Natalie and Michael chose to celebrate their love with an intimate elopement at a breathtaking mansion nestled in the charming town of Saugatuck, Michigan. Their choice to leave the traditional wedding structure behind for a peaceful weekend retreat with their closest friends and family was truly inspired. I was honored to be there, capturing all the memorable moments!
Natalie and Michael’s love story began in Chicago, where I had the pleaser of capturing their engagement photos earlier this year. The city’s vibrant energy paired perfectly with the couple’s love and excitement. To see more of their engagement session, check out my past blog post about it!
I had such a blast with Natalie and Michael in front of my lens for their engagement photos, I just knew their elopement was going to be amazing!
The couple rented a gorgeous Vrbo mansion that took my breath away as soon as I stepped inside. The house had amazing, huge windows that let in tons of natural light – a photographer’s dream! Additionally, the mansion featured a private waterfront beach with stunning views perfect for portraits of the bride and groom. One of my favorite details of the house was a grand spiral staircase that made you feel like you were inside a storybook. This mansion was truly the perfect place for an intimate celebration! All of Natalie and Michael’s guests stayed in the vast house for the whole weekend, making it feel like one big, happy family gathering.
The bride and groom were absolutely radiant! Natalie wore a custom dress that fit her like a glove. Though I can’t remember who designed it, the dress was a perfect reflection of her style and personality! Michael looked fantastic in his black suite and was beaming at his bride the whole day. The love between Natalie and Michael was something so special to behold, celebrate, and capture!
One of my favorite parts of the day was the dinner. With just a handful of attendees, the atmosphere was warm and joyful. We had genuine conversations, lots of laughter, and a real family vibe. It was exactly the kind of intimate, joyous experience that I wish for all my couples on their wedding days.
Much like their engagement session, Natalie and Michael trusted me completely with capturing their special moments. Their confidence in my work allowed me to document their day in an authentic and creative way. The resulting gallery is a stunning reflection of their love and the beauty of their unique celebration!
In many ways, their elopement mirrored my own, which made it even more special for me. From hiring a private chef to ensuring all guests could stay together in one beautiful spot, they prioritized creating a memorable and personal experience. Natalie and Michael’s intimate elopement was all about celebrating love in a way that felt authentic and meaningful to them. It was an honor to be part of their day and to witness such genuine and joy-filled moments.
CREDITS:
bride: Natalie
groom: Michael
House: VRBO
Catering: Green Fork Food