There is something special about Northern Michigan. Lush greenery in spring and summer, spectacular foliage in Autumn and magical winter wonderlands. There is not a better backdrop in the Traverse City area for hosting a couture wedding.

If budget is not a major consideration, go for all the dazzle and glitz you can. Toot all the horns and ring all the bells. Planning a sophisticated and stylish event is easier than you think.

There is only one rule – no rules! Luxury knows no boundaries.  Think beyond indulgence all the way to opulence. Surround yourself, and your special day, with personalized services. Now is the time to invest in the one-of-a-kind. Make it memorable.

Support Team

A Wedding Stylist is the visionary, the artist, and the architect who will morph your personal aesthetic and vision into a customized, personalized workable plan. It is possible to transform an unassuming space into a lush, whimsical vista. Expect an extravaganza guaranteed to make your guests feel pampered.  Looking for my fav vendors? Check out Sincerely Ginger – Rachel is a gem and will design a day to surpass any dream!

A Wedding Coordinator takes the vision and makes it happen – seamlessly. The professionals in this creative industry help source the services required to produce a gala affair and collaborate with local Traverse City vendors to elevate your experience. This process is both time consuming as well as time-sensitive. De-stress, back out of the equation and indulge yourself.

A Personal Hair and Makeup Stylist is a must have. Select one in plenty of time to experiment with various cuts, colors, and applications.

All eyes are on the bride.

It is never too early in the planning process, to begin with yourself. Candid photos will abound, so focus on looking your best from every angle. Concentrate on healthy eating, taking time to pamper yourself, and indulge in stress-free activities.

Long-range planning is mandatory if feeling great and enjoying your planning process are high on your list. Think-

• Spa days with your best gal pals
• Visiting a salt detox bar
• Replacing your coffee shop with a juice bar
• Makeup tutorials
• Facials to refresh your skin
• Latisse eyelash serum

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes

We have all heard it said that ‘Cinderella is proof that a pair of shoes can change your life.’ Carrie Bradshaw took the love of shoes to a higher level. Check out some of the over the top styles and personalized design creations available at Shoes of Prey or My Glass Slipper. The epitome of self-expression – hand painted shoes! Visit Middo Shoes. 

The Devil is in the Details

Special and unexpected touches set your ceremony apart. Hand out delicate white handkerchiefs to female guests prior to the ceremony. Quality linens and sumptuous fabrics transform dining tables, and elevated dance floors take the festivities to new heights.

Let Them Eat More Than Cake

Anything goes when it comes to menu planning.  Interactive cocktail hour kiosks, small plates, tasting menus, and fun and unexpected late night snacks are trending.  Create a signature drink and name it a portmanteau of your names. Satellite beverage stations are a special touch. “Bubble Bars” for champagne and sparkling wine, or a make your own soda or coffee bar.   A fun idea: include a breakfast-to-go bar at the end of the evening. Guests can select a take-home container to fill with bottled juices, pastries, bagels and donuts.

Special Tributes

There is no limit to the grand and romantic details that you can incorporate into a no-holds-barred wedding in the Traverse City area.

• Fashion a piece of your mother’s, or new mother-in law’s, wedding dress in the bridal bouquet.
• If heirloom family wedding gowns are available, display them, along with a beautifully framed note that details the provenance.
• Honor your father. Place a small heart, cut from one of his blue shirts, somewhere on your dress.
• Place your new monogram, in blue, on the inside of your dress. This is a two-for-one; something new and something blue.
• Cocktail napkins and coasters are the perfect places to print personal messages and recognize the loved ones in your life.
• If religion is an important part of the celebration, use a bible as a guest book. Ask guests to sign beside their favorite passage.

Keep the memories tangible. Hire an artist to do a live-event painting. Secondary to your carefully designed professional wedding album, this is an awesome way to preserve the moments and begin a legacy.