"Do I know you?" These were Brett's first words to the woman who would turn out to be the girl of his dreams, who would consequently change his entire life in ways nobody thought possible. His next words were to ask this girl to dance, and fortuitously, she did. Heather had just made the move to Northern Michigan for a new job, and Brett was returning to the same town for his third season working aboard the Tall Ship Manitou. This chance meeting was in May of 2012, and over the course of the following summer, Heather and Brett spent every spare moment together. They explored the area's wineries, enjoyed the beaches together, and became quite taken with one another. When fall came around that year, the time Brett would usually have left Michigan until next season, he stayed to be near Heather.
It wasn't until June of 2016, on a surprise getaway to upstate New York, that Brett proposed to Heather with a beautiful family heirloom diamond. Exactly a year after that night on the balcony of empty Bolt Castle, an excited crowd of friends and family gathered on the sunny lawn of Leelanau's Aurora Cellars to witness the two lovers give their vows to each other. Brett and Heather had the entire group wiping away tears along with them as they read their heartfelt vows to one another in the shade of a giant willow tree. What a perfect day for a beautiful beginning!
Floral by The Blossom Shop, Traverse City
Bride's Gown by Stella York
Hair Styling by Salon Moxie, Traverse City
Makeup by Calla, Traverse City
Catering by Laura Cavender
Cake by Potters Bakery
