1. Real Weddings

An Intimate Nautical Wedding at Mission Point Resort in Mackinac Island, Michigan

Danny Hall, Jr., 30, a licensed contractor, married Rebecca Gerhardt, 28, who works in sales management, at Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island. T

Danny Hall, Jr., 30, a licensed contractor, married Rebecca Gerhardt, 28, who works in sales management, at Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island. The couple began dating in the summer of 2011 after being friends for many years. "We've always bonded on our love for the outdoors, the water, boating, our similar work ethic, and the fact that we both lost our fathers at a young age," they say. While renovating their new home, Danny proposed to Rebecca with a 1.5-carat emerald-cut diamond ring. The bride and groom chose Mission Point Resort as the location for their ceremony and reception because of its affordable intimate package and the fact that they would be allowed to include their beloved dogs in the wedding. The beautiful Michigan waters and outdoors inspired the decor and the wedding color palette of navy blue and white. To save money, Rebecca did all of the stationary and flowers with the help of family members. Although it was one more thing she had to worry about on her big day, Rebecca says she was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to put together the floral arrangements and encourages other brides on a budget to do the same. Keeping the guest list small allowed the couple to spend quality time with their closest friends and family members. "It was so important to us for the day to be a very intimate celebration of our love," they say.

Rebecca wore a strapless A-line taffeta gown by Sophia & Camilla that she purchased off the rack at The Wedding Shoppe in Berkley, Michigan.
It was important to Rebecca to not spend a lot of money on a dress she would only wear for one day, so she was happy to find a dress that she loved that fit her budget of $1,000.
Heirloom Pearl Bridal Necklace
The groom wore a navy suit and tie that were purchased at Express, and included a tie clip that was passed down from the bride's grandfather and father.
Hydrangea and Baby's Breath Bridal Bouquet
Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island
The beautiful outdoor ceremony took place on Tranquility Point at Mission Point Resort overlooking the lake.
Outdoor Ceremony with Lake View
Bride and Groom Recessional
Following the ceremony, guests moved to the reception, which took place on the Promenade Deck overlooking the lake.
Paddle Guest Book
The bride and groom treated their 30 guests to a dinner of beef, chicken and fish with sides of cheddar gratin potatoes and green beans.
All of the flowers in the wedding were hydrangeas and baby's breath that were purchased from Sam's Club. "The total cost of flowers was less than $300," the couple says.
Personalized Michigan Cup
All of the decorations and stationary had a preppy nautical theme, but were also laid back and relaxed like the couple.
Nautical-Inspired Table Decor
White Memorial Candle
Open Tent Reception
"Instead of a cake we opted for dessert shooters since neither of us are BIG cake lovers and it allowed us to save some money," the couple says.
Instead of hiring a DJ, the groom put together a playlist on his iPod that was played throughout the reception. The couple's first dance to was Zac Brown Band's "Free."