Mynorth Wedding 2015: Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

l&n

Grand Traverse Resort & Spa

STORY BY ADRIENNE ROBERTS  PHOTOGRAPHY BY BETH PRICE OF PRICELESS PHOTOGRAPHY, INC.

2015 MN WEDDINGS_GTR.indd 17

12/13/14 2:46 PM

Leann & Nathan l&n

LEANN SHALLOP NATHAN RICHARDS JULY 5, 2014

w

GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT & SPA, ACME

hen Leann Shallop started a new school in fifth grade, she never imagined that the first boy she had a crush on in her class would one day become her husband. While they had a shortlived relationship in seventh grade (three days, to be exact) they didn’t start dating until after high school. Eight years later, they decided to get married.

Leann and Nathan—from Macomb, Michigan—wanted a destination wedding.

Traverse City struck the perfect balance, creating an opportunity for a vacation for their guests, but it didn’t require a fl ght for their friends and family. “We chose Grand Traverse Resort and Spa because it got great reviews and everyone was so helpful there,” says Leann.

“They help you plan almost everything, from the food to the cake and beyond.”

With just 10 months to plan the wedding, Leann took her family to Arena Bridal in Shelby Township, Michigan. She tried on five dresses, falling in love with number two—a fun showy dress with a rhinestone beaded bodice and a full, feathery skirt. Leann’s wedding colors were as full-on summer as her July 5th wedding date: turquoise bridesmaids’ dresses and coral and pink-toned bouquets.

As the wedding week rolled around, the Northern Michigan fun began. On the Thursday before, Leann and the bridal party toured the nearby wineries. On Friday, the men golfed, and then everyone came together for the rehearsal dinner on the 17th floor of

18

the Grand Traverse Resort, which offered spectacular views of the water and Traverse City. From this scenic perch, the couple and their friends and family enjoyed their own private view of the July 4th and Traverse City Cherry Festival fi eworks. After the last fi eworks had faded into the sky, the bridal party and guests who were staying at the resort enjoyed the quick walk to their rooms so they could turn in for the big day.

On Saturday, July 5th, Leann headed straight to the salon at the hotel and then took pictures outside with her bridal party. And then it was time to assemble for the ceremony under the large, semi-transparent golden tent set up on the resort lawn, known as The Pavilion. Under The Pavilion’s warm glow, Leann walked down the aisle that was decorated with pink hanging begonias, matching her bouquet of various shades of pink roses. Leann’s niece and nephew rode down the aisle in a wagon decorated by Leann’s mom with blue, pink, and white tulle. Reverend Crystal Yarlott of Northern Michigan Wedding Offi iants married the couple.

After a cocktail hour on The Pavilion’s patio, guests moved into the sumptuous Tower Ballroom, decorated for the wedding with turquoise tablecloths, coral napkins, and voluptuous floral arrangements. Leann’s mom played

up the rhinestone theme with the candleholders and table numbers. Even the cake, a fourtiered vanilla, chocolate, and red velvet creation, was sprinkled with rhinestones.

Amid all of this elegant, lively sparkle, guests dined on a decidedly Traverse City– inspired menu that included chicken breast with Michigan cherry chutney and a seared pork loin with a cherry chipotle glaze. Coral and turquoise lighting signaled dance time—a spirited celebration that lasted until midnight, when the wedding, once a fifth grade girl’s dream, came to a close.

PHOTOGRAPHY: BETH PRICE, PRICELESS PHOTOGRAPHY, INC., 231.929.4611, PRICELESSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM VENUE: GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT AND SPA, 800.748.0303, GRANDTRAVERSERESORT.COM

MYNORTH.COM/WEDDING

2015 MN WEDDINGS_GTR.indd 18

12/15/14 3:22 PM

Opposite page: Amy Kate Designs made the lush bridal bouquet of mango ranunculus, godetia, raspberry anemone, apricot and cherry pink garden roses, magenta tulips, lime green hydrangea, garden lavender, lambs ear, honeysuckle and jasmine vine with tropical foliage. This page: Exchanging vows under the yellow wedding tent. The rhinestone-studded bridal gown set a sparkly theme for the event. Flower girl Rosalie Richards and Phillip Short, ring bearer, ride in an outfitted rig. The bridesmaids carried out the color theme with turquoise cocktail-length dresses and pink-toned bouquets that mimicked the bridal bouquet. Leann’s mother decorated tambourines for shaking on the dance floor. Engraved flasks for the groomsmen.

wedding 2015

2015 MN WEDDINGS_GTR.indd 19

19

12/12/14 10:53 AM

Nathan and his groomsmen: Vince Orsetto, Nick Richards, Brad Johnson, Nathan Richards (groom) Brian Klingenberg, Myles Barron and Chris Hall. Sparkling up the night. Private label wines were gifted to each guest. Leann and her bridesmaids: Skyler Salgot, Rachel Kunka, Alisha Mandell, Lisa Short, Katie Orsetto, Kelly Kunka, Morgan Latorre. Rhinestones from her feet to her purse. The lush grounds of the Grand Traverse Resort offer fabulous photo ops.

20

MYNORTH.COM/WEDDING

2015 MN WEDDINGS_GTR.indd 20

12/15/14 3:22 PM

The newlyweds danced their first dance to “I Won’t Give Up,” by Jason Mraz. The cake was made by the pastry chef at Grand Traverse Resort.

