St. Clair Inn, St. Clair Mi
This day. These two families. These two beautiful humans.
SO MUCH LOVE.
I’ll let the photos explain for themselves.
Kate & Ryan
They aren't wrong when they said, “The mountains are calling.” Kate and Ryan answered, we all hopped on a plane, and then we had the time of our lives.
When Kate and Ryan invited me to join them for their elopement in Colorado, I was so excited. If you know me at all, you'll know that Colorado is one of my favorite places. We’ve all been anticipating this trip for the last 6 months, and to try to describe our adventure is going to be a challenge because there just aren't words.
First, we ventured to Collective Retreats in Wolcott, Colorado where we spend three incredible days and two nights in their tents on the side of a mountain. The mountain air swept us off our feet with the views, the hospitality was impeccable, and the farm to table three-course rehearsal dinner was something we will never forget. Like…seriously, hands down the best food I have ever eaten! This set the tone for how the rest of our time in Colorado was going to be, and it left us saying over and over how this experience was so perfect.
Since we spent thee days in the mountains and a day in Breckenridge, there are a ton of images, but I wanted to share the absolute bliss from the Wedding Day.
I'm not sure what was more comfortable, the beds in the tents at Collective, or the dry mountain air.. because we slept like heaven and then woke up to coffee and breakfast being served. After gathering the wedding wear, Ryan picked Kate a bouquet of wild flowers from camp (hearts are melted), and we trekked the 1/2 mile down to the rental car and left for Breckenridge.
We had all day to enjoy and we did…stopping at a local cigar shop for Ryan, Breckenridge Distillery for a couple of cocktails, and then we proceeded to Blue Lake Trail. Kate ended up getting ready at the distillery, and Ryan literally had his own woodsy dressing room in the pines of the mountain haha.. which ended up being a perfect location for the first look.
We met with our awesome officiate, Phil ( I swear everyone in Colorado is rad as hell), and adventured to Blue Lake where the ceremony would take place. We had the most perfect weather, though in the mountains that can change in a moment. The vows were exchanged, the tears of absolute happiness shed, the smiles and the wind were running through our hair, champagne was popping, a dress ripping. There was foot cutting, waterfall bustling, sun shining ..I don't really know how to describe the bliss we all felt after this.. so I'll let the images take you away.
We ended our super-relaxed, breathtaking day with some bomb tacos and complimentary bubbles and churros.
Every person we ran into was so happy that Kate + Ryan had just gotten married that they too wanted to celebrate.
The Boathouse On Lake Charleviox, Mi
These two sweethearts hosted their wedding in East Jordan, but we ventured to Harbor Springs for the ceremony and stopped in Petoskey at the sweet little hidden waterfall for portraits and so many laughs. Michigan is full of magic, especially the further north you go. We really have some gems in the mitten, especially toward the Leelanau peninsula. Donuts for the cake cutting and golden hour dances, and lastly running to the docks for the last bit of light of the day. It was pure Michigan magic.
The Boathouse on Lake Charleviox is a beautiful private waterfront venue with a classy, modern indoor/outdoor space : miboathouse.com ! They also have a cute airbnb called Gunther’s General Store, which is a general store that has been converted. It is a classic diner style space full of antiques.
Wedding Planner : loandcoeventdesign.com
The Roostertail, Detroit Mi
Do exactly what you want!
Valerie and Ashli had a vibe all of their own. The October feels in the city were so vibrant especially when you have your first look with hand written vows in your own personalized books and have a quick sage to start your day! Gorgeous portraits at Belle Isle and walking appetizer’s at the reception which included a hot pretzel wall, pot pies and a charcuterie display. Incorporate your favorite boys ( your dogs) with your signature drink and a donut wall. Have your first dances to The Golden Girls theme song and then intercept with your mother’s as a surprise! The detail and thought put into all of the decor and the vibe of this party was just perfect! See for your self!
