Torch Lake Wedding

Jamie & Michael // Torch Lake, Michigan

on the Dock

The Inspiration

Torch Lake is widely considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world (reportedly ranked in the top three by National Geographic some years back) and is referenced as “the Caribbean of the North” for its striking blue waters. It’s also known by locals as “the fun lake”.

When Jamie came to us with a vision of hosting her wedding ceremony at Michael’s family cottage on the shores of Torch Lake, we were all in. When the vision included having their actual ceremony on the dock over those pristine blue waters, we got even more excited and that marked the beginning of conversations about anchoring the floral arch, “chair math” capacity and weight-bearing limits.

Not only did the morning clouds give way to clear skies, bringing out the lake’s Caribbean blue hues and not only did the floral arch hold its position, but the exact guest count of chairs also fit and the dock “only swayed a little” when guests stood to mark Jamie’s entrance down the aisle.

As the newlyweds rode off in a wooden Chris Craft boat to the cheers of friends & family, we shared the sense of witnessing something remarkable. And then we celebrated those epic moments in coastal chic fashion the rest of the evening.

Ceremony on the Dock

Guests arrived at the family home on white trolleys and shuttles and were welcomed to the scene with a sweet champagne tower and a golden-footed clawfoot tub of canned beverages. The cottage steps were adorned in floral and candles, leading to a lawn with cocktail tables for pre-ceremony mingling. An artist painted the ceremony scene as guests walked down the dock to be seated in clear chivari chairs that added texture to the scene while showcasing the blues of the lake. A pristine, fully restored wooden Chris Craft boat bobbed subtly next to the family pontoon and became the “getaway ride” complete with a custom “just married” flag and a bottle of bubbly.

Cocktails on the Lawn

A short ride from the cottage, A-Ga-Ming Golf Course became the scene of revelry with cocktails on a putting green that overlooked Lake Michigan. Highlight moments included transfusion cocktails, an ode to the course’s popular beverage; a sweet lounge set with soft blue velvet chairs, gold accent tables and a luxe white rug; a gold mirror with seating cards attached in blue wax seals and an entrance by the newlyweds on their blue golf cart.

Coastal chic dinner scene

Jamie’s coastal chic style came to life in exquisite detail under the venue’s white beam pavilion. Softened with luxe swags of white chiffon drape, glammed up with some champagne crystal chandeliers and finished off with delicate floral blooms swaying over the head table in a gentle breeze, the scene was a northern coastal dream. Rattan style chairs, fleur de lis plates framed with modern gold flatware and table number script on the candle glass were thoughtfully chosen details in the refreshing aesthetic. The dinner itself showcased Michigan’s summer bounty and tent sides opened to a view of the rolling forested landscape.

And then there was cheesecake

Fresh donuts from the local farm market were the official dessert of the evening but Jamie’s sister made one of her remarkable cheesecakes for the newlyweds. After a quick dress change, Jamie joined Michael at a cocktail table on the putting green for a private cheesecake cutting (and eating), steps away from the party but in a world of their own for some intentional moments together. Sun set and the party went strong into the night. The painter finished her handiwork as guests came up to admire the scene and saw themselves in the painting. After dancing, guests returned to the family cottage for late night tacos and cocktails around a bonfire with a view of the dock where magic had kicked off the revelry hours ago.