Wow. Madison and Christian’s Presque Isle elopement in Marquette was absolutely amazing. I am truly honored that they trusted me to document their special moments and intimate ceremony up north. Madison and Chris originally planned to elope out of state, but you know, the universe had other plans. They dreamed of a beautiful elopement outdoors with amazing scenery and that’s exactly what they got, just a little bit closer to home.
When they decided to elope in Michigan they connected with Kayla, the founder of The Lost Forty. And oh man, I’m so happy that they connected! The Lost Forty was created to simplify the planning process for couples and create a sustainable wedding solution with beautifully curated elopements. Kayla curated the backdrop for their ceremony, coordinated all of the details, officiated the wedding, and if that all isn’t enough, she also created stunning keepsake florals made with dried, preserved flowers. Incredible, right?
After talking with Kayla before their elopement, I knew it was going to be stunning, and it truly was! As my husband and I traveled to the upper peninsula, I was filled with excitement. I captured Madison and Christian’s engagement session, and I knew how fun-loving, sweet, and genuinely down to earth they were and I couldn’t wait to capture their emotions and interactions on their wedding day.
And let me tell you, there were so many beautiful moments and heartfelt emotions on their day! When I arrived at their hotel, Madison said she felt such relief having confidence that I was going to capture each moment. And I truly loved capturing every second of their day. From their beautiful details and getting ready festivities to their sunset portraits and cocktail toasts, each moment was filled with excitement and love. Sarah, the talented artist behind Wild Bees Beauty traveled all the way up to the U.P. to do Madison's hair and makeup and I'm so happy that she did! Madison looked stunning and her Truvelle dress from The Ivory Loft couldn't have been more perfect!
Madison and Chris had a first look at the hotel so that they could get out any nerves before their ceremony. They both beamed with joy as they saw each other and then we were off to Presque Isle. Their intimate ceremony was tucked back into the woods. Madison chose the “moody rustic” themed elopement, and Kayla curated the perfect backdrop for their ceremony. The words and vows exchanged were absolutely lovely.
Afterward, we headed back into Presque Isle Park for their wedding portraits. Madison and Chris's elopement in Presque Isle allowed us to adventure around Black Rocks and we set aside an hour to document their portraits until the sun set over Lake Superior. So needless to say, there is an abundance of incredible portraits! We had fun climbing through the trees and over rocks. And Madison rocked out all the adventuring and hiking in heels! Incredible!
I played their favorite indy tunes as they swayed back and forth to the sound of the waves. They giggled, embraced lovingly, and had the biggest smiles ever as they looked into each other's eyes. Madison remarked that I "seriously made it feel effortless and at ease." That right there is the biggest compliment ever. It’s not just how beautiful the photographs are, it’s how they felt in that moment, with one another, focused on each other rather than my camera.
We stopped by Sunset Point for a few more photographs and to just watch the sunset over the lake. I stepped back and let them take in that moment and just breathe. But as soon as the sun set, we were off to dinner at Elizabeth's Chophouse. We had a great dinner together and I was honored to sit across from them at dinner. Their best men and maids of honor all gave little toasts and speeches and after dinner they even had a first dance in the restaurant!
It was a perfect ending to their magical northern elopement. I know it wasn’t what they had originally planned, but it turned out to be an incredible adventure filled with lots of love. Cheers to adventuring and I hope they continue to seek adventure in their marriage together!
All my love,
Are you curious about the different types of intimate ceremonies? Do you want to know the difference between each type? Check out this blog to learn more!
If you liked this elopement up north, check out this Traverse City elopement in the dunes!
Considering eloping or planning your wedding? Reach out and let's plan your adventure!
