The Wedding Guide Cover -Grand Hotel

Contributed by Catherine Taylor

As a native of the Upper Peninsula, I grew up visiting Mackinac Island with my family and was totally enchanted with it.  

As an adult, I still can’t resist its magic, so I couldn’t wait to share it with my fiance.  We visited in the summertime and it became a part of our love story.  Because we both fell in love with the beauty and charm of the island and we had such wonderful memories, we decided we would plan to get married at Grand Hotel.   

Our wedding photoshoot at the Grand Hotel was a once in a lifetime experience.  

Riding around the island in a horse drawn carriage from Gough Carriage Livery was incredibly romantic and memorable.  We visited some of the most stunning locations on the island, were greeted with shouts of “congratulations” from pedestrians and bicycle riders, and we have stunning photos from Island Photo to last a lifetime that will always take us back to that moment in time. It will always be our fairytale memory.

Ryan and I met while serving and still serve in the Air Force. We live in Alexandria, Virginia, and planned our wedding from there. We found the Wedding Guide magazine and the all of our local vendors to be very helpful and professional.   The publisher of the Mackinac Island Wedding guide chose our wedding photo for the cover of the magazine ! It was my favorite of all the photos taken.  The evening was absolutely dreamy as we walked along the porch at Grand Hotel with the sun setting behind the Mackinac Bridge.   For anyone considering a wedding on Mackinac Island, we encourage you to go for it. It isn’t difficult to plan your wedding from anywhere you may live, and with the help of the guide, you can do it !

Princess for a Day

A prince and princes need a castle, right? The beautiful Inn at Stonecliffe, with its 1904 Tudor style mansion, offers a fairy tale wedding destination like no other place to be found on Mackinac Island. The historic home offers up-to-date amenities and beautiful modern suites. The tranquil and peacefull setting amidst many trees and water views of the Straits draws guests and couples to linger and relax. For these reasons and more,, Vitora and Ryan chose the Inn at Stonecliffe.

Many niece and nephews joined Vitora before the wedding to help in the getting ready. Vitora and her bridal party had their hair and make-up done right at the Inn at Stonecliffe by local hair salon Vintage Glam on Market. When the time for the ceremony came, the Woodland Grotto at Stonecliffe was lush, cool and private. Vitora made her way down the path, one of the unique and beautiful moments that photographers from Island Photo were excited to capture. Her beautiful bouquet was created by St Ignace in Bloom. Music during the ceremony was provided by Northern Lights Entertainment. The service was conducted by Ryan’s brother.

One favorite location for Ryan, was the Sunset Rock lookout pointe, a short walk from the Woodland Grotto. Photographer Christi Dupre of Island Photo walked with them through the orchard and the wooded path taking romantic photos as the guests made their way to the reception.

Vitora and Ryan’s famly gathered at the head table and several toasts were given that brought special smiles and tears of joy. After the first dance, the wedding cake by Annie’s Cake was cut and then the dancing could begin. Everyone was given a fudge favor from Murdick’s Fudge. DJ Skip from Northern Lghts got the dancing going beginning with a beautiful first dance between Ryan and Vitora.

A short walk to the Woods Restaurant allowed for some more time together and some romantic Mackinac photos. Congratulations to Ryan and Vitora!

Overcoming the Odds

Life has a way of throwing us unexpected challenges. How we meet those and with what kind of tenacity and expectancy we have usually determies how far we will get. Joel and Bridget of Menominee Michigan are one of those wedding stories that impacted not only their family, but everyone who witnessed the way they overcame some very unexpected challenges to their wedding. Their wedding day was July 4, 2020 at Mission Point Resort.

During the summer of 2019, Joel and Bridget met with wedding coordinator Michaelena Waite of Mission Point and a relationship began that would eventually become a special bond of lifetime friendship. With four beautiful children coming together as family, the holiday of July 4th had always been an exciting time in their relationship and they decided what better time to celebrate the beginning of a brand new life together. For their recepion, they chose the new for 2020, Promendade Deck, with views of the Straits of Mackinac from an amazing covered but open to the outdoors venue. From the the Mackinac Island Wedding Guide, they selected all their wedding vendors, trusting that the local professionals were their best choice. Everything was going as planned - until COVID-19.

