By Cristin Trosien
Photos courtesy of Siri Salonen Photography
A Very Michigan Wedding
Lake Michigan Love
Although she’s a downstate resident, Idolina has always held a place in her heart for Northern Michigan. Upon her engagement to Matthew, she knew that their wedding would celebrate both their love for each other and their love of the “Mitten State.”
The couple’s August ceremony was ultimately held on Lake Michigan, at Visions in Traverse City. The setting provided a beautiful bayside ceremony and reception overlooking the water – the perfect spot for their intimate celebration.
From Southern Michigan to Northern Michigan
Idolina visited The Brides Project upon a referral and immediately felt at home during her appointment. She remembers that her consultants were “very patient and helpful, and they did an excellent job choosing dresses that I really liked.” The classic bride fell in love with a timeless fitted lace gown by Esposa, and after making a few alterations – including removing the cap sleeves – she and her gown were ready for the Up-North nuptials.
Homegrown Details
Idolina and Matthew chose to write their own vows, and the bride DIY’d much of the décor, including the centerpieces and bouquets. To provide their guests with a close-to-home getaway, and the true Northern Michigan experience, the couple served s’mores along with pies from the Grand Traverse Pie Company. They also gifted their guests with locally-made cherry jam.
By purchasing her gown with The Brides Project, Idolina is keeping her money local, too. All of the funds collected by TBP support the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor, which in turn offers services to those suffering from, confronting, and coping with Cancer. Our bride, a medical social worker, made a choice she can be proud of: “I can appreciate the unique difficulties individuals and families experience as a result of life-threatening illnesses. What better way to justify the cost of something that is only to be worn once? By choosing to purchase by gown at The Brides Project, it was my wish to contribute to this great cause with the hope that those lives could be impacted in a positive way.”