From the ceremony in an adorable vintage chapel and the cocktail hour on the beach to the tented reception in the woods along Lake Michigan, this wedding is a Midsummer Night’s Dream come true–and that was exactly the inspo for this beautiful day! Keep reading to hear all about the stunning decor and incredible food and drinks that made this wedding so unforgettable. And you’ll definitely want to pin these photos by Abbey Moore for your own summer wedding plans.
you may also like
Living Trees Mixed with Pretty Florals in this Unique Pastel Wedding
18 Photos That Will Make You Say Yes To Floral Bridesmaid Dresses
Pastel Wedding Weekend with the Prettiest Floral Bridesmaid Dresses
the vibe: a midsummer night on lake michigan
Elizabeth has spent countless summers escaping to Glen Arbor, Michigan, where her family’s charming lake house became a haven of cherished memories. When she and Sam started dating, it quickly became their special retreat—a place filled with long summer days by the water, sunset sails, and endless laughter. So when it came time to say, “I do,” there was no question that the shores of Lake Michigan would set the scene for their wedding day.
As an interior designer, Elizabeth dreamed of a wedding that embodied a midsummer night’s enchantment—floral-filled, whimsical, and effortlessly elegant. To bring her vision to life, she collaborated with fox & fern events and BLOOM Floral Design to create a garden fairy tale aesthetic with lush, layered blooms, delicate patterns, and enchanting details at every turn. The day began in a historic chapel with soft seafoam walls that perfectly complemented the wedding’s ethereal palette.
their love story
Elizabeth and Sam’s love story had a serendipitous start, thanks to a little matchmaking by their parents, who were work colleagues. In a sweet twist of fate, their phone numbers were exchanged via work email, and their parents even tagged along for their first date—a Cubs game. This special beginning was playfully honored at their welcome party with Cubs-themed koozies, a nod to the moment it all began.
the invitations
Guests received a custom-crafted invitation suite in the mail featuring an assortment of pastel blue and green floral prints that would later be echoed throughout the wedding. We love that they went the extra mile and used blue stamps featuring vintage lace patterns!
the fashion
Elizabeth and her ladies started the day in matching blue and white smocked cotton dresses that were such a vibe! These dresses are so cute, and we love that they’ll definitely be worn again. Then, once their hair and makeup was finished, the bridesmaids helped Elizabeth into her silk mermaid gown and lace bodice. Clad in mix-and-match pastel dresses with an array of floral prints, the girls picked up their bouquets and headed to the chapel. Sam and his men awaited their arrival, sporting matching blue suits and celadon green ties.
the food and drink
With Sam’s deep appreciation for fine food, exceptional cuisine was a must. Island Thyme Catering crafted a farm-to-table dining experience, featuring artistic touches like salted floral butter plates, while Tonic and Lime curated an impeccable bar program, serving signature Aperol Spritzes at both the beachside bar and the main reception. As the night wound down, guests gathered by a crackling bonfire on the beach, indulging in late-night sliders and creamy mac and cheese under the starlit sky.
cocktail hour on the beach
After an intimate ceremony, guests made their way to The Leelanau School, a hidden gem nestled along the shoreline. Cocktail hour unfolded on the sandy beach, where a vintage tap truck poured local brews, and guests were encouraged to slip off their shoes and savor the golden hour. Thoughtfully styled lounge areas, striped umbrellas, and passed hors d’oeuvres created a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.
a tented reception
As the sun dipped lower, The Lakeshore Encores, a Chicago-based live band, signaled the start of the evening festivities. Guests were led to a sailcloth tent adorned with a floral-draped entrance and a custom seating chart that felt straight out of a storybook. Inside, tablescapes were a dream—embroidered green linens, ticking-striped napkins, and an artful mix of floral and textured blue patterns layered together in perfect harmony. Hyacinth chargers, roped taper candles, and playful wave-edge table numbers added a touch of whimsy, while watercolor menus from Rebecca Green Design brought an artist’s touch to the setting. A custom blue bar, designed by Timeless Rentals, became a stunning focal point, tying the entire aesthetic together.
the cake
For dessert, a hand-painted three-tier cake and local Moomers ice cream cones delighted guests, adding a playful yet elegant finale to the meal. It was the perfect ending to a day that felt like pure magic—an ethereal garden dream brought to life on the shores of Lake Michigan, filled with love, laughter, and the kind of memories that last forever.