“I would ride with you upon the wind and dance upon the mountains like a flame.” -W.B. Yeats
Let me tell you about this crazy awesome wedding that took place at Carp River Gardens in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula!
The day started out with the girls (and brides-man) getting ready at an Airbnb about a half-hour away from Marquette. This cute, cozy cabin on a lake was a perfect spot to get ready. It was a gorgeous summer day, and everyone was able to chill before the wedding. There were mimosas, snacks, and everyone took their time so it wasn’t rushed.
Presque Isle
After everyone was dressed and ready, I drove Brooke to Presque Isle, where we parked near a grassy pathway leading into the woods. Chris met us there, and that’s where Brooke and Chris had their first look. When Brooke turned Chris around, the emotion was INTENSE! You can see how strong their love is, and how much Chris cares for her. It was beautiful!
Working Alongside a Video Team
On a side note, I wasn’t the only one there documenting the day for these two. Matthew Hill Creative, Marquette wedding videographers, were there also capturing the day’s events. I wanted to bring this up because you can see how working alongside videographers might affect how I approach things.
For one, I wasn’t able to get really close up during the ceremony. I had to be mindful of where I was placed, so I wasn’t ruining any video shots. I don’t have a problem working alongside videographers as long as we can coordinate, and no one is stepping on each other’s toes. But it was WONDERFUL working with these guys- they are fantastic!
The Black Rocks
After the first look we headed over to the black rocks on Presque Isle to do some quick portraits. We were running late at this point, but this part of the day was VERY important to Brooke and Chris. These photos were totally worth it!
As we headed to the ceremony where everyone was waiting, we had a chance to talk. Brooke told me about her mom, and how close they are. She chose her mom to be her maid of honor because her mom means so much to her.
Carp River Gardens
We finally arrived at the wedding venue. Carp River Gardens is one of the most BEAUTIFUL places I’ve seen a wedding take place! The whole place is full of amazing gardens, with little magical details everywhere! It’s surrounded by tall, beautiful pines and the sunlight peeking through makes for a beautiful atmosphere.
The ceremony was short and sweet, featuring Brooke and Chris’s grandmas as flower girls! Their dog, Penny, was the Dog of Honor- isn’t she just precious! After their marriage was sealed with a kiss, there was cheering and clapping, and then everyone started to head over to the reception tent to get the celebration started. I LOVED all the personalized details at this wedding! And the dessert table was LIT!
Carp River Gardens has gorgeous rocky cliffs if you’re up for a walk in the woods. So after dinner, we headed back there to take more photos and so Brooke and Chris could have a breather. Before we left, they did a shot of Fireball because we did the same thing during their engagement session. It was a great moment!
The Celebration
As the night progressed, the party got CRAZY! The dance floor was insane. Everyone was laughing, singing, and having THE BEST TIME! The party lasted until the moon was high in the sky. It was amazing!
Brooke and Chris, I am so happy I was able to document your wedding, share the day, and celebrate with you! I want you to know I wish you all the very best things in life!
Carp River Gardens Wedding by Lume Photography
Featured in A Northwoods Wedding!
This wedding wouldn’t have been so incredible without the hard work of these amazing vendors:
Wedding Planner: Emi Morison of Moon and Back Weddings
Wedding Videographers: Matthew Hill Creative
Wedding Dress: Jenna in White
Hair and Makeup: Jessica Marrin Glomp – (906) 235-4898
Florist: Northwoods Flora
Bakery: Sweet Lou’s Custom Bakery
Catering: Cafe Bodega
Rentals: Mandala Events
Lume Photography is a fine art elopement and wedding photographer based in Michigan, travelling worldwide. Behind the camera you’ll find me (Andrea)- a girl who loves animals, the wilderness, and love stories. I believe in magic, soulmates, and the hidden forces of energy that connect everything and everyone in the universe. My favorite places are the woods, the mountains, and the ocean. My passion is documenting the moments, emotions and connection between two souls in love, in wild places. I’ve traveled to Arizona, Colorado, Costa Rica, Scotland, and beyond to photograph wild elopements and small destination weddings.
How dreamy! Love the forest photos of the couple.