Northern Michigan Fall Wedding at The Highlands

IndoorsOutdoorsUp North

Dec 1

Written By Lindsay McLaughlin

The Highlands | harbor springs, MICHIGAN

10.5.2024

When a Northern Michigan fall is a design in itself.

As a Michigan wedding planner, one of the things I absolutely love about working in Northern Michigan is that no two seasons are ever the same. The weather can be unpredictable — you might experience rain in July or unseasonably cool temperatures in August. But when fall arrives in Northern Michigan, there's a certain magic in the air. The crispness in the breeze, the vibrant colors of the leaves, and the sun that still warms your skin despite the season’s change — it’s what I like to call Northern Michigan Gold.

Initial Vision to Timeless Design

When Katie and I initially discussed her wedding ideas, the design focused heavily on classic fall elements, like pumpkins and bright fall tones. While we wanted to capture the essence of autumn, we quickly realized that we could create an even more elegant and sophisticated vibe without overwhelming the space. The result was a beautiful fall celebration that was both quintessentially autumn and timeless — a perfect balance that reflected Katie and Joe’s vision. This is the magic of wedding planning in Michigan: taking the best of the season and turning it into something lasting and extraordinary.

Pumpkin Patch Perfection

One of my favorite features of Katie and Joe’s fall wedding was their unique take on the traditional escort card display. Rather than opting for the usual card table, we created an interactive pumpkin patch. Miniature pumpkins, each adorned with velvet ribbon and guests’ names, were set up for guests to find their seating assignments. Not only did this set the tone for the fall wedding, but it added a personal touch that really captured the spirit of fall in Michigan. AR Pontius designed a beautiful path through the pumpkins, allowing guests to stroll through the display both inside and outside, creating a charming and interactive experience. It was like having your own little piece of a Northern Michigan wedding moment, right there in the middle of the celebration.

A Vendor Dream Team

As a Michigan wedding planner, having a reliable and talented vendor team is crucial. I couldn’t have pulled it off without the absolutely confidence I had with AR Pontius, knowing that a change or idea we had would be executed with the upmost elegance. Or the minute updates and changes sent to Event Theory, where everything came together better than we even saw on paper. Knowing I had these two teams on my side made all the difference in bringing Katie and Joe’s dream wedding to life. This is why choosing the right Michigan wedding planners and vendors is so important — it’s the key to creating a seamless and unforgettable experience.

Wedding Planner in Michigan

I’m so thankful to have been a part of this wedding day, working with such an amazing couple and their wonderful families. Wedding planning in Michigan, especially in places like Northern Michigan, is truly a joy. From the vibrant fall leaves to the warmth of the sun on a cool October day, this wedding was a perfect representation of the beauty and charm that this region has to offer. Whether you’re planning a destination wedding in Michigan or a local celebration, it’s all about capturing the essence of the season and creating a timeless design that you and your guests will remember forever.

If you're planning your own Northern Michigan wedding, don't hesitate to reach out. As a trusted destination wedding planner in Michigan, I'm here to help bring your vision to life with creativity and a personal touch. So thankful to have been a part of this day, with this couple, and with this family.