What goes into planning a wedding on Mackinac Island? Join us as we dive into the enchanting world of weddings with Bethany, the head of sales at the Inn at Stonecliffe. She shares invaluable insights into how couples can navigate their dream wedding day, from choosing the perfect venue to understanding the comprehensive services offered. Beyond weddings, Bethany highlights the range of events that can be hosted at Stonecliffe, including family reunions and corporate gatherings. Tune in to discover the unique charm of Mackinac Island and how the Inn at Stonecliffe can help make your special day unforgettable.

When you visit Mackinac no doubt you have come upon a wedding or 2. Now what all goes into planning a wedding on Mackinac? how do you even begin? This is where Bethany comes in. She is the head of sale for the Inn at Stonecliffe. from the very beginning she will address all your dream day needs and what needs to be done. Another thing that is held at stonecliffe are events such as family reunions, work meetup, and other on site soirees. Tune in to learn all about it.

weddings@theinnatstonecliffe.com. 906-847-3355

www.totallymackinacislandpodcast.com

Located on the crystal blue waters of Lake Huron lies Mackinac island, tucked in between Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas.

Indulge me as I share the ins and outs of the place that stole my heart.

This is totally Mackinac island podcast.

Hello and welcome to Totally Mackinac island podcast.

I am your host, Heather.

I hope everyone is doing well.

So one of the things that you no doubt notice when you go up to Mackinac island is weddings.

And that has.

That's what took me to Mackinac.

That is such a staple of the island.

It's so beautiful and magical to experience your special day on such an incredible place.

So while I was at the inn at Stonecliff, I was lucky enough to be put in contact with Bethany, and she is the head of sales for the inn at Stonecliffe.

And she came on to talk with us about hosting a wedding at the inn at Stonecliffe and what all you have to do.

And it was actually so informative, having I did an episode and I followed a few years ago off the guide for the Mackinac island.

They put out a wonderful wedding guide.

So this was really great to talk with somebody that deals with weddingse in person, everything.

And she just did a great job.

She was so easy to talk to.

I can only imagine planning a wedding with her is that much easier.

So without further ado, I'm gonna let her take it away and share the inn at Stone Cliff.

Wedding experiences and events too, not just those.

We are joined right now with Bethany from the inn at Stonecliffe.

But before we get into what your position is here, would you like to share with the listeners what your personal Mackinac island origin story is?

Yeah.

And now about ten years later, I got the chance to return yet again.

It's been an amazing journey.

Yeah.

You know, it's funny that you say that, because I feel that people that had a strong connection when they might have worked here when they were younger, a lot of them tend to find their way back here in some way.

Not all, but a lot really do.

It's really neat to hear those stories with that.

So let's share with the listener.

What your position at the inn at Stonecliffe is?

Yeah, so I'm going to be the director of sales here at the inn at Stonecliffe.

So whether it be assisting with events or room blocks, I will be your girl.

So family reunions, of course, weddings, which we're here talking about, and corporate events as well.

I kind of handle all of that from start until finish.

Wow, that's.

That is a lot to take on.

So kudos to you for that.

So I just had Patrick on here, and we were talking about, like, the different renovations, and for those unfamiliar with the renovations, an event center was created.

So let's go into what all can be used there for this.

What do you have there?

And so it also has two adjoining patios that can be utilized again for events and dinners.

And so in those spaces, our main events that we've been hosting, at least this first season, have been weddings.

Okay.

Which has been super exciting.

But we also do corporate retreats and events and dinners as well in that event space.

It is a beautiful event space.

You guys did a great job with it.

It's very cozy feeling.

Yes.

Yeah.

It was very warm.

I love.

I love that.

Now, years previously, we added they had utilized a tent.

Okay.

And so now having the air conditioning and here in October, having the heat as well, really does open up the possibilities to be able to host weddings throughout the entire season of Mackinac.

I've seen some videos that Mackenzie has posted of some weddings.

They have been incredible for what you guys have done here.

They look.

They look like something out of a movie.

They just.

They don't even look real.

And I think because of where you're located at, but some of the tables outside, it's very romantic.

Fairy tale.

Absolutely.

