c&d ParkShore Resort STORY BY ADRIENNE ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUX LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY Chelsea & Daniel c&d CHELSEA PFLUGRAD DANIEL NESSEL JUNE 1, 2014 PARKSHORE RESORT, TRAVERSE CITY helsea Pfl grad grew up in Traverse saved all the fl wers he’d ever given her. “We wanted to concentrate more on the cer- City and Daniel Nessel was from ParkShore’s beach sparkled under full sun. emony and the photographs than the recep- cnearby. The couple thought they knew Chelsea walked down the grassy aisle—strewn in tion,” Chelsea says. And take pictures they did, all the city’s hidden secrets—but when, on their those dried fl wer petals—on her brother’s arm. from the sandy shores of Grand Traverse Bay search for their dream wedding venue, they Her father, Traverse City physician Dr. Chester to the historic grounds of the Grand Traverse walked to the waterside of the ParkShore Resort, Pflugrad, offi iated. After the ceremony, while the Commons. The last stop before returning to set between busy US31 and East Grand Traverse 60 or so guests looked on from the resort’s tented the beach in time for the sunset was Moomers Bay, the sight took their breath away. There, sur- terrace, the newlyweds danced to “Never Stop,” Homemade Ice Cream, Traverse City’s much- rounded by lush landscaping, a sandy beach and by Safety Suit—performed by Chelsea’s brother loved dairy farm/ice cream shop. The couple the aqua water, sat a small, tented white gazebo. Jeremy. “It was my favorite moment,” Chelsea had frequented Moomers on dates—but they’d It would make a picture-perfect beginning remembers. “We couldn’t see the guests because never before been able to order the Wholly for their life together. And a fitti g end to their they were up on the deck. Time stood still.” Cow: Ten scoops of ice cream and a bottle long and occasionally tough courtship: Danny The wedding meal, served on the terrace, of whipped cream. Oh what fun they had! is three years older than Chelsea, and when he was light, classy and fun—just as the Nessels went to college out of state, they figured it was wanted. And then it was off—with photogra- PHOTOGRAPHY: MELISSA LANDE, LUX LIGHT best to break up. But ever since the moment pher Melissa Lande of Lux Light Photography PHOTOGRAPHY. LUXLIGHTPHOTOGRAPHY.COM she’d first set eyes on Danny, Chelsea just knew in tow—to enjoy their hometown with their VENUE: PARKSHORE RESORT, TRAVERSE CITY, they’d end up together. Proof? She’d dried and bridal party and close family and friends. 231.947.3800, PARKSHORERESORT.COM 66 MYNORTH.COM/WEDDING Opposite: The heart-cut diamond in Chelsea’s engagement ring symbolizes the hundreds of heart-shaped beach stones that Daniel has found and given to Chelsea over the years. Chelsea eschewed flower bouquets for feathers. The bride wore a Casablanca mermaid-style gown with a sweetheart neckline. Her grandfather picked out her veil, and her grand- mother picked out her hairpiece. This page, clockwise: Chelsea and her bridesmaids. The maid of honor helps the bride into her dress. Chelsea’s brother, Chet, walked her down the aisle, since her father officiated. Guests were asked to write advice on the hearts. Chelsea’s mother gifted her the heart-shaped diamond necklace to match her engagement ring. wedding 2015 67 This page: The wedding party: Flower girl Aspen Young; bridesmaids Charlotte Lemieux, Bianca Wagner, Robin Priest, Kat Garcia, matron of honor (Chelsea’s sister) Jessica Preston; best man Jeremy Plfugrad; groomsmen Andrew Sansonetti, Liam Nessel, Justin Preston, Ben Priest. Chelsea says of the wedding’s color theme: “Purple symbolizes mystery and magic which keep love alive and gray often represents security and the future.” The Black Bottom wedding cake was from Underground Cheesecake Company. After the wed- ding the entire bridal party went to Moomers, where they dug into a Wholly Cow sundae. The landscaped grounds and destination facilities at ParkShore Resort are perfect for weddings. 68 MYNORTH.COM/WEDDING This page: The wedding party poses in the gazebo. A spontaneous moment after the ceremony: “Paradise City,” by Guns N' Roses, came on the playlist, Dad Pflugrad started rocking out on the electric piano, and the bridal party shook it up. The ceremony venue as seen from the tented reception terrace. It was back to the beautiful ParkShore beach in the evening for more pho- tos. The Nessels exited the reception under a party-popper sendoff. “We wanted to imitate fireworks, since we couldn’t have real ones with such an early wedding,” Chelsea explains. “It was a loud, colorful explosion of color and laughter.” The couple credited ParkShore wed- ding planner Fawn Punturo with the event’s flawless execution. wedding 2015 69 For the wedding season, June through