The Wedding of Sara Romano and Spencer Baird
The Inn at Stonecliffe, Mackinac Island
Spencer and I chose to get married on Mackinac Island because my family spent time on the Island while I was growing up. Knowing we wanted to be married by the water, I immediately thought of Mackinac Island.
We spent a full afternoon exploring Mackinac Island wedding venues, but we weren’t feeling that “this is it” sensation. After a full day searching, we stopped at a local cafe. One of the locals happened to overhear us discussing our dream venue. He recommended we visit the Inn at Stonecliffe on the west side of Mackinac Island. The next morning, we climbed aboard a horse-drawn carriage and made the trip.
The Wedding Venue: Mackinac Island’s Inn at Stonecliffe
During the ride, we imagined our guests arriving by horse and carriage and, for the first time, we felt we may have found our location. As we entered the gates upon arrival, we found ourselves in utter amazement. Through the tall trees, we caught a glimpse of the Inn at Stonecliffe, immediately aware that we had found the perfect venue! The historic estate was very inviting, and because of its location on the West Bluff, very secluded.
We held our ceremony on the hotel’s terraced lawn, which granted panoramic views of Lake Michigan. Having the Mackinac Bridge in the background during our vows made the moment all the more meaningful.
The ‘Just Married’ Carriage Ride on Mackinac Island
After our ceremony, Spencer and I were picked up by one of Mackinac Island’s private horse-drawn wedding carriages and whisked away to spend some time alone as husband and wife. Our photographer captured some great moments during that ride. As we rode through town, tourists and locals alike waved to us. We felt like royalty!
Following our cocktail reception on the estate’s grounds, dinner took place in Stonecliffe’s tented pavilion overlooking the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge. The tent was decorated with Chinese paper lanterns, and our table centerpieces were made of ornamental bamboo placed in vases and surrounded by tea lights. Roses, Gerbera daisies and Stephanotis blossoms adorned the head table and wedding cake.
(The Inn at Stonecliffe now has a new Sunset Pavilion indoor event space for weddings as well.)
The Wedding Reception and After Party in Downtown Mackinac Island
The dinner menu featured an array of filet and chicken breast followed by wedding cake and a sweet table laden with petit fours. After dinner, our Mackinac Island wedding DJ played our favorite songs while our guests danced the night away. As our event drew to a close, some guests retired to their guestrooms at The Inn, while others jumped onto waiting carriages to continue the celebration in downtown Mackinac Island. It was a night we will never forget.
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