Alec and Ariel gathered friends and family from around the country for their Copper Harbor wedding weekend.

We’ve been looking forward to Ariel and Alec’s Copper Harbor wedding since their engagement session in the spring! This was the first time to the Keweenaw for many of their friends. Weddings are the perfect time to gather loved ones together in your favorite place and create new memories together.

Getting Ready at The Crow’s Nest in Copper Harbor

Ariel got ready on-site at The Crow’s Nest, the elevated suite overlooking Lake Superior and the venue grounds. On top of (literally, haha) being conveniently situated for the wedding day, The Crow’s Nest is the perfect place to get ready because of the panoramic windows. Even on a cloudy day, we had plenty of natural light which made it easy to photograph and for the hair and makeup artists to work.

Ariel’s dress had incredible texture that was a dream to photograph. It moved beautifully too!

We love Sola wood flowers because they have beautiful texture to photograph, can be customized to your wedding colors, and never wilt!

Alec got ready down the road at Brockway Inn with his friend JP.

First Look on The Harbor Haus Dock

It was an overcast day and the dock flags were flying perfectly horizontal, but it was a warm wind as Ariel and Alec shared their first look on the Harbor Haus dock. We took some portraits on the dock and then headed down to Hunter’s Point. The waves were roaring and created such a dynamic background, even on a cloudy day. Copper Harbor truly never disappoints!

Copper Harbor Wedding Ceremony

As they stood on the shore of Lake Superior, Ariel’s Aunt Rita officiated their ceremony. She opened by referencing Alec and Ariel’s work as archaeologists and acknowledging the generations who walked this land before. Rita reminded us how we’re all tied together and shaped by our history. It was the perfect opening and one we’ll never forget.

We love having two photographers to make sure we capture all the important ceremony moments for the couple, but also the moments they don’t see happening, from the groom’s father wiping away tears to the many happy smiles in the audience.

Harbor Haus Wedding in Copper Harbor

We love photographing in Harbor Haus’ wedding venue they call “The Vue,” located right next to the main restaurant. Each wall is lined with windows, allowing natural light to pour in, and the lake-facing garage-style doors are also all windows for even more natural light.

After dinner Dollar Bay DJ Fred started the party with the anniversary dance, and the dance floor was full all night long!

We were just heading outside for portraits when we saw an eagle coming in by the dock. Rob had the telephoto lens on and managed to capture these great shots of the eagle catching a fish!

The clouds finally parted in the evening enough to give us a beautiful sunset, which we took advantage of for some more portrait time!

In closing,

Alec and Ariel, thank you for choosing us to capture your Copper Harbor wedding day memories! We truly loved getting to know your friends and family and welcoming them to the Keweenaw!

Copper Harbor Wedding Vendors

Photography: Enjoy the VU Photography, LLC
Venue & Catering: Harbor Haus – The Vue
DJ: Encore Entertainment Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Cocktail hour entertainment: Keweenaw Brewgrass
Hair: Shannon Rastello
Makeup: Rachel Blau
Bridal gown: Dalia’s Bridal
Flowers: Sola Wood Flowers
Rings: Vintage & Belloring & Clarke’s Jewelers
Bridal Jewelry: Delezhen
Bridal Hairpiece: GlamourGhoulFinds