Castle
Farms
STORY BY CARLY SIMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY CORY WEBER PHOTOGRAPHY
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Annie & Ryan ANNIE SCHOONOVER RYAN SMITH MARCH 21, 2015 It was 14 degrees outside, but inside the Queen’s Tavern, a room in Charlevoix’s gorgeous Castle Farms, a historic French Renaissance-style castle, the light from dozens of candles reflecting off the handstitched crystals on Annie’s lace wedding dress warmed the room. No doubt, the Queen’s Tavern was fi led with light, love, and history on Annie and Ryan’s wedding day. The iconic landmark in Charlevoix was nearing its 100th anniversary in March of 2015. Castle Farms was built in 1918 by Albert Loeb, then president of Sears, Roebuck and Company. Loeb envisioned a European-style chateau where he could show off his prize-winning livestock. Since then, the castle and its grounds have enchanted the landscape for nearly a century, while being many things, including an art gallery and a concert venue (where stars like Bob Seger, Willie Nelson and Aerosmith performed). In 2001, Linda Mueller purchased Castle Farms and restored it to its original grandeur. The venue is now host to weddings, events and historical tours. Annie and Ryan have their own history in Charlevoix. The couple grew up three doors down from each other, but their paths didn’t cross until January 2012 while snowboarding at Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs. Given their love of snow sports, the couple knew they wanted a winter wedding—one that, says Annie, was “simple, romantic and elegant.” The Castle proved their ideal choice, and the understated elegance of the wedding let the
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beauty of the historic venue speak for itself. After the ceremony, guests were taken to the West Garden Room for the reception. The wedding’s neutral color theme was a sophisticated fit for the room’s wealth of details including French doors and crystal chandeliers. The evening’s dinner was catered by Pigs Eatin’ Ribs, a local barbecue phenom. The menu began with an artisan cheese platter of crostini and vegetable crudités, and a salad of field greens with oranges, walnuts, feta cheese and balsamic vinaigrette. Dinner continued with roasted baby redskin potatoes, green beans amandine and gourmet mac-andcheese. Two entrées were offered: herb encrusted roasted chicken and slowsmoked barbeque brisket. Guests were also treated to an oatmeal raisin cookie fl vored beer that Annie and Ryan brewed at Beards Brewing in Petoskey. “We made it on our three-year anniversary,” Annie says. “We went and bought our wedding bands and then went and brewed our beer.” On that chilly but beautiful first night of spring, the people who were tucked inside the Castle to celebrate Annie and Ryan’s marriage were indeed treated like royalty!
PHOTOGRAPHY: CORY WEBER PHOTOGRAPHY, CORYWEBERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM VENUE: CASTLE FARMS, A HISTORIC FRENCH RENAISSANCE-STYLE CASTLE, CHARLEVOIX, CASTLEFARMS.COM
MYNORTH.COM/WEDDING
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Opposite: Annie wore a Savannah Marie antique white gown by Maggie Sottero. La Dulce Vita in Petoskey did her hair and makeup. Annie’s father, Bob Schoonover, escorted her down the aisle. This page, clockwise: The deep red tones scattered throughout the bouquets and the draping greens along the wooden banister added a romantic, warm touch to the Queen’s Tavern. Annie’s bridal bouquet included peonies, tulips, ranunculus, jasmine vine, gardenias, olive branch, anemones and eucalyptus. Her something blue was her grandmother’s handkerchief tied among the streaming ribbons in the bouquet. The couple exchanged vows and lit a unity candle in front of close friends and family. Their altar was constructed of simple wooden crates and candles.
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This page, clockwise: Annie and Ryan took pictures among the trees in the King’s Grand Courtyard. Ryan’s mother lent Annie her fur coat for the occasion. Annie’s dress had a lace overlay with hand-stitched beading and crystals. Cap sleeves accent a low, illusion back with embellished lace. Crystal buttons finish the zipper-back closure. The Castle brims with photo ops for regal bridal party photographs.
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MYNORTH.COM/WEDDING
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This page, clockwise: Ivory linen tablecloths with a gold shimmer adorned the tables. The favors sat on top of gold chargers. Each guest received a box of Harwood Gold maple candies made at Parsons Farm in Charlevoix. Annie and Ryan chose “Baby I’m Yours,” by the Arctic Monkeys, for their first dance as a married couple. Ryan’s aunt made the wedding cake, adorning it with raspberry filling and butter cream frosting. His mother gave them silver forks inscribed with “I do” and “Me too.”
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Wedding Notebook CASTLE FARMS
wedding venues
Historical Elegance & Unmatched Service With cobblestone courtyards, soaring stone towers, and magnificent sweeping gardens,
Just Alex Photography
Tatum Photo and Design
430 Studios
Whether choosing to host an intimate reception or a stylish affair that caters to a crowd, Castle Farms has the perfect location. With five reception rooms to choose from, each paired with an elegant ceremony location, couples are certain to find an area reflecting their own taste and style.
Castle Farms has earned a reputation as one of Michigan’s premiere historical attractions, as well as a celebrated wedding year-round elegance and romance. Where else can you find majestic courtyards, stunning reception rooms, and world-class customer service, all in one place?
Paul Retherford Photography
venue. The Castle offers couples
Dramatic stone arches found around every corner provide stun-
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photographers. The Castle’s fragrant gardens, manicured lawns, and stunning fountains offer unlimited opportunities for photos.
Center of Attention Photography
Monica Zibutis Photography
ning backdrops for professional
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services
Local Accommodations
With over a decade of expertise, our primary focus is hosting weddings that create a one of a kind experience for you and your guests. Our Venue Coordinators, plus a dedicated team of set up staff, gardeners, housekeepers, and maintenance, ensure you will have a stress-free wedding.
Charlevoix has accommodation options to suit everyone! You will find your guests well taken care of in any of the local Bed & Breakfasts, Hotels & Inns, Motels or Rental Homes. The closest preferred accommodation is conveniently located only 2.5 miles
EC Campbell Photography
from Castle Farms.
vendors
Michael Murphy IV Photography
Paul Retherford Photography
We allow you the flexibility to choose your own vendors, including your caterer, as well as purchase the alcohol for your event. It’s a significant advantage for any couple interested in saving money, and allows you even more opportunities for creativity.
Charlevoix the beautiful
Nestled in the resort community of Charlevoix, Castle Farms invites wedding guests to explore our beautiful town. A scenic harbor, welcoming shops, manicured parks, creative restaurants, wood chipped nature trails, and the perfect view of sunset at the lighthouse are just some of the sights you’ll see in our area.
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CASTLE FARMS 5052 M-66 North Charlevoix, MI 49720 231-237-0884 CastleFarms.com Bridal Consultants Rebekah Moser Kayla Eggers Reception Capacity Up to 350 guests Varies by venue
Ceremony Locations 3 Reception Rooms 5 Unique Photo Opps 12 Courtyards & Gardens with countless backdrops
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Castle 231-237-0884
Farms
5052 M-66 North Charlevoix, Michigan 49720
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CastleFarms.com
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© Darrell Christie Photography
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