Mynorth Wedding 2015: Ciccone Vineyard & Winery

j&n

Ciccone Vineyard & Winery

STORY BY ADRIENNE ROBERTS  PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINA TROGAN PHOTOGRAPHY

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Jennifer & Nick j&n

JENNIFER FREITAS NICK MELCHER OCTOBER 11, 2014

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CICCONE VINEYARD & WINERY, SUTTONS BAY

enn Freitas and Nick Melcher are an unlikely match. She stands a mere 5-feet tall and is from the East Coast. Nick is a 6-foot-4-inch-tall Midwesterner and former college football player. They met at a dueling piano bar while both were vacationing in Myrtle Beach. She tapped him on the shoulder and asked him to move out of the way—and that was the start of a beautiful—if nontraditional!—love story.

When it came time to plan their wedding, both Nick and Jenn knew they wanted a fall wedding — they’re avid football fans and autumn is their favorite season. Because Nick is from Oak Forest, Illinois, and Jenn is from Fall River, Massachusetts, they also wanted a destination wedding, somewhere between their two hometowns. In Traverse City they found the geography they were looking for, as well as a region that spoke to their hearts. “We love being outside, and we love good people, good beer, and good food,” says Jenn. “Traverse City felt like home.”

After browsing venues in the Traverse area, the couple headed out to the Leelanau Peninsula wine country—where they found Ciccone Vineyard & Winery. The lush rolling hills, shimmering view of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay and picturesque vineyards convinced them they’d found where they would wed.

Nick and Jenn launched their wedding week by driving from their home in Chicago to Wisconsin, where they drove their car aboard the S.S. Badger car ferry for a lei-

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surely 5-hour scenic boat ride across Lake Michigan to the Michigan City of Ludington, a couple hours’ drive south of Traverse City. Nick had always wanted to take the amenityfi led cruise, and it seemed an appropriate preamble to their Michigan wedding.

Once in Michigan, the couple whiled away the days before their wedding touring the dozens of wineries clustered around Ciccone Vineyard & Winery with family and friends. On their wedding day, 65 guests gathered in this breathtaking setting and listened to the words of Bob Marley, as read by the couple’s friend and offi iant Ben Cassan.

Jenn and Nick wrote their own vows, which included football references and many laughs.

As the newlyweds entered the reception in the renovated barn, they were introduced to a remix of “I’m Shipping Up to Boston,” by Dropkick Murphys and The Blues Brothers’ “Sweet Home Chicago”—homages to their hometowns. With their kicked-back style, it’s no wonder that Jenn and Nick opted to treat their guests to an authentic down-home pig roast provided by Chef’s Pride Catering.

Once the band starting playing, Jenn and Nick didn’t leave the dance floor all evening.

The reception ended when the (remaining!)

guests and bridal party boarded a chartered bus for a wild (but safe!) ride while everyone did Michigan Apple Shots—Jenn and Nick’s version of the Washington Apple Shot that involves apple schnapps.

The happy newlyweds indulged their firs morning as a married couple in quintessential laid-back style: Jenn ate a cheeseburger, and Nick watched football. Bliss.

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRISTINA TROGAN PHOTOGRAPHY, 231.360.4953, CHRISTINATROGAN.COM VENUE: CICCONE VINEYARD & WINERY, 231.271.5553, CICCONEVINEYARD.COM

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Opposite page: The bride wore a Mori Lee strapless trumpet style gown with embroidered appliques over the net and a satin band ruched over the empire waste. The bride’s Badgley Mischka shoes were a gift to her. This page, clockwise: Mileage signs point to the couples’ hometowns and to Myrtle Beach, where they met. Initials in wine cork—nice! Flip-flops for the guest are a welcome touch at casual outdoor weddings.

The bride's brother, Johnathan Freitas, gave her away. The bridal bouquet was handmade by the bride’s brother and sister-in-law. Pashminas for the guests are a must at an outdoor wedding. The view from Ciccone Vineyards & Winery moves from the vines, to hardwoods and on to Grand Traverse Bay winking on the horizon.

