Michigan Avenue Events had the honor of producing the very first event at Petite Acres, Michigan’s newest luxury private buyout property in New Buffalo, approximately 90 minutes from Chicago, recently featured in Travel + Leisure. Petite Acres is set on 4.25 acres of tree-lined hill with French countryside-inspired grounds in New Buffalo, Michigan. Located just 0.5 miles from downtown and a mile from Lake Michigan, the boutique estate features 12 private guest homes sleeping 40-55 depending on how groups are arranged, a wellness studio, and a 4,700-square-foot event venue called Château Aster that can host up to 150 guests with a dance floor.

For this intimate first look, we brought Château Aster, the Great Lawn, Bridal Suite, Balcony, Garden, one of the Yurts, and a selection of overnight accommodations to life in an event setting — offering guests a glimpse into the magic and potential of this gorgeous property.

The private estate features thoughtful venue design details by Marcie Blanco of Ma’am Design Collective, immersive wallpaper by Fine & Dandy Co., a deep connection to nature, a wellness studio complete with sauna and cold plunge and an effortless sense of European charm tucked into the beauty of Southwest Michigan.

Upon arrival to Petite Acres, guests were greeted by The DJ Firm’s mobile DJ truck as they traversed the path up to the property. Then as they came across the Great Lawn, they experienced music from singer & songwriter Ryan Argast of Gold Coast Events performing atop the balcony to the bridal suite. Inside of the chateau DJ Jem of The DJ Firm spun French House music.

Michigan Avenue Events and BBJ La Tavola had lots of fun infusing the entire property with linens from their Summerlight Collection. Here are a few of the vignettes from the day.

Southwest Michigan is a culinary playground and to complement the experience, Michigan Avenue Events helped curate partnerships with Limelight Catering, Vendador, PostBoy, One Off Hospitality, and Gandia’s Catering. Guests enjoyed a thoughtfully designed journey of elevated food and drink offerings that reflected the property's sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere set amongst the forest and utilizing the freshest produce from nearby farms.

Special thanks to the pastry chefs at Greenbriar Cakes and Artfully Meraki.

MAE was pleased to infuse the beautiful grounds through the creative collaboration of Magnificent Milestones, Siblana Events, Revel Decor, Natalie Walsh Designs, Lavender Fields Flowers and Chantal from Gandia’s. Together, these talented partners layered the grounds with romantic florals, custom prints, drapery, refined furnishings, and artful design moments that highlighted the property's French-inspired character while creating an immersive guest experience.

Adding a touch of timeless elegance, Michigan Avenue Events showcased a beautifully restored 1963 Porsche 356 Coupe from the luxury vintage car collection of three. The iconic vehicle served as both a striking design element and a nod to the effortless sophistication that defines celebrations at Petite Acres.

To enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area of Southwest Michigan, Lolly Roberts of Chikaming Open Lands took the attendees to Sugar Woods for a gentle hike!

As the inaugural event hosted at Petite Acres, the day offered an inspiring preview of the property's potential for destination weddings, corporate retreats, private celebrations, and unforgettable multi-day experiences. We are honored to have helped introduce this extraordinary venue to the luxury events community! Thank you to all of the talented partners, friends, and creative teams who all came together for this soft opening.

Special congratulations to Jeana Anderson Cohen, Justin Cohen, their families and team including Head of Hospitality Andrew Prazich, Marcie Blanco and her family of Ma’am Design Collective, Max at Holladay Construction, Brooks Architectural, and Mariani Landscape Architects. The venue’s first official booking will be the General Contractor’s wedding at the end of the month!

Planning & Production | Michigan Avenue Events

Photography | Joy Lane

Venue | Petite Acres

Videography | Archive of Feeling

Stationery | Magnificent Milestones

Catering | Limelight Catering, Vendador, PostBoy, One Off Hospitality, Gandia’s Catering

Design | Siblana Events, Revel Decor, Natalie Walsh Designs, Lavender Fields Flowers

Entertainment | The DJ Firm, Gold Coast Events

Linen Partner | BBJ La Tavola

Desserts | Greenbriar Cakes & Artfully Meraki

Gown | Mira Couture

Guided Hike | Chikaming Open Lands