I was so excited to be part of this Northern Michigan destination wedding! Mackinaw Island was a big part of my childhood, and getting to go back for a Kelly and Callaway’s big day at The Grand Hotel was such an honor!
It was an August morning when I took a taxi over to Doud’s Market. Some people may not know this, but there are actually condos above the market for rent and was where all the girls were getting ready! Kelly wanted to share a first look with her brothers before the first look with soon to be husband, so we headed over the harbor. Each first look was so sweet, even some of the boats were blowing their horns when Callaway turned around to see his bride!
After first looks, we walked across the street to Marquette Park, where we took bridesmaid and groomsmen photos! The heat of the day was getting to everyone, and we did end up cutting that time short, so everyone could have a break. Tricia (planner) arranged for taxis to be ready ahead of time for the entire bridal party and media team, so we could efficiently get around the island for different photo opportunities. She is truly one of the best wedding planners I’ve worked with - she is on her game all day and so helpful to other vendors as well as the couple/guests!
You can probably imagine all of the “congratulations” the couple received while riding down main street in their white, horse drawn carriage! When photographing a destination wedding, I think it’s so important to capture different locations when doing portraits. It’s such a huge reason why couples decided to get married where they do, so I like to not have all of their photos in one place - mix it up a bit!
It started getting closer to ceremony time, so my second shooter, Sheldon, and I went to get ceremony/reception details before Kelly’s first look with her dad, which brought me to tears! It was ceremony time, and the guests gathered on the left end of the famous front porch (it’s actually the world’s longest)! After intimate vows, a prayer and the exchanging of rings, the couple had the cutest exit leading right into signing their marriage license. We proceeded with family photos, and then the reception began. Kelly’s one request was that I did a late-night flay lay, which I love putting together!
Although we didn’t get the sunset we were dreaming of, the couple and I snuck away for more portraits on the porch and in the tea garden! It was great getting to work with them solo, before taking off for the night! All together, it was the most beautiful island wedding!
This is just a glimpse at their day, not the full gallery. Vendors listed below.