Cancelling this wedding wasn’t going to happen. When love says get married and life won’t wait, Joel and Bridget found the faith and necessary flexible attitude to adapt but not give up! After numerous zoom meetings and telephone calls with their gracious wedding coordinators, the day had come. Mission Point Resort’s opened just two weeks prior to the wedding, as the entire Island was delayed opening, and the Promenade Deck was completed to welcome Joel and Bridgett to this beautiful new event venue for Mission Point and the Island.

The afternoon of the wedding, a meet and greet was held with a casual red white and blue theme. Games, lemonade and sweets got everyone going for the day. Before long, it was time for Bridget and her daughter to head to the Lakeside Spa and Salon at Mission Point. Bridgets’s bouquet was personally hand delivered from Samantha at St Ignace in Bloom. Joel went his way to get ready for the wedding as the guests departed to afternoon activites prior to the important “I Do’s” .

Many hands working busily at the spacious 2 bedrooom bridal suite at Mission Point, assisting the children and attending to the beautiful bride- everything was perfect. Photographer Christi Dupre of Island Photo, captured the special moments that otherwise are forgotten as the excitement of the children mixed with the anticipation of their parents of their wedding day.

The waterfront gazebo at Mission Point was the location for the wedding ceremony. Bridget’s Dad walked her across the Great Lawn drawing quite a bit of attention from many who stopped their bikes to take a look at a WEDDING! Ceremony music was provided by Brevin Cawthorne and the ceremony service was conducted by Rich Lind. Flowers were provided by St Ignace in Bloom. The girls proudly clutched their flowers! Wedding vows were tearfully given and rings exchanged. A beautiful sand ceremony took place within the gazebo as each child poured their own colored sand creating a family vase keepsake.

After the family had left for the reception, Bridget and Joel took a walk to the Mission Point shoreline for photographs with Island Photo. Romantic moments turned into laughter. Walking along the grounds adjacent to the gazebo allowed for several different setting for photos. After a short session of photos, Mr. and Mrs. were on their way to their family already waiting their arrival to the beautiful Promenade Deck.

A perfect evening followed as Joel, Bridget and their entire family danced, dined and later watched the night sky fill with fireworks from the July 4th celebration. DJ Brevin made sure everyone was having a blast on the dance floor. A delicious dinner of surf and turf was plated and served to each guest. Dinner was followed by the cutting of the cake - beautiful, delicious and sweet from Bella E Dolce. Fudge favors from Joann’s Fudge were fancy in their patriotic colors, as every box is a custom creation for your wedding.

Everything We Dreamed Of

It’s hard not to fall in love with weddings on Mackinac Island. And that is just what happened to Alexandria and Patrick and so there was no other place for them but Grand Hotel on Mackinac.

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Alexandria began dreaming of a Mackinac island wedding and Patrick & family were big fans of the Island already. Choosing June 1st, they knew the weather might be cool, however the day was beautiful, bright, and sunny. Flowers were provided by Margaret’s Garden at Grand Hotel and salon services at Astor’s Salon & Spa. Alexandria got ready in one of the lovely suites with a beautiful view of the water and West Bluff.

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The ceremony took place on the front porch and was followed by their first dance to a favorite tune played by members of the Grand Hotel orchestra.

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A horse drawn carriage from Mackinac Island Carriage Tours picked up the newlyweds, and more photos incorporating several lovely settings.

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While guests relaxed, photographer’s from Island Photo walked throughout the inside of the Grand, and then to the many gardens outside with Patrick and Alexandria taking photos. “One of the best parts the day was surprising Alexandria and Patrick with the Secret Garden, which was in perfect Spring bloom. Neither had seen it until we entered the garden, and tears of joy filled Alexandria’s eyes at the sheer beauty and delight at being able to be part of such a spectacular setting.” said Island Photo’s Christi Dupre.

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The Cupola Bar at Grand Hotel with its fabulous view was a great spot to rest and get close. A soccer ball that was used in a few photos as the couple had met playing dodgeball in a league at home.

