A Classic Outdoor Wedding at The Bowers Harbor Inn Estate in Traverse City, Michigan

Chicago-based couple Kristin (32 and a wine distributor) and Anthony (34 and a wine portfolio manager) met on the job in 2010 in the most unusual of places -- between rows of wine bottles at a Whole Foods. "Our first date was at Chicago's Christkindlemarket where we sipped hot, spiced wine and talked about our Christmas plans," Kristin says. "Every year since, we've returned to the market to pick out a new ornament for our tree and to relive those giddy feelings of our first date." Fast-forward three years and the couple got engaged after a summer trip to The Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Canada. "We were walking through the flowers in the Shakespeare Gardens and I had a sneaking suspicion what he was up to, but I tried to contain my excitement," Kristin says. After proposing with his grandmother's blue sapphire ring that dates back to 1915, Tony and Kristin returned home to begin planning their September wedding in northern Michigan. Since the couple was in search of a venue where they could hold the ceremony and reception, they settled on an outdoor wedding at The Bowers Harbor Inn Estate in Traverse City. "I was born and raised down the street and always felt that this area not only defined me, but is still an important part of the person I am today," Kristin says. "It was also the place where we first said 'those three words' to each other. I told him how important it would be for me to have our wedding here and Tony didn't hesitate to agree. The venue's scenic views were also a huge draw when choosing the ceremony space. "The views over the bay are absolutely exquisite," the bride says. "The whole location echoed our love for northern Michigan, which was a central theme and backdrop for our wedding and our own love story." The couple exchanged vows in rustic ceremony held under the venue's pine trees and later retreated to the inn's Peninsula Room with 100 guests for the reception. There, personal elements -- like the couple's wine obsession and affinity for all-things Michigan -- shone through. "Our escort cards fit snugly into wine corks and each of the guests received a gift of a wine cork key chain -- all DIY'ed by yours truly," Kristin explains. The couple even made sure to incorporate Michigan's state flower into their invitation suite. "I have a love for the cherry blossom and it was incorporated into the design of the invites, programs and escort cards," the bride says. "Not only does it reflect Traverse City -- the cherry capital of the world -- but it has a deeper, sentimental meaning rooted in Japanese culture." During the cocktail hour and reception, guests were invited to stroll the patio and estate grounds while sipping on the couple's signature drink -- The Windy City Cherry. The couple even provided a photo booth and a quote quiz to entertain guests throughout dinner. "We ended the night with a sparkler send off," Kristin says. "It was a beautiful finale to such a memorable day."