Aug 24, 2022

Beth & Luke | BlueBridge Events Centre | Traverse City Wedding Photographer

Updated: Dec 5, 2022

Beth and Luke's picture-perfect wedding day takes us to BlueBridge Event Centre just a few miles south of Traverse City. If you are considering a Traverse City wedding, this is your sign to do it. Maybe it's all the fresh lake air and beautiful blue skies, but there is something uniquely special about celebrating your love with all your friends and family in Traverse City. This was an even more special wedding as Beth and Luke went to college with my husband Ben and I. They are also high school sweethearts and Luke was in the same fraternity as Ben in college. I was so honored they chose me to capture this special milestone and I was able to celebrate with them every step of the way.

The day started with Beth getting ready in the bridal suite at BlueBridge with her bridesmaids and her mom. BlueBridge is a family-run event venue that has a rustic chic vibe and is nestled in the woods surrounded by beautiful trees, string lights, and cascading foilage. Beth looked radiant and included thoughtful details like using the family heirloom ring box that Luke used when he proposed and wearing her sister's sapphire ring as an extra special something borrowed and blue. Luke and the groomsmen played disc golf in the back grassy area before getting ready to meet Beth for the first look. Both of them were looking forward to seeing each other. First Beth shared a first look with her dad before finally getting to see her groom. Both first looks were filled with lots of emotions and it was beautiful to witness and document. It was important to Luke to incorporate time spent by the water into their wedding day as they did during their engagement session, so we headed to the beach to take in the true Traverse City beauty. Joined by their wedding party, everyone was able to be silly, let loose and enjoy having fun together before the ceremony.

Back at BlueBridge, the ceremony was held in the chapel. It was an unplugged ceremony that was filled with happy tears and laughter. The ceremony felt so personal as it was officiated by a close friend from high school who has watched Beth and Luke's relationship grow and evolve over the years. The bride and groom recited their own wedding vows and of course, sealed their commitment with a kiss. Immediately after the ceremony guests were able to enjoy hors d'oeuvres on the patio surrounded by the beautiful wooded scenery and feel the warm summer breeze.

The reception space was a mix of elegant decor using white drapery, delicate greenery, and string lights with chandeliers that all combined to compliment the natural rustic ambiance beautifully. Each place setting included a smores kit that guests were able to enjoy around a bonfire later in the evening, which I definitely did. Beth and Luke made their grand entrance into a flurry of bubbles and cheers where they immediately cut their cake and enjoyed their first dance as husband and wife. Before dinner, both Beth and Luke's dads shared memories and words of encouragement with the couple followed by more congratulatory speeches from Beth's sister, the maid of honor, and Luke's brother, the best man.

After dinner, it was time for the traditional parent dances. Beth and her dad headed out to the dance floor for their father-daughter dance, but not before he helped her bustle her dress, which was so sweet! Following the anniversary dance, Luke and his mom shared a dance and then the DJ invited others to join, which brought everyone to the dance floor and officially got the party started. Just as the sun began to lower into the trees, we snuck away for some sunset photos and to give the newlyweds a few quiet moments together reflecting on the day before heading back onto the dance floor. Beth and Luke know how to throw a great party but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. The couple made their big exit down the tree-lined path and through a tunnel of sparklers into the warm summer night. It was an honor to celebrate Beth and Luke and document them with all their friends and family as they began the next phase of their life together.

Congratulations, Beth and Luke! I wish you many years of happy memories ahead!

All my love,