A Lakefront Wedding at the Cozy Comfort Resort in Beulah, Michigan

Mike Tilden, 35, a youth director, and Laura Sutton, 25, a graduate student, exchanged vows in an intimate fall wedding in Beulah, Michigan. The couple first met when they were both working for youth organizations in the same suburb of Chicago. After forming a strong friendship, they eventually began dating. Mike surprised Laura with a proposal one Sunday morning after church. "The moment included roses, candles, champagne and lots of joy!" the couple says. They chose the Cozy Comfort Resort on the edge of Crystal Lake as the venue for their big day. "We knew we wanted a somewhat smaller wedding, and I always loved the idea of having an outdoor wedding," Laura says. "We chose the Cozy Comfort Resort because we need a big enough space on the lakefront to have the ceremony and also a big enough space for the tented reception." Both the bride and groom love the color orange and rustic fall colors, so they made it a central part of their nuptials. They also chose navy to represent Crystal Lake and their love of the Michigan atmosphere. Many friends and family members were included in the ceremony, performing all of the music and readings. "Our goal was to have the ceremony reflect our love for each other and the amazing community of people who support and love us," says the bride.