Northern Michigan always held a special place in Alec and Audrey’s hearts. Alec proposed to her while walking along the Glen Haven beach. So when the two of them finally began to plan their wedding, it was only fitting they would celebrate with friends in family at a Northern Michigan venue.

It was a long awaited day by many involved and we were so happy to be there to document it. From getting ready at the Park Place Hotel with a stunning view, to a perfect ceremony underneath a huge tree at Ciccone Vineyard. Everyone was so excited to finally celebrate Jon and Hannah.

We chose to document the Hanson family with a few traditional group smiling photos but beyond that, we opted to document them interact organically. On a beach in Northern Michigan, that meant the kids tossing stones into the water, trying to outrun each other, and lots and lots of twirling in pretty dresses all with a stunning sunset backdrop. I think it’s our favorite type of portrait session to document, ones that feel like real life and truly reflect our subjects personalities. It’s one of things we love the most about photography, when we can actually tell stories through our cameras.

When Gus and Melissa reached out about family portraits, I was so excited! I had the honor of photographing Gus and Melissa’s wedding back in 2018. When they mentioned the photos, they let us know that they were staying in the same location they had their wedding. A beautiful family cottage on the lake–it was the perfect setting!

Immediately after the ceremony, Cameron and Jordan tucked between the cherry trees to enjoy a few quiet moments to themselves. All around them, the cherry trees shone iridescently in the sun. In their faces, the reflection of love and adoration for each other. It was so lovely to witness.

Despite the chilly temperatures and slippery slopes, Zac and Joelle were up for the hike. They stood there, hand and hand with the icy blue lake stretching on and on beyond them. It created the illusion of being on top of the world.