedding was attended by many Island families and friends.
Following the ceremony all guests were whisked off in horse drawn taxi's and taken to the Star Line Ferry dock for a two hour cocktail cruise aboard the Straits II. The cruise was catered by Audie's from Mackinaw City and the guests were treated to incredible views of the Island from the water as well as going under the Mackinaw Bridge.
Immediately following the cruise the guests were again taken by horse drawn carriage to The Inn at Stonecliffe, while Maura and Zac went on a private carriage ride with Mackinac Island Carriage Tours for photos with Mackinac Island photographers, Island Photo. The two were able to have a few quiet moments to reflect on the fact that they had just gotten married. I think these private moments are a very important part of the day. Stopping for photos along the water and atop the bluffs, many wonderful photos were created.
At Stonecliffe, guests had views of the Mackinac Bridge and the lovely gardens of the hotel. On entering the tented reception, each guest received a key directing them to their dinner table where gorgeous centerpieces from Grand Hotel's Margaret's Garden adorned the tables.
Maura and Zac cut their German chocolate wedding cake created by the incredible Bella e Dolce. It was embellished with clusters of handmade lilacs leading up the cake and was just as yummy as it was beautiful.
Toasts and dinner followed leading to dancing with family and friends into the evening.It was lovely wedding and as always, I was honored to have been a part of this very special day.
