Tag: castle wedding

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.

Military Wedding Giveaway

Written by Karrie Mueller on January 1, 2021. Posted in Event Calendar. No Comments on Military Wedding Giveaway

2021 Military Wedding Giveaway

Military Couples,

Our annual Military Wedding Giveaway is something that we look forward to hosting every year in hopes of providing an amazing event package for the men and women that have served or are serving our country. This event is not possible without the many incredible vendors who share our same passion for saying thank you with more than just words. This year has been especially challenging for everyone in the events industry, and this has led to the difficult decision to wait to host our next Military Wedding Giveaway. We hope to plan for an incredible giveaway again in the future, and we want to say thank you to all of our past participants and vendors for making this giveaway possible!

The Castle Farms Team

2020 Military Wedding Giveaway

The winner of the Castle Farms Military Wedding Giveaway received the following:

Venue: Castle Farms
Accomodations: Inn at Bay Harbor
Cake: Top Tier Cakery
Catering: Otsego Grand Catering
Decor(Head Table): Heart Wedding Decor
Decor(Table Linens): 307 Events
Decor(Ceremony Draping): Sweet Seats
Floral Arrangements: Thyme Hill Designs
Hair & Makeup: ALH Beauty
Horse & Carriage: Town’s End Clydesdales & Carriage
Officiating Ceremony: Northern Michigan Ministers
Photography: Paxton Photography
Photobooth:Motion Booth
Reception Music: Ed’s DJ Service
Transportation: Northern Michigan Trolley
Tuxedos: Petoskey Bridal
Videography: 97 Films
Wedding Planner: FALL in Love Events

Check out past winners and their stories by clicking the boxes below!

February 2019 WINNERS- Isabel & Louie

Isabel & Louie’s submission:

It’s been 6 years since our first date as high school sweethearts with bright eyes for a future together. In a flash, Louie was packing his things for basic training at the United States Military Academy at West Point and Isabel was starting at the University of Michigan. Over the next few years, the 10 hour drive between us became a regular trek, and our young love grew into a partnership that will last a lifetime. Louie proposed in April, and by the end of May, we officially joined “the 2% club,” a name for the small fraction of high school couples that make it through West Point. Louie is now attending medical school for the Army in Washington DC, and Isabel is finishing her time at U of M. Louie is honored to begin serving as an Army doctor, and Isabel is excited to become a military spouse and pursue her career in public service! For the next 20 years, we will live wherever the Army sends us, but Michigan will always be home. We can’t imagine starting our life anywhere else.

Wedding Date: July 6, 2019
Venue: Castle Farms
Cake: Sherricake
Catering: Grey Gables Restaurant & Catering
Decor: Heart Wedding Decor
Floral Arrangements: Upsy Daisy Floral
Honeymoon Suite: Mushroom Houses
Officiating Ceremony: Glad Tidings
Photography: Chris Van Winkle Photography
Reception Music: Ed’s DJ Service
Videography:Mandie Forbes

FEBRUARY 2018 WINNERS- Katie & Sam, Natalie & Connor

Katie & Sam’s submission:

I’ve known Sam since freshman year of college, but if you ask him, he’d say that I never gave him the time of day until December 8th of our sophomore year. It was that day that he finally worked up the courage to ask me to be his date to the military ball. I remember being so incredibly nervous, but I played it cool (sort of) and said yes. There was something so special about those months leading up to the military ball that made me realize two things: 1) I’m so awkward (ha) and 2) This is the man I am going to marry. I remember walking up the stairs to my dorm after the military ball and I just knew. Soon after, we started dating and now flash forward two years and we’re happily engaged college seniors! Sam commissions into the Army the day before we graduate from college on May 5th. Our plans are to get married soon after and then move to Georgia where he will begin the next part of his military training and schooling. Currently, we’re doing our best to balance classes, homework, capstones, and internships, all while working with a short timeline to plan a summer wedding in Michigan from our college dorms in Ohio! We would love to win this contest not only to make our lives easier for planning a wedding, but to be able to get married at the place of our dreams! We are both excited for all the adventures coming our way in the next year!

