“When we first visited the Botanic Garden in the Historic Barns Park, it was the dead of winter, but the gardens were still an easy decision for us in choosing our reception venue.” Alyssa and Trevor knew having an outdoor wedding was a priority, and with many expected guests, they needed a space large enough to accommodate for all their friends and family.

“We not only fell in love with the gardens, but with the staff who would be helping us plan our perfect wedding. The Botanic Garden had everything we wanted: a large lawn, beautiful gardens and landscaping, a unique pavilion that could be used for our cocktail hour, close proximity to where our family & friends would be staying, and it perfectly showcased the picturesque city that we call home.”

The big day finally arrived for Alyssa and Trevor, “Waking up on July 14th, 2018 was something I wish I could relive over & over again. This was the day I had been dreaming about for many years, and as nervous as I was in the weeks leading up to the wedding, I had a surprisingly calm feeling when I woke up that morning. All of the work we had put in during the days leading up to our wedding was now taken care of, and I knew I had reached the point where I could wipe my hands clean, and simply sit back and take-in all of the excitement of the day – and be able to enjoy every moment.” Alyssa and her girls spent the morning together, getting ready and loving each other through all the emotion. “I loved starting my day with all of the most important ladies in my life, who helped me channel in all of my emotions. Happiness was 100% what I was feeling, whether it came out as laughter or as tears! I was surrounded by so many great people, who were fully committed to supporting Trevor & I on our wedding day.”

As for Trevor, he awoke on his wedding day at 6 AM. “…in true ‘fudgie’ style, I stepped out of the Bayshore Hotel with a cup of coffee and sat down by myself on the beach for a few hours. The water was calm and peaceful, and the city was still sleeping. These were the only moments I had to myself on my wedding day to just take it all in without any distractions, and I will always be grateful I did that. Everyone always says you experience a wide range of emotions on your wedding day, and that was the one time I really felt that – nervousness, excitement, happiness, and many more.”

While Trevor and Alyssa’s day continued, it began to fill up with special moments that the newlyweds will hold on to forever. “From seeing Trevor for the first time at the first look, to walking down the aisle to meet him at the front of Church, reading our vows to each other, and staying on our feet during our choreographed ‘first dance’; all the way to our evening newlywed photo session and dancing together for the rest of the night. Each and every one of these moments is still so clear in my memory, and I am thankful for that. So many people told us in advance, ‘make sure to have a moment together where you can take it all in.’ Well, it seemed like every time I looked at Trevor, whether we were locking in eye contact with each other, or he was laughing with one of our friends/family member, I could not help but think how perfect our day was.”

One of Trevor’s favorite moments was when he finally earned his ‘local’ status. “The best moment was when Alyssa officially renounced my ‘fudgie’ status during our first look, and declared me a local of Traverse City. I almost cried.”

The entire day was full of emotions for Trevor and Alyssa; some of such importance, the emotion was uncontrollable. “I felt there were many moments when I was able to control what was happening, while there were other moments that I was so overcome with emotion, that the tears – or other intense feelings – could not be stopped. There are a couple that really stick out: he First Look. It is hard not to consider this the most emotional part of the day. I knew I was going to be nervous at our ceremony, walking down the aisle in front of hundreds of people, and reciting our vows, so we decided that a ‘first look’ might help calm the nerves. I was so happy driving over to where I would meet Trev, knowing that he would finally see me, as his bride! Also, reciting our vows to each other in Church was another emotional moment. I thought I was going to choke up and not be able to talk, but I was so proud to be up there, about to marry the man of my dreams, that everything came out very naturally. It was a special moment to be able to say our vows in front of God, and in front of every single one of our closest family members and friends.”

The day as a whole was truly the best day of their lives!

Congratulations Trevor and Alyssa! May God bless your marriage.