July 29, 2006
Newlyweds Sonya and Rich Nash of Granger, Indiana didn't need a passport to have a destination wedding close to home. The "Love Boat" themed wedding took place aboard the Star of Saugatuck on Lake Michigan. Their July 29, 2006 wedding started at 8:00 in the morning when a chartered bus left Elkhart with family and friends attending the ceremony. "I wanted to get married on water because it's really quiet, the sky is so blue and it's so peaceful. Lake Michigan's proximity made it both convenient and affordable for our guests," commented Sonya.
The day for the guests began with a catered "sack" breakfast, and a movie on the bus. Once aboard the boat, guests enjoyed the sounds of Jimmy Buffet, the Beach Boys and frozen tropical punch. "We wanted it to be a day of fun and adventure and memorable for them as well as for us," explained Sonya. Guests were invited to wear cool, comfortable and casual clothing for the ceremony.
The traditional ceremony included the original song "Drawn to You" performed by local artist John McSorley. After the ceremony a catered lunch was served, complete with wedding cake cookies.
When the boat docked, the happy coupled traveled to the lighthouse in St. Joseph, a southern Michigan vineyard and the Grotto at Notre Dame for photos. Guests had about an hour and a half to explore the town of Saugatuck with its quaint artisan gift and craft shops. After the bus ride back to Elkhart, guests had enough time to freshen up and change into evening attire for an elegant reception set at Tippecanoe Place in South Bend.
The special treatment didn't stop there. Each table held it's own miniature wedding cake, served to guests as they finished their meal. Sonya and Rich later cut the traditional cake outside in a tent.
A destination wedding doesn't have to be so expensive and far away that guests can't attend--Sonya and Rich proved that. "Did it take more work and was it more details, yes, but by far it exceeded everyone's expectation," commented Sonya.
Star of Saugatuck
Saugatuck, MI
Reception Location:
Tippecanoe Place
South Bend, IN
Wedding Coordinator:
The Perfect Solution
Elkhart, IN
Breakfast & Lunch Caterer:
Chic Eats Catering
Union, MI
Photographer:
Cathy Dietz Photography
South Bend, IN
Videographer:
Scott & Annie Wadzinski through Cathy Dietz Photography
South Bend, IN
Wedding Gown:
Renee's House of Bridal
Michigan City, IN
Bridesmaids Gowns:
Stephenson's
Elkhart, IN
Hair Salon:
A Cut Above
Nappanee, IN
Nail Salons:
Elite Nails
Mishawaka, IN
Adult Tuxedos:
Bernardo's
Mishawaka, IN
Ring-Bearer's Tuxedo:
Louie's Tux Shop
Mishawaka, IN
Wedding Rings:
Hopman Jewelers
Elkhart, IN
Flowers:
MichaelAngelo's "The Event Company"
South Bend, IN
Reception Decorations:
Grand Event
South Bend, IN
Ceremony Decorations:
Balloons Ala Mode
Goshen, IN
Invitations:
The Perfect Solutions
Elkhart, IN
Wedding Cake:
Rascia's
Granger, IN
Rental Company:
Grand Event
South Bend, IN
Ceremony Music:
John McSorley
Granger, IN
Reception DJ:
InTune DJ
Mishawaka, IN
Rehearsal Dinner:
Papa Joe's
Mishawaka, IN
Transportation:
Cardinal Coaches
Middlebury, IN
Honeymoon:
Maui, Hawaii