Tag: castle farms wine

Local Accommodations, Fit for Any Couple

Written by Karrie Mueller on April 27, 2021. Posted in Blog, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on Local Accommodations, Fit for Any Couple

There are countless perks to having a Northern Michigan wedding, one being that there is no end to places to stay. Whether you’re in the market for something for the whole family or a romantic night alone after the big day, Northern Michigan has an accommodation in-store for you.

A lot of brides choose to get their hair and makeup done at their hotel before heading over to their designated dressing room at the Castle to put on their dress, or have a glass of wine with their bridesmaids or wedding party to calm some nerves. Wherever you or your family chooses to stay, make sure it’s the perfect setting to kick off your wedding day plans!

High-End

Northern Michigan has great options when it comes to boutique hotels and resorts with luxurious amenities. From modern, to classic, the high-end hotels in Northern Michigan provide endless opportunities that encompass a high-end experience.

Hotel Earl

Hotel Earl opened in 2020 and is Charlevoix’s newest modern boutique hotel. The balconies that overlook Round Lake and suites, each complete with a cozy fireplace, create a warm, yet contemporary atmosphere for its guests. Right next to bustling downtown Charlevoix, Hotel Earl offers a luxurious experience, while being just a few steps away from a busy day popping in and out of the shops that line the streets of downtown.

Hotel Walloon

If you’re looking for a charming, intimate setting for the two of you to get away the weekend of your wedding, consider Hotel Walloon. Situated at the edge of Walloon Lake, this boutique hotel offers incredible rooms and suites with views of the lake as far as the eye can see. Their classic style and modern amenities make for a very up-scale stay. Enjoy access to a heated outdoor spa, private beach, or private balcony. Spend an afternoon with the groomsmen in the billiards room, or enjoy the quaint corners, perfect for some reading, in this luxurious boutique hotel.

Bay Harbor

If you’re in search of a livelier setting for your high-end stay in Northern Michigan, look no further than the Inn at Bay Harbor. The Inn at Bay Harbor is in a little village of its own, surrounded by restaurants, shops, and even a golf course. The resort itself is complete with valet parking, newly renovated rooms, and endless amounts of activities, fun for the whole family.

Family-Friendly

If you’re bringing the whole family to Northern Michigan, you’re going to want to be able to accommodate groups of all shapes and sizes. That may mean entertainment for the kids, great places to eat, or little travel time.

Boyne Mountain Resort

If you have guests looking for a place to stay with room for the whole family, Boyne Mountain may be the way to go. From skiing, to golfing, to a massive indoor water park, Boyne Mountain has something for everyone. The resort even has small shops, fully stocked with equipment you’d need for any Northern Michigan adventure. If you’re looking to take a more relaxed approach to your stay, the resort even has a spa to prep yourself for the big day.

AmericInn Charlevoix

Another great family-friendly option is the AmericInn. Even if you’re traveling far from home, the friendly staff and huge pool will make you feel at-home in no time. The AmericInn is far enough from busy downtown Charlevoix that you feel secluded for a peaceful stay, but close enough that local restaurants and the Castle are just a short drive away. Just another short drive in the other direction will take you to Petoskey’s Gaslight District, full of bars, restaurants, and nature trails for all ages to enjoy.

Budget-Friendly

Making a huge trip out of the wedding weekend isn’t for everyone. Sometimes, you or your guests may just want a nice place to unwind after the big day. On the other hand, you may want to be getting a large group together, without having to worry about blocking off tons of hotel rooms close enough together. With that in mind, keep these budget-friendly options in mind.

Michigan Inn & Lodge

The Michigan Inn & Lodge is a great stay for those who are looking for a simple stay with everything you need at a great location. Highly rated for its comfy beds, cleanliness, and friendly staff, the Michigan Inn & Lodge provides a lot of value for the price you pay. Plus, if you plan on spending a few days surrounding the wedding going to the beach or hiking, Petoskey State Park and the Bubbling Springs Nature Preserve are each just a few miles down the road.

