A Summery Waterfront Wedding at the Veranda at the Whitcomb in St. Joseph, Michigan

When Grace Blais (27 and a banker) and David Peat (31 and a banker) started planning their summer wedding, they knew immediately that St. Joseph, Michigan, would be the perfect place to say their “I dos.” The location had many memories for the couple, including some of their favorite dates, their first “I love yous” and their engagement. “He proposed on New Year’s Eve walking on the bluff in St. Joseph during a blizzard under all the holiday lights,”  Grace says. “Naturally, we decided to marry there too.” The day started with an intimate ceremony on the beach at Jean Klock Park in Benton Harbor, Michigan, with Grace and David exchanging vows under an airy wedding arch, set against a backdrop of miles of calm blue waters. They then whisked guests off to the Veranda at the Whitcomb for an evening of celebrating. The breathtaking venue boasts prime views of Lake Michigan and elegant architecture that exudes historic charm. The couple chose a palette of pastel mint, aqua and coral to go with the beachy locale and dressed the tables with seashells, warm candlelight, understated arrangements of bright blooms and white lanterns. Dinner and cocktail hour were a big hit, with Grace and David serving specialty cocktails like the Cool as a Cuke Mule and the Sangri-Yeah alongside a delectable menu of home-style eats, including pulled pork, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and biscuits. A cupcake enthusiast, Grace skipped the traditional wedding cake and had Something’s Brewing whip up an assortment of delicious sweet treats. A tip from Grace: “If you're having a wedding on the beach, don't forget sunscreen and bug spray. Some of our bridesmaids got bitten up and sunburned during the ceremony. And enjoy every second of your day—it goes by fast!”