Have you ever been to Traverse City? Have you ever been to the Old State Hospital Grounds? If you answered ‘yes’ to the first and ‘no’ to the second, then you’ve never REALLY been to Traverse City.

Just one mile outside of downtown, it is truly one of the most unique places in the Northern Michigan area. For Kristin & Michael, it was the only place they wanted to get married at. “The Old State Hospital grounds have special meaning for Michael and I. When Michael picked me up for our first date I was living in Cottage 36, located between the Botanic Gardens at Historic Barns Park and Building 50. After a summer of dating and getting to know one another, Michael invited me to hike the trails behind the old hospital with him. That night he asked me to be his girlfriend! We’ve both worked in Building 50 during different parts of our relationship and it’s always been one of our favorite places in Traverse City.”

Kristin & Michael’s day was amongst one of the most memorable for many reasons. Not just because the weather was perfect, or because they had a food truck serving pulled pork sandwiches (which was awesome), but because of Kristin & Michael themselves. It’s rare to find a couple so in love and so not worried about the logistics of the day because they’re so fully absorbed in each other. Just how it should be. “The tranquility remained throughout the day. All the stress of wedding planning, small details, and delegating of tasks were over and all I needed to do was enjoy the day. I remember feeling energized, blissful, and incredibly grateful. It really hit me when I was getting my makeup done. From that point on I was a bag of emotions. I felt overwhelmed with love and appreciation.”

With all the preparations finished, Kristin was ready to make her way down to her first look with Michael. “There was a live band playing in the lawn at The Pavilions. They were playing Trisha Yearwood’s “She’s in Love With The Boy” and as I’m walking up to Michael I hear the end of the chorus, “She’s in love with the boy, and even if they have to run away, she’s gonna marry that boy someday.” It was perfect. I was aware of everything and taking it all in. Michael had my undivided attention.” After a few moments of soaking each other in, Kristin & Michael charged ahead into the rest of the day together, barely taking their eyes off one another!

Kristin & Michael, it’s couples like you that remind me why I do what I do. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your day, and congratulations!