Real Bride Sarah Cates: Rustic Romance in the Great Outdoors

Love stories blossom in all different ways, but some have a special spark that sets them apart. Sarah and Ian's journey from college sweethearts to newlyweds is one such tale that will leave you smiling and perhaps dreaming of your own woodland wedding adventure. When this adventurous couple decided to tie the knot, they threw convention to the wind and opted for a weekend-long celebration at a YMCA summer camp in Muskegon, Michigan. With a private lake, cozy cabins, and activities ranging from canoeing to archery, their wedding was anything but ordinary. Join us as we dive into the details of this unique celebration that perfectly blended rustic charm with romantic touches, all set against the backdrop of nature's splendor.

Describe your venue and why you chose it.

We chose the YMCA summer camp in Muskegon Michigan because we wanted something different. We wanted to have a whole weekend celebration with our closest family and friends. Our favorite part about our venue was the private lake. We were able to take a canoe around the lake the morning of our wedding and just have a moment to breathe and take everything in. We both are very adventurous and just wanted to have a good time while getting married!

How did you choose your wedding theme and colors?

We chose shades of green for our wedding because we felt like green was perfect for an outdoor camping wedding. The greens and hints of fall leaves really made everything perfect.

What was your favorite DIY or personalized touch at the wedding?

My favorite DIY was our neon sign arch. We bought the wood and brought it to the camp so we can have a nice photo op next to the lake. It made our pictures look amazing! We also loved making custom camp t-shirts for all of our guests. We handmade every single t-shirt!!

What was your partner's reaction when they first saw you in your dress?

My husband absolutely loved my dress and was speechless. He immediately started crying and it was a really special moment.

How was the fitting process at Fifi's Bridal?

Fifi made me feel like family right when I walked in the door. She helped me feel comfortable and beautiful! Her daughter Amanda always remembered me and made every appointment enjoyable! Fifi was honest and made sure I looked perfect!

What was the most memorable part of working with the team at Fifi's?

The most memorable part was having the pleasure of having Fifi reconstruct my mom’s wedding dress into my rehearsal dinner dress. Fifi made sure to keep it authentic to me but also bring out my mom’s personality as well. She was even able to magically make a 35 year old stain disappear!

Bridal Advice: Real Talk from a Bride Who's Been There

My advice is to give yourself plenty of time. Space out everything you need to get done. Make your appointments early. I know it’s impossible to stay calm but just know everything will be worth it in the end!

Now that you're married, what are you most looking forward to in this new chapter?

I am looking forward to starting new family traditions and going on our honeymoon!

As the sun set on their magical weekend, Sarah and Ian's summer camp wedding came to a close, but their adventure was just beginning. From their first meeting during a college musical to their woodland walk as newlyweds, their love story has been filled with unique moments and personal touches. This wedding wasn't just a ceremony; it was a reflection of their personalities, their love for nature, and their desire to create lasting memories with their closest friends and family. As they look forward to starting new family traditions and embarking on their honeymoon, Sarah and Ian's advice to other couples rings true: give yourself time, plan ahead, and remember that in the end, it's all worth it. Their celebration reminds us that when it comes to weddings, there are no rules – only the ones you make for yourself. So here's to Sarah and Ian, and to all the couples out there brave enough to follow their hearts and create a wedding day (or weekend!) that's as unique as their love story.