Both Aric and Betsey grew up in Northern Michigan, but Bumble brought them together!
Their sweet engagement on the beach at Michigan’s Upper Peninsula took Betsey totally by surprise. “Aric is not a planner, so I was in complete shock when he proposed. We had a weekend planned in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with a group of friends, which we try to do yearly. He told me we were going to meet a realtor and look at a possible investment property. He was flipping homes at the time, so it did not seem odd. I didn’t want to get out of the car because it was raining, but eventually got out when our dogs couldn’t handle not running around the beach. We started walking down a trail to the beach and when we crested the hill, there was a trail of candles and rose petals leading to a wooden arch. I thought we were ruining someone’s proposal until Aric said it was set up for us. After getting down on one knee and asking me to marry him, both our families and a handful of friends surprised us with a party—it turned out the house we were looking at was actually rented by my parents for the weekend.”
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Piper via the flagship Toronto bridal boutique | second dress: Betsey Johnson | photographers: Jessie Zevalkink Photography and Hali Adams Photography | scroll down for vendor list
In search of the right gown for their wedding at The Lake House in Ludington, Betsey visited us at our Toronto flagship bridal boutique. “The gown I chose was the last one I tried on. I really liked the other dresses, but this one made me feel like a bride. I knew it was perfect for me. I also knew I wanted a second dress for the reception so I could dance the night away.”
More of their chic, retro Michigan wedding (we’re obsessed with Aric’s suit jacket!) from our lovely bride below.
How did you know the other was “the one”?
“I never believed anyone when they said “when you know, you know” but that’s exactly what happened with Aric. He was easy to be around, and I didn’t stop smiling or laughing. His love for his friends and family really solidified things for me.”
What is your favorite thing about each other?
Betsey: “Aric is always smiling and very positive. He’s never met a stranger and cares deeply for his family. He’s just a very happy person to be around.”
Aric: “Betsey is selfless and puts her family and friends above everything else.”
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
“Our wedding party consisted of our siblings and best friends. Our moms held onto our wedding rings and handed them to us during the ceremony. I walked down the aisle with both of my parents.”
Why did you decide to get married where you did?
“We knew we wanted a venue with an outdoor option and one we had not been to for all our friends’ weddings. After exploring our town, we decided to look elsewhere and fell in love with The Lake House in Ludington, Michigan. It had the destination feel without being super far. Aric was born in Wisconsin and would take the Badger over to Ludington with his family every year before moving to Northern Michigan which was another nice tie.”
Tell us about your day!
“Our day was absolutely perfect. We started our morning with a private breakfast before getting ready. We opened gifts from each other and toasted to this new adventure. The day was very calm and relaxing with our favorite people. We also did private vows and it was really special for both of us. We walked about a mile to our venue with our wedding party and it was so much fun!”
What was the funniest moment of your day?
“The funniest moment was when our officiant forgot to tell everyone to be seated for the ceremony. He’s one of our best friends and it just made everyone laugh and relax.”
What was your first dance song?
“’Joy of My Life’ by Chris Stapleton.”
One detail you couldn’t live without?
“A pin on my bouquet of my grandpas and uncle who recently passed away.”
What part of your wedding day was most important to you?
“Being surrounded by all our friends and family really made the day for us.”
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
“We’re planning on going to Italy in the fall of 2024.”
Any tips for couples getting married?
“Try your best to enjoy time with your loved ones and partner on your wedding day. It’s so easy to get caught up in the details and making everything perfect, but in the end, you’re surrounded by the people who love you most and that’s what matters.”
Betsey + Aric’s Michigan Wedding Vendors
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Piper via the flagship Toronto bridal boutique | second dress: Betsey Johnson | photographers: Jessie Zevalkink Photography and Hali Adams Photography | venues: Cartier Mansion and The Lake House | video: Montage Media | band: The Broom Closet Boys
