Navy & Peach Bay Harbor, Michigan Destination Wedding|Erin & Matthew

Arizona natives Matt & Erin had a beautiful destination wedding at The Inn at Bay Harbor in Bay Harbor, Michigan. Texas photographer, Jennifer Weems of Jennifer Weems Photography, flew to Michigan with the couple to capture every sweet moment of their special day. I just love their wedding colors, navy & peach; it fits perfectly with their lakeside event.

From the Bride, Erin:

From the moment of the proposal in northern Michigan, we knew we wanted to have a destination wedding in this special place where we have vacationed with family, and as a couple for the past four years. Northern Michigan has the most gorgeous set of lakes in the nation, and few people know about it, so we wanted to use this opportunity to share our favorite vacation spot with friends and family. For the style of the wedding, we really tried to combine both of our personal styles with inspiration from northern Michigan, as well as Phoenix, where we live. We added a bit of the southwest through succulents in the bridal bouquet and in the centerpieces, as well as a taste of Michigan with accents of birch bark.

More From the Bride, Erin:

How  did you did you meet?

Matthew and I met through a mutual friend.

Favorite Memories of the day:

Before the Ceremony: Matthew and I wrote letters to each other to open the morning of our wedding day. Since we did not see each other before the ceremony, this was a special memory that we have, in writing, forever. Both of us also really enjoyed the time we had getting ready with our bridal party and families.

Ceremony: The ceremony was very intimate, as a great friend of ours officiated the wedding, and we were very involved in planning the entire ceremony. I think our guests would agree with us that the best part of the ceremony was the “I love you because” statements. Before the wedding, each of us wrote down the top 10 reasons why we loved the other, and gave it to our officiant. They were read aloud for the first time at our ceremony. Other highlights included reading our original vows, the knot-tying ceremony, special music from the bride’s brother, a reading from the groom’s grandmother, and a wine box ceremony.

Reception: Much time was spent planning the entrance to the reception the week before the wedding. We wanted the introduction of the bridal party to be humorous, as well as a surprise to the members of the party. We were successful with this part of the plan. Matthew and I also had planned a surprise dance to perform after our introduction. We had planned the dance from Napoleon Dynamite to perform, however, since we had not rehearsed for the week leading up to the wedding, the routine was far from perfect. Nevertheless, it is still one of my favorite memories.

Advice for other brides:

It is you and your husband’s day. Enjoy it. If planning ever becomes unenjoyable, take a break. It is all about having fun, and I can honestly say that our day was perfect because we had this in mind throughout the whole process.

Photographer: Jennifer Weems Photography

DIY or Handmade Goods Designer: Emily’s Events

Floral Designer: Flowers From Natures Garden

Cake Designer: Johan’s Pastry

Reception Venue: The Inn at Bay Harbor

Wedding Dress Designer: Oleg Cassini

Bridesmaids Dresses:  David’s Bridal brand, Satin, Marine (color)