For as long as I can remember, I envisioned my wedding not just as a celebration, but as a creative expression—an opportunity to design an experience that felt deeply personal, meaningful, and entirely our own. Rather than focusing on traditional elements like dresses or cakes, I saw our wedding as an art project—one where colors, typography, illustration, and thoughtful design could capture the immense joy of two families coming together.

Inspired by our shared love for Mackinac Island, I set out to create a wedding that felt like a true reflection of us—a love letter to the place that holds so much meaning for our families. Every detail was intentionally designed, from a custom monogram that appeared on flags, cups, and signage to a suite of illustrations representing key moments in our relationship.

Guests received a 14-page wedding invitation booklet, carefully crafted to provide all the details for an unforgettable experience. At the reception, each place setting featured a wood-engraved Mackinac Island keepsake, and as a final touch, we mailed a four-page wedding recap newspaper along with our thank-you notes.

The result was a wedding that proved design can shape an experience—one that was uniquely ours, deeply personal, and a true departure from tradition. This Mackinac-inspired collection of paper goods, signage, and curated details seamlessly blended with the island’s beauty, creating an unforgettable celebration of love, art, and place.

Photography by: Brian D Smith Photography