Planning a micro wedding at a lakeside resort, even if you are across the country, can be done by securing the right combination of key wedding vendors early on in the process. Appropriately sized lodging is one of the most important parts of the early wedding planning, and when relying on the local residents, such as the Air Bnb host and the venue staff, you can piece together the best of what’s close by!
How to plan a micro destination wedding
Book the venue first.
Next book lodging appropriate to guest list size.
Use the connections made above to recommend local vendors like catering, florists, HMUA.
Research photographers and other “big expense” vendors via Google! If they are quality and local, they WILL have a website post about your venue!
Lean on local friends and family to source decor - keep it simple, the destination IS the decor!
timeline for a summer micro wedding
3:00 - finishing touches of getting dressed
4:00 - travel to ceremony
4:30 - ceremony
5:00 - family portraits
5:30 - wedding party portraits
5:45 - bride and groom portraits
6:00 - travel to reception
6:30 - reception start: introduction, first dance, parents dances
7 ish - dinner and toasts
9:00 - sunset photo
Deena and Keith met and live in LA, but planned a wedding all the way in Pennsylvania - and pulled it off spectacularly using the methods above! Keith’s family grew up visiting the Raystown Lake Resort in Entriken, Pennsylvania every summer, so it was an easy “yes” to hold a wedding there. With a guest list of 35 of their closest friends and family, the ceremony was held by the marina and Wedding Point, decorated beautifully by Keith’s mom and other family and friends. Recessing in a shower of paper airplanes, this United Airlines pilot and Science Teacher/Fitness Coach said “I do” with the biggest smiles and the sweetest vows.
After the ceremony we are able to get photos around the marina, including on the family’s boat, and with pontoons of enthusiastic boaters wishing the couple well, every part of the day had joy and levity.
The reception was truly the stuff of dreams - the couple really did their homework and chose a stunning mountain-top rental home showcasing the view and hosting a gorgeously whimsical dinner. Thrifted plates, bud vases with wildflowers, custom luggage tags, and romantic candles were perfect among the beautiful scenery. And that cake? Adorable - you have to scroll to see!
