It was only 8 months from the time Levi Moseler proposed to Abigail Novinski on a beach in South Carolina to the moment they said “I do” on the Great Lawn at Mackinac Island’s Mission Point Resort. That's the two of them pictured above, courtesy of Katharine Rose Photography.
Eight months is a tight window for planning any wedding, let alone one that’s 1,100 miles from home. What’s more, Abby had never even set foot on Mackinac Island until she arrived the day before she walked down the aisle.
Yet, everything went off as if she had spent her life on Mackinac Island planning weddings!
Whether you’re looking to get married in a few months or a few years, Abby’s advice could be helpful. Here are four of her top tips for any couple planning a Mackinac Island wedding:
Book your Mackinac Island wedding vendors and accommodations ASAP!
There are literally hundreds of weddings on Mackinac Island each year, and almost all of them happen during the main visitor season from May through October. That means you have to act fast to reserve a Mackinac Island wedding venue, a Mackinac Island place to stay for you and your guests, and Mackinac Island wedding vendors including photographers, videographers, DJs, cake shops, floral designers, salons and more.
Because Abby and Levi were willing to get married on a Friday, they were able to book a ceremony and reception site and find vendors just a few months out. (Did you know that Mackinac Island weddings are held on every day of the week?) If you’re set on a Saturday wedding, it’s even more important to get everything squared away as soon as possible.
Plan ahead for Mackinac Island transportation logistics
Part of the charm of Mackinac Island is that it’s totally car-free. Yet, when it comes to weddings, that’s also a challenge. The ferry boat ride from the mainland and horse-drawn taxis from place to place all help make the moment magical, but it’s important to keep island time in mind: Nothing moves fast in a clip-clop culture. Detailed itineraries and transportation instructions can help your guests get to the festivities on time, and make sure your wedding party never runs late.
Abby and Levi had some special touches to their Mackinac Island wedding, including a set of doors that the bride walked through at the start of their outdoor ceremony (pictured below, courtesy of Katharine Rose Photography) and a “Just Married” rickshaw for a newlywed tour around town. Neither of those could be taken to Mackinac Island on the ferry, and they both needed special transportation that required advance planning.
Embrace the natural beauty of Mackinac Island
Both Michigan natives, Abby and Levi decided to get married in the Great Lakes State. And Abby wanted a waterfront ceremony. Although she had never been to Mackinac Island, when she started looking at photos of Mackinac Island weddings she began dreaming of her own fairytale wedding there.
Sure enough, her July wedding was literally a dream come true with unforgettable memories amid the breathtaking scenery – all perfectly captured by their Mackinac Island wedding photographer.
Don’t stress the little details of a Mackinac Island wedding
You can’t go wrong with the timeless charm of Mackinac Island. Your guests will be spellbound by the unique experience, no matter what.
See More Photos From Abby and Levi’s Mackinac Island Wedding
Mackinac Island Wedding Guide
The Mackinac Island Wedding Guide is a wonderful resource to help you get started with your wedding planning. Sign up to receive a print version or view the digital magazine online and see for yourself how amazing your Mackinac Island wedding could be.
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