The Revel Rose

Lara and Brian had been together for thirteen years and had just become parents to their adorable son when they contacted me about planning an intimate afternoon wedding at Lara's family cottage on Higgins Lake in Northern Michigan. The cottage represents three generations of family get togethers and summers spent on the lake, and is where Lara and Brian spend their time when they come up from their home in Florida.

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Their vision for a simple, classic, and meaningful day spent with just their closest family and friends was immediately refreshing and sounded so fun for a midsummer soiree. They wanted bright and beautiful summer blooms, a long and slow al fresco meal, and a morning ceremony so they could spend their afternoon on the boat and in the water. And did I mention they wanted a local beer bar? They wanted that too. 

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Lara and Brian wanted their afternoon to feel coastal inspired, an ode to their love of the freshwater coast of Michigan and the salty shores of the Atlantic. They love bright colors, preppy styles, and described wanting an upscale dinner party feel for the afternoon. Done and done. We had four spring Michigan months to make this dream a reality, and when I met Lara and Brian, their sweet son, and their family for the first time the day before their wedding, I knew we were in for an amazing celebration. 

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I enlisted the help of one of my favorite creative partners and friends, Lindsey of The Windflower Design Co. to help me plan a ceremony space and tablescape that was bursting with Lara's favorite floral colors of white and hot pink, and help to bring a preppy coastal feel to the celebration through our floral decor. Lara and Brian asked for some simple paper goods, so I designed clean and minimalist invitations, menus, programs, and signage for their celebration. For our family style afternoon dining, we called on the services of Sugar2Salt, comprised of chef duo and real life lovers Stephanie and Jonathan who have made a name for themselves in Traverse City with their farm to table brunch house of the same name and their renowned catering services. 

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Lara and Brian's ceremony took place on an azure blue morning with the festive feeling of Fourth of July right around the corner, and wed on the shore of Higgins Lake in front of eighteen guests (and a few neighbors and pontooners too!) Brian had composed the entire playlist for the afternoon from songs they have loved over the years and concerts they have seen together! 

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Following the ceremony, S2S served up a three course meal in the yard overlooking the water while guests indulged in locally sourced surf and turf dishes, fresh seasonal vegetables, and finished with raspberry wedding cake, Traverse City cherry crisp and some of S2S signature homemade cookies. 

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To our surprise, Lara loved our idea of her and Brian taking a rowboat ride out on the calm waters and their good friend and guest, Amy Pezzicara was there to capture it! Following their boat ride, they changed into their suits and took their first jump as husband and wife into one of the most beautiful lakes in the state of Michigan. 

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It was so wonderful to be a part of planning, designing, and coordinating this day for this fun couple, and we wish them the best as they host a big celebration in Florida this year!

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