From walking the residence halls at Michigan Tech to walking down the aisle at Chassell Pavilion – Ross and Abby are clearly meant to be together. Their wedding day was just like the two of them – vibrant, easygoing, and centered around their family and friends.
Ross and Abby – a classic Michigan Tech love story. Girl meets boy, boy is her RA. Over time their friendship turned into something more. They’ve spent their years in the Upper Peninsula exploring, from Isle Royale to the Adventure Mine and SO many places in between.
If there was one thing that I took away from this wedding day, it was how much Abby and Ross are loved. That was a resounding observation that was shared throughout the day. Family and friends traveled from all over the state and country to celebrate with these two. In fact, many of their guests had never been to the Keweenaw before!
Abby and Ross are such great examples of the Bible principle “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” We saw this in so many aspects of their day. From the way they designed their wedding website – more centered on how guests could enjoy their stay in the Upper Peninsula than personal information about the two of them – to the outfits her bridesmaids wore, they wanted their loved ones to be able to relax and have a good time.
Getting Ready in South Range
Abby arranged an AirBnB in South Range for everyone to get ready on Saturday morning. The atmosphere was lively and talkative as the girls applied makeup, untwisted tangled necklaces, and swapped stories.
Abby said she searched high and low for the perfect tea-length dress, which was surprisingly hard to find! She absolutely nailed it with her choice – her dress had great movement for dancing and was also lightweight enough to keep her cool all day.
Abby’s ring was truly stunning – a white gold intertwined tension setting.
After helping Abby into her dress, her mom clasped the necklace from Abby’s grandmother.
Bride and Groom First Look at the Houghton Trails
Initially, we had planned to park at the South Range baseball diamonds and walk a little way to a private clearing for Ross and Abby’s first look. However, on top of being Bridgefest weekend, there were multiple baseball games going on Saturday afternoon, and we quickly realized we were going to need an alternate plan.
After discussing our options, we decided on one of the Tech trailheads where there was plenty of parking, shade, and was known for being quiet. Rob and I had never been to this part of the trails before, but it was everything we needed it to be. I was so relieved!
(What is a first look? Click here to learn more.)
My favorite part of every first look is when the groom finally sees his bride! There’s always a blend of excitement and nerves in the moments leading up to the first look, but even when there are last minute changes, it’s always worth it!
Bridal Party Portraits
Along with his two brothers, Ross asked Matt and Sarah, fellow EMTs, to stand in the wedding party.
A special addition to Ross and Abby’s wedding day was this 50th anniversary Ford Mustang. Ross’s grandparents had a Mustang the first year they came out. Abby and Ross recreated his grandparents’ wedding picture using their 50th anniversary edition Mustang. (See the license plate?)
Chassell Park Pavilion Wedding
Ross and Abby wed at the Chassell Park Pavilion.
We are always happy to see signs like this at wedding ceremonies! Enjoy the moment as a guest and leave the photography to us.
It was a sweet and heartfelt ceremony; their officiant had the entire audience in tears.
“These are the hands of my best friend.”
Afternoon Reception in Chassell
After the ceremony, it was time to party! I always enjoy learning more about the couple through the speeches. Abby’s sister Laurel shared how she saw Ross and Abby’s relationship bloom from friendship into romance. Ross’s brother Ben talked about the moment he knew Abby was true family – when the family dog Brady preferred Abby to Ben! And Ross’s other brother Wes – well, he talked about food 😉 Abby is quite the cook and baker!
Abby and Ross both love to dance. No clutch and sway for them – their first dance was lively, and Abby made the most of that twirly dress!
The dancing continued all evening! It was so fun to see all the different line dances, even a few we didn’t know! Time to practice for the next wedding.
In closing –
Ross and Abby, we so loved spending the day with you two and your family and friends. What an incredible group of people you drew up to the Keweenaw for your Chassell wedding. It’s clear you two are a great match. Watching the way you each light up when you see the other from across the room, sharing hidden smiles and all of the inside jokes – you’re “otterly” in love. Wishing you n+1 years of happiness, laughter, and adventure together!
Chassell Wedding Vendors:
Photography Enjoy the VU Photography LLC
Bride’s dress David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids dresses Azazie
Bouquets / Boutonnieres Flowers by Sleeman
Catering Baby E’s BBQ
Desserts Roy’s Bakery
Favors Farm Sudz
Ring James Allen
Tie clip Smitten Woodworks
Sound Superior Equipment & Events
Venue Chassell Centennial Park
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