The indescribable aroma that fills the Island every June isn’t limited to what you can smell. It’s also L-O-V-E. Love is in the air. Young love, older love, everything and everyone just love-struck with weddings, the colors of purple, pink, white and the fragrance of lilacs. To anyone thinking of a wedding in June on Mackinac Island, we can only say “Yes, do it!”

This year, the lilacs opened their petals on the early side, but lasted way into the end of June, in fact some are still in bloom as we head into another season, the full summer season which truly begins July 1. The early vacationers on Mackinac Island knew this, and Islanders heralded a Lilac Festival 73 years ago to increase tourism and to recognize the prolific lilac tree that was blessing the local residents. Eager to share this with others, Stella King, a local nurse with much foresight, began the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival.

This year’s lilacs bloomed for the entire 10 days, and it was during the early part of June that Arica and Ethan of Columbus, Ohio were married at the Harbour View Inn. There are few prettier places to be married in June than the Harbour View Inn. Spring tulips and apple tree blossoms fade and then the Lilacs bloom, sometimes overlapping. Thus was the day for Arica and Ethan, as a rain shower passed and a warm, sunny day greeted this couple with a kiss.

Engaged and planning their wedding for the Fall of 2020, they instead chose to move their wedding to June from the previous fall. Wedding Coordinator Carole Erbel, For the Love of Mackinac, made all of the arrangements and made certain everything was perfect.

The Cottage at the Harbour View Inn, located next door to the Chateau LaFramboise (main building), provided the bride with a suite with a balcony with views of lilacs and a favorite of Arica, Ste Anne’s Church. A beautiful bouquet of flowers by St Ignace in Bloom were filled to the brim with happy smiles. Photographer Christi Dupre, of Island Photo, began taking advantage of the 180 degree views, and the time for the wedding came quickly. Aaron, a bit nervous, was at the gazebo with his brother and father, to welcome his bride as she walked down the aisle with her mother.

The wedding ceremony was performed by Rich Lind. The bride and groom exchanged their vows under the apple tree blossoms and their families were also united in this common bond of love.

Making a get-a-way for a romantic time together, wedding guests lined the walkway to watch the wedding carriage by Gough Livery depart, taking the exuberant couple to take photos throughout the Island. A highlight was riding down Main Street to the many cheers of onlookers, and through Lilac draped streets, the many colors of blooms bursting with joy.

Back at the Harbour View Inn, the reception began with a delicious dinner of filet and chicken by local Harbour View Inn chef served to the group of 30. Fudge favor boxes by Murdicks Fudge adorned the table to the delight of the guests. The beautiful wedding cake by Bella E Dolce, wedding cake specialists, featured another of Erica’s favorite flowers, the Sunflower. The bride and groom happily retreated to their table where they began to cuddle and enjoy the completion and goal of their day - the beginning of their life together.

Everything’s Coming Up Lilacs