We decided to upgrade our venue to The Ovation Yacht, which is a larger space and able to accommodate everyone we want to join us on our special day!
Yes! The ceremony site is located on the water just a short distance from where the yacht is docked. The reception will take place on the yacht following the ceremony. In other words, once you arrive for the ceremony, you will be at the same location for the duration of the evening.
We kindly ask guests to dress in semi-formal attire - think polished. Our ceremony will be outdoors and waterfront, and reception is a mix of indoor/outdoor. Tuxes and gowns are welcome and so are suits and cocktail dresses. Please avoid sneakers, crocs, flip flops or jeans. The bridal party will be dressed in a blue/grey/pink color palette, so feel free to complement (but not match) if you're looking for inspiration! Please steer clear of white, ivory, cream, eggshell, or anything that might be confused for bridal. Guests may want to dress with potential for waterfront winds. Additionally, the reception is on a yacht which is 3 levels with stairs; there is not an elevator on board. High-heel and dress wearers may want to keep this in mind as we want everyone to be comfortable!
Unless there is inclement weather, the ceremony will be waterfront with potential of wind. We suggest that all dress accordingly - if not wearing sleeves you may want to bring something to cover your shoulders if you get cold. If you have long hair, you may want to wear it up. Additionally, the yacht has a mix of indoor and outdoor locations depending where you are. The first level with the food is completely indoors; the second level bar area is also indoors but does have an open door leading out to a deck. The third level with the dance floor is mostly uncovered, and completely open to the elements. All interior spots are temperature controlled.
Yes, and there will be complimentary valet service for the evening! Guests will arrive at Jefferson Beach Marina located at 24400 Jefferson Avenue, St. Clair Shores, 48081. There is a sign at the entrance that reads "Safe Harbor Jefferson Beach Marina", and then after a short drive down the marina you will see a gate which will have an attendant to direct you the rest of the way. *See the map included on the Gallery page for a visual guide*
We love your children and wish they could join in the festivities, however due to safety reasons and the limited space on the boat, we ask that children stay home. Come enjoy a date night out!
You bet! We will have an open bar for the evening. Enjoy as much as you would like!
The reception will be a strolling style - this means that everyone is welcome to visit the food stations and find their own seat at their leisure. Once you are done with your meal, we kindly ask that you mingle and/or make your way to the second or third levels to allow someone else to enjoy a meal as well. Meal service will run for roughly 1 - 1 & 1/5 hours to ensure everyone has a chance to eat, however if guests are still actively visiting the food stations the meal service will continue. Additionally, hors devours will be served on the second level beginning at boarding; if you are someone who does not secure a seat for meal service first, please enjoy a snack while you wait!
The speech(es) will be video recorded and played live on a screen on the second level by the first bar! If you are unable to find a spot on the first level - or if you simply prefer to watch from the second level while enjoying a refreshment - this is an option for you!
If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider bringing preventative medication such as antiemetics. A popular over-the-counter option that is non-drowsy is Dramamine. If you plan to enjoy the open bar, please check for any potential interactions with alcohol beforehand. For a natural alternative, ginger is widely recognized for its ability to reduce nausea and motion sickness. The yacht will have ginger ale available, and ginger candies will be stocked in the emergency kits located in the restrooms, along with other anti-nausea supplies.
If you have a food allergy, please let us know on your RSVP so that we can notify our venue! All food will also be labelled as follows: V = Vegetarian VG = Vegan GF = Gluten Free CE = Contatins Egg CSY = Contains Soy CN = Contains Nuts CS = Contains Sesame