Ryan + Ashley | Northern Michigan Wedding on Mullett Lake
We know brides want to look confident and comfortable on their wedding day. With that in mind, Ashley chose the best possible spot on the planet for her to feel most confident and comfortable. She chose her long time family vacation home on Mullett Lake in Northern Michigan for her wedding location.
Just 3 years ago we photographed Ashley’s sister Katelyn’s wedding day in Grand Rapids. This meant we were able to reconnect with Katelyn, her husband Ben and their extended family again.
Ashley and Ryan have known each other for a while. In fact Ryan was Ashley’s first love in middle school. But after her family moved the two lost touch. Then, 20 years later, Ryan spent time with a group of friends and Ashley, back in Michigan for a weekend, happened to be there as well. They reconnected and exactly 1 year later they were married in front of friends and family.
The family cottages are part of Gower Resort on Mullett Lake and her family has been coming up to the area since she was a little girl. Ashley and the girls got ready in one home, Ryan and the guys in another and eventually everyone gathered along the lake for the 5pm wedding ceremony.
Time for the ceremony approached and as Ashley walked down the aisle toward Ryan, her Dad was on one arm and Mom on the other. Ryan’s reaction was priceless (something every bride wants to see as she walks down the aisle).
The setting along the lake shore with the trees overhanging was spectacular and a day that Ryan, Ashley and their guests will never forget.
With their love for the water, Ashley wanted to use the lake as the backdrop for their family and wedding party photos.
With the sun behind them, we took out a few of our lighting tools to make sure everyone would look their best. Surrounded by their siblings, nieces and nephew, once the ceremony was over, the party got started!
Prior to the wedding day Ashley mentioned wanting photos at sunset. Sunset was scheduled for 7:30pm and with very few clouds in the sky, the sunset did not disappoint.
With lots of laughter and hype (because who doesn’t need a hype man, right Joe?) we spent a few minutes with the wedding party and then finally with Ashley and Ryan as the sun ducked below the horizon for the day.
After the ceremony and family portraits it was party time under the tent! With a BBQ dinner waiting, everyone was able to refuel and have a couple of cocktails before getting on the dance floor and partying the night away.
Wedding Vendors
Ceremony & Reception: Gower Resort, Cheboygan, MI
Catering: Up in Smoke BBQ & Catering
Wedding Dress: Ali Nicole Bridal
Tent, Table & Linen Rentals: Knaffle’s Tent Rental
Love the images you see of Ryan and Ashley? Looking for a photographer that can make you feel confident? We would love to connect with you about your photography needs!