I think Mackinac island always leads to a fairy tale type wedding with the horse drawn carriages.

Oh, yes.

And kind of that back in time moment.

Oh, 100%.

Right behind the mansion, you get greeted by this absolutely spectacular view of the straits, which is one of the most amazing ceremony spaces that we have.

And that, I think, is on the island in general with such a great view.

Yeah.

Yeah.

And again, being so secluded up here gives you a different feeling, too, because there's not some of the, you know, everybody that's on Mackinaw, we love the background noises of the horses and the fairies and everything.

But up here, you're not getting that at all correct.

It's so quiet up here.

And in such a good way.

Exactly.

I feel like you are.

You have your captive audience.

You have your guests here.

And it is a place in an area of the island that some people haven't, have been coming to Mackinac island their entire lives and haven't made their way up to stone cliff.

So being able to share that, you know, adventure and you have this horse drawn carriage ride bringing you up to the property, and again, seeing these beautiful views, having amazing food, it just really leads to a wonderful and memorable event.

Yeah.

And without even, even just being a guest here, I've been beyond fine just relaxing on the property.

Being up here, always on Mackinaw, I relax.

But up here, there's even a bigger part of just relaxation.

We've been blessed with perfect weather, but to sit on the lawn and have that, that sun sitting there, and then you guys had a musician.

It's, it's wonderful.

I can't say enough about it.

So we talked about the event center.

What are the names of the venues on the property for the listener to know about?

Sure.

So when it comes to ceremonies, we do have some flexibility with where you're able to get married.

So one of my favorite spots is going to be the north lawn.

So that's going to be located directly in front of the mansion.

Okay.

So you can have the ceremony space either facing the woods or you can have the mansion as that backdrop for your ceremony.

We've done a few ceremonies on the front lawn, which have just turned out spectacular.

And in August, you've got parasols and the sun shining and the guests arriving by horse and carriage.

And it was just truly such a beautiful space.

Yeah.

We also have then our straight slot, which is going to be the water view that's going to be located directly behind the mansion.

Okay.

So you'll have, you'll be centered right in the middle of the Mackinac bridge overlooking the streets of Mackinac.

And then just down the hill from there is going to be one of our more private spaces for folks to get married in.

It's going to be our woodland grotto.

So it's going to be just as a small clearing just down the hill from the streets lawn with a beautiful antique fountain.

It's going to be surrounded by some pink rose bushes and flanked by two white lilac trees, lots of white hydrangeas.

And then the wedding party gets the opportunity to, to kind of enter through these beautiful garden gates that we have down there as well.

Yes.

Okay.

That was another question I had because for the listener, I will share with you guys.

Neil proposed to me there yesterday, so it was so special.

But then we were talking.

Do you guys bring them down?

Like, do they walk down on another side that it's not as steep that.

We didn't see, so you would be walking down that steep area.

But we do have a golf cart for our wondered and anybody with mobility issues, so we can help get them down and get settled in ahead of time.

And of course, with the bride making sure that her dress is still spectacular and perfect as you make your way down to the grotto.

Yes, it's.

I mean, because that would make sense.

It would.

So do they come in through the gate?

Yes.

Beautiful.

Absolutely.

And then that gorgeous antique fountain as the kind of altar that you have down there.

And it's just, again, very quiet down.

It's very private and very secluded.

Yeah, but you're not too far away from everything, so.

No, but you really do forget that you're around where you are.

It's really beautiful.

Leads to some great shade if you're getting married in the summer.

And so this always feels a little cooler down there as well, which is really wonderful.

Yes.

And then typically we have everybody come back up the hill and enjoy cocktail hour with that view of the water on that sunset event pavilion.

So you are getting the best of both worlds when you are, you know, hosting that ceremony and then moving to the reception area and the cocktail hour where you get that beautiful bridge view.

Oh, I was kind of hoping that we would possibly see some weddings here this weekend, but we weren't.

But I mean, the pictures alone that I'll share through the website for the podcast, I can't wait to show those.

So the process of planning a wedding, especially, you know, here and everything, can you kind of run through from the beginning to the end for the listener of that?

Absolutely.