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Upon return, a small reception dinner took place in the Grand Hotel Main Dining Dining Room. A delicious wedding cake, provided by Grand Hotel, was waiting. After cake cutting and dinner, the couple and their family and friends danced to the Grand Hotel Orchestra.

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Mackinac Bridge Lovers

When Paul asked Amy to marry him, the two were 562 feet above the Straits of Mackinac, looking out from the Bridge Tower. Having a close connection to Michigan and to the Bridge itself, Paul dreamed about the one place he would choose to ask for her hand – the Mackinac Bridge.

In case you don’t know, The Mackinac Bridge, or the “Mighty Mac” as it is known, is the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere, and connects the lower and upper peninsulas of Michgian.  Spanning 3800 feet, it crosses over the Straits of Mackinac. 

Dreams came true, and Amy said, “Yes!” 

The selection of the wedding location had to be made.

Amy, a University of Florida graduate and a native Floridian and Paul, a Michigan State graduate and from Michigan, chose Mackinac Island.  Friends of theirs from their home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where Paul and Amy met, were invited to the wedding which was held at the Inn at Stonecliffe, with an all important and beautiful view of Mighty Mackinac Bridge!

Wedding Coordinator, Carole Erbel, of For the Love of Mackinac! was selected to plan and coordinate the wedding. The bride was readied in the Mansion, and her hair and make-up was provided at the hotel by Christy Lucas of Vintage Glam on Market

The wedding ceremony was held on the lawn of the Inn at Stonecliffe.  Floral arrangements were provided by Samantha Belonga of St Ignace in Bloom.  A scrolled, heart design of white rose petals created an aisle runner for Amy. Standing floral arrangements on each side of the bride and groom were stunning focal points.  The service was conducted in by Minister Marie Hulett. The guests were let in on a private joke of Paul’s which included baiting Amy to come down the aisle with chocolate chip cookies.  Guests laughed and held out the treats to the surprise of this stunning bride! The open lawn and portico of the Inn at Stonecliffe was the location of the cocktail hour. Guests and the couple enjoyed live string music, Cornhole and Lawn Jenga until it was time to enter the reception tent at Stonecliffe.

Photographer Christi Dupre, of Island Photo, walked Paul and Amy around the grounds of the resort, through wooded trails and to an opening revealing full length views of their special Mackinac Bridge. Many beautiful photos were taken during this fun and intimate time for Amy and Paul. 

Following photos with Island Photo, the dinner reception began.

A garland of greenery and a chandelier centerpiece beautifully created by St Ignace in Bloom provided a sophisticated flair to the lovely reception setting. A sweet tooth by confession, Amy’s desire of a cookie and cake sweets table was abundantly provided by Paige Armstong of Bella e Dolce.  Favor’s of fudge were provided by Joann’s Fudge.  The night continued in a relaxing pace, allowing Paul and Amy to enjoy their favorite place with their favorite view, the Mighty Mac, where it all began. 

A Classic Wedding

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.

Wedding Dreams Come True

Wedding at The Inn at Stonecliffe are always special.  Where else on Mackinac Island can you incorporate the woods, Mackinac bridge views, the great lawn and the sunset backdrop.  

So choosing Memorial Day weekend was taking a chance of cool weather, but the day was sunny and absolutely perfect for Angela and David of Framingham, Massachusetts.  Over 100 guests attended from all over the country, as well as Mackinac Island resident, Becky Miller, wedding coordinator, and a lifelong friend of Angela. 

The wedding party readied themselves for the day at the lovely Harbour View Inn, conveniently located next to the church. Ste Anne’s Church was their first choice and everything went perfectly including a group photo of everyone at the end of the ceremony.

A brilliant yellow wedding bouquet and lots of flowers were beautiful accents to the cerulean blue day. A carriage from Gough Carriage Livery picked up Angela and David and away they went through Main Street stopping for photos taken by Island Photo, photographers on Mackinac Island, at the West Bluff.

