My two favorite things are travel and weddings… put both together and you’ll find me at my most recent destination wedding. I’ve been talking about going to the U.P. for the past 2 weeks for Emily & TJ’s wedding. This is a 9-hour road trip for me but well worth it! Emily & I met online as she lives in Washington State. Planning a destination wedding can be tricky as you cannot “see” and “coordinate” things early and only have 1-2 days to orchestrate before the big day. Nevertheless, there were so many unique details that made this day special for everyone. I’ll comment on these as I share with you my favorite shots from the day.
Emily & TJ met at college here in Marquette, MI. When they were dating they would come to Presque Isle State Park to spend the afternoons. There aren’t well-marked signs so you would miss this gem if you weren’t told to visit. On the way to the beach you walk through a forest on a small footpath. Emily and TJ haven’t been back for 1 1/2 years so this was a special memory shared.
I’m a shoe person. Every wedding I try to take a shot of what couples are wearing. I love Emily’s accent green stone. Really adds to the “woodsy” feeling in these portraits. Everything about her style I love! It does help green is my favorite color to wear. 🙂
TJ is from Marquette and considered a Yooper. Originally from So. Carolina I had no clue what this meant. Apparently if you are from the U.P. you are a Yooper and if you are below the Mackinac Bridge you are considered a Troll. I learn new things every day. 🙂
Back when Emily & TJ visited the park in college this footpath didn’t exist. Emily said it was just a sandy path leading to the beach. I have never walked through the woods before to get to a beach. This was a really neat experience for me. The air is so clean in the Upper Peninsula you can smell the pine trees.
The chosen spot for the ceremony was this beautiful point on the beach. Calm waters and such a tranquil scene.
Emily was radiating today. I know this is said quite frequently when speaking of brides… but these shots show her glowing!
I fell in love with her bouquet when first saw it! Her Uncle John made this. Definitely some talent in this family! Can anyone spot the “odd” flower Emily and I agree made the bouquet?
Okay. All girls know the “twirl” factor. This dress gets the approval!
Ahhh…. Newlyweds!
Emily & TJ both walked the “isle” to the ceremony site together hand in hand. I really like this idea.
During the ceremony all the guests were given a rock to hold. Before the couple was announced man and wife they were told the significance of the rocks. Each rock was held with love and good wishes towards the couple. Before they were pronounced they could give blessings and well wishes to the couple on their stone and toss it into the lake. I almost got pelted in the head! The risks we photographers take trying to get requested shots…. this time I was standing in front of guests hurling rocks!
I never would have thought about a tooled necklace… but this combo is amazing. I love this shot of TJ & Emily on the beach. Every wedding I try to get at least one traditional shot of the bride and groom because I know parents aren’t always into the “not looking at the camera” and “off to the side” approach. If I were their parents this is the shot I would frame.
TJ has the “I’m pretending I’m not being photographed” pose down. 🙂 This was a natural candid of Emily.
Moments after being married…
The reception was held at the Landmark Inn in Marquette. Very picturesque town!
Centerpieces were potted plants with moss around the pot. Lavender accented each place setting and smelled amazing! The sign-in “book” was a canvas with colored markers for each guest to leave well wishes. Favors were local munchies… chocolate covered potato chips. Really yummy!
Emily made these cute mustaches and had fun hats for guests to take self-portraits. The kids really loved this table and kept coming back and forth trying out different articles.
Congratulations Emily & TJ! I know all of your guests and myself included loved your beach wedding! To view all the amazing shots from this day visit the gallery.
