Large weddings be Intimate Too When people hear the phrase intimate wedding, they often picture a guest list of 20 people gathered along the shores of Lake Michigan or a small celebration tucked away in Northern Michigan. But intimacy isn’t actually about the number of guests in attendance. Some of the most meaningful weddings I’ve photographed […]

Luxury Michigan Estates, Detroit Venues & Northern Michigan Resorts For Wedding Celebrations Michigan is home to some of the most beautiful wedding venues in the Midwest. From historic estates and waterfront resorts to botanical conservatories and vineyard properties, the state offers an incredible range of settings for couples planning thoughtful and elevated celebrations. Many couples […]

Michigan is home to some of the best luxury wedding venues in the Midwest, from historic estates and boutique waterfront hotels to refined countryside properties designed for unforgettable celebrations. Michigan offers a beautiful blend of natural scenery, thoughtful hospitality, and venues that feel both elevated and deeply personal. Whether you’re planning a full wedding weekend or […]

How to Choose Between an Estate and Boutique Wedding Venue in Michigan When choosing between estate and boutique hotel wedding weekend venues in Michigan, the most important decision isn’t floral or fashion-related. It’s structural. Specifically: will your celebration unfold within a private estate buyout, or inside a boutique hotel setting? Both formats allow for immersive, […]

There’s something about a Glen Arbor engagement session that feels like pure Michigan magic. And Brad and Paige’s day? It was one for the books. I actually went to school with Paige, so getting to capture her engagement session (and later, her wedding) felt extra special. These two are genuinely some of the sweetest, most […]

Full weekend wedding photography in Michigan is structured differently than traditional single-day coverage. Estate buyouts, boutique hotel celebrations, and immersive multi-day gatherings require expanded presence, planning, and storytelling. Because of that, the investment reflects more than additional hours… it reflects continuity, intention, and scale. For wedding weekends in Michigan, photography typically begins around $20,000–$30,000+, depending […]

There’s something different about a luxury wedding weekend in Michigan… especially one that isn’t rushed. This is a celebration where guests arrive on Friday, settle in, pour a drink, and exhale.Where Saturday unfolds naturally, not as a production schedule, but as a thoughtfully designed experience.Where Sunday brunch isn’t an afterthought, but a closing chapter. A full […]

If you’re planning a Perry Hotel wedding venue ceremony in Michigan, this guide walks you through ceremony options, rain plans, sunset photography tips, guest experience details, and what to expect for a full Northern Michigan wedding weekend. Overlooking Little Traverse Bay and nestled into the heart of downtown Petoskey, this historic hotel blends: It’s refined without […]

If you’re researching Greencrest Manor in Michigan…you’re likely envisioning a wedding that feels less like a ballroom reception and more like a private European estate gathering. Tucked away in Battle Creek, this French-inspired venue features manicured gardens, timeless stone architecture, and a wedding weekend structure designed for couples who value privacy, intention, and refined design. […]

Mary and Tanner are the kind of couple who make you remember why you love what you do. Kind, empathetic, genuine…the type of people who moved from Colorado to Michigan a few years ago and immediately fell in love with the outdoors here.  They adore their dogs, value their people, and wanted a wedding day […]

Hi, I’m Chel, a Michigan-based wedding and estate wedding photographer specializing in emotion-driven, story-focused imagery for couples who want a celebration that feels intentional, personal, and true to who they are. Michigan Wedding Photographer | Meet Chel I photograph weddings, estate celebrations, proposals, and engagement sessions across Michigan and beyond. While you’ll often find me […]

There’s something so special about a Traverse City, Michigan proposal, especially in the fall when the leaves feel like they’re cheering you on! Kevin planned every detail with so much intention, and honestly, it was the sweetest thing to witness. After years together, this was their first ever session, which just made the whole day […]

Yash and Mik’s Sleeping Bear Dunes proposal at Empire Bluff Trail was filled with early-fall color, sweeping Lake Michigan views, and the sweetest surprise moment! We explored the dunes, wandered to Empire Beach, and ended the night along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.

There’s just something about film photography that digital will never quite touch. The grain, the dreamy tones, the little imperfections that make each frame one-of-a-kind… it all feels timeless. Michigan, with its endless lakeshores, charming downtowns, and woodsy hidden spots, is an absolute dream for 35mm film photography. But if you’re here, you’re probably wondering: how […]

Hiring a wedding photographer isn’t just about finding someone who owns a camera…it’s about trusting someone to capture one of the most important chapters in your story. But with so many people out there advertising photography, how do you actually know if a photographer is legit? Here are a few things to look for when […]

Joe and Natalie’s Michigan wedding at The Birch Lodge in Trout Lake felt like stepping into another era. With ethereal Art Nouveau details and 1920s-inspired charm, their day was a dreamy blend of vintage elegance and heartfelt moments. Natalie’s dress was truly one of the most unique gowns I’ve ever photographed….flowing, romantic, and perfectly suited for the […]

When couples are planning their wedding day, one of the biggest decisions that comes up is whether or not to do a first look. While it’s definitely not required, choosing to see each other before the ceremony can bring so many beautiful benefits, both practical and emotional. From calming pre-ceremony nerves to giving you more time […]

One of the most common questions I get asked by couples is: “So… how long until we get our wedding photos back?”And trust me, I get it…after the best day ever, you’re beyond excited to relive every moment. The flowers might fade, the cake will be gone, but your photos? Those last forever. The short answer: […]

Family photos are one of those parts of the wedding day that can either be a breeze or take up way too much time if there’s no plan. The good news? With just a little prep, you can make sure everyone important to you is photographed, without feeling like you spent your whole cocktail hour standing in […]

The GoGo’s wedding at The Perry Hotel, in Petoskey Michigan was the kind of day that reminded me why I love this work so much. The rain didn’t dampen anything…it honestly just added depth and character to an already beautiful story. Their Winter Engagement Session in Traverse City The story of Nick & Sarah really begins […]