Charlevoix House Bed and Breakfast

If you’re looking for something fun, cozy, and one of a kind, consider a bed and breakfast for your stay in Charlevoix. The Charlevoix House is a great place with a wide variety of rooms that fill up a quaint house, right on the corner of downtown Charlevoix. With fair prices, a variety of room layouts to choose from, and a complimentary continental breakfast every morning, you can’t go wrong!

Airbnb

If you’re headed up north for a wedding and are bringing the whole family, are getting the college crew back together, or are making a weekend out of your time with your wedding party, an Airbnb may be for you. With this option, you have the option to potentially reserve an entire house, lakeside cottage, or studio loft, fit for groups of any size. When planning accordingly, Airbnbs can often be the most cost-effective option, depending on your group size. The best part, other than having an entire place to yourself, is that there is no end to styles, sizes, and locations to choose from.

Still stumped on where to stay during the wedding weekend? Check out Castle Farms’ Accommodations List! Here, we’ve laid out all of our favorite local spots for you and your guests to consider for their stay in Northern Michigan.

Having a Dress Code for Your Wedding Guests

Written by Karrie Mueller on March 3, 2021. Posted in Blog, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on Having a Dress Code for Your Wedding Guests

If you’re envisioning aesthetically pleasing guest photos, something to bring your guests together, or just a fun detail to make your big day unique, think about going with a dress code. Dress codes can be a fun way to unify your guests. Depending on how strict you are, you can picture your guests as additional décor to tie in with your wedding theme. We’ve compiled a few fun ideas and tips for you to consider when it comes to dress code.

Letting Your Guests Know

Parties have themed attire all the time, so remind your guests that this is an opportunity to have fun and contribute to the overall vision of the big day. Lay it all out on your wedding website or in a separate note with your invitations along with accommodations and other details, giving them plenty of notice to plan their outfits.

We want you to help bring our wedding vision to life! Please join our wedding party in wearing blue the day of the wedding.

We’ve waited five years for this day, and we want to make a statement! Please wear white.

Our day will be perfect, and we want you to look the part! Please wear black tie attire.

Black Tie v. Cocktail Attire

You may know how you want your guests to dress, but how do you label it? Cocktail attire is typical wedding attire. Men usually wear suits, or even khakis with a sport coat. Anything that’s not just a polo or button down with jeans. For women, expect semi-formal dresses or jumpsuits. If you really want your guests to up the ante, black tie may be the dress code for you. For men, expect to see dark suits and tuxedos. For women, black tie events typically warrant floor-length, formal gowns. Guest attire really sets the tone for the evening and distinguishing between black tie and cocktail attire may help to do so.

Selecting Your Wedding Colors

Developing your color palette is usually one of the first things you do while wedding planning. It sets the scene for décor, style, and yes, dress code! If you’re having trouble with this step, start with the time of year you’re getting married. If it’s in the middle of winter, you’re probably going to want to steer clear of bright yellows or aquas. On the other hand, if you’re having a summer wedding, maybe don’t lean into the deep burgundies or purples. Use flowers for inspiration too. Your florist will know what kind of floral design will look best for a certain time of year, and it will be much easier to pick a dress that complements a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Timeless Color Palettes

Black is a great go-to option if you want your guests looking uniform. Plus, you can bet that a majority of your guests already have something that they can wear. In all-black attire, your guests will look sharp, while wearing a universally flattering shade.

If you’re thinking spring, picture how fun it would be to have a room full of people in bright, happy attire that resembles the season. Flower girls in lavender or mint…guys with yellow ties…how cute!

Couples who get married in the fall often do so because they’ve fallen in love with the colors. If that’s you and your fiancé, tell your guests to mimic those deep, warm tones in their attire. Think of how cool it would be to bring the beauty of the outside in, seeing guests in chocolate brown, dark purple, scarlet, or burnt orange.

