a man and woman holding hands and walking on a golf course
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A Grand Traverse Resort Wedding | Sara & Gavin

Sara and Gavin’s wedding at Grand Traverse Resort was more than just a celebration; it was the perfect blend of convenience, beauty, and personal meaning. For them, Northern Michigan felt like the ideal spot to host a “destination” wedding that their family and friends could easily attend. The Grand Traverse Resort offered everything they needed—lodging, food, and fun for guests—plus a special bonus: a golf course. As avid golfers, Sara and Gavin loved the idea of returning to the resort every year on their anniversary, teeing off and reliving the memories.

The morning of their wedding unfolded with calm anticipation. For Sara, that calm came in part because she waited until the last minute to write her vows, which gave her time to reflect on their relationship and the commitment she was about to make. When she turned the corner with her dad and walked toward the ceremony, the flood of emotion hit her—it was the first time she saw all the pieces of their planning come together, surrounded by family and friends.

Meanwhile, Gavin started the day on the golf course with 13 of his closest friends and family members. It set the perfect tone—filled with laughter, smiles, and minimal nerves. His favorite memory of the morning was the shared joy with his crew right before they headed to the ceremony.

Looking back on the day, both Sara and Gavin had their standout moments. For Sara, it was late in the night when almost everyone was on the dance floor, and she made it her mission to pull the last few sitting guests up to join the party. The energy of seeing their friends and families dancing together to the live band was something she’ll never forget. Gavin, on the other hand, remembers the overwhelming love, excitement, and smiles from everyone present—a testament to the vibe they had worked so hard to create.

When it came to personal memories, Sara cherished the intimacy of their ceremony. Even though they were surrounded by over 100 guests, standing on the beach with Gavin felt like they were in their own world. For Gavin, his favorite moment was waiting at the altar, watching Sara come into view and walk up the aisle toward him—a vision he had dreamed about long before they even started planning the wedding, and it turned out exactly as he had imagined.

One piece of advice they took to heart was doing a “first look.” Many people had suggested it, and they loved having that quiet moment together before the whirlwind of the day began. Plus, it allowed them to take their photos before the ceremony, giving them more time to enjoy their guests.

For future couples planning their big day, Sara’s advice is simple: do it together. She felt lucky to have Gavin as an equal partner throughout the process, which made the day feel like a true representation of both of them. Gavin’s advice? Build the day based on what you and your partner want, not what others expect. And if you can, turn the wedding into a multi-day event surrounded by the people you love most.

Sara and Gavin’s wedding wasn’t just a day—it was a weekend filled with love, laughter, and moments that will stay with them for years to come. And just like the resort they chose, their memories are ones they’ll return to again and again.

Bride’s Dress: Made With Love Bridal | Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Bride and Groom’s Rings: Diamonds and Jewelry Unlimited | Groom’s Suit: Edward’s Men’s Shop | Groomsmen’s Suits: Men’s Warehouse | Preparation, Ceremony, and Reception Location and Caterer: Grand Traverse Resort | Florist: Bride | Dessert:  Grand Traverse Resort | Band: Blue Water Kings Band | Transportation: Blue Lakes Charters | Invitations: Zazzle