“The White Basket on Mackinaw Island”
By Jeanne Pontello Szarwinski

Limestone bluffs stand high and fragrant lilac trees are crowned in bright purple flowers which blow in the breeze. A clinging ground cover of colonies of yellow Trout Lillies cloak the ground — such is the ambiance of the island. Home to the Grand hotel, embellished with an east front porch of 660 feet holding white rocking chairs and giant pots of flowers— Roads are accessible only by horse drawn carriages, this is Mackinac Island, the magical archipelago located within Lake Huron near the Straits of Mackinac, within the state of Michigan.
And so, it was— and so it is — the venue for our most memorable and beautiful family wedding ever to be consummated, the union of Stephen Pontello and Ashley Annetta. And what a time we had, one to be forever etched in our memories.
First of all, I’d like to thank John Annetta, his wife, Lori and Ms. Nancy Annetta for offering this luxurious setting with all of its amenities to be the venue for the wedding—a true reflection of the love for their daughter. A shout out to Stephen and Dawsie Pontello, parents of the groom, for hosting a rehearsal cocktail party which I will label as “a most enchanting evening.”
But first, I must ask you, why do people travel long distances to destination weddings ? Well, my answer would be because that is what families do.
Picture an empty straw basket on a table. . Let us make it a white basket. Better to view the contents. Now if we could fill the basket with the intangibles of a family—let us imagine—one by one — commitments, dedication, admiration, emotions and support —oops there it goes. The basket is overflowing in abundance and too heavy for the table. Not only are there shared genes and the blood of our family which promise to blossom, but it is mostly the love we have for the bride and groom. A collective spirit, one which is not quantifiable but sure is visible as we join together and watch as time stands still for a few of us
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And so, to relive the sequence, let us go to the rehearsal reception hosted by Stephen and Dawsie Pontello on Friday evening , within the Iroquois Hotel, overlooking Lake Huron. Starched white tablecloths and crystal glasses adorn the tables on the open lawn and the most elegant of hors d’ oeuvres are served. The families are introduced, and fun is experienced by all. Mingling of the families ensue along with the sun setting over the horizon. A magical scene speckled with the shadows of human embrace and congratulatory wishes.

Moving on, into the early afternoon of Saturday August 19, 2023, one could see horse drawn carriages filled with handsome men in tuxedos and ladies in sparkling gowns riding through Main Street of Mackinaw Island, a road filled with tourists, workers, waiters, and locals. Not all of it without the usual kinks. Some of us ladies tripped over our long gowns, lost a diamond earring, or even felt a slight uncomfortable mist when seated behind the horses, none of which diminished the elegance! Yikes!

