Intimate Camp Blodgett Wedding

INTIMATE CAMP BLODGETT WEDDING

Featured on Offbeat Bride: here

Camp Blodgett is one of my all time favorite Michigan wedding venues. The first time I photographed a wedding there, I found my heart racing as I wound down a long drive through tall pines and quaint camp grounds until I came to the Loeks Retreat Center that would be Christine and Marta’s home base for the wedding day. It sits perched upon a hill overlooking Lake Michigan, and I immediately ran down to the lakeshore to photograph the simply stunning ceremony arch created with what looked like driftwood and flowers. Like, literally. It was the first thing I did.

I was early (as per usual) because this was not only my first time at Camp Blodgett, it was also my first time working alongside the incredible fox & fern events and I wanted to photograph every last detail of their gorgeous design. 

After checking in on the brides who were still getting ready in the upstairs guest rooms, I headed down to see the reception space in the fireplace room of the Retreat Center.

What I saw made me smile sooooooo big. Geometric shapes played off of organic wildflowers and the room was very boho-meets-ikea. Which made absolute sense because those opposites mirror the bride’s personalities. Just like their relationship, it WORKED. Science beakers and teal glassware- hand-dyed ombre napkins and airplants in golden geometric holders- vintage loveseats with modern pillows- this wedding was eclectic and FUN.

After photographing all the decor, I began to collect the couples personal details for their wedding flat lay and that’s when Marta showed me the STUNNING morganite ring that she wanted to give Christine during their first look. You see, they had a legal wedding ceremony prior to this celebration with their friends and family, and Marta knew that her wife (who self-describes as “extra”) would love a bonus ring. It was massive and sooooo fun to photograph.

Finally, I headed upstairs to see if the brides were almost ready.

That’s when Christine revealed that she had not one, not two, but THREE wedding dresses. One a little more traditional for the ceremony, a Zac Posen for the dinner and first part of the reception, and a light and more comfortable party dress for dancing. Remember the “extra” thing? I love her so much! She also had a cape… because of course she did.

After the most precious first look and Chrstine’s awestruck reaction to the bonus wedding ring, it was time for a ceremony written by the brides around Dr. Seuss’s classic “Oh, The Places You’ll Go.”

The rest of the night was blur of laughter and dancing and ice cream and I’m pretty sure Marta’s mom ended up skinny dipping in the lake.

LGBTQ Kalamazoo Michigan Wedding

LGBTQ KALAMAZOO MICHIGAN WEDDING

I cried a lot at this wedding. Like a lot.

You would think that being a wedding photographer means that you get used to it, but you don't. I felt this one deeply for a million reasons. Because I went to kindergarten with Josh and still remember playing tag on the playground. Because when I met Chris for the first time, he hugged me like he already loved me. Because after 12 years of love, they deserve marriage.

When the courthouse unexpectedly closed on their wedding date, Josh and Chris invited their closest friends and family to their home for the ceremony. They celebrated the next day with a backyard reception full of drinks, amazing barbecue, dancing, and JOY.

Weddings like this remind me of why I'm a photographer. I see what makes these two perfect for each other, and I want to share it with the world.

Tiny Townsend Park Wedding

Marissa and Jordan’s tiny Townsend Park wedding in Rockford, MI was another collaboration with Kayla from The Lost Forty. If this is the first time you were hearing about Kayla, she specializes in elopements and micro weddings, is passionate about eco-sustainability and is generally a rad human. 

The first time I met Jordan was in the parking lot just minutes before Marissa walked down the aisle. He radiated giddy energy and could not hold still. I walked him to the ceremony location among the tall trees at Townsend park and watched his eyes grow big as he proclaimed in wonder: “This is real. This feels real.”

Moments later, the couple’s closest friends and family filled in around him as Marissa’s dad walked her down the trail. It was a simple ceremony officiated by Jordan’s grandfather and the couple was barefoot. At one point, the gathering joined in song with the wind and the creaking pine trees.

Congratulations Marissa and Jordan! May your marriage be as beautiful as your wedding day was.

Coolest Backyard Food Truck Wedding Ever

COOLEST BACKYARD FOOD TRUCK WEDDING EVER

They had me at “Backyard Wedding,” and again at “Food Truck Wedding,” and again with every damn detail of this incredible day. Like, customized masks for guests!?! Ceviche apps and guacamole and a Taco Truck? The details were already amazing, but Rachel and Caitlin’s personalities took this wedding from amazing to one of my all-time favorites.

They had their first look at the airbnb, and afterwards, we did some portraits in the backyard. This was one of those times that I wish I could do a comparison of what the location looked like behind the scenes and what magic we captured in pictures. Sure, the airbnb was pretty, but there were a lot of colorful chairs and lawn furniture and distracting elements in the yard. So, I tucked the couple into an overgrown bush and had them sit on an end table 🤣

What can I say? When it works it works!

By this point, it was time to drive over to the ceremony location at a friend of the couple’s home. Just WOW. Heather from Blushing Designs and Emily from Connolly House Events put on such a cool and classy event. The social distancing was made fun with custom face masks and adorable hand-lettered signage.