So if you head to our website, we have a whole weddings section on our website@theinitstonecliffe.com.

don't forget the e on the end of Stonecliff.

Yes.

And basically the first step would be to kind of submitting a request for information.

And so I would then send back to you information, including a link to our wedding guide, different packages that we have online.

Our wedding guide is going to be very upfront, so we like to be as upfront as possible when it comes to pricing and pictures and things like that.

So that's kind of the first step.

And then from there, I basically set up a 15 minutes, get to know you and your fiance, call or speak with the parents, and kind of run through what those steps look like, what options we have on the property, including guest rooms and then event spaces.

Okay.

And then, if possible, I love to be able to have people come and be able to do a tour in person, because there is just something about being able to actually see what this looks like in person, because the pictures, I just don't feel like they ever do it complete justice.

It is such a gorgeous property.

If you think the pictures are fantastic, wait till you see it in person.

And so if we're not able to do a tour, you by no means have to.

But what we would then move forward, I would put together a cost estimate based on the date that you're looking at and the number of people that you're expecting, so that you can really see what that package, what that full price point is going to look like.

Okay.

And then moving forward from there, we talk about guest rooms and making, you know, if you needed to add a small room block for your guests or if you just wanted to do the wedding party, I can assist with all of that as well.

And then we move into the contracting phase.

Okay.

And from there, once we get that signed contract, we do require 25% of that cost estimate down to officially hold your date.

And then basically, all the fun stuff starts.

Yes.

So that's when we get to talk about vendors.

And once you have your venue, we start working with your florists, introducing new photographers.

We have a great vendor list.

Mackinac island is filled with amazing, amazing folks who work in the wedding industry.

And so we are so lucky and blessed to be a part of that as well.

That's the next thing then, is being able to do a tasting.

Oh, nice.

And so we would talk about the food menu.

One of my favorite things is our wedding menu.

It is fun.

It is interesting.

It is not going to be your typical cookie cutter food.

Chefs does an absolutely amazing job, whether it be from the pastor d'oeuvres to some really unique and fun first courses, including a savory bread pudding.

So he does an amazing mushroom bread pudding for our first course.

Nice.

He also does fresh tortellini pasta as a first course.

And we do have, of course, traditional salads as well that you can utilize.

And so it really, I think having those fun first courses really sets our property aside.

Yeah.

A lot of different things.

And plus coming and being able to get and do the tasting is just always so much fun, I'm sure, to be honest, it's all about the food.

Oh, my gosh.

Yes.

That's a huge part of that.

And the food so far that we have had here has been incredible.

So I can only imagine how good it is for the wedding.

Truly, it is fantastic.

And one of the cool things about when you're planning a wedding here at the inn at Stone Cliff is from start to finish, the day of your wedding, you will be dealing with me.

Okay.

So you have one dedicated person that is going to go through that start through finish line with you.

We really get to know each other so that on your wedding day, you're feeling comfortable and confident and ready to enjoy your time with your guests.

That's so important.

I know for so many brides that they just have that, and especially because they're not here all the time.

Like, if they're not super close, they just can't generally get over here too much.

And thank God for Zoom and all those other ways.

But this is, this allows them to have a little bit more peace of mind.

And I have to agree.

The book that you have for the wedding information is laid out perfectly.

I have to say that was very helpful for me, asking questions.

I just went off of that, and that was a huge bonus with that.

Now, some of the spots you mentioned for them to have the wedding at the end, there's all sorts of different locations throughout for all different sizes, correct?

Absolutely.

So it just kind of depends on the couple's choice and how they would like to kind of walk through the property, because there are just a absolutely amazing little nooks and areas.

Whether it be, you know, getting photographs done by Sunset Rock, that's going to be right close by to us, or hosting a beautiful dinner in our front lawn or on the back lawn.

We also have options for that.

We do private events in our backyard restaurant.

A lot of our couples have really enjoyed, whether it be doing, you know, a pizza party for your welcome reception, because we've got an amazing wood fired pizza oven in the backyard restaurant.

To just having cocktails and a bar set up on the patio, and again, playing those lawn games, having roasting s'mores, enjoying a fantastic movie night.

We've got tons of activities here on property or wanting to do a pool party the day after the wedding.