These horses slowly marched their way with their iron horseshoes in precise unison, Klop Klop- on the road to the Grand Hotel. Now these black horses with bushy tails wagging, performed their daily routine unconcerned about the solemnity of the event. Just another day on Mackinaw Island. Within sight— there it is —the magnificent red-carpet stairs of the Grand Hotel, a regal entry filled with flowers, shining white pillars, and dotted with photographers.
Emerging from the carriage, laughter echoed from the base of the stairs. Several folks being guests at the hotel were seated in various Adirondack chairs and simply enjoying the view until…
Wait— ascending the red carpeted stairs is a group which depicted a scene not unlike a movie set. I was waiting for a clapperboard to drop and the words, live and action! And the curious faces of the seated guests as they gawked could not have been funnier! And why was that?
I looked around, sort of a panoramic view, and could see a flutter of sparkling skirts, beautiful faces crowned with the breeze of blowing hair and dazzling jewelry forming prisms from the sun. Handbags bounced, and glass stilettos pricked the wooden floor as women entered. Men dressed in tuxedos with black bow ties, perfectly groomed haircuts, fitted collars and glossy dress shoes joined the ladies. Was this Hollywood?
As we marched through the entry of the Grand Hotel and visible through the bright hallways, I noticed a woman— alas— playing a tall harp performing classical music as entertainment for the guests. A truly exquisite touch. And then an adjoining room opened to a display of majestic fine art. Sitting rooms adorned the sides filled with vibrant tropical colors of magenta, greens, and whites. Each one being unique and special.
It is finally time for the white doors of the East Porch to open! Oh, the sunshine is blinding but I can see crystal flutes of champagne— standing tall on the trays, as if in salute to the celebration. Being served the stems of bubbly liquid, we could see Lake Huron glisten in the distance as the sun shines its rays of warmth on us. Our senses are filled with the breeze of cool fresh air and the pungent fragrance of lilies. Oh, don’t cry, not just yet!
And where do we sit? As routine, the bride’s family, the Annetta’s are seated to the left with the groom’s family, the Pontello’s to the right. Comfortable white wooden chairs provide rest while we wait patiently in front of the minister.
From a complete silence, the music begins which includes a live saxophone player, and we all take a deep breath in anticipation. Time for the wedding party to stroll down the aisle— bridesmaids with sage green pastel satin gowns and red roses and groomsmen all prim and proper, small children with flowers… With the entry of each person, one could hear the gasps of awe.
But for some, the elation of the moment is coupled with tears of sadness for the absence of loved ones who have passed away. For me it was my brother, Lou Papa Pontello. But wait, could I feel a spiritual presence? A glance up to heaven and a closing of my eyes, he is here—One must believe.
There is always disappointment and often tragedies that precede a huge celebratory event.
In our case the groom’s grandmother, Judy Pontello, the Pontello Matriarch, was severely injured just days prior to the event. Unable to travel and to attend. But, if we listen closely, we can hear her laughter echoing from the hallway. A distinct laughter unique to her and there it is — She is here in spirit.
The parents of the groom are stunning as they walk the aisle, as all that followed When the tall John Annetta dressed in a tailcoat tux escorts his elegant daughter Ashley down the aisle, it is as perfect a wedding scene as can be.
A moment to be treasured. Emotions surged!
In the exchange of vows, I would say the bride presented a different posture than the groom. As they say, opposites attract. Her appearance projected the most beautiful of brides with the exquisite pearl white gown and veil , mounds of dark hair pulled back and her contrasting red bouquet of roses. Steven was the epitome of a handsome groom.
We sat close enough to hear all the remarks of the minister and the exchange of vows. Stephen projected an image of a stoic man in complete control. In contrast Ashley giggled, smiled, and portrayed her genuine sweet personality. Looks of love exchanged between them with the bride’s lips slightly trembling. The moment had finally arrived! Tears flowed in the audience and tissues were plentiful. An emotional moment filled with joy!
And then the party began!
One can only imagine the magnificent cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres on the Porch of the Grand Hotel. We enjoyed an abundance of large shrimp, oysters on the half shell, crab claws , lamb chop, sliced warm turkey, etc., a deluge of protein. An array of juicy bright fruit surrounded by fresh veggies and bordered by a vast selection of desserts followed. I had to admire and take in the colloquial architecture of the porch which added an historical element to the affair. Two hours of sun-filled comradery ensued with the sounds of melodious music!
Then, once again I heard the clatter of horseshoes and the whines of horses from the veranda overlooking the steep driveway. Time to leave the Grand Hotel……Our party gathered and proceeded to the carriages, its horses ready to form a majestic procession back to the venue for the wedding reception, yes, another festive affair! Waiting for us was a sit-down dinner, speeches, toasting and dancing.
Festivities continued around the island.
When the sun rose and all was quiet except for the cacophonous squawking of the seagulls, a breakfast brunch was offered along with French Crepes, champagne and all the amenities fit for royalty!
Afterwards, one more charismatic trip on the horse drawn carriage through Main Street and off to the Ferry to cross the Straits of Mackinaw.
Back to the reality of life. Not sure why, but somehow, the white basket on the table was left behind at Mackinaw.

Note: This short story is dedicated to the groom’s father Mr. Stephen Pontello, Sr., who is not only my nephew but a pillar of strength and courage.