Surrounded by beaches, orchards and vineyards, adjacent to Traverse City’s hopping restaurant and bar scene and boasting its own three championship golf courses, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa defines the term destination wedding.
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In 2016, Grace was working as a hostess in a restaurant in Clarkston, her hometown, when a handsome server named Tyler asked her on a date. The two never looked back. When it came time to plan their wedding, two things they agreed on from the get-go were where and what season. “We always said that we wanted to get married in Northern Michigan in the summer,” Grace says. “We have amazing memories Up North and love how beautiful the summers are.”
While the couple had visited (and loved) several Northern Michigan towns from Frankfort to Elk Rapids, one destination stood out to them: Grand Traverse Resort, located just north of Traverse City. As a child, Grace swam at the resort, courtesy of her grandmother who was a longtime member of the health and fitness club. Throw in the fact that Grace and Tyler both love to golf, and Grand Traverse Resort with its three championship courses was at the top of their venue list. The clincher? The Plaza, a semi-permanent tent structure that overlooks the resort’s golf course The Bear, was ideal for their reception that would include a 130-guest plated dinner. Likewise, The Pavilion nearby, with its open sides and canopied top, satisfied their dream of an outdoor ceremony.
Photo by Rockhill Studio
Photo by Rockhill Studio
The couple’s wedding day could not have been more perfect—and seamless: “Grand Traverse Resort made everything so easy! It was the perfect one-stop shop when it came to all of the set up and dining necessities,” Grace says. Hiring day-of coordinator Jill Good of Grateful Gatherings was a splurge that Grace says was well worth it and also helped make the day completely stress-free.
After the ceremony, the bridal party and their guests headed to The Plaza for upscale appetizers and drinks, including the couple’s signature cocktails: Paloma for him, Sex on the Beach for her, and a shared favorite, gin and tonic with elderflower liqueur. An elegantly executed dinner followed. At sunset, the couple quietly slipped off to the resort’s beautiful beach on East Grand Traverse Bay for an intimate interlude and some gorgeous photos.
Refreshed, Grace and Tyler kicked the party into gear with their first dance to “Until I Found You” by Stephen Sanchez and Em Beihold. While their happily full guests swirled around the dance floor for the rest of the evening, the newlyweds only had eyes for each other. “Afterward, we both talked about how during the ceremony we felt like nothing else existed other than the two of us. It was a magical feeling,” Grace says.
Photo by Rockhill Studio
Photo by Rockhill Studio
A Simply Elegant Dinner
At the plated dinner, guests had their choice of three gourmet entrees that included filet of beef tenderloin with garlic mashed potatoes and sundried tomato shiitake mushroom jus; Grace chose simple candles and greenery for the tablescapes: “I wanted a modern, minimalistic vibe,” she says, adding that the simple decor, “ended up being a savings for us.”
Photo by Rockhill Studio
From Vows to Marlo the Dog
The open sides of The Pavilion welcomed the summer breeze into the ceremony, while its canopied top offered protection from the elements; The sumptuous two-tiered strawberry crème cake was filled with vanilla chiffon soaked in strawberry simple syrup, layered with strawberry jam and white chocolate mousse and frosted with American buttercream embossed with floral and gold leaf detailing. The real icing on top, however? The custom sculpture of Marlo, the bride and groom’s dog; Bright and seasonal flowers set a tone. “I knew I wanted the florals to have a beautiful pop of color and to give a summer wildflower feel,” Grace says.
Photo by Rockhill Studio
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa Wedding Resources
Venue: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
Photographer: Rockhill Studio
Videographer: Media Potion
Day-of Coordinator: Grateful Gatherings
Catering + Shuttle: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
Rentals: Sensational Events
Florist: Forage & Frolic
DJ: Bee Entertainment
Stationery: Grace Scarcella
Hair & Makeup: K. Noelle Artistry