"No!", Said The Bride, "No Bows For Me!"

Got a call from an old friend, that I had not seen in a while. He asked me if I would help his sister set up a wedding for her daughter. "Of course, I would be delighted too help!" "How many bows do you want me to make?" As I pulled up to the family cottage, on Sunday, I knew that this was to be a blessed day.

 

Our special, neighborhood flower farmer, was there with her husband and armfuls of flowers in vases. Omena Cut Flowers, no wedding on the bay can go on without them! 

If all is white the flowers set the stage with their pops of color gracing the center of the reception tables. 

The blessing of the Birch Trees, a tree of beginnings, new dawns and promise, the alter of the wedding vows. 

The shared efforts of family and friends, creating a truly special celebration of love on this beautiful Sunday morning on the bay. 

We all worked together to set a pretty table. 

A party of eighty eight friends and family! All who, yes they did, carry the chairs back to the tables after the ceremony. 

It was just like in the movies!!

Mother Nature at the weather controls, she's a pro, could not have been a more beautiful day! She even threw down a moon rise for the special couple. 

A thousand Origami Cranes hung from the trees. A Japanese tradition, symbolic of life, longevity and happiness.

Life, Liberty, Beaches and Pies! Oh My! Treat bags from Cherry Republic for the guests!

The mother bought the pots of Daises and we put them in the wrought iron baskets, then lined the aisle with small white mums for the bride. 

How could I not have enjoyed helping? The scene was peaceful and serene on this Sunday morning, over looking the water. 

Clever seating chart! 

The floral arrangements were nestled into a spread of Cedar and polished beach stones.  Symbolic of Lake Michigan! 

The brides friends created an arch of Cranes over the alter....

....and hung the garlands of cranes all through the tent. Gently swinging in the breeze.

We used satin ribbon to line the railing for the bride. Her mother snugged the Mums around the bottom of the stairs. 

"No bows", said the bride! The wedding turn out to be extremely elegant without all the fuss!

Even the outhouses were given some attention. 

Flowers everywhere!