Wedding Date: May 18, 2018
Venue: Castle Farms
Accommodations: House on the Hill Bed & Breakfast
Catering: A Matter of Taste
Entertainment: DJ Ryan Rousseau
Florists: Thyme Hill Designs
Photography: A13 Studios
Photo Booth: Shutterbooth
Hairstylist: Talulu Beauty Lounge
Custom Signs: Harper Mae Designs

Natalie & Connor’s submission:

Natalie and I have known each other for as long as we both can remember, we were both born and raised in the small town of Memphis. We attended preschool together. Since then on there was a running joke in her family that she was going to marry me. Little did anyone know at the time they were right. Over the years we crossed paths occasionally, after pre school I stayed in Memphis and she moved to Capac, and one night after a few years without seeing each other it was love at first sight. I saw how beautiful she had become and thought I didn’t have a chance. Then she came up to me and from that moment on I wasn’t going to let her get away. We spent 4 short months together enjoying the summer before I shipped out to boot camp. I completely thought she was going to leave me due to the long distance and stress of a military relationship, but she had every intention of making it work. Over the next 4 years we went through a rollercoaster of events between me moving base to base across the country, long periods without seeing each other, and 3 deployment but through it all we have prevailed. No matter what situation the world threw at us, no matter how long we went without seeing each other, no matter how much the distance hurt we knew that the love we shared was something unique and worth everything. Shortly before this last deployment we decided we were tired of the distance and got married. This way we could finally live our lives together. She has been my support system and biggest fan. She is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. She is my saving grace that keeps me going. I would do anything just to see her smile. After all this beautiful woman has been through and supported me through, she deserved the most romantic fairytale wedding ever, but due to the situation a courthouse with our parents was our special day, and special it was. I wouldn’t change our choice for the world. I married my best friend and the love of my life on September 8th, 2017. Natalie will say that she didn’t need a big shiny ring, elegant pretty dress, big fancy wedding or anything like that, but she deserves that and so much more. I am so happy we got married but I feel bad she didn’t get the wedding she deserved. With Natalie finishing up with school and working, planning for our move to California, myself being deployed 20 of the last 24 months planning and affording a ceremony of our dreams hasn’t been possible. This is the one way to make that dream a reality for us, and what better way to make that dream a reality then to renew our vows at the most romantic location, Castle Farms.

Wedding Date: July 28, 2018
Venue: Castle Farms
Catering: BJ’s Restaurant, Rental & Catering
Officiant: Glad Tidings
Photo Booth: Life Outside the Booth
Hairstylist: Bliss Salon & Spa
Entertainment: Ed’s DJ Service
Bartending: Tonic & Lime
Photography: Nikki Cashen Photography
Custom Signs: Harper Mae Designs

FEBRUARY 2017 WINNERS- TAYLOR & RYAN

“Prior to winning the Castle Farms Military Wedding Giveaway, I didn’t think that the average person (like myself) could possibly win something like this. Every vendor that donated their service has asked nothing in return, except to help us experience total bliss on our special day. We have moved into the planning stage and as you can expect, there are many decisions to be made. With Ryan and I living in two separate states and in different time-zones, everyone has been so helpful and supportive, working around the distance and our chaotic schedules with ease. In the past week Ryan and I have been showered with support from Castle Farms staff, especially Sarah and Rebekah, and the various other Vendors. We are truly blessed to be able to work with such an amazing group of people. It still hasn’t sunk in fully, but my excitement is growing with each passing day. Thank you to everyone who has read our story, to those of you who voted and shared, and to those of you still following us. We will keep you updated during this journey. My father would like to extend his gratitude to everyone, as well. He is floored by the response we received and cannot wait to walk me down the aisle!”

Taylor’s submission: We are a dual Active Duty Navy couple planning for June 2017 or sooner! Ryan and I met in 2015 while we were stationed at the Naval Hospital in Pensacola, Florida. Ryan was an energetic, thrilling and extremely handsome guy that everyone loved to be around. I had my eye on him since day one! I have always been someone who isn’t afraid to go after what I wanted, but any time he looked my way I could feel all of the blood in my body, rush to my cheeks. I finally mustered up the courage to talk to him and asked him to brunch where we immediately hit it off. I was addicted to his smile and contagious laughter. We had both recently ended our long term relationships and wanted to take it slow, but that was far from the case. I fell madly in-love with Ry. I have never thought I would marry someone or have children, but I found myself fantasizing about both these ideas on a regular basis. I knew he was the one for me. Our souls complimented each other and longed for each other’s companionship whenever we were away. Christmas eve 2016, he proposed to me and I am thrilled to be his partner in crime for our lifetimes. 19 months ago, at age 47 my father was diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma, a type of (evil) esophageal cancer. Fortunately, my parents live close to U of M, and in December 15 he underwent a successful 13 hour esophagectomy that held promising results. In March 16, while on a business trip to Orlando, just one week away from the “Cancer Free” celebration day, he underwent a routine CT scan after having a headache for a few weeks. Not only had the cancer metastasized, but to the worst of all places; his brain. It revealed roughly 13 tumors and my family was heartbroken. Ry, being the amazing supporter he is, and I drove to Orlando so I could be with my dad through this challenging time. This was the first time Ry and my dad met. It was awkward and emotional, but they both made the best of it. In November, the oncologist gave us the gut-wrenching diagnosis of terminal illness. In December we cruised to Mexico for an “End of Life” celebration, where Ry and dad developed a special bond and he gave Ry his blessing to marry me. It is so important to me to give my father a beautiful wedding where he can walk me down the aisle and give me away to the man I never thought I would find. The financial stress of sustaining two separate households (Ry is stationed in North Carolina) and visits home to Michigan when possible are making it nearly impossible to save. Winning this contest would relieve unreal amounts of stress and help make my dreams come true. This wedding is definitely for Ry and I, but I can’t wait to dance to “Butterfly Kisses” with my dad.

