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Most girls fantasize about how special their wedding will one day be.

For Emily Johnston, fantasy became reality July 14, 2007, when she married David Rushing at Churchill Pointe Inn in Hubbard Lake. Brides magazine recently declared their casual affair one of the top 10 weddings of the year and did a two-page spread on it for the July/August 2008 issue.

The magazine piece featured eight color photographs taken by Emily's good friend and former roommate, Jen Siska of San Francisco, along with a short story that describes all the special touches the couple incorporated into their wedding ceremony and reception.

"Being in the magazine was exciting," said Emily, who down plays her wedding's designation as one of the top 10, calling it just a headline. "I think it appealed to the magazine because of the brighter colors. We used yellow and green, and black and white."

She credits her friend's beautiful photography and initiative in sending the photographs to Brides magazine for consideration. The magazine liked the pictures, contacted her and then submitted questions to her via email, following up with a telephone interview.

When it came to planning the wedding, the location was always a given for Emily, who grew up vacationing on Hubbard Lake at her grandmother, Betty Johnston's cottage. The actual ceremony took place outside of Churchill Pointe Inn, with the reception held both indoors and out.

One of Emily's special memories is that the day dawned cloudy and overcast, but just as her father was walking her down the grassy aisle, the sun broke through the clouds. A rainbow stretched out over the lake and from that point forward, the weather was perfect.

The bride chose a strapless Casablanca gown, while the groom wore a J. Crew khaki suit. Bridesmaids donned bright green dresses, and the guys continued the casual theme with simple khaki pants and white shirts.

Lots of youngsters were a part of the big day, including David's two daughters, Alexis and Hannah, who served as junior bridesmaids. To make the girls feel thoroughly included and to symbolize a blending of families, a special ring ceremony was held for the girls.

After the ceremony, there was no fancy limousine ride in store for the newlyweds and their bridal party.

"Usually the bridal party goes out in a limo, but we took a champagne pontoon boat ride around Hubbard Lake," said Emily. "My uncle drove us around. We nearly sunk the boat there were so many people on board."

Back on shore, the approximately 150 guests later enjoyed an Italian buffet with the couple's favorite dishes.

Decorating assistance came from Amanda Stewart and several family members. Tables were covered with bright yellow tables cloths and white eyelet runners. Emily's mom covered boxes with black and white fabric that served as bases for colorful floral arrangements. Another relative, Jeanne Cornelius of Flowerland Designs in Alpena, did the flowers, using a combination of both bright and pale yellow flowers.

A candy buffet of yellow candies such as jelly beans, lemonheads and gumdrops turned out to be a big hit with everyone. Guests were given Chinese take-out boxes that they filled up with candy to take home as favors.

"We just wanted the wedding to be fun and relaxing," said Emily, who currently resides in Rogers City with her new husband.

Besides the couple, Churchill Pointe Inn owners Sharon and Don Geib also are thrilled that the Johnston-Rushing wedding was featured prominently in a national magazine. Sharon loves the hospitality aspect of hosting weddings, and has been steadily increasing the number that take place at the inn.

"When I heard the wedding was going to featured in Brides magazine, I was just thrilled," Sharon said. "One of the things I'm so proud of and have commented to others is that we Hubbard Lakers were in a national magazine up against Napa and all these other places. There's a lot to say about the Sunrise Side."

The magazine attention hasn't been lost on Emily's family either.

"My grandmother is pretty happy about the magazine," Emily said. "We have one copy, but my dad and aunts and everyone have done a pretty good job of collecting them. And my mom carries one in her car."

Thanks to the magazine coverage, Emily, David and their families all will have a special memento for years to come of this dream wedding.