But even the stunning decor paled in comparison to the beautiful ceremony officiated by their friend Ashley. Rachel and Caitlin exchanged their vows and I was awestruck by the poetry of their words. I mean, just read them:

I Rachel take you Caitlin to be my wife from this day forward. You strengthen my weaknesses and bring focus to my dreams. You are loyal and full of adventure. Your mind is a rainbow and you walk like champagne- the perfect balance of entertainment and repose. You are the color gold in all of its shades and I walk wholeheartedly into this life with you.

I promise to be faithful and honest,
To treat you with respect and honor you as my wife
To help you be your best self, and forgive you when you are not
To fill our life with warmth and adventure
To chase you up the mountain knowing you will follow me back down
To hold you and be held by you for as long as we live.

I Caitlin take you Rachel to be my wife from this day forward. You strengthen my weaknesses and bring focus to my dreams. You are fierce and tough, beautiful, and strong. Consistently, you prove to be the best protector around. In a land of sweeping sand, you are my solid ground and I walk wholeheartedly into this life with you.

I promise to be faithful and honest,
To treat you with respect and honor you as my wife
To help you be your best self, and forgive you when you are not
To fill our life with warmth and adventure
To pace you up the mountain knowing you will lead me back down.
To hold you and be held by you for as long as we live.

And then… FOOD TRUCK TACO reception!!!! Margaritas were poured, DJ Tess played the jams, and although COVID might have forced Rachel and Caitlin to change their original wedding plans, I’m pretty sure that this backyard food truck wedding will go down in history as one of the best days ever.

Front Porch Chicago Elopement

FRONT PORCH CHICAGO ELOPEMENT

This wedding went from a long weekend on Lake Michigan with Dan and Tina’s closest friends and family to a Chicago elopement on their front steps with an audience of their neighbors and a live stream. And you know what? I think the backup plan was just as beautiful and even more personal.

When I arrived at Dan and Tina’s Logan Square two flat, I realized that this would be the most intimate wedding I’ve ever photographed. This is their HOME. A place full of memories and love notes and things that were so clearly hand-picked not just for aesthetic value, but the meaning behind them.

Normally, when I arrive on a wedding day, even if it’s a small elopement, I photograph the day’s details and all of the personal items of significance. This time, everything felt important.

This wedding went from a long weekend on Lake Michigan with Dan and Tina’s closest friends and family to a Chicago elopement on their front steps with an audience of their neighbors and a live stream. And you know what? I think the backup plan was just as beautiful and even more personal.

When I arrived at Dan and Tina’s Logan Square two flat, I realized that this would be the most intimate wedding I’ve ever photographed. This is their HOME. A place full of memories and love notes and things that were so clearly hand-picked not just for aesthetic value, but the meaning behind them.

Normally, when I arrive on a wedding day, even if it’s a small elopement, I photograph the day’s details and all of the personal items of significance. This time, everything felt important.

Dan got ready in their guest room and enjoyed a glass of Scotch in honor of his best man who couldn’t make it while Tina had hair and makeup finished. When it was time for their first look, they decided to see each other for the first time in the backyard.

As guests began to fill the street, I had Dan and Tina snuggle by the window and take a peek outside. They are so loved.

Who would have thought that eloping on a front porch would be so perfect?

When the ceremony was over, they showed me their favorite spots in Logan Square, Chicago and Humboldt Park. It was cold and windy, and there were a ton of people around, but we had a blast.

My favorite part of the day was when Dan and Tina brought me to their neighbor’s urban garden filled with his art installations. Their neighbor assured me that I was welcome back any time and that there are dance parties every Friday.

And that, my friends, was one of the coolest weddings I’ve ever photographed.

Vendor Love:
Florals: Youth and Yarrow
Dress Designer: Lela Rose

Michigan Dunes Elopement

Christina and Victor exchanged their vows with only their parents as witnesses on top of the Lake Michigan dunes. It was simple. It was stunning, and by the end, the sky sang for them.

Northport Michigan Wedding

Intimate Backyard Wedding

Courtney and David

When COVID hit Michigan, everything went into lockdown. Weddings halted, and Courtney and David had to change plans. So, postponing their large celebration for later, they opted for an intimate backyard family gathering to keep everyone safe. One of the most important parts of the day was getting joy-filled pictures with their daughter. Family is everything.

Kalamazoo Winter Wedding

I really wanted to photograph this wedding. Kaycie is one of the sweetest bride’s I’ve gotten to know this year, and she poured her heart and soul into every detail of the day. She even stayed up most of the night before the wedding hand-making her bouquet and sewing her daughter’s dress. After catching Covid while photographing a wedding the week prior, I passed the responsibility of photographing the special day to Brooke. Time and time again, I am proud to be part of a creative and capable team. Editing these images was such a joy. Even though I wasn’t there, I definitely feel like I was. I hope you do too.

