A Moody, Lakeside Fall Wedding at Hotel Walloon in Walloon Lake, Michigan
On a fateful Halloween night, Nicole Jane and John Ronk's paths crossed in the fall ambiance of a Michigan restaurant, igniting a comforting connection. Nicole recalls, "The evening was like talking with an old friend we hadn't seen in years; we connected very easily and quickly." Their shared experiences and common backgrounds laid the foundation for a relationship that would soon take a significant turn at Hotel Walloon, which would come to hold profound significance in their lives. It was there, after a romantic day of boating and dinner at the inn, that John proposed to Nicole on the beach directly in front of the hotel. Nicole reminisces, "It was in the same exact place where we ended up getting married and saying our wedding vows!" The celebration of their engagement and the anticipation of their future together was marked by a toast with champagne awaiting their return to the room.
When it came to planning their wedding, Nicole and John desired to infuse their day with the essence of their engagement—a celebration of Northern Michigan draped in the dramatic elegance of a bold red color palette accented with black and gray. "We have been married before and decided to be daring with red as our main color," Nicole shares, highlighting their desire to celebrate their love uniquely and memorably. The boutique hotel, nestled on a picturesque lake, presented the perfect canvas for their dream. The couple's choice of venue was a homage to their journey, a place of significant sentimental value that witnessed their promise of forever.
The ceremony, set against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Walloon at the Hotel Walloon, was a vivid manifestation of their vision. Guests were ushered into a scene where the red florals and hot orange fall leaves against the water created an electrifying ambiance. The reception under the clear tent was no less spectacular, with black curtains and tables set in red and black, creating an elegant yet weightless atmosphere.
The couple's fashion choices for the day were nothing short of extraordinary. Nicole, ever the epitome of elegance, donned a gown by Israeli designer Lee Petra Grebenau. The dress, "Devon," featured beaded leaf applique on a sultry silhouette, complemented by a stylish one-shoulder cape, which exuded windswept elegance along with her veil. This choice was made after "a lot of dress try-ons!" at Sposa Bella Couture with the help of close friends. John, not to be outdone, matched the grandeur of the occasion in a deep-toned suit and coordinating red tie and fall-inspired boutonniere, embodying the grace of the day.
The reception under a transparent tent was a masterpiece of intimacy and grandeur. Nicole took a moment to reflect on the setting: "The clear tent allowed us to create a really intimate space for our guests." Guests were welcomed by an extravagant flourish of florals, stepping into a world where the moody-toned theme of red and black floated with an air of weightlessness. The elegant black curtains and table settings, adorned with red and black servingware and letterpress-inspired signage, broke the mold of traditional wedding decors, inviting everyone into the heart of Nicole and John's love story.
The celebration was alive with music and dancing with loved ones, especially when the band Jedi Mind Trip took the stage. The lead, a high school classmate of Nicole's, was taken by surprise upon recognizing her, a moment that became a cherished memory for everyone present.
As the night drew to a close, Nicole and John reflected on their journey, from their serendipitous meeting to the joyous celebration of their union. Their advice to other couples embarking on this journey? "Get a wedding planner! It takes a lot of stress away from planning the event." This wisdom highlights the essence of their wedding—a celebration that was not just about the meticulous details and bold choices but about creating a day that was truly their own.
