If I had to assign a soundtrack to this wedding, it would be Tom Petty’s American Girl. That song just is this day. Sunlight dancing on water, a breeze off the lake, the kind of joy that feels effortless — the kind that hums with nostalgia and simplicity. This was Americana at its finest. The kind of event where every detail seemed like it was pulled from a memory you didn’t know you had.

Set up north, this wedding felt like summer — not in the scorching, sweltering way, but in the red-white-and-blue with a touch of golden yellow, pontoon-ride-to-the-reception kind of way. Modern, yet nostalgic. Timeless, yet relaxed. If I ever had to paint a picture of the most perfect wedding day, this just might be it.

And yes, I do say that often — but I always mean it.

A Quiet Start

The morning began in the most peaceful way. Just the two of them. Getting ready slowly in historic lakeside properties, each moment unfolding with calm intention. There were no entourages or timelines breathing down their necks — just the quiet kind of anticipation that makes you feel like something really special is about to happen.

A Pontoon, Wildflowers, and a Pause

Before heading to the venue, they did something I’ll never forget. They took a pontoon across the lake — yes, that was their wedding transportation — and along the way, they stopped to pick wildflowers. Not for show, not for a photo, just because the colors happened to match her bouquet. I mean, can you even?

This is why I adore small weddings. I love a grand celebration, but there’s a certain kind of sincerity in the quiet, unhurried moments that small weddings allow. They feel honest. They feel intentional. They feel like them.

The Venue: Historic, Romantic, and Already Beautiful

The reception was held at a historic inn — the kind of place that doesn’t even need decor to be stunning. But of course, we added a little something. The goal wasn’t to overwhelm; it was to enhance. To honor what was already beautiful and just dial it up with the tiniest bit of romance.

Layered Simplicity

The flowers were kept intentionally simple. Instead of grand arrangements, we focused on layering — low blooms and candles in varying heights down the tables. Nothing overthought. Nothing overdone. Just soft, flickering light and textures that felt like they belonged.

And then — the cake.

A simple cake doesn’t have to feel simple. We created what I like to call a “cake meadow” — surrounding the base in delicate florals so it felt like it was growing right up from the table. It was magic.

The Tables: Nautical Meets Classic

This is where we leaned into balance. Striped tablecloths gave a nod to the nautical setting, while Swiss dot napkins added softness. Elegant charger plates and beautiful rented chairs brought in just the right amount of formality — enough to elevate, never to overwhelm. Nothing competed, everything belonged.

The Feeling That Stays With You

If I had to sum this wedding up in one phrase, it would be upscale elegance without the stuffiness. It was all the things: traditional, modern, classic, nautical, relaxed, romantic. And somehow, it managed to be both simple and stunning all at once.

This wedding had heart. It had soul. It had the kind of beauty that lingers long after the day ends — the kind you carry with you, the kind you still think about all the

photography: Justine Montigny | wedding planning: The Revel Rose | venues: Fountain Point Resort & Riverside Inn | rentals: Timeless Events | floral design: The Ferguson Cottage (formerly The Day’s Design)

Days like this remind me why I love design. It’s not just about flowers or chairs or cakes – it’s about creating spaces where love feels at home. Where tradition and modernity can sit at the same table. Where beauty doesn’t have to shout to be heard.

Whether you’re planning your own wedding or just here for a little dreamy inspiration, I hope this lakeside celebration gave you a glimpse of how magic lives in the in-between -in the thoughtful details, the quiet moments and the memories that never really fade.

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