Werfen Castle is about an hour outside of Salzburg, Austria. Come on, can you imagine saying "I Do" here? I can!

Now a days, you can pretty much get married where ever your l’il heart desires.  Destination weddings have become increasingly popular over the last several years.  I have to tell you, having my ceremony on a beach at sunset sounds awesome!  But, that’s really not our style… Our style would be, getting married at a casle in Austria.  (Kenny’s very proud of his Austrian heritage)  But, after thinking the idea through, it just isn’t going to happen.  We want a small wedding, but we kinda want more than the two of us to show!  In this economy, expecting family and close friends to book a plane ticket halfway across the world might be asking for a little much. (Ya think?) So, that scratches a destination wedding outside of Michigan off the list.

Another destination topping our list is, Traverse City, Mich.   For those of you who have never been to Traverse City (TC), it is one of the most beautiful places in Michigan.  White, sandy beaches and aqua blue water makes visitors feel like they’re in the Carribean.  But, this place is greener than the Carribean.  Green grass and lush green trees.  Gorgeous place.  Both our families and most of our friends live in the Detroit Area.  TC is about five hour northwest.  Not too far of a strech. 

Chateau Chantal vineyard on Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City, Mich.

In TC, you can get married at the beach or one of their many vineayards or wineries.  Kenny and I were both pining to have our wedding at Chateau Chantal at the tip of Old Mission Peninsula.  It’s a breathtaking view!  To our disappointment, they only allow 40 guests to attend the ceremony.  

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is pretty impressive too.  Located in the rolling hills of cherry trees and reisling grapes it’s the perfect location for an outdoor wedding.  And, they can accomodate far more than 200 guests, 

But, again, for those people coming from out of town and for family who have to drive (which would be EVERYONE), a Michigan destination too far North, doesn’t seem fair for our guests.  With rising gas prices and an economy that’s greatly affected by the struggling Detroit Three automakers, it dawned on us that a local wedding might make the most sense. 

Kenny and I really want a location that is special for us, but that’s also convenient for our guests.  We don’t want a Peter Brady party for a wedding!