Spooky Beach Vibes And A Whole Lotta Dancing | Grace & Chance

Grace and Chance’s day at Dunes Pavilion Event Venue was the definition of “spooky, laid back, fun.” They were already married, so this wasn’t about pressure or perfection. It was about getting everyone they love in one place, eating good food, honoring the people they miss, and throwing a Halloween-ish party on the beach that felt like them.

If you’ve never been to this spot, the location is the whole flex. You’ve got the dunes, Lake Michigan, and that wide-open shoreline energy that makes everything feel a little more cinematic without trying too hard.

Getting Ready At Spring House Inn

They got ready at Spring House Inn, which kept everything simple and close by. Grace’s crew is a full-on book gang, and the “we can talk about this forever” topic was reading, specifically the Fourth Wing obsession. Chance’s side had its own vibe too. Guitars, motorcycles, metal music, and basically anything that can be discussed with passionate hand gestures.

And yes, they self-described as awkward dorks, which is our favorite kind of couple because it always means the day is honest. No performing. Just actual people having a great time.

A Beach Venue That Felt Like Home

Grace and Chance chose Dunes Pavilion because the beach is a big deal to them. The water, the dunes, the whole atmosphere. It’s not a random “pretty backdrop,” it’s a place that actually matters, which is why it hit so hard.

They leaned into a darker color palette too, black, burnt orange, eggplant purple. It gave the whole celebration that spooky-season vibe without turning it into a costume party. More like “Halloween is our favorite holiday and we’re not apologizing for it.”

The Most Meaningful Moments

There were a couple of moments they cared about deeply, and you could feel it.

They wanted space for a memorial table to honor Grace’s father and Chance’s grandfather. Quiet moments like that always end up grounding the whole day. It’s a reminder that celebrations can be joyful and still hold a little ache. Both can exist, and honestly, that’s real life.

Grace also wanted a waterline moment with her siblings, sharing a small portion of her dad’s ashes with Lake Michigan. That kind of moment deserves softness and privacy, so we approached it gently and gave it room to breathe.

Dunes Portraits And Goofy Direction

Grace told us they’re goobers and don’t know what they’re doing, which is exactly why “medium direction” is perfect. We keep things natural, we give prompts that feel doable, and we make it feel like you’re just hanging out together in a gorgeous place.

They were excited about portraits at the waterline and in the dunes, and those areas deliver every time. Wind, textures, moody skies, and that shoreline glow. It’s effortless in the best way.

First Dance Energy And A Packed Dance Floor

Their first dance song was Calico Skies by Paul McCartney, which is such a good choice for a beach celebration. Soft, sweet, and not trying to be overly dramatic.

From there, the night turned into exactly what they wanted. A relaxed reception with speeches, cake, an anniversary dance, and then the kind of dance floor that keeps getting louder as the night goes on. They also had family tradition dances that were a “must photograph” moment, and we were locked in for that.

And finishing with Mr. Brightside is basically a Great Lakes wedding law. Everyone knows the words. Everyone screams it like it’s a spiritual experience.

Quick Planning Tip

If you’re getting married on the beach or in the dunes, check permit requirements early. Some locations require a commercial photo permit, and it’s way easier when it’s handled ahead of time instead of becoming a last-minute scramble.

Also, if you’re planning any meaningful memorial moments, like a waterline tribute, build in a little buffer so it doesn’t feel rushed. Those are the moments you’ll remember forever, and they deserve to happen calmly.

Grace and Chance’s Wedding Day Vendors:

Photography: Westley Leon Studios // Venue: Dunes Pavilion Event Venue // DJ: Arrested Sound // Hair: Center of Attention (Danielle Gibson) // Cake: Suzie’s Cafe // Invitations: Cut Card Stock

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