Our Story

What started as a deeply personal celebration became the beginning of something much bigger.

Ten years after eloping in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore during the “storm of the century” in 2015, we returned to the lakeshore to celebrate our anniversary with the people we love most. We envisioned an intimate, intentional gathering in nature. A beautifully designed beach setting where friends and family could relax, connect, and be fully present.

But when we began planning, we couldn’t find anyone who could bring that vision to life in the way we imagined. So we created it ourselves.

Frank designed and built custom low tables made to sit seamlessly in the sand, functional, sturdy, and thoughtfully crafted for a beach setting.

At the same time, I curated every detail of the experience, from the tablescape and surrounding landscape to the catering and florals, all designed to feel natural, elevated, and intentional.

What unfolded that evening was more than a setup. It was a feeling. Effortless, beautiful, and deeply meaningful.

As the sun set over Lake Michigan and we gathered around the bonfire, we realized this was something we wanted to share.

Traverse City Picnics was born from that moment, blending thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and a love for creating meaningful outdoor experiences.

Every picnic we create is rooted in that same intention, to make it easy to slow down, celebrate, and connect in a setting that feels both elevated and completely at ease.

We look forward to creating a unique picnic experience for you.

Your hosts,
Frank & Suzanne