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This page, clockwise: The casual ceremony by friend and officiant Ben Cassan included football references and Bob Marley quotes. Chef’s Pride Catering provided the pig roast.

Flower girl Sonia Freitas wore a handmade dress by Tutu Cute & Co. Grapes nearly ready for harvest. Guests received their thank you notes at their place settings. The Blossom Shop in Traverse City provided the bridesmaids and flower girl bouquets made from ranunculus, blueberry, dusty miller and ivory garden spray roses. All Cakes, All Occasions baked the cake—which included one carrot layer, Nick’s favorite.

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This page Clockwise: Photo ops abound at Ciccone Vineyard & Winery where receptions are held in a refurbished 19th-century barn. The newlyweds’ first dance was to “I Don’t Dance,”

by Lee Brice, courtesy of DJs Joshua and Jeremy Sprague. The wedding party from left to right: Sonal Choudhary, Elizabeth Grigas, Elizabeth Ehrhart, Lindsay Rocha, Nicole Madore, Amy Freitas, Sofia Freitas, Jenn and Nick Melcher, Michael Lynch Jr, Andy Stitnicky, Justin Jacobek, William Ehrhart, Paul Moersch, Gilbert Rocha III. Bottles of house wine line the bar.

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Wedding Notebook CICCONE VINEYARD & WINERY

catering CHEF’S PRIDE CATERING: Larry Burdek personally creates every meal with over 600 of his own recipes. The food is wonderful, the events memorable, and the team of professionals are always ready to serve you. Not only do we offer the ideal wedding, but we also cater to many other types of Michigan events.

Contact Larry Burdek at chef@lburdek.com or 231-943-9683. chefspridecatering.com

Ciccone Vineyard & Winery Whether you’re taking in the breathtaking views of West Grand Traverse Bay, strolling among the plush hillsides of the vineyard or enjoying the intimate ambiance of our Old World Tasting Room, you’ll find Ciccone Vineyard & Winery offers the most distinctive and versatile backdrops for any occasion.

Our rustic turn-of-the century barn offers a generously proportioned space featuring a casually elegant interior. The versatile space is designed to complement the most delicate of pallets to those with more rustic characters. When bathed in the warmth of strewn lights, the barn transforms into a space that is not only spectacular but one of a kind.

Explore the many options at Ciccone Vineyard & Winery Ciccone Vineyard & Winery is dedicated to making your day perfect. We will accommodate your choice of vendors, giving you the opportunity to customize every aspect of your day. Selecting from the area's vast array of photographers, florists, and caterers ensures you will find the perfect details to complement your perfect day. Our ded-

UPTOWN CATERING: A special day. A special evening. A special night. A special dinner.

Remembering the times when everything was special. Uptown Catering...

Standing on the other side with you on your special day. Contact Paul at paul@opagrill.com or 231-947-6721. uptowntc.com

photographers CHRISTINA TROGAN PHOTOGRAPHY: Specializing in providing a unique mix of creative candids and modern portraits that tell the story of your day from beginning to end. Graduate of the College of Creative Studies in Detroit, MI and current member of the Professional Photographers of America.

Contact Christina at nagort@gmail.com or 231-360-4953. christinatrogan.com KELLY SWEET PHOTOGRAPHY Elegant, timeless and personal wedding photography for the discriminating bride.

Kelly resides in Michigan, but is available for travel nationally and internationally.

Contact Kelly Sweet at kelly@kellysweet. com or 616-822-1754. kellysweet.com

icated events team, along with the absolute best vendors in Northern Michigan, will ensure your event is executed to perfection. Let Ciccone Vineyard & Winery make your wedding day dreams a reality.

Ciccone Vineyard & Winery ... The first day of forever starts here!

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DAN & MELISSA PHOTOGRAPHY: It’s not just about award winning images; it’s about creating an amazing experience. Combining our creative vision with your personality is why we love what we do. We’re always working to produce images that you will love.

Contact Dan and Melissa at danandmelissaphotography.com

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lodging

desserts

HILLTOP LOG LODGE: Hilltop Log Lodge is one of the more luxurious and larger lodges in Leelanau wine country. Architecturally unique, unmatched views over the bay to Traverse City... it accommodates families and can host rehearsal dinners in a spectacular, casual and elegant setting.