So there's definitely different options with our adult and family pool that we have.

And there's always little places and spots to explore.

So it really is up to the couple and what really fits with them.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I have to agree.

There's so many bonuses that you guys offer here that is.

That is mind blowing with it.

And I'm not going to say this enough, the pizza making was so fun.

We really enjoy.

And the pizza was so good with that.

What is the largest size of wedding that could be held on the grounds?

So typically, we do like to keep it around 150.

So that really does keep it nice and intimate.

And again, with our rain plan.

We hate to ever have to speak that out loud, but I.

Our rain plan is going to be in the sunset event pavilion.

We can push it depending on the couple and the group, and then you just have a little bit more limited and how the setup would be.

But we are able to keep it around 150 is that kind of our sweet spot.

So in the wellness center, you guys have something there to help with the bridal party, don't you?

We do.

We have a wedding get ready room up there.

So as of right, right now, we do have an in house masseuse.

We are hoping to possibly expand those spa services into next year.

Possibly.

I might be a little selfish on this.

Adding hair and makeup is what we're hoping for, I'm sure.

So for the weddings, we do have some amazing vendors that will travel up to the property.

And that's a great area for the ladies to get ready in.

We've got about four small stations where you can get hair done, a couple chairs for makeup, and a nice private space.

Again, we can cater food up there, whether the girls are needing sandwiches, snacks, all of that things, because you never want to forget about eating on the day of the wedding.

Yeah.

So, yeah, it's very cute.

It's.

I mean, well, the wellness center itself is adorable.

I don't, I don't care if you don't want to work out.

It makes you want to work out.

It's so cute.

In there is the wallpaper.

So in the back rooms that we have, our designer did such a spectacular job keeping it fun and light hearted and just a really nice spot.

You've got a small sauna in there and then steam showers in the bathrooms as well.

So it really does give you this feeling of, again, relaxation.

Yeah.

Yeah.

And the room is great.

I think it's a great size.

The mirrors, everything with it provide it, you know, especially if you've got a wedding party in there.

Yes.

Lots of natural light, which is fantastic as well.

So it is just a really nice private space for the ladies to get ready in.

Yes.

Which is perfect for that.

So when it comes to weddings, do you have certain inclusions and amenities for the couple with that?

Yeah.

So included in your ceremony price is going to be 1 hour of time for that space.

We also have two different types of chairs that you're able to choose from.

And we also have a wooden archite that will all be included as well as the labor to set up and break down that space.

Wow.

So then included in your reception fee, again are going to be your tables and chairs.

You do have two different reception chair options as well.

So whatever fits best with the design of your wedding.

Okay.

We also have regular or rectangle tables as well as round tables.

So again, a lot of people recently have been kind of doing this mix of round and rectangle tables.

Okay.

Space.

We also have a linen.

So floor length white linens are going to be included.

We also have a stage should you end up going with a band dance floor.

So all of these items are going to be included in that reception fee as well.

Right.

And so lots of, we have candle votive.

So all of your basic needs are going to be covered.

And then we just bring in the amazing vendors that we work with to help really put that extra design on that space.

Well, the other bonus, all the, all the grounds that are here, like the flowers still are just an added bonus, I think, for the photos.

Our landscaping team, I tell you what, they got to be the hardest working team here at property.

They have done such a spectacular job.

One of my favorite spots is going to be this beautiful hillside on the walk down to the apple orchard.

And it's gorgeous.

4000 plants and flowers that are going to be right along that side.

Every summer as I was giving tours, you couldn't walk along that pathway without seeing ten or 15 monarch butterflies just flying around.

We had some amazing, you know, butterfly bushes right along that side.

And even now as we're getting into the beautiful fall colors and everything changing, it's still spectacular all across the property.

It is.

It's.

I mean, even with the leaves, I think it gives it just an added pops of colors.

It's just gorgeous.

It really is.

So if you had those in the background with just some of your flowers.

The amazing hide, we've got a lot of white hydrangeas that are going to be surrounding the property and it just really adds to all the pictures that we're going to have.

Agreed?

Yeah.

I love, I love looking at all the landscaping and then taking pictures of Google because I don't know what some of them are, but it just was.

