Traverse City Wedding
Norther Michigan is one of Brian and mine favorite places. We spend many weekend up there skiing, touring, and when we are lucky enough, photographing weddings. (We even got engaged up there!) When my cousin Marty shared he and his fiancee Lauren were going to have a Traverse City wedding, Brian and I were overjoyed to capture their day. They wanted an intimate event with their immediate family that was both comfortable and fun for everyone, with photos at their favorite local spots.
Marty and Lauren chose Hotel Indigo, a boutique hotel right in the heart of the city, to get ready. We started with Marty’s prep photos where many laughs were shared along with a High Noon or two. Marty has a warm smile and an infectious laugh that made capturing his prep photos very easy.
Next, we met up with Lauren in her hotel suite. Lauren’s room had a beautiful view of the water that accompanied her stunning wedding dress. Lauren’s wedding details had a classic elegance that enhanced her beauty.
With so many beautiful spots in Traverse City for a first look, we decided on a quiet spot for both Lauren and Marty to see each other prior to their ceremony. Marty and Lauren were both excited and relieved to see one another. They instantly starting laughing and enjoying the moment. It is so easy to see the love between the two of them.
Having finally seen each other, Marty and Lauren were ready to enjoy their relaxing Traverse City wedding. Their itinerary included slowly making their way up Old Mission Peninsula with a few stops on the way for photos, before celebrating their ceremony at Seven Hills and dinner at The Boathouse.
Seven Hills, located on Old Mission Peninsula, is a quiet and unique location where locals often gather. Another personal element that Marty and Lauren incorporated was asking Bill, Marty’s dad, to officiate the wedding. Bill did a wonderful job telling their love story and sharing what Lauren and Marty loved about each other. There wasn’t a dry eye as they exchanged their vows.
Generally, Brian and I don’t take photos of each other on a wedding day, but Brian snuck a photo of me as I too was overcome with emotions. I couldn’t help but feel a level of honor and love for these two. It means so much (to both of us) to capture a wedding day, it really is much more than a job, it’s a privilege I continue to be humbled by.
Immediately following their first kiss, Seven Hills walked out a tray of celebratory champagne for everyone to enjoy. It was the perfect kick off to just being announced as husband and wife!
We then headed to Bowers Harbor Vineyards, one of Marty and Lauren’s favorite spots, for a relaxed cocktail hour.
After our time at the Bowers Vineyard, we headed over to the Boathouse restaurant. A window-lined restaurant with stunning water views, the perfect backdrop to watch the sunset on the peninsula. The dinner was full of laughter and tears as speeches were given and love was shown to the couple.
After they cut the cake Marty and Lauren snuck outside for some golden hour photos. There was an open dock near the Boathouse that made for the some stunning sunset photographs. I couldn’t help smiling as Brian captured the moment perfectly. I love these photos and I couldn’t be happier for Marty and Lauren! Congratulations you two! I can’t wait to share all your Traverse City wedding photos with you.