Wedding Date: June 18, 2017
Venue: Castle Farms
Catering: A Matter of Taste
DJ Entertainment: Ryan Rousseau Enterprises
Floral: A Touch of Spring and Other Things
Hairstylist: Last Tangle Salon and Tanning
Hotel: Weathervane Terrace Inn and Suites
Officiant: Northern Michigan Ministers
Photography: Paxton Photography
Photo Booth: Shutterbooth
Videography: 97 Films

NOVEMBER 2015 WINNERS- KENZIE & JONATHAN

Jonathan’s submission: I am currently serving as a United States Marine, and I am deployed in Kuwait for the next seven months. My bride to-be is from Indiana and we met at my Marine buddy’s wedding; it was love at first sight. She is a tiny little thing that has the sweetest smile, the kindest heart, but is a spit fire too! I wish to give her the beautiful fairy tale wedding she has dreamed of but that I cannot afford on a military salary. I don’t have a lot to offer my fiancée except a man with a good heart, a kind soul, a sense of duty to his country, strong hands to work a hard day’s work, arms that will never stop hugging her and loving her, my family who loves me to the moon and back and who will welcome her into our family and love her to pieces. If I could write it on the moon for her I would; she completes me like no one ever has. I would love to celebrate our wedding at Castle Farms but also to have our families there to marvel in the beauty also. My mom was just diagnosed with Breast Cancer and underwent a mastectomy two weeks ago while I was overseas. I couldn’t be there for her and she had to endure the operation and pain without me. She is the strongest person I know, stronger than any Marine. This wedding would be wonderful for my mom to attend all dressed up like the wonderful woman who raised me. I would have two beautiful ladies on my arm that night.

Wedding date: June 3, 2016
Rooms: Queen’s Courtyard and Queen’s Tavern
Accommodations: Charlevoix Inn and Suites
Cake: Kingsley Cakes
Catering: Grey Gables Restaurant and Catering
Clergy: Glad Remaly
Hairstylist: Last Tangle Salon and Tanning
Photo Booth: Shutterbooth
Transportation: Mackinaw Shuttle

NOVEMBER 2014 WINNERS- CRYSTAL & ISAIAH

Crystal’s submission: Isaiah and I have been together for 10 years. We met while I was in high school. Isaiah was sent to Iraq during his first year in college. He was deployed for 19 months. Isaiah was also deployed to Louisiana to help during hurricane Katrina. Isaiah and I have two wonderful little boys who would love nothing more to see us get married. Unfortunately, almost every time we have tried to plan the wedding something has come up. I am currently working full time and attending college full time. With two little boys on top of everything else, planning a wedding almost seems impossible but we’ve decided to make it happen this summer. I’ve always wanted to get married at Castle Farms, it’s our dream wedding spot. Winning this wedding package would truly be a dream come true.

Wedding date: July 10, 2015
Rooms: Queen’s Courtyard and King’s Great Hall (paid upgrade)
Accommodations: AmericInn Lodge & Suites
Cake: TasT Creations
Catering: A Matter of Taste
Clergy: Judy Grimes
Entertainment: A+ Event Entertainment
Florist: A Touch of Spring and Other Things
Hairstylist: Chello’s Salon
Photography: Paxton Photography
Photo Booth: Shutterbooth
Live Musician: Sylvia Norris
Transportation: Mackinaw Shuttle

FEBRUARY 2014 WINNERS- ANDI & DWAYNE

Andi’s submission: When Dwayne proposed, in 2011, we said that we would get married when he came home. We both agreed that we wanted a summer wedding so it was decided that we would do summer of 2013. Then I was accepted into the nursing program at Kirtland Community College and was either at school or working 12 hour days. There was no hope of planning a wedding. Then someone at the Veteran Affairs office told us about this contest. My mom nominated us. We both said that it would never happen. We never would have dreamed that we had enough friends that would support us in this. Recently, we had even discussed just going to the courthouse so we could say we were married, and have an official ceremony later. Winning this wedding gives us the opportunity to complete the dream that we have both had since 2011. Neither of us ever thought that we would have the opportunity to get married at such a beautiful venue. We cannot thank Castle Farms enough for giving us that opportunity!

