Because Lindsey Etterbeek (28 and a sales representative) grew up spending summers in Castle Park, when it came time to marry Joel Van Veen (36 and president of his concrete company), choosing the Lake Michigan oasis as the setting was a no-brainer. Inspired by the surroundings, the celebration was fresh as could be. Fronds and kumquats, which guests took home at the end of the night, filled the ivory and blush outdoor reception. After a ceremony with a friend on guitar and a prayer from Lindsey’s grandfather, everyone moved to cocktail hour for gin slushies. At dinner, invitees helped themselves to Southern eats served up from a smoker, then finished the meal with paletas. “We wanted the night to feel more like a comfortable yet sophisticated summer party rather than a wedding,” Lindsey says.
Joel’s brother-in-law built the day’s signage, including one showcasing Mexican popsicles, which replaced traditional cake.
“It’s so serene and beautiful,” Lindsey says of the amphitheater where they wed. “We barely had to do anything to dress it up.”