Chateau Chantal Winery & Inn

Welcome Party

Wedding Day

Ceremony

A Matter of Taste at Tapawingo

Reception

Our Wedding

A Cash or Trade Love Story

October 4th, 2024 was the day that would change the course of our lives- It was the day we met at the Billy Strings show at Pine Knob Amphitheater in Clarkston! Liza sold Nick her extra ticket for the 2 night concert via Cash or Trade, a ticket resell app. She checked his Instagram &amp; was convinced he was an Arabian photographer. The seats were great, and the shows were special- the first shows Billy Strings played since becoming a father the week before. Nick and Liza chatted, danced and had fun together side by side. Magic was in the air! Both unaware they would soon be going to many more Billy Strings shows together. Nick immediately knew he had met someone special &amp; had a vision that night for a life together. So he had an idea- he asked Liza to take a selfie with him &amp; then for her phone number to send her the photo– pretty slick! After the shows ended, they went their separate ways- Liza to Okemos &amp; Nick to Cleveland. Over the next 6 months, they became friends. Then in May 2025, Liza went to visit Nick in Cleveland, and the rest, they say, is history! In our year together, we’ve shared many meaningful experiences &amp; thrilling adventures– firework &amp; drone shows, kayaking on the Cuyahoga River (ask them about the floating deer!), walks along the Pacific &amp; Atlantic ocean–(even finding a bat on the Oregon coast), &amp; of course–seeing our beloved Billy Strings an additional 5 times! We have shared milestones- Nick got certified to teach Iyengar yoga in August 2025- a lifelong dream. Liza completed a year of school at MSU- acing her classes. We have camped, hiked, swam, volunteered, made spanakopita, painted &amp; made pottery, shared Christmas &amp; Easter holidays, &amp; cold plunged together. In fact, Nick proposed following a cold plunge in Lake Lansing on February 27, 2026. We love each other so much, &amp; and are excited to ‘take the plunge’ &amp; build a life together!

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

We kindly invite our guests to dress in garden party formal attire — elegant, polished and seasonally inspired for an early September celebration. Our wedding will take place outdoors with a tented reception. We recommend bringing a wrap or light jacket for the evening and wearing comfortable shoes suitable for grassy terrain.

Dress Code

RSVP & ATTENDANCE 

TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATIONS 

Wedding Weekend 

The wedding day

Additional information 

Q + A

Located 1 mile from the shores of Lake Michigan, this sprawling resort features 3 golf courses, on-site dining, and a luxurious spa. WiFi access is available. Cable TV is provided in every room at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. A coffee machine is included, and deluxe rooms feature a spa bath and refrigerator. Aerie Restaurant &amp; Lounge serves international cuisine with local ingredients for dinner and Sunday brunch. Sweetwater American bistro offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or guests can relax with a cocktail at one of the resort bars. Tennis courts and an indoor pool are available at Resort and Spa Grand Traverse. A spacious fitness center is provided for guest use, as well as various gift shops. The property offers on-site parking. Central Traverse City is just 9 miles away. Cherry Capital Airport can be reached in 14 minutes’ drive.

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

Travel

Food 

Downtown Dinner &amp; DrinksRed Ginger — good sushi, cocktails and Asian fusion; Our favorite restaurant. Dishes to try: Sea Bass; Chinese Ribs; Spicy CalamariFlying Noodle — handmade pasta and Italian favoritesMama Lu’s —tacos, margaritas and casual dinner downtown--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Casual Spots &amp; Outdoor Hangouts Folgarelli's Market &amp; Wine Shop -- Italian deli &amp; market; Fresh made pizelles &amp; biscotti &amp; subs; Try the Caprese!The Little Fleet + Crocodile Palace — outdoor food truck park with cocktails and casual bitesFarm Club — brewery, farm-to-table food and beautiful outdoor spaceSeven Hills — coffee, cocktails and Mediterranean inspired dining on Old Mission PeninsulaFiddleheads- (Lake Leelanau)- brunch &amp; sandwich shop owned by big Phish fans-------------------------------------------------------------------Breakfast &amp; Coffee The Omelette Shoppe — classic breakfast and brunchBubbie’s Bagels — fresh bagels, coffee and quick breakfast options (Liza’s favorite is the Super Nova on everything)Common Good Bakery — pastries, coffee and grab and go breakfast favorites

Beaches & Outdoors 

Old Mission Lighthouse — science lake views and a beautiful drive through cherry tree lined roads on Old Mission PeninsulaTART Trail — walking and biking trail that runs along the water through Traverse CityVan’s Beach &amp; Reynolds Street Beach — great places to search for Leland Blue stones along the waterGood Harbor Beach—one of our favorite spots for a bonfire and sunset Empire Bluff Trail- Great, short hike with majestic overlookEsch Beach — a peaceful Lake Michigan beach near Sleeping Bear DunesSleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore— hiking, dune views and some of the most iconic scenery in Northern MichiganPierce Stocking Scenic Drive— a relaxing drive through Sleeping Bear Dunes with incredible lake overlooks and photo stops

Shopping & Vintage 

Front Street— downtown Traverse City shopping with boutiques, bookstores (Horizon), coffee shops and local favorites (On the Rocks gem store has beautiful specimens &amp; is amazing!)The Village at Grand Traverse Commons— Decommissioned psychiatric hospital (Northern Michigan Asylum), now filled with shops, cafes, &amp; restaurants. We loved taking the 2hr Guided Historic Walking Tour!The Tinker Studio— thoughtfully curated home goods, gifts and artisan finds on Old Mission PeninsulaWilson Antiques— downtown antique shop with multiple floors (Nick’s favorite)Maggy’s Vintage— curated vintage clothing and unique findsThe Candle Factory— locally made candles, home decor and gifts in historic waterfront building

Wineries & Breweries

Mari Vineyards— Italian inspired winery with beautiful views of Old Mission PeninsulaPeninsula Cellars— local winery located in a historic one room schoolhouse on Old Mission PeninsulaBowers Harbor Vineyards— relaxed winery with outdoor seating and lake viewsBlack Star Farms— winery and tasting room known for beautiful countryside viewsFarm Club— brewery, farm to table fining and beautiful outdoor space and gardenThe Filling Station— pizza and local beer in a restored historic train depotJolly Pumpkin— waterfront brewery and restaurant on Old Mission PeninsulaNocturnal Brewing— craft brewery with a cozy atmosphere and rotating tap listCoin Slot- Bar with pinball, arcades, air hockey, &amp; Ske-Ball!

At Grand Traverse Resort 

Golf— championship golf courses located on property Spa &amp; Wellness — massages, facials, cold plunge, and spa services available at resort Tennis &amp; Pickleball— indoor and outdoor courts available for guests Pools &amp; Beach Club— indoor/outdoor pools and beach access for relaxing between wedding events Turtle Creek Casino— casino and nightlife located just a short drive from the resort

Liza & Nick

Liza & Nick

Registry

Having our friends and family with us in Traverse City is the greatest gift of all. Thank you for being part of this special time in our lives. For those who have requested it, our mailing address is provided below. Liza Wirt & Nick Marakas 2190 White Owl Way Okemos, MI 48864