Wedding date: August 22, 2014
Rooms: Queen’s Courtyard and Queen’s Tavern
Accommodations: Charlevoix Inn and Suites
Cake: TasT Creations
Catering: Grey Gables Restaurant and Catering
Clergy: Jonathan Mays
Entertainment: Rousseau Events
Florist: Thyme Hill Designs
Hairstylist: Last Tangle Salon and Tanning
Photography: Paul Retherford Photography
Photo Booth: Shutterbooth
Live Musician: Sylvia Norris
Transportation: Mackinaw Shuttle

About the Military Wedding Giveaway

Castle Farms gives back to our military community by hosting a Military Wedding Giveaway. Castle Farms and participating wedding service providers donate a wedding in Michigan for up to 150 guests! The contest is open to Michigan couples with one or both people who are active members or veterans of the United States Armed Forces, and maintain a permanent residency in Michigan. Couples must be unmarried OR married and wishing to renew their vows. We are excited to involve select members of our community this year to participate in private voting.

Grand Wedding Expo

Written by Karrie Mueller on January 1, 2021. Posted in Event Calendar. No Comments on Grand Wedding Expo

This Event Has Been Canceled

Castle Farms team made the decision to cancel this year’s Grand Wedding Expo. We are sorry to anyone hoping to join us at our Expo this year.

With that said, we are looking forward to making our Fall 2022 Grand Wedding Expo our best one yet!

2019 Grand Giveaway

Want to win a wedding package valued at over $25,000? Of course you do!

Rehearsal Dinner
Venue: 1918 Cellars
Caterers/Bartenders: PER Catering
Transportation: Mackinaw Shuttle & Limousine

Wedding Day
Venue: Castle Farms
Accommodations: Hotel Earl
Attire: Petoskey Bridal
Cake: Ruthann’s Gourmet Bakery
Catering/Bartending: Grey Gables Inn Restaurant & Catering
Clergy: Northern Michigan Ministers
Entertainment: A+ Entertains
Florist: Billie’s Floral & Boutique
Hair: Last Tangle Salon & Tanning
Photographer: A13 Studios
Photobooth: A+ Entertains
Transportation: Midnight Madness
Decor: Heart Wedding Decor
Wedding Planner: Up North Events

See past winners and learn about their weddings.

MORE INFO HERE

2019 Vendors

2020 Wedding Expo Application

Your End of the Night Plan

Written by Karrie Mueller on November 11, 2020. Posted in Blog, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on Your End of the Night Plan

There’s always such anticipation when it comes to your wedding day. Getting ready, riding to the venue, taking photos, enjoying some cocktails, and of course, saying “I do!” What a lot of couples tend to overlook is the end of the night clean-up plan. Luckily, Castle Farms has thought of it all.

Firstly, we recommend designating someone to be in charge of getting your cards to a safe place. Most card boxes do not come with locks. Mid-evening, during dinner time, have that designated person(s) take your card box full of cards (or empty the cards into a bag if you’re using a Castle card box) and store them safely in a locked car. Most groups will have dropped their gifts and cards off when they enter into the reception! The remaining gifts can be taken at the end of the evening.

When it comes to closing down your event, the Assistant Venue Coordinator will be your best friend. They, with the help of your caterers and bartenders, will handle wine returns, clear tables of empties, and take out the trash. Assistant Coordinators will also remove our table linen, stack our included chairs, clean up the restrooms and close down the building.

At the end of the night, it’s important that you take everything you want to keep with you when you go. We recommend making a list of everything that needs to be taken and designating a parent, relative, or member of the wedding party to handle gathering these items. With that being said, make sure there is a vehicle that can carry those personal items, especially if you are using a shuttle service. The guest(s) you’ve delegated this task to may need to drive a separate vehicle, ready to pack your decorations in.

You can easily store labeled totes and boxes out of site under cake tables or gift tables so they are nearby at the end of the night. Whatever you don’t want to keep will be taken care of by the Assistant Venue Coordinator, and either be thrown away, recycled, or donated. If you or a guest accidentally leave a personal item, such as a shoe or piece of jewelry, don’t worry! They are set aside in a lost-and-found and are recorded in an email sent post-wedding.