If you’ve been trying to come up with a way to honor a passed loved one on your special day, consider having your guests dress in a color that signifies that person. What a great profound, yet unspoken way to make that person’s presence felt on your big day.

Dress codes are certainly not for everyone, but it may be the one missing piece of the puzzle for some. If you’ve been looking to elevate the atmosphere of your wedding, a coordinated dress code may be on the horizon for your big day!

Say ‘Hello’ or ‘Goodbye’ to Guests with a Gift Bag

Written by Karrie Mueller on February 16, 2021. Posted in Blog, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on Say ‘Hello’ or ‘Goodbye’ to Guests with a Gift Bag

If you are looking for something personalized and thoughtful to send home with your guests after your big day, consider a gift bag. Whether that be a welcome bag to have waiting at your hotel or a gift bag chock-full of goodies for the end of the night, gift bags are the way to go! Gift bags are a great alternative to traditional favors, or just a way to have your wedding weekend start off on the right foot for each of your guests.

There are countless perks to offering gift bags in lieu of favors. Not to mention, having something personalized for each of your guests will make them feel that much more special on your wedding day. Having one for each guest offers a chance for customization. As far as the contents of the bag, they can be as personalized, budget-friendly, or extravagant as you would like them to be.

Here are some things you will want to include:

Goodies from Local Businesses

If you are proud of the place you are getting married in, take Northern Michigan for example, you will want to highlight some of the local businesses that make that place unique. There is no end to those cute small shops that line the streets of Charlevoix, or the unique trinkets you can find in Petoskey’s Gaslight District, such as a Petoskey stone that can only be found Up North. These fun gift bags could include a small candle or soap from Lavender Hill Farm, some Murdick’s Fudge, or some locally sourced snacks from Cherry Republic. No guest will have a problem with having something to snack or sip on after your wedding.

Something Seasonal

No matter the time of year, there is always a fun seasonal element you could incorporate into these gift bags. If your wedding is in the fall, then toss in a fresh donut from a local bakery. Winter wedding guests will likely need a warm-up, have a hot chocolate packet tied to a shooter of Bailey’s with a piece of twine or ribbon. Springtime wedding gift bags could include some seeds, and summer weddings could include some custom sunglasses with your date on them or fit your wedding’s palette.

A Hangover Cure

If you think your crowd is going to keep the wine flowing and the drinks coming, it may be in your best interest to provide a little something that will save them the next morning. A small water bottle, maybe even with a customized label, and some ibuprofen has proven to be a life saver for some. Items like these will show you are thinking about and care for your guests, even when the wedding is all said and done.

A List of Things to Do

Depending on when you get married, your guests may be making the most of their stay in your location. If you are doing a Northern Michigan wedding, there is no end to beaches, breweries, shops, hikes, and activities you could recommend. Consider creating a personalized pamphlet listing a great brunch spot for the next morning, or a pit-stop for the drive home. Check out our blog for some ideas of things guests could do during your Northern Michigan wedding week or weekend!

Something to Keep Your Guests Safe

If you are planning on having the big day in the near future, it’s always a good idea to provide guests with something that will show that their safety is in your best interest. Throw in a mask or two, paired with some hand sanitizer, or maybe even some disinfecting wipes.

Whether you are welcoming guests to a new town or sending them off with spirits high, make your gift bags something that can remind them of your big day once it’s over. Even just a little something to remind them of the beautiful place where you said “I do” will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Photo Opportunities at Our Castle Wedding Venue

Written by Karrie Mueller on January 8, 2021. Posted in Blog, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on Photo Opportunities at Our Castle Wedding Venue

There’s so much that makes Castle Farms unique. The hundred-year-old history, the stunning architecture, the friendly faces you’ll meet during your visit. When it comes to weddings, the photo opportunities are endless. If you scroll through our Instagram or browse through our Pinterest boards, you’ll see that we have the perfect backdrop for just about every vision. Take a look at some of our most iconic photo locations, and perfectly plan what photos you want from your big day. If any of these locations stand out to you, or are a must-have to decorate the walls of your home, touch base with your photographer and they’ll take care of the details!

