If you’ve ever dreamed of a wedding day that felt like a page out of a storybook—sunshine, Lake Michigan views, an intimate guest list, and a little dose of personality—Brent & Darion’s Glen Arbor micro wedding (with a touch of elopement-style intimacy) at The Homestead Resort might just be it.
The day couldn’t have been more perfect. The sky was the brightest blue (which turned out to be fitting), the sun was warm but not overbearing, and the breeze off the lake kept everyone comfortable.
Their ceremony took place at the very top of the hill at The Homestead Resort, where you can see the sparkling water stretching endlessly beyond the horizon. Guests rode the lift up to the ceremony site, and you could feel the anticipation in the air. Surrounded by their closest friends and family, Brent & Darion said “I do” with the lake as their backdrop.
I also brought along my Super 8 camera and captured a few dreamy film clips of them, adding that nostalgic, vintage feel that’s impossible to recreate digitally.
And here’s the sweetest detail—their guests all wore blue. It was their version of “something blue,” and it couldn’t have tied in better with the day. The sea of blue attire blended beautifully with the lake and sky, making the entire ceremony feel cohesive and intentional without being overly formal. Highly recommend to any couples considering it! No random pop of orange or lime green.
(If you’re planning a wedding or elopement in this area, you may also want to read my guide on The Best Time to Get Married at Sleeping Bear Dunes for the best weather, lighting, and seasonal tips.)
After the ceremony, Brent & Darion took a little private chair lift down to their reception area & had a little downtime with their guests before dinner. In true Northern Michigan fashion, they decided to hit the golf course—well, sort of. Instead of a full game, they took a single ceremonial swing. Everyone laughed, and it was such a laid-back, lighthearted moment in the middle of the day.
Next, they entered their reception as official Mr & Mrs. Their after party was small and intimate—just the way they envisioned it. With a guest list of only their closest people, the night was filled with heartfelt toasts, good food, dancing, and that unhurried pace that makes micro weddings and elopements so special. There was no pressure to rush through traditions; instead, Brent & Darion could simply be present and enjoy every second.
The Homestead Resort’s charm, paired with the golden light streaming in as the sun began to dip, made it feel almost like time slowed down.
(If you love the idea of a micro wedding or elopement, check out my blog on Eloping at Sleeping Bear Dunes for more inspiration and planning tips.)
If you’re considering a micro wedding or elopement in Glen Arbor, The Homestead Resort is a gem. You get the beauty of Lake Michigan, the versatility of multiple ceremony and reception spots, and that cozy, Northern Michigan feel that makes your day unforgettable.
For couples wanting portraits at some of the area’s most stunning spots, you’re also close to Sleeping Bear Dunes—a place I photograph often and know like the back of my hand.
I travel all over Michigan capturing micro weddings and elopements, and this one reminded me exactly why I love them—fewer guests, more connection, and a day that truly reflects the couple’s personality.
If you’re looking for a photographer who will pour their heart and soul into planning out the perfect micro wedding with you, inquire here!
©Cheleana Rowan, with Cheleanamarie Photography, 2015-2025. Unauthorized use and or duplication of this material without express and written consent from Cheleana Rowan is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full clear credit is given to Cheleana Rowan with Cheleanamarie Photography with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a wedding day that felt like a page out of a storybook—sunshine, Lake Michigan views, an intimate guest list, and a little dose of personality—Brent & Darion’s Glen Arbor micro wedding (with a touch of elopement-style intimacy) at The Homestead Resort might just be it.
The day couldn’t have been more perfect. The sky was the brightest blue (which turned out to be fitting), the sun was warm but not overbearing, and the breeze off the lake kept everyone comfortable.
Their ceremony took place at the very top of the hill at The Homestead Resort, where you can see the sparkling water stretching endlessly beyond the horizon. Guests rode the lift up to the ceremony site, and you could feel the anticipation in the air. Surrounded by their closest friends and family, Brent & Darion said “I do” with the lake as their backdrop.
I also brought along my Super 8 camera and captured a few dreamy film clips of them, adding that nostalgic, vintage feel that’s impossible to recreate digitally.
And here’s the sweetest detail—their guests all wore blue. It was their version of “something blue,” and it couldn’t have tied in better with the day. The sea of blue attire blended beautifully with the lake and sky, making the entire ceremony feel cohesive and intentional without being overly formal. Highly recommend to any couples considering it! No random pop of orange or lime green.
(If you’re planning a wedding or elopement in this area, you may also want to read my guide on The Best Time to Get Married at Sleeping Bear Dunes for the best weather, lighting, and seasonal tips.)
After the ceremony, Brent & Darion took a little private chair lift down to their reception area & had a little downtime with their guests before dinner. In true Northern Michigan fashion, they decided to hit the golf course—well, sort of. Instead of a full game, they took a single ceremonial swing. Everyone laughed, and it was such a laid-back, lighthearted moment in the middle of the day.
Next, they entered their reception as official Mr & Mrs. Their after party was small and intimate—just the way they envisioned it. With a guest list of only their closest people, the night was filled with heartfelt toasts, good food, dancing, and that unhurried pace that makes micro weddings and elopements so special. There was no pressure to rush through traditions; instead, Brent & Darion could simply be present and enjoy every second.
The Homestead Resort’s charm, paired with the golden light streaming in as the sun began to dip, made it feel almost like time slowed down.
(If you love the idea of a micro wedding or elopement, check out my blog on Eloping at Sleeping Bear Dunes for more inspiration and planning tips.)
If you’re considering a micro wedding or elopement in Glen Arbor, The Homestead Resort is a gem. You get the beauty of Lake Michigan, the versatility of multiple ceremony and reception spots, and that cozy, Northern Michigan feel that makes your day unforgettable.
For couples wanting portraits at some of the area’s most stunning spots, you’re also close to Sleeping Bear Dunes—a place I photograph often and know like the back of my hand.
I travel all over Michigan capturing micro weddings and elopements, and this one reminded me exactly why I love them—fewer guests, more connection, and a day that truly reflects the couple’s personality.
If you’re looking for a photographer who will pour their heart and soul into planning out the perfect micro wedding with you, inquire here!
©Cheleana Rowan, with Cheleanamarie Photography, 2015-2025. Unauthorized use and or duplication of this material without express and written consent from Cheleana Rowan is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full clear credit is given to Cheleana Rowan with Cheleanamarie Photography with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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