Shades of Blue Filled This Nautical Lakefront Estate Wedding in Bay Harbor, Michigan

Rachel and Ariel traveled to Ariel’s family’s vacation home for their Independence Day–themed wedding, inspired by Rachel’s first visit there one Fourth of July. “Ariel has always mentioned how much he loved Michigan and all of his memories from summers spent there,” Rachel says. “It didn’t take long for it to become my ‘beloved Michigan’ too.”


Spirited mitten cookies and other local finds welcomed travelers to NoMi. Michigan cherries and smoked local whitefish, plus after-hours snacks of cherry burger sliders and Detroit coney dogs all celebrated the state’s finest.  

The newlyweds married under a chuppah overlooking Lake Michigan and recessed underneath the swords of servicemen, symbolizing Rachel being welcomed into the “Army family.” “Right after the ceremony, we went down to the wine cellar to cool off and take a tequila shot with our parents!” Rachel says.

Green sheet moss held guests' seating assignments at tables with vintage blue goblets and red snapdragons. “We loved the idea of a subtle patriotic theme,” Rachel says, “so our palette had various shades of red, white and blue that were softer and more diverse than what you’d find on the American flag.” 

Along with a hand-painted wedding cake, guests tried mini fruit crumble pies and cookies designed with stars, flags and the couple’s monogram. After cake, the festivities continued on the front lawn with fireworks over the lake, a bonfire and a round of hummers.