I mean, I noticed the one time I was here, this was downtown, and they had little mini peppers in with the flowers because it gave it pops of color.

So the landscaping up on the island is just gorgeous.

And you guys have done a fantastic job here.

What is involved with the food and beverage part for the weddings?

Yeah.

So included in our package is going to be a pretty inclusive food and beverage package.

And so it is going to be.

So we have three password ou that's going to be included.

Okay.

A two course dinner.

So that amazing first course and entree course.

And then they will also included in that is going to be your cake cutting.

So we do work with Paige from Bella Dolce, who is phenomenal.

So she provides, she's our recommended vendor for cakes.

And not only are they delicious, but she will bike them up here to the.

Oh, my gosh, I such a thing to see.

I can only imagine.

It is wonderful.

And then so included is going to be that cake cutting as well and a five hour bar.

So with premium liquor.

So think grey goose, think iron fish.

Just some great options for your guests.

You're also going to get a two signature cocktails.

So our team, whether you have ideas that speak to the two of you as a couple of or you need some recommendations from our staff, a lot of the time we like to put our own in it.

Stone, Cliff twist on it.

Whether be utilizing honey and a Mackinac mule.

Right.

Because we have bees here on property.

Yes.

Amazing fresh herbs as well.

And so then it's also going to include a champagne toast during your speeches as well as tableside wine service.

Nice.

So a pretty inclusive package.

Yeah, we feel like.

So when it comes down to it, you're not going to be surprised as we get later into the planning process of having to add in any little items.

Coffee and tea is going to be served with cake as well.

Nice.

So we have only really found that people have felt the need to add on.

Late night snacks is sometimes a pretty popular option to add on.

But other than that, for the most part, we found like it to be a very inclusive package for our guests.

Very nice.

Yeah, I know a lot of people do that now with weddings.

They have like those little things late later on that they do with snacks or if they make like a coffee or latte.

Like I've seen how they have all those different things that they do with it, which I think is so cute and clever.

So more power to them.

What other general information might you want to share with anyone looking to either have a wedding or an event here?

Yeah.

So, I mean, this space is beautiful.

I mean, I think in everything here on property, we've been so lucky to be a part of it.

Everything here is brand new.

Yeah.

And to me, that makes such a difference, whether it be from the fresh landscaping, guest rooms being completely modernized, we added air conditioning to the mansion.

You know, every single room has been touched, every area has been touched.

And I think that that really makes a big difference.

And the experience of your guests that are going to be arriving to the island, we also really have this set up more so now as a resort as opposed to just a simple hotel.

And that really gives your guests that full weekend experience of activities, whether it be roasting s'mores with everybody one evening or taking a watercolor paint class in the afternoon or doing the pizza making.

So we've got lots of activities.

And again, with being up here, I found that it is a very relaxing space.

We were just talking about this earlier how, because we are about 2 miles away from downtown, it does lead to this, like, everything slowing down just a little bit more.

I find that our couples and the family members find it to be such a relaxing space.

Yeah.

And I think that that's super important for folks when there is such intensity and, you know, focus on that one day, making it super special.

Yeah.

But I think if you can surround yourself with an environment that's really relaxing, it really does help, I think, throughout the entire day and the weekend for you to be able to really enjoy it.

I agree.

That's so true.

It's, um, I think with whenever you see any kind of wedding happening on the island, I've seen them in different places.

And.

And so this is just, I I really feel, and not to say that the other ones aren't intimate, there is just a quieter intimacy, I feel like, here, just because of where the location is.

Absolutely.

You know, one of the coolest things about our property, and very unique as well, is that we host one large event per day.

Okay.

And so your wedding is the wedding that we are having.

That is what you're having.

Okay.

That's definitely very unique.

But it also gives our staff time to really focus on that wedding and also the couple flexibility.

If you aren't able, you know, you want to get married at the end at Stonecliff, but you're nothing 100% sold on which ceremony space you might want to utilize.

Yeah, we do have that flexibility to possibly be able to change a little bit down the road if you're here for your tasting.

And once you see the spaces in person, you can kind of switch that around.

