Beautiful Beach Wedding in Harbor Springs | Libby & Max
Libby and Max’s beach wedding at L’Arbre Croche wasn’t just any celebration—it was a coming home. Northern Michigan holds a deep significance for both of them, with Max’s roots in Petoskey and Libby’s summers spent in Harbor Springs. So when it came time to choose a wedding venue, there wasn’t much of a contest. L’Arbre Croche wasn’t just a beautiful place; it was personal. Libby’s grandfather was one of the founders, and it had become a place where they shared countless moments together, including much of the summer of 2020. The connection they felt to the dunes and forests surrounding the area made it feel like the only place they could imagine starting their next chapter together.
The morning of their beach wedding was a mix of excitement and nerves. Libby shared personal cards with her bridesmaids—a heartfelt gesture that set the tone for the day. Her first look with Max was a quiet, intimate moment on the beach, reading the vows they wrote for each other. Libby had already ditched her shoes in the sand, which made Max laugh, knowing they’d planned for her to keep them on until after the ceremony. But that’s the beauty of it—nothing about the day felt forced. It was all real, raw, and totally them.
Max spent his morning relaxed, walking the beach with his groomsmen and feeling the thrill of what was to come. But when the first look was just moments away, that anxious energy set in. The second he saw Libby, though, all those nerves melted away, and from that point on, it was all about fun and savoring each moment.
The ceremony itself was nothing short of perfect. Max felt immense pride walking down the aisle with his parents by his side. As he stood at the altar, surrounded by his closest friends and family, there was a sense of completeness when he finally saw Libby walking toward him. It was one of those moments where the world feels right, even if only for a few heartbeats.
There were so many standout moments throughout the day that it’s hard to pick just one. For Libby, the first look and vow reading, walking down the aisle to Max, and the heartfelt toasts all held special significance. But there was also the fun side of things—like realizing halfway through the night that guests had left their seats to watch the stunning sunset, or dancing to a “Gimme Gimme” remix with friends and family. And to cap it off, running with their best friends from the reception tent to the lake for a night swim was one of those memories you know will stay with them forever.
For Max, the day was filled with little moments of joy—like walking the beach with his groomsmen and playing in the creeks like kids again. The first look, with Libby’s aunt and uncle sneaking by in the background, was one he’ll never forget. And dancing with his Aunt Barbara brought a feeling of his late Bubbie being there with them. The best part? Ending the night by jumping into the lake with so many of their friends—it was more than he could’ve hoped for.
But perhaps their favorite memory of each other from the day was when they realized they had been left alone on the beach at sunset. It was one of those perfect moments where time slows down. Walking back to the reception hand in hand, with everyone else watching the sunset, was a small, unexpected gift in the middle of an already magical day.
Dress Designer: Carol Hannah
Suit Designer: Onyx Custom Suiting
Venue: L’Arbre CorcheWedding Planner: The Crow’s Nest
Hair & Makeup Stylist: Up North Beauty
Florist: Sweetwater Floral
Caterer: Crow’s Nest
Desserts: Small Batch at the Cupola
DJ: 2 Bays DJ
Transportation: Sunset Premier Shuttles and Mackinac Old Time Trolley Company
Stationary: Zola
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