The Parlor TC

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

Hey there! We’re Dana and Bret, two Traverse City natives who somehow kept missing each other until the stars finally aligned. We’ve got a fun little “almost-met” history: we both took the same Jazz Appreciation class at Northwestern Michigan College (I was a high school student, and Bret was there with his girlfriend). We also shared some mutual friends, one of whom was too nervous to introduce his “weird” friends to his “cool lifeguard” buddies. Turns out, Bret was one of those cool lifeguards. We had plenty of overlapping circles, but never actually met until later. After high school, I went to Northern Michigan University in 2010 and stayed there until 2012. Bret moved to Marquette in 2016 to study Biology. After I left Marquette, I spent a few years living in places like California, North Carolina, Florida, and Texas before finally coming back to Traverse City in 2021. That same year, Bret returned to TC to help out with a family situation. And then, in the spring of 2022, we finally met, and it was like everything just clicked into place. We knew right away that this was something real. It felt so natural — easy, even. Bret is my calm in the storm (I’m the storm, by the way). He’s got this quiet, steady energy that makes me feel safe and secure in ways I’d never felt before. And me? I’m the fiery one, always going full speed ahead, but Bret’s patience and grounding presence help me find balance. Bret has been a true partner in every sense — supporting me through my goals and pushing me to do things I didn’t think I could. He’s also been the best dad to my two girls from a previous relationship. They adore him, and the way he loves them makes me fall in love with him more every day. We both work in human services because we care deeply about helping those who often get overlooked. Bret has worked with everyone from kids in foster care to seniors in nursing homes. He’s worked with toddlers in daycare and special needs teens in their homes and communities, and now he’s helping vulnerable people find and keep housing. He’s got the patience of a saint and a heart of gold. I’m an advocate at a domestic violence agency, and I’ve worked in law enforcement and corrections, so we’re both all in when it comes to supporting people who need it most. When we're not working or with the girls, you’ll usually find us outside. Whether we’re going for nature walks, floating down rivers, or just hanging out with our pets, we’re happiest when we’re outdoors. One of our favorite places to be as a family is the cabin on Drummond Island, where Bret proposed — and where our adventure together began. We’re so excited to start this next chapter of our lives together, surrounded by the people and places we love.

Our Story

Photos

Rileigh

Amelia

Wedding Party

Q + A

Located in downtown Traverse City, this boutique hotel offers a free shuttle to Cherry Capital Airport. Fine dining at Minerva’s restaurant is available on-site.. All rooms at Park Place Hotel &amp; Conference Center offer cable TV with movies and free WiFi Coffee-making facilities and a refrigerator are provided for guest convenience. This historic hotel also offers a business center and a gift shop. Beacon Lounge is located at the top of the hotel and overlooks the Traverse Bay. Guests can enjoy a variety of appetizers and beverages alongside live entertainment. The City Opera House and Hagerty Conference Center are within 10 minutes' walk of Hotel Park Place. Many unique shops and local wineries are nearby the hotel.

Park Place Hotel

Located in Traverse City, a 1-minute walk from West End Beach, Hotel Indigo Traverse City by IHG provides accommodations with a restaurant, private parking and a bar. With a terrace, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property has evening entertainment and room service. At the hotel, every room has a desk. All guest rooms in Hotel Indigo Traverse City by IHG are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and an iPod docking station. Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around Traverse City, like cycling. Staff at Hotel Indigo Traverse City by IHG are available to give guidance at the 24-hour front desk. Dennos Museum Center At Northwestern Michigan College is 2.1 miles from the hotel, while Kresge Auditorium is 14 miles away. Cherry Capital Airport is 2.5 miles from the property.

Hotel Indigo Traverse City by IHG

Located 1 mile from the shores of Lake Michigan, this sprawling resort features 3 golf courses, on-site dining, and a luxurious spa. WiFi access is available. Cable TV is provided in every room at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. A coffee machine is included, and deluxe rooms feature a spa bath and refrigerator. Aerie Restaurant &amp; Lounge serves international cuisine with local ingredients for dinner and Sunday brunch. Sweetwater American bistro offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or guests can relax with a cocktail at one of the resort bars. Tennis courts and an indoor pool are available at Resort and Spa Grand Traverse. A spacious fitness center is provided for guest use, as well as various gift shops. The property offers on-site parking. Central Traverse City is just 9 miles away. Cherry Capital Airport can be reached in 14 minutes’ drive.

Dana & Bret

Dana & Bret

Q + A

Q + A coming soon!