Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park Service reports the number of visitors is up almost 13% from last year and almost 19% for June alone. The number of weddings at The Homestead is also up 27% over 2009, but not because of the warm sunny weather. According to Barb Ellis, one of our wedding planners, “Our hidden gem has been discovered.”
The hidden gem Barb is referring to is the Mountain Flowers Lodge that is the newly-renovated venue that can now hold up to 180 guests. The elegant yet rustic lodge is decorated with wrought iron fixtures, rough-cut wood beams, natural pine window trim, and stone fireplace. Large arched windows overlook the lush grounds and cascading waterfall. French doors open to a patio that contains an outdoor fireplace and rustic furniture. Click here for our Wedding Brochure.
The ceremony site on the Top of the Bay Mountain has also been enlarged to accommodate more people. The spectacular view overlooks Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands. Guests take a chairlift or golf carts to the top of the mountain to meet the bride and groom on a brick patio adorned with simple white chairs.
Barb also says that destination weddings are becoming more popular. Friends and family enjoy making a long weekend of celebration in a beautiful vacation spot. Almost everyone enjoys the natural beauty of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Click here to view our Wedding Album.
Lindy Kellogg, our other wedding planner, says that families are feeling a little more relaxed about the economy so they are venturing away from home to host their weddings. People are still money conscious but The Homestead is a destination that most people can get to by car without having to invest in expensive airfare.
Some families are choosing to host smaller weddings of 40 to 50 people on the beach or lawn that overlooks the Crystal River and Lake Michigan. “We offer both wedding sites and reception facilities for small weddings on smaller budgets.” Click here to view our Wedding Sites.
Barb Ellis also says that happy brides are referring their friends to The Homestead in higher number than ever before. Word of mouth is the best advertising.
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