Derek & Andrea

May 16, 2009  

  Castle Farms

Knight's Courtyard Ceremony & King's Great Hall Reception

While attending Cosmetology school, Andrea worked at Clifford Lake Inn, where every Friday night, she waited on Derek and his friends when they showed up for Karaoke. One Friday evening, Derek surprised Andrea by asking her to be his date at his fraternity’s 2004 Alumni Formal at Ferris State University. A week later, Derek gave her a second choice: the Fraternity Formal or tickets to a Kid Rock concert. Andrea chose Kid Rock, and their first date was spent in Grand Rapids at the concert with a few of Derek’s friends.  After dating nearly four years, Derek and Andrea spent the weekend of November 15, 2007 in Florida visiting with some friends. Derek surprised Andrea with dinner at The Whale’s Rib (Andrea’s favorite restaurant), where he ordered them all Andrea’s favorite: Lobster Bisque. Her own cup, however, didn’t contain soup; instead, Andrea found a brilliant cut diamond solitaire ring twinkling up at her. Derek dropped to one knee and said “Andrea Marie, will you marry me?” She replied in surprise, “YES!”
Andrea immediately threw herself into planning their wedding, and had a great time collecting ideas from various magazines.  When she received a Michigan Bridal Magazine as a gift one day, she discovered Castle Farms. Andrea excitedly showed Derek, and he was just as thrilled as Andrea. She called Castle Farms and they both were pleased, so they made a trip to Charlevoix the following weekend.  During their tour, they fell in love with the staff, buildings, location, and especially the King’s Great Hall so they reserved their May 16, 2009 wedding that day.

Andrea and Derek chose to coordinate their special day with a black and white damask print, accented with shades of pink. A photo booth was available for guests, where snapshots were captured and pasted in a scrapbook for the bride and groom.  The couple chose to include a white guitar by the door for all their guests to autograph; it now sits on display in the “man cave” in their home, among the Derek’s autographed guitar collection. The couple entertained their guests with their first dance as husband and wife by performing a special choreographed dance to Better Together by Jack Johnson. The Candy Buffet proved a great hit with the couple’s guests, as did their two signature drinks (the Blushing Bride and the Cherry Blossom) and the Coney Island bar, which opened later in the evening. 

Our Wedding day was absolutely beautiful and memorable,” says Andrea, “and we are still receiving compliments. All of our friends and family had a great time. Our ceremony took place in the Knight’s Courtyard where doves flew away during our first kiss as husband and wife. Derek and Andrea truly had a wedding of their dreams!

Photos courtesy of Lana Lee Photography

July 28 - 29, 2012 - Fiber Arts Festival

More than 50 vendors will be at Castle Farms displaying their wares during the Fiber Arts Festival July 28-29, 2012. Live animals, such as sheep and alpaca, and interactive demonstrations including sheep dogs at work and sheep-shearing presentations, provide hours of enjoyment, as well as being educational. The Fiber Fashion Show, featuring handmade items such as hats, sweaters and lace shawls, highlights the Festival and is great fun for all. The Fiber Arts Festival - a perfect way to celebrate nature’s bounty while enjoying the natural beauty of Castle Farms.

October 24 - 31, 2012 - Antique Dress & Quilt Display

Visit Castle Farm’s Wedding Attire From Across the Decades, on display October 24th - 31th. This fascinating glimpse of antique bridal gowns and grooms’ attire kicks off the celebration of the Castle’s 8th Annual Grand Bridal Expo, Sunday, October 28th, 2012.

September 1 - 2, 2012 - Royal Craft Show

Castle Farms proudly heralds the annual Royal Craft Show, September 1-2, 2012. This annual event held during Labor Day Weekend, is set amidst the majesty of the magnificent stone buildings and sweeping gardens of Castle Farms, and features displays from the finest of Northern Michigan crafters. One of Michigan’s most prestigious craft shows, the Royal Craft Show is a spectacular celebration of unique arts and crafts, and offers something for young and old alike.

October 28, 2012 - Grand Bridal Expo

Castle Farms is honored to host its 8th Annual Grand Bridal Expo on October 28, 2011. This eagerly-anticipated annual event features displays by only the finest in wedding service providers Northern Michigan has to offer, and brides are certain to find that special something to help make all those wedding day dreams come true.. The Grand Finale Fashion Show showcases the latest in bridal fashions. Visit the Grand Bridal Expo at Castle Farms, where timeless elegance and surprisingly affordable weddings join together to create the perfect happily-ever-after.

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