It was like the set of an A-list Hollywood movie, all on the south shore, east end. The tent was perhaps the largest ever seen on the shores of Clark Lake. The marriage of Haley Burns and Tanner Kennedy will be etched on the lake’s memory for years to come. Based on all that happened, you couldn’t miss it.
As guests awaited the ceremony to begin, Hobies cruised back and forth. The father of the bride, Jack Burns, made the arrangement with Fleet 58. Their sails provided an awesome colorful stage for the ceremony. The officiant and best man, Guy Kennedy, Jr., stood in the gazebo announcing the wedding party as they came forward. Now with Tanner, the groom, in front of the gazebo, Guy said that the golf cart intended to deliver the bride and father had broken down, but a solution had been found. Jack and Haley were secretly picked up from the Lajdziak’s dock in a beautifully varnished 1948 Chris Craft barrel back, piloted by John Calhoun. “As we made our way to the Kennedy’s dock, people on the lake were hooting, hollering, and honking horns,” says Jack. “They were part of the celebration.”
Once on land, the bride and her father marched north to the gazebo, as a classical string quartet played “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
Haley Burns and Tanner Kennedy grew up at Clark Lake, not much more than a mile from each other. The Clark Lake community is not that big. So, how was it their paths never crossed until 2022? The first connection took place at a joint engagement party for Adam and Ellen Luhamann and Cody and Jackie King at the cottage of Bill and Ann Searles. Both Tanner and Haley were old enough to know what makes a relationship. Jack recounts meeting with Tanner at the Eagle’s Nest. Tanner told him he knew Haley was the one by the second date. “How come this girl is not married?” Haley had been living a perfectly satisfactory life – teaching school, owned her own home, and had a wonderful circle of friends. Then Tanner happened. And the rest of that story spoke volumes at the wedding.
Mary Kennedy, Tanner’s mother, said the ceremony was her favorite part of the event. Guy, jr. spoke of commitment, love and what a good marriage is about. Mary says “we’re so fortunate that our son found this wonderful girl.” She adds, “it’s magical that the Burns and Kennedy families came together in this way.” Why? A check of the family histories tells the story.
Guy Kennedy’s parents were F.A. and Tiny Kennedy. Jack’s parents were Howard and Shirley Burns. The two couples were part of a friend group known as the Royal Quarters. With close friends, they danced, dined, and played cards in a way that now belongs to another era. In the ceremony, Guy Jr., noted that the grandparents must be smiling from above.
Mary, as mother of the groom, spoke of the Clark Lake element that draws families together. Growing up, she lived on Hyde Road; and Guy, one of ten Kennedy’s, lived at the cottage, that was Saturday’s scene for the wedding. Mary was friends with Rennie Clark Schmidt who lived next door to the Kennedy’s. Mary, Rennie and Kennedy kids played together along that shore. But it wasn’t until both Mary and Guy were attending Western Michigan that they discovered they were a good match. “Both of us were fortunate to have Clark Lake DNA.”
The Kennedy’s had a role in bringing Jack’s family to Clark Lake. Living in Jackson at the time, the Burn’s knew the Kennedy’s and were visiting them at Clark Lake. Jack’s brother, Pat, was on a bike ride with the Kennedy’s when he noticed a cottage for sale at 1052 Eagle Point. He took that info back to his parents. That random moment became the catalyst for the Burn’s move to Clark Lake. Today, Jack and Bonnie Burns live in the Cove on Eagle Point Drive.
Of the wedding, Jack points to his daughter’s vision. Her ideas and were wonderfully executed. He adds “it was truly the Clark Lake spirit that made it happen.” The family, friends, and Q Lane neighbors came together in multiple ways. Others around the lake helped in one way or another. As you can see below, Clark Lake was well represented in the ceremony.
Mary Kennedy says this wedding was so meaningful and heartfelt. “This is a good union. It’s magical.”
Haley dances with dad.
The family and friend connections that emerge from this wedding are another chapter in what might be called “love at the lake.” Click here to read a story about other connections, including the engagement party mentioned above (pic below), and the wedding of Jack Burn’s nephew, B.J. Lyons who married Sally Dandar on Eagle Point.
For the story behind the 1948 Chris Craft, click here.
Congratulations to all … looked like a magical day . So very happy for the newlyweds. Big Hugs to all. Love ya ❤️ Lynn
Beautiful Beautiful day and night it happened naturally and beautifully. What a beautiful couple. Clark Lake should be proud.
Beautifully written Rick, what an amazing start to their new life together. It has been so fun to see them together. David and I are super happy for both families.
Congratulations & Best wishes!! 💕
From the moment I stepped on the grounds, I had a feeling I was transported to Hyannis Port. The Waterfront, the Kennedy name all seemed to ring familiar, but no, things were different. This was Hayley and Tanner, and we were at Clark Lake not Hyannis Port.
We lived next To Jack and Bonnie Burns, Hayley and Mac close to 30 years at Eagle Point.
A quality family, a quality neighbor and on August 24,2024 an incredible wedding. What a privilege it was for us to be there. Howard and Shirley must have been beaming!!!