wedding WEDDINGS WE LOVE
STORY BY ELIZABETH EDWARDS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROCKHILL STUDIO
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KAT POTHOOF & MIKE THOMPSON | AUGUST 16, 2019
Kat and Mike were on a dirt biking mini-vacay on Drummond Island, the stunning Lake Huron island that sits just off the Upper Peninsula coast, when they looked at each other and said: “Why don’t we get married here?” So they did. As far as the couple was concerned, the choice for an Up North destination wedding was a no-brainer. The island, with its 150 miles of shoreline is rustic romance incarnate. Well, and then there’s those miles of ATV and ORV trails that made Mike’s heart flutter … They chose as their wedding venue the Drummond Island Resort and Conference Center. The four-season gem on this island is made up of a northwoods log lodge outfitted with 40 hotel-style rooms, 15 stand-alone cabins and 2,000 acres of forest and shoreline. That all added up to plenty of accommodations for a destination wedding of 85 guests—all of whom were thrilled to head to tiny DeTour, Michigan, and take the shortbut-sweet car ferry ride to the island to combine their celebration of the couple with a true Up North adventure. Kat can’t say enough about the resort’s sales and catering staff who helped the couple plan every step of their wedding weekend. Since the wedding was on a Friday (Kat says that she and Mike figured it would be best to get the wedding out of the way so everyone could let their hair down and play for the rest of the weekend!), festivities began Thursday evening with a cookout at a cabin Mike’s parents had rented—anyone who’d made it to the island by then was invited. The ceremony the next evening was held on the Martini Deck, an outdoor venue located on the beach that seats 200+ and faces west (sunsets!). The Brooder House, also owned by the resort, just steps away housed the reception that was as relaxed and oneof-a-kind as this couple. While Kat and Mike posed for pictures, guests played cornhole, washers and other yard games. For dinner they all dined on a strolling buffet that included pulled pork sliders—and no one could resist the mashed potato bar that, as Kat describes, “had every condiment you could ever think of.” 2Bays DJs from Traverse City got the reception hopping right from the couple’s jazzyrock first dance, “Fool in the Rain,” by Led Zeppelin. Dance timeouts were around the bonfire behind the house (and under the Milky Way) where a s’more bar was waiting. As the evening wound down, the resort staff set up a mini taco bar. Tired but ecstatic, the newlyweds retired to their own cabin—while their wedding party partied it up (safely, no driving!) at another cabin. Saturday? Kat golfed with some of the couple’s friends and family at the resort’s 18hole championship golf course, The Rock, while Mike and his buddies took to those dirt bike trails. The rest of the weekend was happily-ever-after for the couple and their guests!
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resources
Venue and Catering | Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center Photographer | Rockhill Studio Wedding Planner | A Lovely Day Events Flowers | Sweetwater Floral Music | 2Bays DJs
See more photos at MyNorth.com/DrummondIsland20 Friend getting married? Get them a copy at ShopMyNorth.com/Wedding20
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Wedding Notebook Drummond Island Resort
Experience the Romance of our Island combined with the rustic charm of the north woods Guaranteed natural beauty to compliment your special day. Situated
taurants, cottages or on the waterfront. Whether it's an intimate affair
on 2,000 beautiful acres of woods, water and wildlife, our four-season
or a gala event, we can help to make your wedding fantasy come true.
resort is located on the north shore of Drummond Island , positioned
We can also set up a golf outing at our championship 18-hole golf
one scenic mile off the eastern tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
course, The Rock, arrange for a bonfire on the beach or other activity
We’re a quaint car ferry ride from DeTour Village, 60 miles from the
for you and your guests. We pride ourselves on having outstanding
Mackinac Bridge. Did we mention that your furry friends are welcome?
service, breathtaking views, unique rustic elegance and numerous
Allow us to take care of your rehearsal dinner, morning after brunch or other wedding related parties in one of our banquet facilities, res-
amenities and activities.
Wedding Venues
Accommodations
Experience the romantic and charming ambiance of our outdoor wedding chapel surrounded by nature. The outdoor chapel featuring a natural wooden cross is available to host your ceremony throughout the day. Exchange vows during a matinee ceremony or sunset glow, or add tea lights or lanterns for added ambiance. The Martini Deck overlooks Lake Huron if water is what you are looking for. We offer three indoor locations for ceremonies/receptions: The Annex, Brooder House, and Bayside Waterfront. The possibilities are endless at our resort. Share your vision with your wedding coordinator and we will help bring it to life. Our talented food and beverage team will create a delicious menu that will be sure to satisfy. Our wedding venue options can comfortably host up to 300 guests. At the Drummond Island Resort we offer both indoor and outdoor venues for your Ceremony and Reception - your wedding options are endless!
The Lodge: 40 spacious, lodge style guestrooms, some with lofts. All rooms include complimentary WiFi, in-room coffee, mini fridge, microwave and quick access parking. Some units are pet friendly. Our Cabins: 13 log cabins in various sizes and décor. Most offer full kitchens that are complete with the essentials, washer/dryer, patio/deck, Weber grill and fire pit. Some overlook Lake Huron or local ponds and others have peaceful wooded scenery. Cabins range from 2-5 bedrooms, 1-2 bathrooms and one can sleep up to 18 people.
Amenities & Recreation
Drummond Island
The Drummond Island Resort offers a multitude of amenities that would make for a “not the norm” bachelor or bachelorette destination. Four seasons of fun and entertainment await you. Golf our 18-hole championship course, bring your ORV and traverse our park, rent a pontoon and tour the Island, shoot clay pigeons, sit around a bonfire, relax in our sauna or bask in the sun at the pool or beach. The Resort offers a variety of complimentary amenities including: kayaks, bikes, tennis courts, volley ball courts, sleds, tubes, cross country skis and snowshoes. Plus, there are always the miles and miles of wooded trails to explore. The possibilities are endless! Stop by Pins Bar & Grill for fun and food. Play a game of darts, shoot billiards, cornhole or check out your skills on our golf simulator. Our menu includes house-smoked meats, hand tossed pizza and a full bar.
Our Island, the “Gem of the Huron”, has so many things to do and see, you might need to stay a while. Explore shipwrecks, the 100 miles of ORV and ATV trails, or kayak the Heritage Water Trail around the Island. Birdwatching is a must during migration season. Fishing is bountiful. The Island offers many restaurants, a coffee shop, an ice cream shop and a fully stocked grocery store. Our Island even has its own fudge! When you host your Wedding at The Drummond Island Resort you will fall in love all over again!
33494 S. Maxton Rd., Drummond Island, MI 49726 patty@drummondisland.com 906-493-1026 (Patty Drew) drummondisland.com Wedding Sales Manager: Patty Drew
Event rooms: Multiple-indoor/outdoor spaces
Reception Capacity 300
Hotel guest rooms: 40 Lodge Rooms, 13 Log Cabins
Get Married at The Drummond Island Resort
At Drummond Island Resort... We d o C h e r i s h e d M e m o r i e s . We d o N a t u r a l B e a u t y. We d o U n f o r g e t t a b l e . We d o U n i q u e l y Yo u ! We invite you (and 100 or so of your favorite people) to come create an island memory. Our unique natural setting offers: • beautiful wooded or waterside ceremony locations • three charming indoor reception options plus a romantic outdoor tent • endless breathtaking photo settings • rustic hotel rooms and cozy, multi-room cabins • fun year-round activiites for your guests to enjoy
Call or email today to schedule your tour! 906-493-1026 patty@drummondisland.com drummondisland.com 33494 S. Maxton Rd., Drummond Island, MI 49726