Michigan Styled Boat Elopement
I have been wanting to do a styled boat elopement on a Michigan lake, so I made it happen. The weather may not have been ideal, but that didn’t stop us from creating some art. Thrifting the perfect dress and shoes for Aubrey, and picking out a simple yet stylish outfit for Tom, was just the beginning of bringing this vision to life.
Aubrey’s sister worked wonders with the hair and makeup. She was able to create a natural and effortless look that perfectly complemented the scenic backdrop of the lake. The flowers from Kennedy’s in Cascade, Michigan added a touch of romance and a pop of color. I think this bouquet is one of my favorites to date!
When I arrived at Aubrey’s family cottage in Fremont, Michigan her dad graciously let us use his boat for the styled elopement. Even though it was overcast, I was determined to make the most of the situation. I had envisioned capturing the warm glow of golden hour then the magic of blue hour, but sometimes we have to work with what nature gives us.
But, enough about the weather (for now).
As we started shooting, I focused on color accuracy to enhance the natural beauty of the surroundings. Throughout the session, I gave Aubrey and Tom direction in posing to create authentic, candid moments. This is not my first time working with these two. As a matter of fact, I’ve photographed their wedding in Las Vegas along with a good handful of family portraits. I love working with them. It’s always a fun and lighthearted atmosphere that makes the whole experience so enjoyable for me, too. Later in post processing, I used the RAW files to guide how I edit to preserve real colors.
Even though the sun never did make an appearance, the overcast sky created a soft, romantic light. In my opinion, this added a unique charm to the photos. The gray of the clouds was offset by the vibrant colors of the flowers and the love that radiated between Aubrey and Tom.
Despite the challenges we faced with the Michigan weather, the styled elopement turned out to be a beautiful boat session. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such a wonderful couple. These are the moments that remind me why I love being a photographer – moments filled with laughter, positivity, and the joy of creating lasting art.
Eloping in Michigan? Slide in my DMs for a fully custom package!
