Snow and Coffee in Saugatuck

This past Saturday, a few of us took the journey into Saugatuck for some coffee and a prime parking spot.

This popular summer-resort beach town is most definitely open for business in the winter. It's very serene and placid with the snow and diminished crowds!







Our uncommon spokes-models for Uncommon Grounds.





- Jon

Saugatuck Wedding for Justin and Kristyn

Congratulations Kristyn & Justin!



What can we say about Justin and Kristyn. Anybody that wears hot-pink heels and orange Converse high-tops for their wedding day just may be cool enough to spend part of their engagement session in a shopping cart. For the record, Justin is the one in the Converse. And yes, this is the same couple in the shopping cart a few months ago. Really, these two ROCK!











The ceremony and reception were held in the suburbs of Saugatuck at The Laketown Golf and Conference Center (we have officially declared Laketown a suburb). Laketown has such an incredibly beautiful room there.

Before the ceremony, we had the opportunity to walk around downtown and even hang out on a 42' sailboat. Everything surrounding the celebration was picture-perfect. Even this little one gave everything a thumbs up. That, or she's trying to tell me something.


Yep, another satisfied customer!


A special thank you to Tom VanHowe for loaning his Catalina to us for a few moments. Pictured from l to r is Justin, Kristyn, Fr Tim (from the Kevin Matthews Show), and Capt Tom (also occasionally from the Kevin Matthews Show). Tom runs a charter from slip 11 in front of Mermaids called Ragtime Charters.



- Jon

Destination Wedding in Saugatuck for Jake & Cathy

Friends and family came together from around the country to celebrate. The Bride and Groom chose a destination wedding in Saugatuck.



As Cathy says, "Saugatuck is one of our favorite places on the planet, Lake Michigan is my favorite body of water, we're taking everyone to our favorite restaurant..., then we're surprising everyone, which is one of our favorite things to do for people we love."

A key element of the whole day hinged on the secret surprise. Could the surprise be kept secret?

We had the opportunity to get to know Jake and Cathy a few months ago when they traveled from Chicago to Saugatuck for their engagement session. They are super laid back with a great sense of humor and you can imagine our excitement as we looked forward to their surprise and the ensuing reaction.







Their ceremony was at the Douglas United Church of Christ. Then a trolley escort to Everyday People Cafe'. Kudos to Co-Owner/Executive-Chef/Mayor Matt Balmer on the excellent fare. He really is also the the mayor of Douglas. Great food, drink and toasts were enjoyed by all.

After dinner Jake and Cathy announced to everyone that they were to hop back on the trolley for a surprise dessert. Everybody loved trying to guess where they were going!

Through a megaphone, Cathy announced to the guests their destination: the Star of Saugatuck for a 3 hour sunset cruise. The trolley erupted into enthusiastic cheers! Keeping this a secret was no easy task. Literally, nobody knew. Not the Maid-of-Honor, not the Best Man, not even the parents knew of the secret surprise.

Truly a night to remember on an authentic paddle boat, complete with a breathtaking sunset over Lake Michigan, dancing under the stars, and yummy desert!

Congratulations Jake and Cathy! Not merely for the detailed planning, not only for the successful secret, but congratulations on the beginning of a life filled with love and joy together.



- Lu