Mazel Tov Kaycie and Sean!

VENDORS:

Hair and Makeup: Daniel Crago-Calderon
Wedding Photography: Rachel Skye Photo
Venue: St. Augustine Cathedral Kalamazoo
Officiants: Father Bob Creagan with the cathedral and Rabbi Simone Schicker of Temple B'nai Israel - Kalamazoo

Green Gardens Farm Wedding

The Fitzpatricks

This was Brooke’s first wedding since joining team Rachel Skye and our first ever at the Green Gardens wedding venue. When she dropped of the images for me to edit, I was soooooo excited to see how she captured Liz and Ryan’s day. I was amazed. Her years of experience showed in the care and sheer variety of pictures. I was even able to make a couple GIFs for the couple because she shot through the moments instead of just clicking once. I can’t wait for the rest of her weddings this season, and I hope we get to work with Green Gardens again soon.

VENDOR LOVE:

Dress designer/shop: Bombshell Brides, Justin Alexander/ Lillian West
Hair/MUA: Harvey House Salon
DJ: Adam Freeman
Venue: Green Gardens Wedding Venue
Paper Good Designer (Invitation/Programs): Minted
Desserts: Cannoli Pastry Shop
Floral Designer: Say it with Flowers
Wedding Coordinator: Liz Glaab of Chastain Charm
Caterer: Catered Creations
Shoes: Badgley Mischka/ Nordstrom
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Macys

Traverse City Wedding

Traverse City Wedding

Jessica & Enrique

It’s always a great day when we get to photograph a wedding at the Grand Traverse Resort. The 55th hole is the perfect ceremony location, and the food at Aerie is ✨chefs kiss. ✨Jess and Enrique had a relaxing and intimate wedding celebration full of laughter and family. I have a million favorite things about the day, but I’d like to specifically highlight the stunning ceremony arch crafted by Feild of Flowers North that featured birds of paradise in honor of a passed family member. It was truly stunning. Congratulations Jess and Enrique! Your family near and far loves you soooo much.

VENDOR LOVE:

Dress: The Wedding Shoppe in Berkley, MI
Hair: Mary Zukowski
Makeup: Ria Redwood
Venue: Grand Traverse Resort
Floral Designer: Field of Flowers North

Hocking Hills Elopement

Hocking Hills Elopement

Sara + Nathan

This was my second time at the Glenlaurel Inn photographing a Hocking Hills elopement (see my first here). The private on-site gorge trail lends itself to an intimate wedding ceremony that is simply not possible at the Hocking Hills State Parks. I am forever grateful to have discovered this treasure of a location for my couples who want an intimate wedding surrounded by nature.

Sara and Nathan decided that while they had to postpone their large wedding celebration until next year, they were done waiting to be married. Since I’m legally ordained in Ohio as well as Michigan, we started thinking about a place that could double as a wedding venue as well as a sort of mini-honeymoon. Hocking Hills was perfect.

I arrived just after sunrise at the couple’s cabin and photographed them as they helped each other get ready. Nathan had to put Sara’s hiking boots on and it was so freaking adorable. Then, we hiked through slippery muddy trails to the perfect little oasis in the middle of the forested gorge. The fact that Sara didn’t get her dress dirty on the way down was a gift from the universe.

After reading letters from their parents, and reflecting on the events that led them to their wedding day, Sara and Nathan exchanged personalized vows. Sealed with rings and a kiss, they began their marriage with a first dance to Bridge Over Troubled Water.

WEDDING VENDOR LOVE

Dress: Spring Sweet
Flowers: Stems Market
Venue: Glenlaurel Inn

Something Blue Berry Farm Wedding

Something Blue Berry Farm Wedding

The Gieslers

Amy and Aaron met on a fishing tournament and camping weekend, and GET THIS: Aaron proposed in that same boat just over 3 years later. Be still my heart! When Amy asked me to photograph her wedding at Something Blue Berry Farm, I was so bummed that I wasn’t available. But, having known her since high school, I assured her that she would LOVE my associate Brooke. They are both deeply spiritual and exude kindness. Both can also handle a shot or two 😉

As I was looking through the pictures of the day, reliving it through Brooke’s eyes, I couldn’t help but cry happy tears for my friend. I’ve met Aaron exactly one time, and in that single meeting, I could tell that he was Amy’s perfect partner. The pictures from their wedding day confirmed that gut feeling. The eye crinkles he gets when he looks at her and the way that her smile lights up her face says it all.

VENDOR LOVE:

Dress designer/shop: Maggie Sottero, purchased at Memories Bridal and Evening Wear in Kalamazoo
Hair: Golden Hair by Kristin Petersen based out of Sway Salon in Kalamazoo
Makeup Artist: Alissa Walker
Venue: Something Blue Berry Farm in Bangor, MI
Floral Designer: Linda Blackmore
Caterer: Q it Up BBQ based out of Kalamazoo
Baker: Sus Giesler
Bridesmaid Attire: Christina Wu
Groom Attire: from Memories Bridal and Evening Wear