Chris and I celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary this past weekend. We got married last year in South Haven, MI and the little town quickly became my favorite place in the world. We were able to have a small beach wedding at a very reasonable price.
As a kid, I dreamed of a big wedding but when the time came and the planning began, I panicked. My anxiety got the best of me and I started stressing out about the wedding before there was even anything to stress about.
I jokingly (kind of) suggested to Chris that we elope. He vetoed that idea because he wanted our parents and our kids, at least, to be at the wedding. BUT he didn’t completely knock the idea of not having a traditionally large wedding.
Researching Low-Key Wedding Options
I began researching some different options and decided that I wanted to get married in a beach wedding on Lake Michigan, no reception or anything. At first, I was worried about what everyone would think but then remembered, our wedding day is supposed to be about US and that would be impossible if I was stressed out and anxious all day.
I found a cute little bed and breakfast in South Haven called Martha’s Vineyard that offered a wedding package… 2-night stay and a private wedding (with a couple other perks as well) and went for it.
In the description on Martha’s Vineyard’s website, it stated that the wedding would be held at the bed and breakfast. I was okay with that but I reaaaallly wanted a beach wedding. I sent an e-mail over to the owner asking if it would be possible. She agreed and made all the arrangements. I literally didn’t have to do anything except bring the marriage license and look nice. Oh and bring the rings, of course.
The Wedding
A handful of our closest family members were able to make it to the wedding. Since we didn’t have a reception, we all went out to eat afterward.
This tiny little low key wedding was SO perfect for us. We have no regrets about our decision.
The wedding was so inexpensive, intimate and personal. Plus, we got to spend the weekend in a beautiful place. Having a 5-month-old baby, I didn’t want to be away for long and definitely didn’t want to travel far so a traditional honeymoon was out of the question, too. The South Haven wedding still gave us the chance to spend relaxing alone time together both before and after the wedding.
We loved it so much we are heading back this coming weekend to celebrate our marriage.
Did you choose to have a big wedding or did you opt for something smaller? If you aren’t married yet, what kind of ceremony do you plan on having? Let me know in the comments!
*If you want to know how we made it through the first year of marriage, consider checking out these posts: 10 Steps to Make Your Marriage Last, How to Keep the Spark Alive *
This sounds so lovely! I think intimate wedding ceremonies are so sweet and definitely something that can be treasured more than very big, impersonal weddings (but that’s just my opinion – of course anyone’s wedding will be treasured by them, however they end up doing it!). You looked so gorgeous!
Beka | http://www.bekadaisies.com
I agree. I think it is different for everyone but for me it was definitely the way to go. Thank you!!
I love this so much! You guys make a beautiful couple! Personally, I feel like I would a smaller more intimate wedding but I know I am solely saying that because I do not like attention at all haha!
Really enjoyed reading this! xx
https://beaulife.org
I’m the same way! I don’t like everyone’s attention on me lol. Thanks for the comment!