Joseph & Summer - Mackinac Island

Joseph & Summer’s Intimate Mackinac Island Wedding

To get to Mackinac Island, you first have to take a ferry, and that’s where our journey began. My mom (Shannon) and I hopped on the Starline ferry with a wagon full of heavy photography equipment, ready for another adventure. The 25-minute ride was nothing short of stunning, and though we were below the main cabin with the luggage and workers, it gave us a fresh, behind-the-scenes view of the island, far from the typical tourist perspective. This was our second wedding on Mackinac Island, so we came well-prepared—but even so, there’s always that extra bit of excitement when you get to capture something as special as this.

As the ferry docked, my mom and I exchanged looks of pure gratitude. We get to do this together. And that’s a feeling I never take for granted.

With the heavy metal gate dropping and a loud bang signaling that it was time to disembark, we stepped onto the island, ready to take in its charm. No cars allowed on Mackinac Island means you truly step back in time, and I love that about this place. After a quick stop at our hotel to drop off our gear (Pro tip: Book a hotel with an elevator, or else you’ll be regretting the piles of luggage later), we were ready to grab a bite.

Millie’s on Main, a cute local spot just two blocks from our hotel, was calling our names. We grabbed a glass of wine and shared a delicious meal—nothing crazy, but just what we needed before diving into the big day ahead.

The next morning, the island woke up with us. The sound of horse hooves clacking on cobblestone streets was the soundtrack of the morning, as tourists made their way around the island. No car horns, no traffic—just the peaceful hum of the island starting its day. After slipping into our dresses and grabbing our daily fix of caffeine, we headed over to our favorite coffee shop on the island, Watercolor Cafe, right by the water. We waited in the long line (worth it, trust me) and I enjoyed the best iced latte and avocado toast I’ve ever had. With full stomachs and ready hearts, we made our way to Mission Point Resort, the venue for Joseph and Summer’s wedding.

The walk was just 12 minutes, but it felt like stepping into a storybook as we passed the beautiful scenery. We arrived early to scout out spots for portraits, and we found the perfect place beside the water near Lovers Leap—yes, it even has a romantic name! With the lake stretching out before us, we knew we had to bring Joseph and Summer here for their wedding portraits.

The First Look

When we met Summer and a few of her closest friends as she was getting ready, I knew this was going to be a beautiful day. Summer looked incredible in her wedding dress—one that looked like it was made just for her. We walked down to the main part of the resort for their first look. When Joseph turned around to see Summer for the first time in her dress, his face lit up with pure joy. It was one of those moments that made my heart swell with happiness for them.

The Ceremony

An hour later, it was time for Summer to walk down the aisle. The warm breeze from Lake Huron blew through her hair as she rounded the corner, heading towards Joseph standing at the white gazebo. Their ceremony was short, sweet, and deeply intimate, surrounded by their closest family. With a kiss, they were married, and we followed up with the signing of the marriage license and family portraits.

Bridal Portraits by Lovers Leap

After the ceremony, we made our way back to Lovers Leap for their bridal portraits. Walking along the rocky shore, the newlyweds celebrated their first moments as husband and wife. There’s something about those moments, something that fills me with pure joy. No matter how many weddings I shoot, the feeling of witnessing two people so in love always stays the same. They twirled, shared forehead kisses, and they laughed by the water. It was a celebration of them, their love, and the start of their new chapter.

On the way back to the venue, I saw a lemonade stand and suggested they stop for a cup. Why not? Everything about the day felt like a scene from a romance novel, and those small, simple moments just made it all the more magical.

Cocktail Hour & Reception

Back at the resort, guests enjoyed the stunning view from a private terrace during cocktail hour. With sailboats drifting by and the warm evening air, it was the perfect setting for people to relax and celebrate. Speeches were made, tears were shed, and happy memories were shared. Joseph and Summer’s reception was filled with love, laughter, and a sense of peace that only places like Mackinac Island can offer.

Ending the Night on the Beach

As the evening came to a close, Summer and Joseph made their way down to the shoreline for a few final candid shots. They walked along the beach, hand in hand, taking it all in as husband and wife. I could feel the love in every step they took together. After saying our goodbyes and thanking them for trusting us to capture such an important day, my mom and I headed back to the hotel to drop off our equipment.

But the night didn’t end there.

We walked into The Pink Pony to celebrate with a drink. The bar was alive with energy, and a man on stage was playing "Benny and the Jets." I couldn’t help but smile. It reminded me of my Papa, who loved that song. It was a moment I’ll cherish forever. As we clinked our glasses and laughed, I realized how perfect this day had been. It wasn’t just about the wedding—it was about all the little moments that made the day uniquely ours.

To wrap up the night, we took a quiet walk down to Windermere Point. Sitting on the beach in our photographer attire, we looked out over the dark water with the only lights twinkling from the Mackinac Bridge. We sat there, listening to the waves, reflecting on the day, and appreciating every moment—every opportunity we get to witness and capture love.

A Truly Perfect Day

Every wedding I photograph is special, but there’s something about Mackinac Island that makes it even more magical. Joseph and Summer’s wedding was a beautiful reminder of the power of love, the beauty of nature, and the joy of being able to capture such intimate, precious moments.