September, the Wedding Notebook ParkShore Resort offers a beachfront elevated Gazebo with PARKSHORE RESORT the Grand Traverse Bay as the backdrop. Wedding guests view the ceremony comfortably from their seats in the plush green grass. The boardwalks approach the Gazebo from both directions to allow the bridal party a storybook entrance and departure from the ceremony. Every detail of the wed- accommodations ding is reviewed with the bridal party by the wedding coordinator once an event date is chosen. The fi nal walk through prior to the event day assures all parties that their dreams materialize as planned. On the day of the wedding, the event coordinator oversees the ceremony and controls the music and sound, assuring the bride and groom that all details are addressed. The dining area known as Morels provides a private and intimate atmosphere fantastic for hosting a rehearsal dinner. The chef will work with the bridal party and make every effort to accommodate their most personal requests. On the day of the ceremony, the Bride and her Bridesmaids can enjoy mimosas in the ParkShore Lounge The ParkShore Resort is located before making their way to the on-site Bridal Dressing at the base of East Grand Traverse Room. The dressing room is furnished comfortably and Bay in Traverse City, Michigan. The provides a well-lit and mirrored space that is perfect for Resort rests in the center of what has allowing the bridal party an intimate setting for preparing become known as the Miracle Mile. The for the ceremony. If desired, hairstylists and makeup artists Miracle Mile is appropriately named can be standing by to primp and pamper the Bride all the as it is a one mile long shoreline of way to the fi nal walk down the aisle. Pure Michigan beach abundant with Lastly, there is the reception. Directly adjacent to the hotels, restaurants and summer attrac- ceremony area is a 2000 square foot covered deck that can tions. Some of these attractions include accommodate up to 125 guests for a seated reception meal. Boat and Jet Ski Rentals, Parasailing, The area overlooks the bay and creates a picturesque venue Miniature Golf for all ages, as well as for your reception. The staff will suggest local caterers that hiking and biking trails just across the can accommodate the most modest or extreme catering Your Ideal Michigan Beach street that allow access to the Greater needs. The ParkShore Resort offers a full bar option staffed Traverse City area. by their in house bartenders. Local live entertainment or Wedding The ParkShore Resort proudly occu- DJ services are readily available to meet your needs as well. You have the complete ability to customize every phase of Exchange your vows in our pristine white, beachfront gazebo! Afterwards, join your guests pies 450 feet of pristine beachfront. This meticulously goomed beach is graciously the reception to your own personal desires. As always, the on our intimate, outdoor reception deck overlooking scenic East Grand Traverse Bay. lined with comfortable lounge chairs thus staff is there to guide and help you with all decisions. Let us help you plan your perfect wedding. We can assist with everything from cakes to offering a family destination sure to please After the reception the party can be continued in the catering and fl owers to photographers, making your wedding a memorable one! everyone. The Resort boasts of 80 rooms ParkShore Lounge where you can dance to the music of including Jacuzzi and Family Suites, DJ Thunder or you may choose to take your group to the walkout Beachfront rooms, King Fireplace beach fi re pits for some quite refl ection of the event under The ParkShore Resort Wedding Venue reviews: rooms and more. Reservations are suggest- the starlit East Grand Traverse Bay. Michigan Outdoor Wedding Council: August 2013 ed during most seasons to assure the most The ParkShore Resort offers one of the fi nest beachfront wedding venues in the State… desirable accommodations. The Wedding Forum Guide: April 2014 The gold standard for outdoor wedding venues is presented to The ParkShore Resort in Traverse City. Their outstanding facility, attention to every detail and location on the Grand Traverse Bay make your experience one to be proud to share… Mathew and Wendy Schwartz: August 2014 Our wedding day was a fairy tale come true thanks to the staff and efforts of the ParkShore Resort… event facilities Dining For the wedding season, June through September, the The ParkShore Resort is the only beachfront Resort on The ParkShore Resort offers a beachfront elevated Gazebo with Miracle Mile with an onsite restaurant and lounge. The staff of the Grand Traverse Bay as the backdrop. Wedding guests the ParkShore Lounge serves lunch and dinner daily from 3pm view the ceremony comfortably from their seats in the plush green grass.