Hi, I’m Chel, a Michigan-based micro wedding, elopement, and intimate wedding photographer specializing in emotion-driven, story-focused imagery for couples who value meaning over tradition. I photograph micro weddings (typically under 125 guests), adventure elopements, proposals, and engagement sessions across Michigan, with a deep love for Northern Michigan (my hometown is Traverse City) Frankenmuth, Ann Arbor, and Detroit. I also travel for […]

Joe and Natalie’s micro 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 […]

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 The story of Nick & Sarah really begins earlier that year […]

Jordan and Tori’s Caseville wedding—just 40 deeply loved people gathered as the sun dipped over Lake Huron—was effortlessly beautiful. As a micro wedding done their way, it had that cozy, intentional vibe I live for as a photographer. Capturing the Calm The day began with softly focused detail shots and natural getting-ready moments with Tori and her […]

Brad & Paige’s wedding day in Northport, Michigan was everything a micro wedding should be—intimate, relaxed, and full of personal touches that felt uniquely them. From their first look to their last dance, the whole day unfolded in a way that let them soak it all in. Getting Ready at the Northport Inn The morning started off quietly […]

Brent & Darion’s Glen Arbor Micro Wedding at The Homestead Resort 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 […]

So you’re thinking about tying the knot in Traverse City, Michigan—and I am jumping in to say…do it!!! This spot is basically the hidden gem of small wedding dreams. Think: lake views for days, cozy rustic vibes, vineyard sunsets, and zero pressure to throw a massive party for 200 of your not-so-closest cousins. Whether you’re […]

There’s something about a Detroit micro wedding that just hits differently. And Rouba and Tarius’s day? Completely unforgettable. Airbnb in the Heart of Detroit From the moment I stepped into their vintage Airbnb in the heart of Detroit, I was in love. The space had this timeless charm—think antique structure, rich wood textures, and that old-world luxury […]

How to Plan a Michigan Wedding (Without Losing Your Mind) Planning a Michigan wedding is magical… but let’s be real, it can also feel overwhelming FAST. Between unpredictable weather, tourist seasons, and choosing between wineries, dunes, and city rooftops, it’s a lot, my friends. This guide is your no-fluff, down-to-earth roadmap to planning a Michigan […]

Outdoor wedding decor for all Michigan weddings When you’re planning an outdoor Michigan wedding, the setting you choose already does a lot of the visual work for you. But a little intentional decor can go a long way in making the space feel personal and cohesive. Whether you’re getting married in the woods, Sleeping Bear […]

If you’re dreaming of an intimate “I do” with your closest people, Michigan has some absolutely stellar ceremony spots – perfect for weddings with 50 guests or fewer. Whether you’re planning a cozy forest elopement or a lakefront vow exchange, you’re sure to fancy one of these small wedding ceremony sites in Michigan—ideal for micro […]

Planning a Small Wedding at Sleeping Bear Dunes So—you’re trying to plan a micro wedding at Sleeping Bear Dunes, and I get it because it’s quite literally one of my favorite places – and that’s coming from someone who has traveled all over the world. This is one of the most serene and breathtaking places […]

When you imagine your wedding day, you probably picture the dress — that one gown that feels like it was made for you. ✨If you’re on the hunt for the best wedding dress shops in Michigan, you’re in luck! Michigan is full of beautiful bridal boutiques that make dress shopping feel way less stressful (and […]

Planning a wedding can feel like juggling a million things at once. One of the biggest questions couples face is figuring out when to book their wedding vendors for a Michigan wedding. Maybe you’ve been eyeing up a specific florist, or had someone recommend a certain DJ. That last thing you want to do is […]

Michigan micro weddings are becoming increasingly popular for couples who want an intentional, elevated alternative to a traditional wedding day. If you’re here, you may be wondering what a micro wedding really is and whether it’s right for you. While many people assume micro weddings are just shorter or budget-driven, they’re actually about slowing the […]

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.

Let’s be honest—when the forecast calls for grey skies, it can feel like a total bummer. But cloudy days? They’re actually one of my favorite lighting situations to shoot in. The light is soft, even, and super forgiving (hi, perfect skin tones), and the vibe? A+ for cozy, romantic, and cinematic moments. If you’re heading […]

There’s just something about lavender at golden hour that makes everything feel calm and effortless. I met up with Jon Paul and Emily at Brys Estate in Traverse City for their lavender engagement session, and the timing couldn’t have been better—the light was soft, the fields were in bloom, and the whole place had this quiet, […]