Contact Jeff or Richard at hilltoploglodge@aol.com. hilltoploglodge.com

ALL CAKES, ALL OCCASIONS: Whether you are looking for simple elegance or an extravagant centerpiece, Hannah will work with you to create a dream cake for your wedding. There are over 20 flavors to choose from, and your cake will be fresh and delicious upon delivery. Contact Hannah at hannah@allcakesalloccasions.com or 231-714-4099. allcakesalloccasions.com

VISIT UP NORTH VACATION RENTALS: Plan a memorable “Up North,” vacation in the Leelanau Peninsula, Traverse City, or surrounding areas. Relax in a great home, cottage, or condo while enjoying the beaches, restaurants, wineries, and more. We’re open all year for daily, weekly, and monthly vacations during any season. Contact us at 231-922-8922. visitupnorth.com

SUGARKISSED: Imagine your big day adorned with a dessert for every tastebud and a dessert table set with your own unique style. Winner of 3 March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction Best Presentation Awards, Sugarkissed is here with every sweet treat. Imagined. Created. Kissed. Contact Christina at sugarkissedtc@yahoo.com or 231-421-9156. sugarkissedtc.com

floral

bands

FIELD OF FLOWERS/CHRISTINA PFEUFER DESIGNS: Special event floral design, fresh cut flowe farm, and ornamental garden. With 30 years of floral design and wedding production experience, Christina can provide inspired floral creations for the day of your dreams. Contact Christina at Christina@fieldofflowersfarm.com or 231-256-9530. fieldofflowersfarm.com

MAIN STREET PIANOS: This musical team performs an all-request show with interactive comedy to entertain any audience. The impressive repertoire of songs can provide an unforgettable experience sure to have your audience singing, clapping and dancing the night away! Contact Joe at joe@aceswildentertainment.com or 614-561-5577. mainstreetduel.com

AMY KATE DESIGNS: Artistry, passion and knowledge are all elements vital to wedding and special event floral design. Stimulating details, striking colors, rich textures, and soft enduring scents, are combined to ensure your event flowers are without doubt extraordinary. Contact Amy at info@amykatedesigns.com or 231-8836170. amykatedesigns.com

dj

NORTHERN MICHIGAN DJ: The "Right" DJ will find that crucial balance between your vision, the guest's desires, and the success of your event. Northern Michigan DJ wants to apply its unequalled experience, organization, and professionalism to your next function. Contact Paul at bdjskdjs@acegroup.cc or 231-269-3636. northernmichigandj.com

GREAT SCOTT: Featuring 5 guys on keyboard, guitar, bass and drums - there's no way you can resist the dance floor! With over 15 years of experience, you can rest assured your party will be in excellent hands with the highest quality professional talent and equipment. Contact Joe at joe@ aceswildentertainment.com or 614-561-5577. greatscottlive.com

TRILOGY: We know how important your wedding or event is and we adjust the intensity of our live music show to match the desired level of the energy for your evening. We offer low key elegant background music to energy packed performances or any combination of both per your request.

Contact Tim at contact@trilogy-band. com or 313-383-6825. trilogy-band.com

CICCONE VINEYARD & WINERY

Special Events Manager Sarah Titus Event Capacity Based on Location

103 Hilltop Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 We provide the views, 231-271-5553 Event Locations 3

Rehearsal Dinner Options Available

www.cicconevineyard.com info@cicconevineyard.com

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www.bythebaytc@gmail.com www.bythebaytc@gmail.com

EVENT PLANNING

CATERING

EQUIPMENT RENTAL

There are many factors to consider when planning your outdoor event. Let us help you make your event memorable.

We will work with your caterer to make sure they are set up with all the equipment that they need.

We provide the highest quality equipment in Northern Michigan. We rent tents, chairs, flooring, lighting, heaters, and more!

PO Box 879 • Traverse City, MI 49865 • 231.631.1804 • monstreymacdonald.com • alex@monstreymacdonald.com 64

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