I spent July 4th weekend in beautiful Whitefish Bay, WI on Lake Michigan and just had to tell you all about it today. Beautiful sights you don’t want to miss!
Hello my friends — and a very happy summer weekend to you wherever you may be. I can’t even believe August is already here, can you? I mean, how can this be? And seriously, where has the summer gone.
Thankfully my kids don’t go back to school ’til the end of August, so there are still a few more weeks of freedom around here. I’m all for that, it’s been such a nice summer. I’ve loved every minute.
My sister Susan and I met for the long weekend in Whitefish Bay over July 4th because my sweet cousin was getting married. YES!!!! This was a long anticipated wedding in our extended family, and so naturally we just had to be there to cheer her on. Not only that, we wanted to be there and also to meet her groom!
But the truth is, I had to make myself go, and I’ll tell you why. Because I’m kind of a homebody. Especially when I haven’t seen extended family or friends for a while. I get just a tad anxious before reconnecting. Maybe that’s just me. Once I get there I’m glad I went, but there’s always that initial little tummy butterfly.
So the morning of the wedding, Susan and I went out in search of a lovely walking route along Lake Michigan. We asked the hotel staff for suggestions and got blank stares only. So thank goodness for Google. I searched “parks near me”, and in a flash, the first place that came up was Big Bay Park, just ten minutes away. Susan helped me capture some of the beautiful shots below. (Merci, sista!)
The tropical blue of this water is so stunning! I’d been to Lake Michigan before but forgot just how blue!
And then, as if the beautiful sights, sand and azure water weren’t enough, we came upon adorable Zola!
This furry little girl loves the wet!
And she plays a mean game of fetch besides!
This the joy of life. Waking up each day, never quite knowing what amazing or incredible sights you might come upon. Such a gift this world is, just waiting to be discovered. I loved our unexpected time together at Big Pay Park.
So we worked up a healthy brunch appetite on our beach hike, asked the locals where we should go for authentic Wisconsin. Everybody said Solly’s Grille downtown.
Susan was looking for authentic Wisconsin fried cheese curds on the menu, and we were disappointed not to find them. But the good news, Solly’s had lots of other authentic Wisconsin. Like hand-breaded Alaskan cod fillets, America’s original Cheesehead burgers, and the famous Wisconsin butter burgers!
What exactly, is a butter burger you ask? Think beef burger fried in butter. Butter on the bun. Lots o’ butter. Yeah. (See above.) No, I did NOT have a butter burger. And no, Susan didn’t either. (Fish for these girls.)
The wedding itself was beautiful in every way, and this photo captures the most poignant moment for me. The bride and groom, both sets of parents and the pastor, quietly dedicating the marriage during the ceremony.
Announcing: Mr. and Mrs.! Woo hoo and congratulations to the newlyweds!
The scene above moved me most – my dear aunt and uncle enjoying sweet moments on the dance floor at the reception.
Before my flight out Sunday, I spent some wonderful time with my aunt, cousins and their kids on the shores of Lake Michigan at Concordia University in Mequon.
Such a stunning campus! I don’t think I’d get any studying done. (I’d be out flying a kite on these rocks.)
Here are just a few of my precious cousins above. So glad I was able to make it to the wedding, tummy butterflies and all. Extended family is a blessing. I’m so thankful for mine, along with wonderful new memories besides!
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Judy says
Loved these pictures, Allie (and Susan!) — they made my day! So glad you could go and send back the flavor of the weekend — precious, precious! XOXO
Allie says
The weekend could only have been better if you and dad could have come. It was a wonderful time and you were greatly missed. XO
Carina says
Beautiful pictures! The water is such a gorgeous blue. I’m in the city today, but these pictures make me want to jump in the car and drive to the lake. We have guests tonight, so… maybe tomorrow! I am the same way when it comes to heading out to see people I haven’t seen for a long while. Then, I’m always glad I went. 🙂 Thanks for this lovely post. XO
Allie says
Thanks so much Carina, I was so excited to share these water pics. from Whitefish Bay. We fell in love with that park. It’s peaceful and serene and the beauty just speaks volumes! Hope you made it to the lake my friend, and have a great week ahead! xo
Christy Smith says
Your mastery of the story took me right back to that 4th of July weekend. It was truly a summer highlight and you captured it perfectly! I can relate to the butterflies…come by it naturally….but find they subside faster each time I get to visit with my precious cousins! So glad you and Susan were two of those dear cousins I got to see. Thanks for helping me re-live a delightful adventure and charming wedding❣
Allie says
Cousin – thanks for dropping by here and it was SO FUN seeing you and for such a wonderful occasion. Never long enough though. Loved our short time together and look forward to the next visit, whenever that happens. (Not soon enough.) I always laugh a ton when I’m with you and our cousins – a real gift. XO
Mark says
What a wonderful weekend it was indeed! As the groom, I can say with certainty how blessed I am to have married into a wonderful family. It was so special to meet and get to know all of my beautiful brides’ cousins at our wedding. Your blog post captures the essence of summer in WI. So glad you took the opportunity to experience Lake Michigan, Concordia University, and fine Wisconsin cuisine – no better place for a ButterBurger than Culver’s in WI. Look forward to the next Fall family event.
Allie says
Hi Mark – great to hear from you and such a joy to finally meet you and be there for THE wedding! Loved seeing all the cousins and extended family — such a beautiful celebration. Welcome to the family! So glad you found each other and greatly look forward to getting to know you better in the years ahead. And a side note – I’ve indulged in one of the Culver’s butter burgers before… and agreed – the best!
