For Kayla and James of Columbus, Ohio, Mackinac Island entered their story shortly after they got engaged. James brought Kayla north to introduce her to a place that had long been part of his life.
With family spread between Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Indiana, and the couple living in Ohio, they had no clear idea where they wanted to get married. The only thing they knew for sure was that James wanted “Into the Mystic” to be their first dance.
As they spent time on Mackinac Island, it didn’t take long for something to click. The Island felt like more than a destination. It felt like the beginning of something official.
On a whim, they stopped into Island House Hotel, unsure if it was even a wedding venue. After asking at the desk, they were escorted to the front porch to wait.
Then “Into the Mystic” began playing over the hotel speakers.
They didn’t need to look at each other to know. It was meant to be.
Once Upon an Island
by Island House Hotel
This spring, Island House Hotel is welcoming couples back to Mackinac Island for Once Upon an Island, a weekend dedicated to celebrating the love stories that began and continue here.
More details »
Convincing everyone else took a little longer. Kayla remembers her dad being hesitant about asking guests to fly, drive, take a ferry, and then a horse or bike to reach the venue. But once he saw the Island for himself, he understood the magic.
On June 22, 2019, Kayla and James were married at Island House Hotel, surrounded by family and friends who made the journey to celebrate with them.
But Mackinac did not stop being part of their story after the wedding.
In August 2020, they returned for their first anniversary and shared another milestone by announcing they were expecting their first child. Their son Declan made his first trip to the Island in July 2021 and quickly fell in love with it too. Another summer visit followed in August 2022 as they prepared to welcome their second son, Wilson, who made his Mackinac debut in June 2023.
In June 2024, Kayla and James returned once more to mark their five year anniversary, this time as a family of four. They stayed in the same room they had shared on their wedding night. That evening, another wedding was taking place at Island House, and the couple found themselves swapping stories and sharing a drink with the newlyweds.
And then, once again, “Into the Mystic” played.
Some love stories begin here.
Others come back again and again.
For Kayla and James, Mackinac Island has become a place they return to mark time, celebrate milestones, and make memories one visit at a time.
Does Mackinac Island hold a chapter of your love story?
If Mackinac is part of your story, share it for a chance to be featured in the Mackinac Island Free Press.