A private moment on the resort’s romantic grounds. Escort cards were displayed on boxes decorated with rhinestones. Dancing under pink and turquoise lights. Vases of white dendrobium orchids, Dutch white hydrangeas, tropical foliage and hanging crystals added a sophisticated touch.

wedding 2015

2015 MN WEDDINGS_GTR.indd 21

21

12/13/14 2:47 PM

Wedding Notebook GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT AND SPA

event facilities 86,500 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor function space gives you ultimate flexibility in selecting the venues for your special day. Our wedding staff is practiced at transforming the ballroom or outdoor venue of your choice into a truly unforgettable environment. You’ll appreciate the smooth, detail-oriented leadership of our event professionals, as they execute your vision to perfection.

Bridal parties delight in our spa and salon, while groomsmen typically prefer golf and our nearby Turtle Creek Casino. And with multiple wedding and reception venues, our planners create a brand of seamless perfection, regardless of scale. From intimate unions to grand affairs, your guests will feel every bit as loved, cherished and honored as the bride and groom.

Michigan’s Premier Resort Experience People often remark that the most appealing thing about the 900-acre Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is its sense of the genuine. So when couples choose to exchange their vows here, it feels especially romantic. Sincerity resonates among the trees, and love sparkles on the water. Simply put, it just feels right.

Our wedding staff is practiced at transforming the banquet room or ballroom of your choice into a truly unforgettable environment.

You’ll appreciate the smooth, detail-oriented leadership of our event professionals, as they execute your vision to perfection. Pre-event parties and rehearsal dinners are easily arranged.

From our convenient, centrally located Midwest location, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is easily accessible to all of your guests – just ten minutes by Resort shuttle from Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Airport (TVC).

2015 MN WEDDINGS_GTR.indd 22

catering From 2 people to 2,000 people, our Catering department can make an unforgettable experience for your wedding. Our experienced staff can work with any budget and is committed to great guest service.

Weddings are a time for celebration, and our catering staff can work with you on any specialty menu to suit your attendees and their finer tastes! And special meals are no problem for guests with special food needs, and dietary considerations.

12/12/14 10:53 AM

accommodations

Recreation Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is renowned for many things, but the golf experience is among the best anywhere. For each of our three signature courses, we sought out the finest designers the industry has to offer.

• The Bear by Jack Nicklaus.

• The Wolverine by Gary Player.

• Spruce Run by William Newcomb.

Our 100,000-square-foot Health Club offers something for everyone. Features include:

Whether you stay in the Hotel, the Tower or a Condominium, you’ll revel in the natural splendor of the outdoors, and the luxurious amenities and outstanding accommodations within.

• Fully equipped Cardio and Weight Room

• The Hotel - Our six-story hotel offers 238 spacious guest rooms, many with gorgeous views and wireless highspeed Internet access. Conveniences include: color cable television, bathroom television speakers, hair dryers, and much more.

• The Tower - Our beautiful 17-story glass structure offers 186 large, luxuriously appointed rooms and suites each with wireless high-speed Internet access. You’ll relax amid breathtaking views of sumptuous forests and the rolling hills and orchards of the surrounding golf courses.

Deluxe amenities include: wet bars, Jacuzzi whirlpool tubs, bathroom phones, cable TV, refrigerators, and more.

• Condominiums - Sample fairway or beachfront living when you get away to one of our 161 condominiums.

Studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom accommodations are available in a variety of locations.

• 5 Indoor and 4 Outdoor Tennis Courts

guest services At Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, you’ll find nearly 600 rooms, suites, and condominiums plus a combination of services and amenities unmatched elsewhere. The expert hands of our spa professionals relax bride and attendants with luxurious treatments and massages, and can create perfectly styled hair and makeup for the bridal party. Groomsmen and guests will enjoy a pre-wedding round of golf on one of our three premier courses, a tension-releasing game of tennis, or a relaxing whirlpool. Pristine beaches and exciting water sports are additional options that will make your wedding a memorable mini-getaway for each and every guest. Winter weddings have a special allure with our crackling fireplaces, snow-covered views, and elegant lodge atmosphere. Your guests can also enjoy cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, and other winter activities.

2015 MN WEDDINGS_GTR.indd 23

• Fitness Classes • 15,000-square-foot Indoor Water Playground • Recreation Pool

GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT AND SPA 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd.

Acme, MI 49610-0404 231-534-6000 800-748-0303 weddings@gtresort.com GrandTraverseResort.com

Special Events Manager Liz Brooks

Reception Capacity 2,500

Spa Manager Dawn Olsen

Event Rooms 35

Spa/Golf Sales Managers Kris Ruckle Katie Reas

Guest Rooms 585

12/12/14 10:53 AM

At Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, you’ll ďŹ nd a combination of wedding services and amenities unmatched elsewhere. Bridal parties delight in our 22-room spa and salon, while groomsmen relax during a round of golf. With multiple indoor and outdoor venues, our wedding planners create a brand of seamless perfection, regardless of scale. From intimate unions to grand affairs, your guests will feel every bit as loved, cherished, and honored as you do.

231-534-6203 | grandtraverseresort.com Owned & Operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians

2015 MN WEDDINGS_GTR.indd 24

12/12/14 10:53 AM