Upon arriving the beautiful Inn at Stonecliffe for their reception David and Angela signed their wedding license and grabbed their “Just Married” bicycle for some fun photos. Games on the lawn, and cocktails on the terrace kept everyone busy and happy up until the big introduction of the bride and groom. More photos at Sunset Rock, where Angela and David had spent romantic times at previous visits made for more amazing photos together and with the wedding party. A wedding cake & cupcakes from Annie's Cakes, and delicious fudge favors from Joann's Fudge kept the guests sweet tooth satisfied. Out on the lawn, guests and the bridal party strolled taking in the incredible beautiful day while the music and dancing took place. An amazing dinner was served at this delightful reception setting at The Inn at Stonecliffe.  

Congratulations to Angela and David, who had planned it , dreamed it and did it…Married on Mackinac!

Laughter & Love

There was plenty of laughter and love between Robyn and Darrin during their fantastic wedding held at the Island House Hotel during a picture perfect Memorial Day weekend. Hair styling was done in the newly decorated Island House bridal suite by Salon owner Christy Lucas of Vintage Glam on Market. The bride’s beautiful bouquet was extraordinary by St Ignace in Boom. Before the ceremony, the couple were picked up by Mackinac Island Carriage Tours and taken by the beautiful horse team to a carriage ride through the Island. Photographs were taken by Island Photo, as the bright sunshine lit up the sky and accented the fresh green colors of early season Mackinac.

With the front lawn serving as the ceremony site, the colorful scene of Great Lakes cruise ships and the even more spectacular and enormous Great Lakes freighters passed in the background as “I Do’s” were exchanged.

Guests and family enjoyed the great lawn of the Island House along with the scenic verandah as everyone just meandered and visited while sipping on cocktails and tasting the excellent hors d’oeuvres.

Inside, wedding disc jockey DJ Brevin made for the absolutely best DJ, keeping the music flowing with all of Darrin and Robyn’s favorites. First dance got things going into the night, as the gang stayed our late and made this one weekend to remember!

Springtime Weddings on Mackinac Island

The first time Courtney and Kevin, of Novi, Michigan exchanged “I Love You” was on Mackinac Island, making this the #1 choice for their destination wedding. The cool temperatures on Mackinac on the Spring day of May 10th didn’t disappoint them one bit as they enjoyed plenty of outdoor photos following their ceremony and during the carriage ride through the Island. The beautiful Mission Point Resort was their choice for ceremony location and for their reception for 40. Courtney’s bouquet was provided by Margaret’s Garden/Grand Hotel. Hair styling and make up was done for the bridal party and Courtney at the Lakeside Spa & Salon at Mission Point Resort.

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Photography was creatively provided by Island Photo. Several key details were requested which resulted in a number of wonderfully crafted photographs of the family and beautiful couple. Island Photo rode along on bicycle during the carriage ride to capture fabulous images with the Mighty Mackinac Bridge and other scenic and romantic settings

The Colonial Room at Mission Point Resort, redecorated for 2019 and looking beautiful was the location for the reception. The wedding cake was provided by Bella E Dolce, who always makes each and every cake personal and perfect. Courtney’s two cats could be a part of the wedding day as they has replicas of both Sophie and Cloe on the wedding cake itself! No wedding is complete without favors of fudge on the table, with a variety of flavors from Joann’s Fudge - an Island classic!

Colonial Room Mission Point Resort

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Cake and Sweets by Bella E Dolce

“I adored everything about the wedding,” said Courtney. “ People kept telling me it would be too cold, but the chill of the day just kept our adrenaline going and made the day even more exciting! We loved our photographer Kate and we we always be grateful for amazing photos and our picture-perfect Mackinac Island! “

Congratulations Courtney & Kevin. Married May 10, 2019

A Fairytale Wedding

Following their first look, Deborah and John from Ann Arbor, Michigan joined together in marriage in the Inn at Stonecliffe Grotto. 

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A romantic carriage ride on Mackinac Island Carriage Tours green Vis-a-Vis through the woods allowed the couple time to get away and we followed along on our bikes, taking them to the beautiful locations for romantic photographs on the island. 

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Their reception was amazing with their families and friends enjoying the magnificent setting.  The newlyweds took a sunset stroll with their photographers from Island Photo through the lawn to capture some more photos before the setting of the sun and the heating up of the dance floor!

Cake by Bella e Dolce