Story
The first time I met John was at Miller Road Park in Avon Lake. We had been talking for a little while through social media but this first meeting was essentially a blind date. I was very nervous, but excited at the same time. So naturally I grabbed my bottle of wine and drove to the park. Once we got there, John and I sat on a bench looking over the lake, we talked for hours, almost like we were old friends. We connected on so many levels. We talked about life goals, places we've traveled, his work on the cruise ship, my daughter Avery, our passions, and our fears. We often think back to this very moment. How special and organic it was, as if our lives stopped at the same fork in the road, and we both chose the same path to follow.
Tidbits
How did you first meet?
We met through our love for sunsets. As crazy as that sounds, John's ability to capture those Lake Erie sunsets is what caught my eye. I randomly came across a beautiful sunset photo on his Instagram page, not realizing he was a local guy living about 5 minutes away from me. We chatted on and off for a few months about life, nature, our passions, and how our paths had intersected randomly, but at the perfect time.
Who made the first move? How?
Ha! This will always be a topic of discussion. John will say that I made the first move by "sliding into his DM's" on Instagram but the truth is- I had too, I was intrigued. I had never met someone like him before and I wanted to learn more. He cares and communicates on a deeper level and his love for all things nature was just too hard to resist. He showed me respect, honesty, and friendship from the very beginning and I knew this was the man I wanted in my life.
What was your most memorable date?
October 2020- We had been dating for a few months and he wanted to surprise me with a day trip somewhere I had never been. We drove the backroads down to Charm, OH, a small town in Amish Country, and explored. We shopped at the local markets, wandered through the neighboring towns, and stopped at every winery along the way. There are two things we both love- Being spontaneous and taking weekend fall drives. On our way back home, we both had this new found feeling of contentment and happiness. John will say that I looked at him differently on that drive home. Its because I knew I had found someone who loves what I love, who enjoys the simple things, and who will always keep life fun and exciting.
What's your favorite activity together?
I would say taking walks in nature or a movie night on the couch. John says... bird watching!
Where are you going for your honeymoon?
Anywhere with beautiful water and beaches! Probably somewhere in the South Pacific- Mo'orea, Fiji, Bora Bora..?
What's the best meal you have eaten together?
I could think of something super romantic, but in reality- It's anything from our favorite food truck Red Shamrock!
What's the most memorable trip you have taken together?
Aruba! Everything about this trip was perfect, especially the proposal on the beach.
We’re on the same page about
What's important to us- communication, trust, balance, listening to each other, and understanding that everyone gives and receives love differently {The 5 Love Languages} Our life and career goals align in many ways. We value family, friendship, and finding ways to be happy! And that's spending time with the people we love most. (You all!)
What is your motto as a couple?
Always grow together.
Schedule
Friday, August 18, 2023
Ceremony and Reception
5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
We're getting married! We'd like to share a few words with everyone. Dinner, drinks, and dancing to follow!
Winery / Cocktail Attire- bring a light jacket and wear comfortable shoes!
Registry
Your presence is enough of a present to us! But for those of you who still feel like being generous, we've put together our wish-list for you.
Travel
Getting In
We recommend flying into Cherry Capital Airport (Traverse City) or Grand Rapids Airport (still about a 2 hour drive to Traverse City)
August can be pretty busy for Traverse City/ Suttons Bay. Please make your arrangements as soon as possible for the best rates and availability.
Bring your hiking shoes, bathing suits, bikes if you can. Lots of trails and beaches to explore!
M22 Inn - Suttons Bay, South West Bay Shore Drive, Suttons Bay, MI, USA
This is a newly remodeled Inn right off of M22- the Inn pairs rustic and quaint amenities with an easy drive to local shopping, restaurants, wineries/breweries, casinos, golf courses, parks, and beaches! This is the closest "hotel" to the Wedding Venue.
Booking for 2023 opens in January- Please reach out to Holly at hollyadamsyoga@gmail.com with any lodging questions!
VRBO/ Airbnb Rentals
John and I know the area very well, so if you are thinking about renting a place through VRBO or Airbnb, let us know and we can give you an idea of the location and how close it is to the venue or other local amenities. Below are some options!
***Suttons Bay (approximately 8 miles from Wedding Venue, closer to Lake Leelanau, Leland, Glen Arbor, Northport- small quite town with shops and restaurants, bike trails)
vrbo.com/3638231ha
vrbo.com/3843334ha
vrbo.com/481657
airbnb.com/rooms/35057201
airbnb.com/rooms/43702051
***Traverse City (Approximately 10 miles from Wedding Venue- Closer to downtown Traverse City, More city like experience with shops, restaurants, night life)
airbnb.com/rooms/27137244
airbnb.com/rooms/584621679970864777
airbnb.com/rooms/804873335782771955
airbnb.com/rooms/620220408614693379
Our Favorite Restaurants
Things to do in and around Traverse City
Q & A
For all our friends and family who have lots of questions, please check out our Q & A first!
When is the RSVP deadline?
Please RSVP by July 1st so we can have an accurate headcount. :)
Can I bring a date?
Please check your invite for your +1!
What will the weather be like?
Welcome to Traverse City, all of you out-of-towners! The weather here can be funny. During the day, the weather in Traverse City/Suttons Bay should be beautiful, averaging 75-80 degrees, but will get chilly at night. Please bring some warm layers for the evening, but don't worry, we will have blankets to snuggle up by the bonfire with.
Where should I park?
There is plenty of free parking at the winery.
What should I wear?
This is a Vineyard style wedding! You wear what you feel the most beautiful and comfortable in. Ladies who love heels- just know there will be lots of grass/cobblestone so bring flats if you want.
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
Our wedding ceremony and cocktail hour will be outdoors and our reception will be in a tent.
Is it okay to take pictures with our phones and cameras during the wedding?
Yes! We would love for you to take photos and share them on our app Joy.
However, please refrain from taking photos during the ceremony.
Whom should I call with questions?
Please call my lovely mother, Terri with any questions. 231-271-6864
Wedding Party
Get the app
Download Joy and join our app using our event handle holly-and-john-cl8ivc8pi001l077ed6tgdlv5. View and share photos and stay up-to-date with details on the go.