Eric began walking towards her on the beach, though Eden hadn’t a clue he was there. In fact, Eden didn’t even know he was in her town, as they were currently living hours apart from each other. Eric’s chest was heavy with a beating heart, and he gripped tight the book he carried in his hand. Eden turned around, and when she realized who was walking towards her, she knew. Her heart began racing just the same, and it was as if the ocean began playing their song while the sea breeze embraced them both together in the same place. They looked at one another, eyes sparkling and small laughter seeping out, and Eric opened the book while getting down on one knee, revealing a ring hidden within the pages. Eden burst out with a chorus of “yes” and the next thing she knew she was being swept away to a surprise engagement party with both their families gathered to celebrate.

These two, well, they met at Beef-A-Roo.
No, that’s not a silly little rhyme, but actually the name of the small restaurant where Jen and Shane both worked at in high school in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. She was a beautiful blonde who was fiercely intelligent, and it didn’t take long for him to fall fiercely in love with her. They became true high school sweethearts, eventually moving to lower Michigan to create a life together.

Jen and Shane got married on a bright September day at the Marquette County Courthouse, with the crisp of fall around the corner and just enough sunshine to warm your bones. They danced the night away across the street from the ceremony site at the Marquette Regional History Center – and truly, we mean danced the night away like no other wedding we have seen!

It was a joy to photograph your day, J+S, we wish you the most beautiful of days as you continue to build your life together as husband and wife!

Jen and Shane had the BEST wedding party, they even trekked through sketchy fields for us, long dresses and all, and we didn’t hear one complaint. They were amazing!

Like we mentioned earlier – this crowd broke. it. DOWN. And with multiple hours of these people going after it, we had to post some extra dancing photos, naturally. 😉

A big thank you to everyone who made this day so wonderful:
Makeup Artist + Hair: Melissa Boettcher-Parsons at Salon Salon
Flowers: Garden Bouquet & Design
Ceremony: Marquette County Courthouse
Reception: Marquette Regional History Center
Caterer: Coco’s
Dessert: Beth Koski
Officiant + DJ: Lake Effect Entertainment
Rentals: College Laundry & Rentals and Midway Rentals
Centerpieces: Made by Jen’s mother, put together by Knots & Kisses

Let’s begin with a few hard facts: Melissa made her own wedding dress-skirt. Melissa made her own dress-top (with the help from mom to finish it the morning of the wedding). And Melissa made her own bouquet (the morning of the wedding).  On a day where many people have a hard time even remembering to feed themselves, Melissa and Gavin, with their family and best friends, put together one of the most relaxed, joy-filled, lovely wedding day’s we have ever experienced – all while planning it from afar or doing it the morning of!

Melissa + Gavin chose to say their vows (with Gavin’s best man officiating, of course) and celebrate their wedding at the Lake Superior Yacht Yard, a destination location for everyone involved. The day was perfectly warm and gorgeous, guests enjoyed dinner from local food trucks, and the evening was capped by releasing Chinese lanterns into the night sky (and thankfully, no trees were set on fire, not that anyone was worried or anything…).

Thank you, Melissa and Gavin, for allowing us to capture your stunning day!

Thank you to everyone who helped make this day possible:
Bridal Hair: Melissa Boettcher-Parsons at Salon Salon
(bridal makeup done by maid of honor, Jessie)
Venue: Lake Superior Yacht Yard (+ provided The Pelican for us to ride around Lake Superior on!)
Food Trucks: Dia De Los Tacos and Rolling Smoke BBQ
Cupcakes: Jenny Kabat
Fudge: Ryba’s Fudge
Rentals + DJ: Double Trouble DJ’s