The Queen’s Courtyard and the Knight’s Courtyard are available for photos, as long as there is not another wedding taking place. On your initial tour, you may have found that the architecture of the Knight’s Courtyard perfectly suits your ceremony vision but love the look of the Queen’s Courtyard fountain for some photos.

All Castle weddings come with a dressing room that is available two hours before the ceremony. These dressing rooms are the perfect spot for the wedding party to get dressed, pop some sparkling wine from 1918 Cellars, and take some “getting ready” photos before the big day.

First Look Tips: Butterfly Garden and King’s Courtyard

If those First Look Photos are something you’re going to want to have for yourself, Castle Farms has several gorgeous First Look locations. One benefit of doing a First Look, aside from the tear-jerking photos you’re sure to capture, is potentially having a shorter cocktail hour and starting your reception sooner. When doing a First Look, you’re given the opportunity to take some couple shots you would normally have to wait until after the ceremony to get. If you plan on taking family photos or different combinations of friends, family, or wedding party, you may want all the time you can get before the wedding celebrations begin.

The Butterfly Garden is the perfect First Look location for those couples who really crave that garden aesthetic. The bold hedge archways and intricate designs make the Butterfly Garden a secluded sanctuary that’s perfect for sharing that sweet moment between the couple.

Enclosed by the two garden rooms, the King’s Courtyard is a First Look location that will make the two of you feel like the only two people on earth. (Besides your photographer, of course.) The walkway that leads to the Castle provides that show-stopping backdrop that is sure to make your First Look one of a kind.

The fountain in the King’s Grand Courtyard is a much-loved photo location which can provide a stunning backdrop to your First Look, but another unique location is the tree-lined path surrounding the fountain, offering more privacy and romance.

St. George

Upon arriving to the Castle, you’ll be greeted by St. George the Knight. Standing 16 feet tall, he certainly encompasses that fairy tale feel. He looks great alongside couples and wedding parties who enjoy a few goofy photos, or even some stoic, serious ones.

Reflection Pond

If you’re looking for that iconic, full-Castle shot with a stunning water feature in the foreground, the Reflection Pond is going to give you everything and more. When photographers stand at the back of the pond, with the couple on the small landing in front of the Castle’s internal drive, that’s how you’re going to get that perfect shot that every Castle Couple wants. It certainly is a show-stopping location that really showcases your wedding venue’s unique architecture.

King’s Grand Courtyard

The King’s Grand Courtyard is nothing short of just that: grand. From the four maiden statues, stunning fountain, giant chess set, tree-lined walkway, metal gazebo on the outskirt of the Courtyard… this space has numerous photo opportunities in just one large space. The overlook at the very edge of the courtyard showcases all the King’s Courtyard’s beauty with the Castle stone walls as a stately backdrop. It’s the perfect shot that will remind you of your perfect day at the Castle.

Round Office

If the rich history of the Castle is something that makes the Castle more special to you, you’ll love exploring the Round Office. This small, rounded stone building was the original office to the Castle’s first owner, Albert Loeb. To this day, it holds the hundred-year-old records from when the Castle was a model dairy farm. Now, it provides a sweet little space for couples to take photos and sign their marriage license.

Queen’s Waiting Area

One of the many hidden gems found inside the Castle is the Queen’s Waiting Area. This small, regal space truly embodies that Castle feel. The stone walls that encircle the iron chandelier and original wood ceilings provide a great spot for some intimate photos. With a chess collection and vintage furniture, the Queen’s Waiting Area truly transports you back in time.

