mynorth wedding 2016: staffords bay view inn & perry hotel

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Stafford's

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STORY BY CARLY SIMPSON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEATHER CISLER PHOTOGRAPHY

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MARY KATE FITZGERALD ADAM KEETER

JULY 18, 2015

Ever since she was a little girl, Mary Kate knew she wanted to get married in Northern Michigan by the water, and last summer her dream became real at Stafford’s in Petoskey. “I remember looking at the property in January, and we were standing in a three-foot snow bank,” Mary Kate says. “I was thinking, ‘You can’t beat this view now, I can’t imagine what it will be like in July.’”

Mary Kate’s ceremony was held at the charming Bay View Inn. Set in Petoskey’s historic district, the inn offers a serene and romantic setting. Built in 1886, the elegant Victorian country inn is an enchanting escape to a bygone era. Mary Kate and Adam were married outside in the blooming gardens overlooking a stunning view of Little Traverse Bay and Harbor Springs, where the bride spent many childhood summers.

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails spun with a Northern Michigan theme. The menu featured drinks named after iconic Up North events and attractions, such as Harbor Springs’ annual Ugotta Regatta and the M119 Tunnel of Trees.

After the cocktail hour, Mary Kate and Adam switched gears and venues, taking their reception to Stafford’s Perry Hotel in bustling downtown Petoskey. “I really wanted to do a nautical theme—J.Crew meets Kate Spade meets Lilly Pulitzer, but also with a little bit of a hipster vibe. I didn’t want it to be entirely formal; we wanted it to be elegant,

but fun with a little bit of a Northern Michigan twist,” says Mary Kate.

Guests enjoyed the warm summer air and a magnificent view of Little Traverse Bay from the hotel’s Rose Garden Veranda. The tented terrace at the upscale hotel created a sophisticated but casual atmosphere for the evening. For dinner, Stafford’s worked with the couple to incorporate local ingredients into the menu including Northern Michigan cherries for the salad, a whitefish entrée and cider from Tandem Ciders in Suttons Bay.

Mary Kate grew up dining at another Stafford’s restaurant, the Pier in Harbor Springs. Her family celebrated her 13th birthday and rang in the 2000 New Year there. “It was always a site for big events for me,” Mary Kate says. It was only fitti g for Stafford’s to be hosting this big day too.

After dinner, guests kicked off their heels and enjoyed the weekend getaway. The buzz of the city was perfect for a fun evening fi led with dancing, and a trolley was available to take the wedding party between the Bay View Inn and Perry Hotel. The convenient onsite lodging made Stafford’s perfect for Mary Kate and Adam's destination wedding.

PHOTOGRAPHY: HEATHER CISLER PHOTOGRAPHY,

HEATHERCISLERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

VENUE: STAFFORD’S PERRY HOTEL & BAY VIEW

INN, A EUROPEAN-STYLE BOUTIQUE HOTEL

AND A CHARMING COUNTRY INN, PETOSKEY,

STAFFORDS.COM

Mary Kate Adam&


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Opposite: While taking pictures at Harbor Springs’ marina, a man offered to let the newlyweds use his boat. “That’s what I love about Northern Michigan, you see that sense of community and generosity,” Mary Kate says. This page, clockwise: Mary Kate and Adam are married in front of friends, family and Little Traverse Bay at the Bay View Inn. The couple handed out sunglasses to their guests with “MK & A” inscribed on them. Their programs read, “Music starts, we get married, everyone parties.” Janelle and Ellen at Smitten Events in Harbor Springs helped with planning, including making Mary Kate’s bouquet—a mix of in-season Northern Michigan flowers in shades of pink blushes and greens. The young couple included #keetermyheart on their napkins.

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This page, clockwise: Simply Sweet by Jessica in Petoskey made Mary Kate’s lemon vanilla cake covered with macaroons. Pictures of Mary Kate and Adam’s parents and grandparents on their wedding days surrounded the cake. The world-traveling couple saw a sign with “Spiritual Advisement” at a cocktail bar in London and knew they had to incorporate it into their wedding.


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This page: The Keeters shared their first dance as a married couple to “The Way I Am,” by Ingrid Michaelson. Mary Kate changed into a sweetheart dress for the reception and dancing. The gold letters added a touch of glitz and glam to the night. The sunset over Little Traverse Bay was a perfect ending to Mary Kate and Adam’s big day.

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ProprietorsStafford’s Hospitality

Event Coordinator/Sales DirectorAngela [email protected]

Reception CapacityUp to 250 guests

Event Rooms3 - Bay View Inn3 - Perry Hotel

Guest Rooms31 - Bay View Inn79 - Perry Hotel

STAFFORD’S BAY VIEW INN & PERRY HOTEL

Make your wedding a truly landmark event.

We are happy to provide you an all-inclusive event encompassing your rehearsal

dinner, lodging accommodations, ceremony, reception and post-wedding brunch or

farewell. Every detail will be tended to by our event specialists and our promise to

you is a fairy tale wedding that is limited only by your own imagination. Stafford's

Bay View Inn, offers guests the grace and romance of a bygone era, set against the

exquisite views of Little Traverse Bay. This charming country Inn was built in 1886

and has enchanted visitors for over 130

years. Perched high on a bluff overlook-

ing Lake Michigan, Stafford's Perry Hotel

stands as a proud symbol of the early

1900s when northern Michigan tourism

was in its infancy. The Perry's unique

event atmosphere and convenient

downtown location provide a lively alter-

native to sprawling, remote resorts com-

mon to northern Michigan. We invite

you to experience Stafford's signature

hospitality, where yesterday and today

come together.

Guest Services

accommodations

event facilities

recreation

catering

Wedding NotebookExperience the grandeur and elegance of bygone era. Stafford’s Bay View Inn boasts 31 individually appointed guest rooms, signature historic charm and beautiful views of Little Traverse Bay. Stafford’s Perry Hotel offers 79 individu-ally appointed guest rooms, tucked away in the historic Gaslight District in downtown Petoskey, and offers crystal clear views of Little Traverse Bay.

Stafford’s is an ideal jumping off point for all things north and just 35 miles from the Mackinac Bridge, about six hours from Chicago and four hours from Detroit. Pellston Regional Airport is right in the backyard. And it’s quite a backyard. Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay area is truly a state treasure. Guest can immerse themselves in this charming northern Michigan locale and sample its many intriguing tastes, season after season. Featuring world-class golf, skiing, beaches, shopping, cultural activities, biking, fi shing and boating.

Weddings are a symphony of details, performed to perfection. Stafford’s offers exceptional backdrops to ceremonies, receptions, rehearsals, post-wedding brunches and luncheons. Superb indoor and outdoor venues both make for unforgettable events. Each of our venues boasts a singular feel all its own and includes Stafford’s signature service

It centers all around the food. Always fresh, always fabulous, and often coming from local area farms. Plated entrées can be selected to complement a theme or style. Fantastic buffets lend fl exibility and depth. Some of northern Michigan’s fi nest dining starts with Stafford’s.

STAFFORD’S BAY VIEW INN & PERRY HOTEL 100 Lewis Street

Petoskey, MI 49770

231.348.6017

Staffords.com

Our onsite event coordinators will handle everything. Guests can

take advantage of our 24-hour front desks. A breakfast voucher is

included with all overnight stays. Our skilled staff of professional

event planners can execute your wish to perfection, or create a

truly special event from the ground up.


Northern Michigan Landmark Weddings

STAFFORDS.COM • 800-737-1899

Where yesterday & today come together

Dan Stew

art Photography

Accommodating up to 150 guests.


mynorth wedding 2016: staffords bay view inn & perry hotel

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