Michigan's Best - Fall

This post may be a little biased, I am a LOVER of fall! In my opinion, it is the best season in Michigan by far. Not many states get to enjoy this season like we do with the leaves changing, that magical smell in the air and well, we have U of M football ;) When my hubby and I picked our wedding date there was no question it was going to be a fall wedding, September 26 ended up being perfect.

One great inspiration from fall are all the farmer's markets, we are blessed with such an array of amazing produce that is available locally. Lynell Shooks from Lizzie Photo shared this gorgeous fall wedding with me. This couple decorated using local produce as centerpieces, including gourds, pumpkins and apples. They decided to stay local with everything which I think is fantastic. All the fallen leaves are incredible in these gorgeous photos, thanks Lynell for sharing!!






There are so many amazing color combinations that can be used with a fall event. Oranges, golds, browns, even shades of burgundy reminiscent of wine. Michigan has multiple areas that are known for their wineries. In the northern Lower Peninsula such as Traverse City and the Leelanau Peninsula and in the southern part of the state in towns such as Fennville and South Haven. Wineries and vineyards make gorgeous backdrops for events. But of course if you hold your event at one it's a must to send your guests home with a bottle of the vineyards best, perhaps with a personalized label of your choosing.

(images from google images, jcrew, theknot)

Michigan's Best - Late Summer/Early Fall

Okay I'm straying from the "four" seasons a little bit here but I couldn't resist. One of my husband and I's favorite hobbies is camping and just plain being outdoors. I didn't feel like it really fit with summer but wasn't completely fall either.

Here in Michigan we have 100 state parks located throughout both the Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula. If you are outdoorsy like we are why not plan a rustic, natural event? It can be very creative and very classy and at the same time why not make it relaxed and casual? Many of these state parks even have locations available for more intimate weddings and receptions.

(images from theknot, google images)

I love the look of using a log slice as a cake stand, birch bark covered vases for your centerpieces and twigs tucked into your bouquet. The little birds on the cake pictured above are just too cute. In 2008 I had a groom who was a logger and they used a lot of log pieces, both under the cakes and even hollowed out as votive holders. Check out more photos from their big day here. The perfect favor for your guests would be the Arbor Day seedlings I posted about here.

Michigan's Best - Summer

If someone was to ask me my favorite color combination I would definitely answer red and Tiffany blue. I even used the combo for my 30th party bash and it's what we wore for our family pictures. I love the contrast of the bold red against the soft shade of blue. When I think of summer I think of the holidays, Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. All of these holidays have one thing in common...red, white and blue.

A fun Michigan twist on these summer colors would be using one of the state's top crops as your inspiration, cherries. There are so many fun ways you could incorporate cherries into your event without going overboard. Cherry blossoms are gorgeous and could be used as lovely centerpieces, chocolate covered cherries or locally made cherry preserves would be a great favor for your guests. And even ending the evening with ice cream sundaes with a cherry on top would be very memorable!

(images from theknot, style me pretty, jonathan canlas photography)

One of the first things people think of when they think of Michigan are the lakes. Using a nautical theme for your big day would be a wonderful way to showcase our Great Lakes. Collect postcards from around the state's lakeshore to use for your Save The Dates. Along with numbering your tables, give them all names of Michigan's lighthouses (Detour Reef Lighthouse, Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Eagle Harbor Lighthouse, etc.) or lake shore cities and towns (Grand Haven, Ludington, Isle Royale, etc.). Send your guests off with a personalized compass or refridgerator magnets you've collected with the postcards. This would be an especially fun theme if you were using Michigan as a destination for your wedding. What a fun way for your guests to get to know the state!

(images from theknot, google images)

There is so much inspiration from Michigan that could be utilized for your summer event. One great way to find a starting point would be to go to Michigan Festivals and Events Association website for a list of all of Michigan's festivals. Festivals such as Blossomtime Festival, Tulip Time Festival and even the Storytellers Festival would all be great jumping points for ideas.

Michigan's Best - Spring

This is a hard weekend to write about spring inspiration, especially after waking up Saturday to snow. Some people may consider winter as the first season of a year but I think that a year starts with the season that signals new beginnings.

For me a lot of the inspiration for spring comes from the nature that is coming to life around Michigan during this early season.

One of the most notorious Michigan blossoms, which also happens to be the state flower, is the apple blossom. It is a delicate blossom that smells amazing! Apple blossoms bloom early May and are a definite sign of spring. The site of the trees covered in these gorgeous flowers is a site to behold. Who wouldn't want to be married in the midst of them?


Apple blossoms provide a gorgeous color palette if you are looking for your spring wedding inspiration, they range from white to pale pink. Michigan is home to hundreds of apple orchards, if you love the blossoms as much as the bride above did, look into having your ceremony at one. Just beware, these delicate blossoms are VERY temperamental, especially to the weather.


Another sign of spring in Michigan are the Robins, who are also the state bird. When the Robins first arrive back from their winter migration you know that good weather is about to follow. One of my all time favorite colors in Robin's egg blue. It is a perfect spring shade of blue, it's happy and romantic.

Some people may shy away from pastel shades during the spring to avoid an Eastery look, but check out these photos from a post by Elizabeth Anne Designs. This combination of Robin's Egg blue and lavender is absolutely lovely and has a certain vintage appeal.

If you like the purple from the lavender above, early spring is the perfect chance to use lilacs as well.

(inspiration board found here)