Birch Lake

Sure, the Castle is wonderful, with its intricately designed gardens and grand water features. However, one spot that takes that to the next level is Birch Lake. Hidden away by the Castle Farms Orchard lies a secluded lake graced by birch trees, standing tall and beautiful all year long. If you’re drawn to the enchanting quality of a hidden oasis, you’ll want to set aside time in your day to take photos at Birch Lake.

Serenity Garden

Just off to the side of the Reflection Pond and facing the Queen’s Courtyard is the Serenity Garden. Even though its near the hustle and bustle of the Castle, it truly lives up to its name. It’s a tranquil little spot that sits over a babbling creek and is sheltered by a strong, beautiful tree.

Norm the Dragon

There are several iconic photo opportunities at the Castle, but one that catches the eye of everyone who visits is Norm the Dragon. Norm was created to be showcased at Art Prize in 2012. Since then, he’s found his home at the Castle, and provides a fun memory for some unique medieval photos you won’t be able to recreate elsewhere.

West Courtyard

If there aren’t any weddings in the West Garden Room the day of your wedding, be sure to explore the West Courtyard. This space may be small, but it sure is packed with beauty. On one side stands a gold fountain, with hydrangeas around the perimeter. On the other is a showstopping white gazebo, which has proven to serve as a great backdrop for photos of all kinds. While you’re in the West Courtyard, don’t forget the trellis walkway! The ivy that wraps around it creates an enchanting tunnel-like feel, ending in even more of the Castle’s unique beauty to explore on either side.

Enchanted Forest

If you’re looking for a whimsical woodland backdrop for some outdoor photos, consider getting lost in the Enchanted Forest. Along the way, you’ll find mystical paths, gnomes, and maybe even some fairy tale creatures. Be sure to have your photographer’s camera at the ready, you’ll never know what kind of magic you’ll find!

Knight’s Chapel

Overlooking the Knight’s Castle and Courtyard, the Knight’s Chapel offers both a true Castle-like structure, as well as a nice view of the train garden. If there is not a wedding taking place in the Knight’s Courtyard, the Knight’s Chapel overlook, specifically, is a great spot to get a nice shot of a blue sky or be creative and hide the wedding party up there. The octagonal shape, with gardens on either side, truly showcase the unique hundred-year-old history the Castle takes pride in.

Whether you’re going for regal or rustic the Castle has a backdrop for you. Take advantage of the free self-guided tours Castle Couples get, and spend an afternoon wandering the grounds to decide which spots will line the walls of your home, showcasing your first day as a married couple.

Canvas Paint & Sip

Written by Karrie Mueller on January 1, 2021. Posted in Event Calendar. No Comments on Canvas Paint & Sip

Join Cottage Pottery and 1918 Cellars for the last Paint & Sip of the season! Paint an adorable penguin painting with a side of 1918 Cellars wine to inspire your artistic senses.

Tickets are $35 and are non-refundable.

Pottery & Wine

Written by Karrie Mueller on January 1, 2021. Posted in Event Calendar. No Comments on Pottery & Wine

Dates for 2022 Coming Soon!

Join us for an evening of wine and paint-your-own-pottery!
Cottage Pottery is extending their painting studio to the 1918 Cellars Wine Tasting Room at Castle Farms for this unique experience in a one-of-a-kind setting. Guests can choose from different pieces of pottery to paint with any design you feel inspired by! For June, each guest’s options are a bubble platter, whale mug, or mermaid mug.

All paints, supplies and artist guidance included. Once you have completed your pieces, they will be transported to the Cottage Pottery studio for professional glazing and firing. After completion, they will be ready for you to pick up at your convenience. Choose your pick-up location, Castle Farms or Cottage Pottery (downtown Charlevoix). Also included in your ticket: a glass of 1918 Cellars wine to inspire your artistic senses!

*All seats will be socially-distanced per household. Hand sanitizing stations can be found throughout the Queen’s Tavern. Masks are required on site. Once seated, masks can be removed.