I can not think of a better end to the year! Mark and Karissa are fun, quirky, engaging, vibrant, beautiful people and to see them married with such finesse’ was outstanding! I loved the location. We were hoping for snow – and we got it – but Michigan winters are so bitter sometimes! We were picturing the lovely, fat, soft, romantic flakes, and we got icy gusts of cutting wind over frozen particles of snow so dense they felt like grains of sand against your skin! Needless to say, after all the getting ready, we really didn’t brave the weather for long!
The guys were troopers though! Here is their icy portrait session!
Meanwhile, the girls were a little more comfy getting ready in the cozy hotel room.
Of course, we got some “warmer” shots of them men too! 
Karissa opted for the FIRST first look to be dads! 
…and then met with her husband-to-be upstairs in their ceremony room.
After the ceremony, we did the bridal party photos that we missed out on due to the cold. 
And my fabulous second photographer Rachael Isobel, ran down to get all the gorgeous venue details. 
The reception was a blast – with SO many fun moments!
Did I mention “quirky”? Mark and his mom had their Mother/Son dance to “Rainbow Connection” from the Muppet Movie. It was the CUTEST! 
And ROCKING the event live onstage was Main Street Dueling Pianos. These guys are SO fun! Joe Laureano is awesome – full of energy and enthusiasim all night long! I highly recommend them. He even sang the “Frozen” song for the adorable little flower girl. She loved it!
And what New Year’s Eve party wouldn’t be complete without a midnight champagne toast?!?
To see it all unfold – check out the video we made as well!
More Credits: Grand Traverse Resort and Casino; cake and desserts done onsite–Pastry Chef, Stephanie Elwell. Florist Sandy at: http://www.customcreations.biz/floral.html. Make-up and hair by Pavlova Spa & Salon – Alissa Levandoski. Dress: Maggie Sottero, from Sottero and Midgely “Simone”. Colors inspired by the University of Miami, as this entire group of friends traveled up from Miami, Florida to have their destination Michigan wedding!