Big Michigan Magic: J&J
In mid-September, my cousin got married to the love of her life, and I got to be there to celebrate their special day. I've come to cherish time with my cousins and extended family as all my (mostly female) cousins held a valuable place in growing up.
My sister and I grew up as, what we thought were the Tom-girls on the block in our neighborhood: building trails through the woods in our backyard, getting muddy, and digging a hole in the lawn so our slip-n-slide could end in a pool (thanks for being cool with that, Mom). Despite this, we were pretty much the prissy city girls when we arrived to our cousins' dairy farm in Wisconsin each summer. We collected chicken eggs, fed the heifers, helped with milking the cows, and tried to sling hay bales around with the rest of the girls, but not sure we could ever really hang.
After this event, ladies, let me just say that whoever the Tom-girls really were, we all clean up nicely.
For the weekend, we stayed at an awesome local B&B called the Lakeside Inn in a small town in southwest Michigan. This Inn was built in the late 1800s and is a state-registered historical landmark. It's located off the beaten path alongside Lake Michigan shaded by thick, green trees.
It has the nostalgic feeling of summer camp paired with the modern charm of the increasingly popular wellness retreat. The inn gives the nudge towards nature that everyone needs in this day and age: exactly one hair dryer in the whole place, there are separate knobs and faucets for hot & cold water, and the wifi is only accessible in the lobby. Darn, you'll have to go sit in the lobby next to the large stone fireplace in one of their cozy chairs to access your email. Rough times.
Group seating throughout common areas in the inn promote family-style activities. One would imagine family and friends reading while drinking coffee and cocoa around the stone fireplace, or playing board games in what was once the ballroom.
Rumor is, the place is haunted by a wife of one of the most well-known owners' of the inn. Supposedly, sometime in the 1950s, owner Arthur Aylesworth "accidentally" shot and killed his wife inside the hotel. To this day, people that stay in the inn report feeling her presence near room 30, where during a renovation it was said that a hand towel bearing the initials AA, was found inside a wall covered in blood stains.
This, however, is not what you should remember about the inn. What you should remember is that it's located 70 feet above the peaceful shores of Lake Michigan and the 100 foot long porch is lined with wooden rocking chairs that'll rock away any worries that should trouble you at the moment. (I can tell you this firsthand)
Great care has been taken to preserve the rich history and original charm of the building as evidenced in the detail of the decor, soft but effective lighting and thoughtful selection of circulation and how its visitors will interact within each space.
Just a short walk from the front porch at the inn is the sandy beach of Lake Michigan.
Lake Michigan has the impressive illusion of seeming like a sea since the far edge can't usually be seen on the horizon. Only on a clear day can you spot the skyline of Chicago in the distance on one corner of the lake. The shores are a great place to search for small bits and pieces of smooth glass, rocks, and shells. The wind was cool and the leaves starting to change. It was hard to think this place would be covered in snow soon when it felt like late summer still. Sometimes the best souvenirs are free.
COMING SOON: Possible Wedding Venue in Sawyer, Michigan
Centennial Farm
My cousin and her (now) husband own a beautiful piece of property in Sawyer, Michigan. It's backyard is filled with impressive green trees and a pond often frequented by ducks and swans. The pond has a small island in one end with a bridge leading to it. Can I just say what a brilliant idea it is to get married in your back yard? Think about it, this is the place where you live, work and dream together. What place has more meaning?
This couple has so much vitality and joy in their character. They are two of the most generous, creative and positive people I know. They are always trying new things and between the two of them, they have endless talent!
These two love vintage and antique treasures, which clearly showed throughout their wedding. They got married on the small island in their pond in the sunshine of early fall surrounded by family, friends, and everything they loved best. Within that moment, I think we all found ourselves feeling a little more hopeful about the bounty of what life has to offer.
After the ceremony, we spilled out onto the lawn and fished beers on ice out of old wheelbarrows, ate jumbo shrimp and a medley of fresh cheeses from Wisconsin. People chatted, laughed, and shared stories. Dinner was served buffet-style on an old wagon (thank goodness for gluten-free options) and for scrumptious dessert, ice cream was served out of an ice cream counter that had been procured at an antique sale.
These gorgeous handmade paper flowers were decoration for the photo booth station. Grab a prop and strike a pose!
Below, a unique way of assisting guests to their tables: on the glass of an old frame, table numbers and guests' names are written at each table number listed. Also, multiple wine stations are always a positive choice.
After dinner, the dancing picked up. Guests posed by the classic car brought by a wonderful neighbor. The stars came out and we didn't want to leave.
Most of all, the ambience was absolute love on this day. The bride and groom had help from neighbors, friends, and family to prepare for this day and everyone's presence was felt. Without each individual there, the mood, conversation and good vibes would not have been the same. It is important to remember, when trying to decide whether or not to attend a wedding, reunion or other family event, YOU are everyone else's environment. Share in their joy. Support them in their dreams. Kindle their adventures. Enjoy your journey, J&J.
September, 2016