Aunt Pinki e says
Loved reading about your adventures m Whitefish Bay! And seeing those cute family pictures!
Allie says
Loved seeing you there too — one of my fave memories – dancing with you and Paisley at the reception! Good times and wonderful memories. Wish I had a picture of us to post!
Aunt Joanie says
Thanks Allie for these beautiful photos. It brought back memories of a very special wedding celebration with so many dear friends and family who traveled from far and wide to be with us. It was a bonus spending precious time with you Allie on Sunday afternoon.
Allie says
Aunt Joanie – a.k.a. the hostess with the mostess! Loved our time in WI and celebrating with the family. You and Uncle F. outdid yourselves welcoming us. So many beautiful details and precious memories we all take with us of a beautiful wedding weekend. I loved the extra time too, thank you. XO
Barbara Childb says
Beautiful pictures of Lake Michigan and wedding! So nice you were able to be there and see extended family. I think your cousin resembles you ! Very pretty!
Allie says
Thank you so much Barbara — it was a fun weekend for sure. And the weather cooperated beautifully too. A bonus.
Susie Mandel says
Gorgeous pictures. Apparently two and a half hours away is where my friend lives in Wisconsin Rapids. We went there a few years ago and had a wonderful time. It’s beautiful up there! So glad you were able to go to the wedding and spend some time with Susan.
Allie says
Thank you Susie!! So glad you got up that way too. And that you’ll be venturing north SOON. Excited!
Leslie says
Ah Lake Michigan. It’s gorgeous in the afternoon. I swear it’s looks like a Caribbean Sea sometimes. I recall your dear brother giving me the business about it not being like the ocean because it is a lake but then his jaw dropped when he saw it because you can’t see the other side. Huge I tell you and no salt or sharks! ??
Allie says
WOW – it really is amazing. You’re lucky you get to see it all the time. The first time I saw it I couldn’t believe it. It almost looks fake. Ha ha. But it’s the real deal McNeil. (Who’s McNeil? Dunno. Rhymed.) Hope you’re having a super summer Leslie. In some ways I am and others not. I’ve had strep throat now three times this summer, and they’re going to go in and do a tonsil removal ASAP, but we have to drop Jonathan off at college first, because it’s apparently a 2 week recovery. NOT looking forward to it.
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Looks like you had a GREAT time, Allie!! And so you know, I get terrible social anxiety, so I completely understand what you were talking about when you say you get anxious. The struggle is real! I’ve never been to lake Michigan, but wow is the water such a pretty blue! And it looks like the wedding was just beautiful! Thanks for sharing with us, dear friend! Cheers, sweetie! xoxo
Allie says
Thanks friend – it was a great break and I’m so glad I went – the wedding really was very special. And it’s hard to believe Lake Michigan wasn’t tropical water either. Hope you get ot visit someday. XO
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kithcen says
What a beauty, Allie. Whitefish bay is so beautiful and sounds like you had an ah-mazing experience there. And those wedding photos are just so pretty. I hear ya, indeed time is just flying, and can’t believe it’s August already. Hope you had a wonderful weekend. Wish you a great week! 🙂
Allie says
Thanks Anu, I was completely blown away by the beauty of the place and such a wonderful weekend! Very special.:)
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Oh wow – what gorgeous, gorgeous pictures! From your pictures, Whitefish bay is not only gorgeous but so serene too! That picture of your aunt and uncle dancing is so sweet but what moved me the most about your post were your words “Such a gift this world is, just waiting to be discovered.” I couldn’t agree more my friend. And Allie, you are not alone in feeling anxious while meeting long-lost family members – I get that way too. I hope you enjoy the rest of summer with your kiddos – we started school today here in Northern Georgia!
Hope you have a wonderful week, Allie XOXO
Allie says
Thank you friend, a momentous day in your life with your daughter’s senior year beginning. Here. You. Go. We had that last year with Jonathan. I hope it’s a super special year. Drink in all the memories, take lots of pics and hope you can find lots of time to spend together doing things you both love. I know it’s tougher during the school year to find that time. Thinking about you both and wishing you all the best!!!! XO
Platter Talk says
We love Whitefish Bay and this is the very best time of year to stroll along Lake Michigan. Your photos of your adventures and of your family are beautiful; thank you for sharing!
Allie says
How did I not you know you guys were in Wisconsin? You’re lucky, you get to see this pretty water all the time. Many thanks for the kind words and for dropping by!
Eva says
Oh Allie, tes photos sont magnifiques et ça donne envie d’aller tout de suite connaître cet endroit. Je suis contente que tu as passé des moments magiques en famille. Le mariage pareil tellement beau. J’adore la robe de la marié, elle est très belle. Tes cousines on l’air tellement gentilles ! Je te souhaite une belle semaine chère Allie. xoxo
Allie says
Merci chère Eva , ce fut un mariage merveilleux et un grand temps avec la famille. Les eaux du lac Michigan étaient incroyables. XO
Betsy Sauer says
What a great recap, Allie! We treasure each visit with our cousins since they are, unfortunately, few and far between!
Allie says
Thanks so much Betsy – such a joy to spend time with you and your family over July 4th weekend and for such a wonderful occasion! Your girls are so precious.
Linda Jenkins says
What an absolutely gorgeous lake. I’ve never been there, but I might suggest a mini vacation to Jack. As confident as I think you and I are, I share those trepidations. Never can figure out why. I just think I worry that so much time has passed that we might not be able to reconnect as smoothly as I hope we will. Beautiful pictures of a very beautiful bride. Thanks for the reminder that life is too short not to just take that leap of faith and go for it. Dreaming of all the places I want to see.