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 […]

May 29, 2026

How to Make a Large Wedding Feel Intimate (Without Cutting Your Guest List)

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 […]

March 3, 2026

Designing a Luxury Wedding Weekend in Michigan

planning a luxury wedding weekend in michigan

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 […]

March 2, 2026

A Guide to Getting Married at The Perry Hotel | Petoskey, Michigan Wedding Venue

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. […]

March 1, 2026

A Guide to Getting Married at Greencrest Manor | Battle Creek MI Wedding Venue

greencrest manor wedding

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 […]

December 24, 2025

Michigan Wedding & Weekend Celebration Photographer

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 […]

November 9, 2025

Joe & Natalie’s Michigan Wedding at The Birch Lodge in Trout Lake

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 […]

November 8, 2025

Benefits of Having a First Look | Weddings

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 […]

November 8, 2025

How to Create a Wedding Family Photo List

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 […]

November 2, 2025

Perry Hotel Wedding in Petoskey Michigan | The GoGo’s

Jordan and Tori’s Caseville wedding – just 40 deeply loved people gathered as the sun dipped over Lake Huron was effortlessly beautiful. As an intimate 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 […]

August 24, 2025

An Intimate Wedding in Caseville, Michigan | Jordan & Tori

caseville micro wedding photos

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 Portraits at the Northport Inn The morning started off […]

August 24, 2025

A Northport Wedding In Michigan | The Norton’s

Northport Michigan wedding photos

Brent & Darion’s Glen Arbor 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 […]

August 12, 2025

Glen Arbor Wedding | Brent & Darion

So you’re thinking about getting married in Traverse City, Michigan? Truly, it’s hard to go wrong here. Between the waterfront views, vineyards, charming downtown spaces, and some of the most beautiful stretches of Northern Michigan coastline, Traverse City offers a wedding backdrop that feels both elevated and relaxed at the same time. If you’re planning […]

June 8, 2025

How to Plan an Intimate Wedding in Traverse City Michigan

There’s something about a Detroit micro wedding that just hits differently. And Rouba and Tarius’s day? Completely unforgettable. Check out the 12 most luxury wedding venues in Michigan 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 […]

June 3, 2025

A Detroit Micro Wedding: Rouba & Tarius

detroit elopement

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 […]

April 21, 2025

How to Plan a Michigan Wedding

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 […]

April 19, 2025

Outdoor Wedding Decor in Michigan

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 […]

April 18, 2025

Best Small Wedding Ceremony Sites in Michigan

Planning a Small Wedding at Sleeping Bear Dunes So, you’re trying to plan an intimate 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 […]

April 17, 2025

How to Plan a Small Wedding at Sleeping Bear Dunes

a guide on eloping at sleeping bear dunes

Thinking about eloping at Sleeping Bear Dunes? Heck yes – you’ve got stellar taste. Between the rolling dunes, piercing blue Lake Michigan views, and that soft golden light we get right at sunset – it’s 100% one of the most magical spots in the Midwest to say your vows. But before you run barefoot into […]

April 2, 2025

Wedding permit for Sleeping Bear Dunes

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 honestly, way […]

March 25, 2025

The best wedding dress shops in Michigan

micro wedding timeline examples