This past summer, the HGE team had the tremendous pleasure of executing one very special event for one truly special couple. Danielle and Nick came to me last spring of 2014 needing help with planning their destination Northern Michigan event. As soon as I took time to get to know the couple I was smitten. Danielle and Nick both have busy and rewarding careers and since they live out of state, the planning process took on a dimension like most of the events my team and I help make possible. The breathtaking bride had visions of Gatsby-inspired glamor combined with a subtle aviation touch (to honor the groom’s passion and career) and with that, this celebration was born. Gemstone blue waters, a paper airplane toss ceremony recessional and that dress.

Danielle and Nick, your day was so special and lovely just like you both. You truly have some of the most encouraging and loving (and lively!) family and friends in your lives who lifted you in celebration as you became husband and wife that sunshine-filled afternoon. The weather on your wedding day was the epitome of Northern Michigan perfection but not as perfect as the force that brought you both together in such harmony. I know you’re home now from your adventurous honeymoon and I can only hope married life is as sweet.

The beautiful photos throughout this post were taken by Bradley James Photography and are also shown over in a feature on Every Last Detail. I’m so grateful to Lauren for sharing this memorable event and for all of the care that went into making this possible. Have a cozy and wonderful Thursday, my friends and enjoy this celebration!

Smitten on Paper helped me to create yet another gorgeous customized invitation suite for this event. We went with a color palette of soft blue and sage green with a subtle watercolor pattern and vintage map liner to tie in with the aviation/travel theme the couple wanted. The coupe’s names were printed in gold foil and vintage stamps with planes and even the iconic Mackinac Bridge were used on the inner RSVP and outer envelopes.

From what I hear, guests loved receiving these lovelies in the mail!

That water! Only in Michigan is the water quite like this.

I love Danielle and Nick’s faces here! They look so happy!

After the ceremony guests were welcomed to the lawn overlooking the water for cocktails and appetizers. We also had a cigar and whiskey tasting bar set up for guest’s enjoyment. The couple love whiskey and selected four of their favorites along with notes on each for their guest’s to read before making a selection. It was a huge hit!

Sticking in with the travel theme, small white leather luggage tags doubled as favors and seating cards for dinner.

One of my favorite pictures of the day is right here.

After portraits before cocktail hour wrapped up, it was on to dinner and we think we transformed the restaurant at Bay Harbor into a pretty romantic, inviting and beautiful space for a delicious four course family dinner. I have to give a lot of credit to the chef and staff at Bay Harbor for the meal, too. As vendors we are typically the last to eat our food for obvious reasons and unless I triple check with the venue or caterer about what food exactly the vendors will be getting, it’s usually something pretty unedible unfortunately (overcooked pasta, a bag of chips with a stale wrap, etc). At Danielle and Nick’s event we received a beautiful dual protein plate which was served hot to us after the guests had fully enjoyed their own portions. After what was already an 11 hour work day I can speak on behalf of all the vendors when I say that meal was appreciated, devoured, and very much a reflection of not only the staff but the couple who felt very storngly about taking care of us vendors.

To happily ever after and beyond, you two. Congratulations!

Planning, design, florals and execution: Hey Gorgeous Events / Photography: Bradley James Photography / Videography: Two Penny Productions / Stationery: Smitten on Paper / Venue and catering: The Inn at Bay Harbor / Rentals and linens: Special Events Rental / Hair and makeup: Hanna Wagner Design / Bride’s wedding gown: sample sale gown with custom bolero added to it / Bride’s reception gown and accessories: Rent the Runway / Entertainment: Midwest Dueling Pianos / Mini dessert pies: Suzie’s Pies / Groom’s cheesecake: Loretta’s Cheesecakes