RACHEL + NICK

bride and groom celebrating after being announced husband and wife in grand rapids michigan

Wedding Date
Number of Guests

33

Budget
$$
Questions for the bride
Tell us about your wedding day?

We had a small, intimate wedding with just immediately family and wedding party at the Harbour View Inn on Mackinac Island. We wanted something simple, not only for our planning but for our guests. So we chose a venue where the ceremony, reception and rooms were all in the same place and we could focus on being in the moment and getting married. I wore my mom’s dress, we brought our own flowers, wrote our own vows, and kept everything very low key. It was perfect.

Favorite moment of the day?

Since our wedding was set up around a gazebo, we didn’t have an “aisle” per se, but hiding around the corner with my dad while waiting to come in is a moment I will cherish forever.

Planning advice for brides?

We had a long engagement (18 months) and were able to spread out all the planning and payments. I would definitely recommend doing that if you are able, it made the whole process much less stressful.

Day of wedding advice for brides?

Get your hair done by a professional! I did my own makeup but I had been running around most of the morning getting things done and feeling hectic. The moment I sat down to get my hair done, I was able to sit and calm down and be in the moment. After that, it was like everything came together and I felt better.

Is there anything you would change?

There were some items we ordered for the wedding last minute that never arrived in time, so if I had to change anything I would make sure to order all my final items at least a month in advance.

Photo Gallery (click for lightbox)
FREE Wedding Checklist

When you join our mailing list

Receive an instant download of our Wedding Planning Checklist!