When planning decorations, be mindful of what could make a big mess and instruct people helping you pack up to be careful packing up floral arrangements or anything that might leave a trail of things to clean up (i.e. pine needles, glitter, small jewels, etc). We recommend bringing a box or bag to each table these delicate items are on and carefully brushing them into the container so they don’t have to travel freely and risk falling on the ground. Though rare, if our Housekeeping Team spends an excessive amount of time cleaning up items, like the prior examples, we may need to charge an extra clean up fee. So thoughtful décor planning, great communication to those setting up and tearing down, and smart clean up methods are key!

When planning your wedding, it’s easy to focus on the fun, exciting portions of the day. It’s sad to think about your big day ending, but it’s best that everything is packed up smoothly and efficiently, to ensure that everyone leaves with a smile on their face!

Making Your Wedding as Inclusive as Possible

Written by Karrie Mueller on November 4, 2020. Posted in Blog, Wedding Tips & Trends. No Comments on Making Your Wedding as Inclusive as Possible

“It’s 2020.” A phrase you probably hear weekly. But, is it a phrase you come across when planning your wedding? It should be! We’ve reached a point in history where inclusivity should be the norm. However, there are still the occasional hoops to jump through when it comes to making your event as inclusive as possible. Whether you’re a client or a professional, it’s important to make certain expectations a habit, rather than a hassle.

Person-First Language

When speaking to a guest or client who has a disability or impairment of any kind, it’s important not to make that disability their identity. For example, instead of addressing someone as a blind guest, refer to them as a guest who is blind. Using what is called “Person-First Language” identifies a need, without making it something that comes across as a weakness.

Saying “Wedding Party” versus “Bridal Party”

The term “bridal” insinuates a party of all women. That’s not always the case! Whether you’re working with a Man of Honor or no bride at all, it’s better to just stick with the term “wedding party”. When it comes down to it, the wedding is the core reason for being there, no matter who it’s between. The same goes for the term “bridal suite”. Instead, Castle Farms refers to those included rooms, meant for the wedding party to get ready in, as “dressing rooms” or simply just, “suite”.

Using Proper Pronouns on Documents and When Speaking

It’s always important to ask couples what their preferred pronouns are. Today, we live in a world where he/him/his, she/her/hers, and they/their/theirs are all potential pronouns. Normalizing pronouns is becoming more and more proficient in everyday life. Sometimes, it’s okay to ask. Those with certain gender identifications prefer it, rather than having to correct you later. With that said, make sure any signs, documents, or information sheets fit the couple’s needs.

Restrooms

Restrooms, something everyone uses. Three reception spaces at Castle Farms have at least one unisex bathroom, as well as ADA compliant restrooms. Make sure your guests are using whichever restroom makes them the most comfortable.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

An open bar is often one of the highlights of a wedding reception. For some, not so much. Some of your guests may have views, beliefs, or even health conditions that prohibit them from drinking alcohol. If you have guests that fall into this category, they may not want the kid’s menu options for their beverages that evening. Other than offering just water, juice, soda, or coffee, try to think outside the box. Shirley Temples are always a crowd-pleaser for guests who enjoy a specialty drink, without the alcohol. Arnold Palmers are also a great option for a unique drink for alcohol-abstaining guests to sip on. Northwood Soda is also a great local option that provides unique flavors, like rhubarb and lavender or blueberry acai, without any alcohol.

Dress-Styles

More and more brides are opting for different individualized bridesmaid dress-styling. There’s not always a “one style fits all” or even “one shade fits all” dress out there. Depending on height and body shape of the ladies standing up next to you, you may want to consider going for a mismatched bridesmaid dress look. Whether that means giving each bridesmaid a specific color range to choose the shade that best complements their skin tone or allowing attendants to choose their own neckline and supportive fit to flatter their figure, dresses can be customized in countless ways. To keep a cohesive look, determine a few required details, such as all dresses should be floor length and ensure their bouquets are all the same size and style. It’s important your bridesmaids feel comfortable on your wedding day so they can be free to enjoy the day and focus all their attention on making the day special for you, rather than spending the day fretting on how they look in their dress.

ADA Compliance

Each ceremony and reception space at Castle Farms follows ADA guidelines, by having ramps or elevators nearby. If guests with physical disabilities need help getting from point A to point B while outdoors, couples can rent golf carts to be driven by one designated sober driver.

Your wedding day is all about celebrating, not only you, but all the important people in your life! You’ll want everyone to be included and feel comfortable. Ensuring both guest and clients’ comfort levels is something that we are more than happy to go the extra mile for.