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Patrick Cavanaugh

and

Sara Bonko

Patrick Cavanaugh

and

Sara Bonko

June 14, 2025

Great Bear Lake - Van Buren County, MI

Schedule

All times listed are local [EST].

Travel

Great Bear Lake is about 2.5 hours from Chicago, just around Lake Michigan, nestled 20 miles between South Haven & Kalamazoo. Cutoff dates for room blocks at the hotels listed below in South Haven [code "Bonko Cavanaugh Wedding"] expire 5/10 for Holiday Inn & 5/13 for Hampton Inn. There are plenty of boutique hotels in the area as well as Airbnb's/VRBOs. Transportation from the hotel to the ceremony on Saturday will be at 3:00pm EST; one bus picking up at each hotel. The drive from South Haven to the lake is about 20 or so minutes. Departure from the reception back to the hotels will be at 10:00pm EST & 11:30PM EST. (Utilizing the provided shuttles is encouraged.)

Hotel

Hampton Inn South Haven

04299 Cecilia Drive, South Haven, MI 49090
 

Hotel

Holiday Inn Express South Haven, an IHG Hotel

72095 County Road 388, South Haven, MI 49090
 

Flight

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport

Flight

Midway International Airport

Flight

O'Hare International Airport

RSVP

by May 4, 2025

Please enter the first and last name of one member of your party below.
If you're responding for you and a guest (or your family), you'll be able to RSVP for your entire group on the next page.

Ex. Sarah Fortune (not The Fortune Family or Dr. & Mr. Fortune)

Wedding Party

If we could honor every person who has supported us and gotten us this far, we would. There are so many more of you. We love you beyond words.

Alyssa Dunn

Officiant

Timber

Dog of Honor

Brianna Weirauch

Matron of Honor

Michael Cavanaugh

Best Man

Nicholas Bonko

Groomsman

Brian Cavanaugh

Groomsman

Richard Bonko

Groomsman

Megan Cavanaugh

Bridesmaid

Brandon Bonko

Groomsman

Matthew Cavanaugh

Groomsman

Things To Do

South Haven Harborfest

Phoenix St, South Haven, MI 49090

06/13-06/14

Lake Arvesta Farms & Arvesta Sports Complex

06464 Arvesta Drive, South Haven, MI 49090

Kal-Haven Trail Trailhead Grand Junction

54480 County Road 388, Grand Junction, MI 49056

Idler Riverboat & Dockside

515 Williams Street, South Haven, MI 49090

Three Blondes Brewing

1875 Phoenix Street, South Haven, MI 49090

Bell's Eccentric Cafe [Brewery]

355 East Kalamazoo Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

FAQs

Question

Why Michigan?

Answer

Great Bear Lake holds a special place in our hearts—it's our home away from home. For over sixty years, since Sara's grandparents first purchased the property, four generations of family and friends have gathered here, creating lifelong memories. Whether it's just the two of us taking Timber for a quiet morning walk, or an extended holiday weekend with the whole Bonko Bunch or Cavanaugh Clan, this is our favorite place. There’s something about the Michigan air that brings a sense of pure happiness and peace, and we wanted to share that feeling with all of you. It’s the perfect setting to begin this new chapter of our lives together, surrounded by the people we love most. We hope you experience the same joy and warmth here that we do every time we visit.

Question

But what will I wear?!

Answer

We understand these are outdoor events at private residences, so please be comfortable, but also spruce yourself up! Please dress in summer cocktail party attire. *NOTE - guests will be walking in grass, a bit of sand, and on blacktop driveway, so recommend block heels, wedges, or flats for women.

Question

What's the best way to get from the hotel to the lake and back?

Answer

We will provide transportation the day of the wedding, pre-ceremony [bus pickup at SoHa hotels at 3:00pm EST] and post-reception [departure at 10:00pm EST & 11:30pm EST]. This will greatly assist with limited parking space and safe transportation to and from!

Question

Is there a time change?

Answer

Yes! All times listed for events are in Eastern [EST] (local time), so please plan accordingly. If you are coming from Chicago [CST], please know you will lose an hour during travel.

Question

Tell me about Lake Day!

Answer

This will be a classic day on the lake like we would normally do on any other weekend. Plan for relaxation, snacks, swimming, etc.! If you're planning to still be in the area, we'd love for you to join the fun!

Question

Can I bring my kids?

Answer

Great question! If your children are not listed on the invite, we kindly request they do not join you for the ceremony or reception. However, since it's a weekend event, I know many folks who are bringing a family member or friend to babysit on Saturday and then everyone is welcome to join for Lake Day on Sunday!

Question

What about a plus one?

Answer

Similar to kids, we ask that only those listed on the invite attend the events. Thank you for understanding and we hope you can join us!

Question

What should I do if I have dietary restrictions?

Answer

Please contact the bride and groom directly, we got you!

Registry

Crate & Barrel
Amazon
For all the days along the way
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