Personalization and tradition have become the two biggest things couples find very important to include in their lakeside wedding. Scott and Courtney are no exception!
Their romantic lakeside ceremony was held outdoors overlooking the breathtaking views of Gun Lake. In front of a beautiful white trellis, adorned with a variety of flowers, the couple said their “I Do’s.”
From kilts and bagpipes to Scottish ceremonial traditions, this couple made sure the heritage was honored. Keeping their family tradition integrated into their wedding made for an emotional and joy-filled day.
Courtney is typically behind the camera lens, capturing weddings as the owner of Courtney Carol Photography. However, this time the roles were reversed and it was her turn to be in front of the camera with the love of her life, Scott.
Considering all of the times Courtney was involved in other weddings, she had plenty of inspiration to work with. To bring her vision to life, she was a hands-on bride and DIY’d all of her arrangements with help from her loved ones.
“I knew it was a big DIY to take on as a bride and you definitely need people to help you (it’s more fun when it’s collaborative anyway!), but I wouldn’t have done it any other way! I have so much pride now when I think about all our flowers and seeing my vision come to life was simply amazing!!,” Courtney said.
Together they created a bridal bouquet, three bridesmaid bouquets, two ceremony arrangements, and several other small arrangements that were scattered throughout the reception venue.
The bride focused more on the bouquets and kept the arrangements minimal rather than creating large, elaborate centerpieces. She believed it was very important for their guests to be able to see each other from across the table and to socialize.
Take a look at these stunning shots from Katelyn James Photography to see what Courtney ordered to create her very own magical designs!
Courtney’s Wholesale Flower Order
- 3,000 red rose petals
- 100 stems of pinky peach carnations
- 5 bunches of white freesia
- 50 stems of quicksand cream roses
- 10 bunches of salal lemon leaf
- 5 bunches of seeded eucalyptus greenery
- 50 stems of thistle
- 50 stems of blush victorian carnations
- 50 stems of peachy watermelon ranunculus
- 36 stems of red velvet garden roses
- 36 stems of paper white garden roses
- 6 bunches of creamy white spray roses
- 20 foot seeded eucalyptus garland
1. Garden-Inspired Bouquet

This lovely hand-tied arrangement includes both high-end flowers like ranunculus, mixed in with affordable blooms, like carnations. There’s no denying Courtney did an amazing job DIY’ing her bridal bouquet!
2. Mismatched Bridesmaid Bouquets and Dresses

The bridesmaids looked elegant wearing mismatched dresses in muted, cool shades. They each held a beautiful handmade arrangement filled with the same flowers the bride used.
3. The Wedding Party
To honor Scott’s heritage, the groomsmen all wore matching kilts!
4. Lakeside Wedding Backdrop

The couple sealed the deal in front of a white trellis embellished with fresh flowers like garden roses and ranunculus. Overlooking the lakeside, this natural scenery truly provided the perfect backdrop!
5. Ceremony Wedding Flowers
There were two beautiful arrangements on either side of the aisle. The arrangements were made up of peachy watermelon ranunculus, thistle, carnations, seeded eucalyptus greenery and more!
6. Rose Petal Toss
Courtney and Scott had easy-to-grab cones filled with fresh red rose petals for their wedding guests to toss.
7. Head Table Decor
For the head table, Courtney used a seeded eucalyptus garland and enhanced it with red velvet garden roses and candles.
8. Simple Reception Centerpieces
Each table had a gold plate in the center with candles, loose greenery and a couple of garden roses. The subtle blue napkins and thistle provided the perfect pop of color and tied in a Scottish detail.
9. Wedding Pies

Scott and Courtney had delicious pies for their guests to enjoy! The pies were beautifully displayed with on-theme plates and fresh, salal lemon leaf greenery.
10. Personal Couple Wedding Cake
Sticking with the personalization theme, the couple displayed wedding photos of their loved ones along with a bronzed cake and fresh flowers.
Dream Team:
- Photography:
- Dress Designer: Justin Alexander
- Ceremony, Reception Venue & Catering: Bay Point Inn
- Day of Coordinator: Stellaluna Events
- Hair & Makeup: Flawless Beauty By Debra
- DJ & Violinist: Shawn Boucke
- Floral Design: Bride
- Bagpiper: Frank Stasa III
- Cake: Cakes By Stephanie
- Pies: Grand Traverse Pie Company
- Bridesmaid Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu
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