WEDDINGS WE LOVE: JACOB & RACHEL

“In a year where we weren’t sure whether our wedding would actually happen, we were able to safely have the wedding day of our dreams with the help of Angie and the Stafford’s team.” – Rachel & Jake, Wedding Couple

Their Story

We met at Beard’s in Petoskey at a trivia night. Both of us had moved to northern Michigan recently. Rachel returned “home” after going to school and working downstate for 10 years and Jake moving to his favorite family vacation spot after serving in the Navy. 

The Proposal

Jake planned a fishing trip to a small fly-in resort in Canada, which is one of his favorite places in the world because of the beautiful lakes and undeveloped wilderness surrounding them. He booked the trip almost a year in advance, and asked Rachel’s father for her hand a few days before leaving. He had her grandmother’s ring in his pocket the whole drive north, on the little sea plane getting to the remote late, and the first day fishing from the little aluminum board.

After successfully fishing at Walleye Point (Jake knows just the spot to catch all the fish), as the sun was setting, Jake got down on one knee in the boat and asked Rachel to spend the rest of their lives together. Jake will say it took Rachel a few minutes to respond, but really it was just shock over carrying the ring in a boat in the middle of a lake! 

Why They Chose To Marry In Northern Michigan

Northern Michigan is home! Both of us are so grateful to be able to live in this amazing place, and love sharing it with all of our family and friends. Our very first choice for a wedding venue was the Perry’s Rose Garden Veranda because it’s one of our favorite places in Petoskey. We live downtown and throughout the summer, we walk to the Perry for dinner and drinks overlooking sunsets on Lake Michigan.

Fun Facts 

• We had to have our dogs be part of our special day because when we met, we each had a one year old dog, and they’re truly part of the family. So, instead of a bridal party, we have our Dog of Honor and Best Dog by our side (along with Rachel’s brother and Jake’s sister). The pups even had a bowtie with a  boutonniere and a flower collar, not to mention our signature drinks were named for them! 
• Rain was forecasted for the whole day, but right before the ceremony the rain stopped. Even though the Stafford’s team was fully prepared for the weather, they were also fully prepared for changes and quickly re-staged the area so guests could spend time outside the tent during the reception. The change in weather also meant Rachel’s grandmothers 1967 Mustang convertible could be driven around by the newlyweds for photos. 
• Instead of a wedding cake, we opted for a cookie bar with hundreds of our favorite flavors of Tom’s Mom’s Cookies from Harbor Springs. The individually wrapped cookies were a huge hit with our guests. We even had a giant cookie on a cake stand with a topped, taking the place of a formal cake. 

Rachel & Jake’s Wedding Dream Team

Venue: Stafford’s Perry Hotel | Rose Garden Veranda 

Photographer: Emily Vizina 

Dessert: Tom’s Mom’s Cookies 

Flowers: Sky’s the Limit 

Dress: Becker’s Bridal 

Music: DJ’s North 

• Submitted by Rachel & Jake