Christie and AJ’s gorgeous lakeside elopement was nothing short of perfect. After planning their wedding at the War Memorial in Gross Pointe for over a year and a half, COVID-19 hit, and it was evident they would need to postpone. Christie and AJ were determined to get married and made the best of it! They decided to elope at a family member’s lake house and completely replanned their wedding day in less than two and a half weeks! Their beautiful early summer day was perfect for an intimate outdoor wedding celebration. Arbor, their sweet new puppy, was the most perfect flower girl! 

Surrounded by their closest friends and family, Christie and AJ tearfully promised forever to each other. Their celebration was even more meaningful because it almost didn’t happen. The joy and appreciation throughout their wedding day was so evident because everyone knew how amazing it was that these two pulled off their wedding in just a matter of days! Christie planned every detail herself – from the personalized bottles of hand sanitizer, to their matching Mr. and Mrs. Masks, to the ice cream dessert from their favorite place at the University of Michigan where they went to school. Christie used her grandmother’s ring for her own wedding band. The beautiful florals from Lee Floral Design added perfect pops of pink and coral colors against the light blue lake water and green backyard grass.

Because Christie and AJ postponed their big reception until 2021, they wanted to find a way to tie their 2020 ceremony to their 2021 celebration. They wrote each other letters and sealed them on their wedding day so they could read them to each other during their vow renewal with their friends and family in 2021.

After their ceremony, Christie and AJ cut a homemade cake and shared a big taco bar with their family! To round out the evening, they danced to L.O.V.E. by Nat King Cole on the dock and even went on a sunset boat ride across the lake to celebrate their marriage! It was an incredible day for two very special people. Everyone was reminded that love will always find a way, even in the most extraordinary circumstances.

Congratulations again Christie and AJ! I absolutely loved your wedding day this year. I can’t wait to celebrate again with you guys next year at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial! 2021 is going to be your year!! 

Photography: Breanne Rochelle Photography

Venue: Private Lakeside Home

Hair & Makeup: Andrea Rickerd

Florals: Lee Floral Design

Wedding Dress: Beloved Bridal

Groomsmen Attire: The Tux Shop on Woodward

Ice Cream: Blank Slate Creamery Ann Arbor

Catering: Condado Tacos