It was definitely raining on that mid-June morning as my husband and I loaded up our car to head out to St Joe. All our wonderful Lake Michigan beach wedding fantasies were threatened by the dull, gray sky. But a wedding day is a wedding day, and years of watching weddings unfold made me confident that the beauty, the love, and the joy – all the important parts – would certainly remain. All the same, as we headed out, I asked God to give us just a little sunshine here and there as a blessing on this marriage. Knowing the vibrant Tiffany Blue colors Carmelina had chosen, I really wanted some blue sky for her!
The girls were gathered at Mom and Dad’s house, where her gorgeous dress was already staged for photos! The talented Sarah Boucher was busy doing makeup. Hair had been styled earlier at Cutting Edge in Vicksburg.
Mom and Dad had this beautiful tradition of escorting their daughters out of the family home the day they take their husband’s name. So sweet!
Meanwhile, the men – long since dressed and ready – were playing near the puddles at the beach. Hooray!! The clouds have gone!
And everything indeed, was picture perfect and ready for a wedding! 
Following the ceremony, guests were invited to a reception in Shadowland Ballroom just a short walk from the pavilion. I love St Joe area weddings as Shadowland has this amazing, elegant feel, and yet it’s just steps away from the fun of the beach! It’s really a great blend of both worlds!
These desserts!!! Carmelina’s parents are the owners of Kalamazoo local pizzeria, Franco’s, where they serve homemade pizzas, pastas, meatballs, and subs; all authentic Italian family-secret recipes. And these cannoli’s and Italian cookies are their own creation! Aren’t they amazing! The cake was created by Dee Appleton of Dee’s Specialty Cakes in Stevensville, MI.
More perks of Silver Beach! The bridal portrait areas for sunset romance are phenomenal! There are wild flower fields, boardwalks, and an amazing splash pad with lights that make the fountains shimmer! Such a wonderful setting for forever art!
Additional Credits to:
DJ and Photobooth – Corey Brink with Rhythmology in Otsego, Michigan
Officiant – Bill Bourne
Dress – Paris House of Bridal in Michigan City, Indiana
Harpist/Event Musician – Meg Rodgers
Also – see their fun color bomb engagement session HERE
And the wedding video we created for them as well!
REVIEWS!
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