Elise & Thomas’ Intimate Beach Wedding

Would you believe me if I told you that this gorgeous beach wedding was planned in under one month? I’m not joking, ladies. Everything from dress to flowers and reception venue were selected in weeks. 

Elise and Thomas are a true K.i.s.s. wedding couple. They kept it simple and special on all fronts.

Mackinac Island, Michigan, gave them a magical setting with a strong vintage look and feel. It was an intimate affair with family. No drama or debt for this smart pair. They decided what was really important to them and went for it.

This destination wedding is living proof that you can get the fairytale effect without spending a small fortune.

Elise and Thomas said ‘I do’ overlooking the ocean. They had a chilled-out, chic reception at the Carriage House restaurant of the Hotel Iroquois.

The gardens of the hotel were filled with pretty flowers so there was no need to splash out on bucketloads of blooms. That’s the beauty of a destination wedding; you get a ready-made, stunning setting which makes wedding planning and budgeting much easier.

Stuck for inspiration? Feel free to use these ideas for Beach Themed Weddings

That bridal bouquet screams old school romance. See how beautifully subtly different shades of pink roses compliment each other? A sprinkling of cream roses and green leaves add the finishing touches.

I love the way they worked pink and purple touches into other aspects of the wedding. The pink umbrella was an inspired and inexpensive touch. Top marks for creativity and resourcefulness! You don’t need to blow your budget to make a statement when it comes to decor and detailing.

Check Perfect Weddings Without the Debt for more ingenious dollar saving ideas.

Thanks to the beautiful backdrop, Elise and Thomas didn’t need to go overboard with aisle arrangements. The ceremony arch looked lovely without adornment. The lush plants in those whitewashed wood tubs worked brilliantly and didn’t cost them a bean!

Speaking of which, you can save a stack of dollars by getting smart with your favors. They can double up as reception decorations. Check out these ideas for Beach Themed Wedding Favors

Less is more when it comes to beach weddings. The setting says it all. Why try and overpower Mother Nature?

Thanks to their smart choice of venue, Elise and Thomas got very varied wedding photos.

Barefoot on the beach, looking smart on the hotel steps, exchanging vows on the lush green lawn and chilling in the gorgeous garden.

I had to take a moment for these atmospheric photos. They strike the right balance between color and black and white. The slightly sepia tinted effect channeled the vintage look and feel of the setting beautifully.

So, there you have it ladies. An intimate, atmospheric beach wedding that didn’t blow the budget and came together beautifully in less than 30 days.

Elise and Thomas just reminded me what weddings are really all about. Celebrating love surrounded by the people than mean the most to you.

Vendors for this wedding:

Photography: Paul Retherford; Reception Venue – Hotel Iroquois; Floral Designer – Weber’s Floral & Gift.

Images submitted via Two Bright Lights