And I think it really does give comfort to couples who sometimes cannot always fly in or drive in every single time.

And that way you can still make adjustments.

We can shift your wedding, you know, time frame as well.

We have some flexibility with that, with hosting one large event per day.

I think that says a lot because, especially for your staff, to not make them feel overwhelmed with it, too, that you're able to, and especially for you, because that's a lot.

It's a lot.

Your focus is on that day.

And I think that's incredible.

It's very unique.

Absolutely.

And, you know, we only have 52 total guest rooms here on property.

And so whether your wedding is the two of you, or whether, you know, you've got 150 folks coming in for this wedding.

Yeah, it really does feel like you're not getting lost in the shuffle.

We are a small resort.

Our staff knows who's staying here.

Yeah, they are excited.

You'll see the same person at breakfast that might be waiting on you, come back for dinner, you know, and so you see our staff throughout the property.

They get to know you.

And I think being able to have that personalized experience, especially for such a special occasion, is really nice.

Yeah, I agree completely.

And you're right about the staff.

That has been something that has been so great with seeing everybody while we've been here.

There's the gentleman up front.

I think his name's Brandon.

Yes.

Oh, my God.

I have had so much fun messing with him because we were saying something the other day, and he goes, yeah, I think it's nice outside.

And then I just kept saying, I don't know if you've heard this, but it's really nice outside.

You might want to get out there.

So this whole weekend, it's just been a funny thing back and forth between us.

Is there anything new, like, any exciting information for the next year for the wedding or events that you guys doing this season that you're like, oh, we think we'd like to do that.

Or has everything been working out the way you had hoped with it this year?

I mean, this year has been very exciting.

I've seen some amazing stuff, and, you know, kind of seeing couples personalities come out throughout the weddings has been such a treat.

And so we've gotten some amazing pictures, we've gotten some amazing ideas of what has worked really well for our events and for our couples.

Nice.

And so it has definitely been an amazing learning experience, but it's also been so much fun.

And so I think next year is going to be just an even better year.

We're going to be more weddings.

Yes.

And more events.

And so we are working right now and putting together some additional packages for the wedding.

For weddings and events for next year.

Nice add ons that I think our couples are really going to get excited for.

You know, and I have to be honest, I mean, I knew that you guys did weddings up here.

I never thought about other events to be held up here as well, too.

And what a great way for somebody to do an event because you are so secluded, so you get to kind of feel like you have that all to yourself and really dive into what you need to do.

Absolutely.

Whether it be a brunch up here or.

We've had quite a few folks who maybe chose not to get their, you know, have their wedding ceremony here, but they want to do a welcome reception.

Yeah.

Rehearsal dinner.

And it's such a fun space to be able to show your guests because again, like I was mentioning before, some people have been to this island so many times and have not, you know, explored this part.

And I think being able to, whether you're coming from a hotel downtown and getting that horse drawn carriage all the way up here, you almost get a mini tour of the island as you're coming through.

You get to see, you know, the grand hotel as you're going by and, you know, explore into the woods and then come to this beautiful space where you can play lawn games and watch the sunset and, you know, roast s'mores and have a great evening with your guests.

It still feels like something special, but you're not, you know, in that same area again, you're going to have a captive audience the entire time, you know, and it's just a really fun and special space.

Yeah.

To be able to enjoy.

Yeah, it really is.

I've loved your back porch.

I'm a sucker for a good porch.

And with the blankets that you guys have out there.

Oh, my gosh, I wasn't having the other.

So cozy.

Oh, I'm surprised I didn't fall asleep on the couch there.

So is there anything else that you can think of that the listener might want to know?

No.

I mean, I think we covered quite a bit of the stuff.

I would definitely please continue to always be checking our instagram and checking our website because we continue to add more and more wedding photos from the weddings this year.

So updates are still coming.

Right.

And again, reach out to weddingsheenetstonecliffe.com for any information that you might have or any questions.

I am always happy to help and available.

Wonderful.

And I will have all of that information down in the show notes as well as on the podcast website page for the listener to be able to click right onto that so they can do yes.

Yes.

Thank you so much, Bethany, for coming on here today.

We appreciate it.

Absolutely.

My pleasure.

Yes.