Cody and Chelsea brought their friends and family north for an early fall wedding at Chamberlin’s Ole Forest Inn. This elegant B&B on the shores of Manistique Lake is the perfect setting for an up north destination wedding experience.

What a bright and beautiful day we had for Chelsea and Cody’s wedding, completely opposite from the day of their engagement session! The Upper Peninsula was showing off with perfect blue skies and the crisp but warm temperatures we love in early September.

Wedding Preparation in Curtis MI

Chelsea got ready at her cabin at Lilly’s on the Lake with her bridesmaids. The atmosphere was loud and chatty when we arrived to start bridal details. Chelsea fit the UP theme perfectly, mixing rustic and elegant with her lace wedding dress and embellished cowboy boots. All of the wedding party wore boots, which were both cute and practical for a long day on their feet!

Cody got ready with his best man at Chamberlin’s Ole Forest Inn. While Chamberlin’s does have a suite at the top level that some brides choose to dress in, with the size of Chelsea’s bridal party we recommended she stay at the cabin instead.

First Look on the Dock at Lilly’s on the Lake

Before we headed over to Chamberlin’s for the ceremony, Cody and Chelsea took a couple of minutes to snuggle their precious pups. Four-legged babies are part of the family, too!

Fall Wedding Ceremony at Chamberlin Ole Forest Inn

We loved this stunning floral arch decorated by Main Street Floral! It pulled the early fall theme together perfectly and popped beautifully against the blue of Manistique Lake.

Post Wedding Portraits at Chamberlin’s Ole Forest Inn

Chamberlin’s Ole Forest Inn has a beautiful wraparound porch that we love to utilize for a photo of all the wedding guests together. It only takes a minute to pull everyone together right after the ceremony and then couples know for sure they have a picture of everyone at their wedding!

Chamberlin Ole Forest Inn Fall Wedding Reception in Curtis, Michigan

Chamberlin’s catered the meal, including chicken, pork, and battered whitefish. They’re widely known for their menu, and a must stop when visiting the Curtis area!

Cody and Chelsea opted for a stunning tiered red velvet cake by Triple Js Home Bakery.

After playing the shoe game, it was time for first dances. Cody and Chelsea shared their first dance to Tough Ones by Cooper Alan.

“Still running when the well runs dry
Still believing when the sun don’t shine
Ain’t afraid of a hard day’s night
Won’t quit when it don’t go right
Let the world bring your dance on
Girl, we’re gonna be the tough ones”

We hadn’t heard any of Chelsea and Cody’s selected songs before – and that’s pretty rare! Chelsea said she made a point to find ones that were meaningful but also not overplayed.

Next, Chelsea danced with her dad to Tomboy by Maddie Wilson.

“I know my hair’s all up in curls
But I’m the same little ponytail girl
Instead of a ball cap, I’ve got a flower crown
Might think your whole world’s come undone
But Daddy I only fell in love with a cowboy
Your little tomboy is a big girl now”

Finally, Cody danced with his mom to Can She Have This Dance by Drew Baldrige. They made sure she didn’t hear it ahead of time, and it got her right in the feels – and us too. I sent it to Rob’s mom on our way home!

“Just three more minutes
For a momma and her son
Yeah, she’s gonna cry, and so will I
‘Cause in her eyes I’m still her baby boy
Yeah, you know I’m your man
But can she have this dance?”

In closing,

Chelsea and Cody, thank you for choosing us to capture your fall wedding at Chamberlin Ole Forest Inn! We loved celebrating you and meeting your families. Looking forward to seeing you next time you visit the Upper Peninsula!

Photography: Enjoy the VU Photography, LLC
Accommodations: Lilly’s On The Lake
Venue & Catering: Chamberlin Ole Forest Inn (now The Belvedere Grand)
Hair & Makeup: Rae’s of Beauty
Florals: Main Street Floral and Gifts
Cake: Triple J’s Home Bakery
Officiant: Chad Mager
DJ: Mike Canull
Bridal gown & bridesmaids: David’s Bridal

In Their Own Words: