John and Kate wed on a gorgeous late September Saturday at The Up North Lodge Event Center in Gwinn, Michigan. Although it poured early that morning, the radar cleared up in time to have their outdoor ceremony as planned. The fall colors were showing off and everything came together for a classically elegant day.

Getting Ready in Gwinn, Michigan

Kate and her friends got ready on site at The Up North Lodge Event Center’s dressing room. We love when at least one part of the couple can be on hand at the ceremony location, both to cut down on travel time and to handle any last-minute questions. While the bridesmaids bustled around finalizing details for the reception, I got to work with Kate’s details.

John ended up pulling into the lot just as we were arranging Kate’s gown for this highlight shot. One of the bridesmaids stood at the door to ensure he didn’t come in so we could finish giving this gorgeous dress the moment it deserved. 😍

John got ready with his family and groomsmen at the nearby Elemental Resort. Although much of the surrounding area still had a lot of green, it was nearly peak color weekend for the Gwinn area and reflected perfectly against the still lake.

One of the ways Kate incorporated heritage into their wedding day was with her grandmother’s kerchief – her namesake. It was such a perfectly elegant touch and a subtle nod to family legacy.

First Touch

Kate and John opted not to see each other before the ceremony but wanted to allot time for a first touch. A first touch is the perfect blend of modern and traditional – saving seeing each other for the walk down the aisle, but also having time to talk and get through the pre-ceremony jitters. While we originally planned to bring John and Kate outside for their first touch, guests were arriving earlier than anticipated. They really wanted to be able to have time together privately, so we brought John inside to the door of Kate’s dressing room while the guests milled outside.

Kate said after that this time was exactly what she needed, and that she felt so much more at peace after she was able to talk to John, even though she couldn’t see him. Her countenance relaxed and she was ready to finish getting ready for the ceremony. Her mom helped her adjust her veil, and she made a few last-minute adjustments to her vows before her dad walked her down the aisle.

Autumn Wedding at The Up North Lodge Event Center

As Kate and her father walked down the aisle, Kate and John each held back tears as they saw each other for the first time. These sweet and simple moments of pure emotion are some of my favorites during the wedding day – they were surrounded by people, but had eyes only for each other. Just before Kate’s father gave her over to John, her mother came up, embraced her, and made a few last adjustments like only a mother would.

John and Kate opted to start their wedding with a ring-warming ceremony. The velvet pouch holding the rings was passed along the bridal party and to each of the parents and grandparents. Per The Knot: “A ring warming ceremony is an old Irish tradition that originated to infuse wedding rings with love and blessings from all of a couple’s family and friends. By passing the rings through the hands of every guest, the ring receives good wishes from each and every person in attendance. Before the couple even slips on their wedding bands, they’ve already been warmed, ready to welcome them into their new life.”

After the wedding party had recessed, both sets of parents came together for a high-five!

Wedding Party Portraits

Wedding Reception at The Up North Lodge Event Center

John and Kate’s wedding reception included a color-coordinated candy bar and dessert bar by Huron Mountain Bakery in Marquette. We loved the thoughtful details they included, from the “in remembrance” picture shelf to the wedding tree canvas for their guests to sign.

One of my favorite parts of this wedding had to be the reception setup at The Up North Lodge. The venue already has this cozy, rustic charm. String lights were twinkling, and they already have lots of birch decor to create a woodsy vibe. The white walls and ceilings balance the woodsy vibe so it’s not overpoweringly orange. This makes photographing inside easy to get the bright, natural colors we love. If you’re a future bride planning to get married in the Marquette area, this spot is ideal for the couple who loves a mix of warmth and natural beauty. There’s such a down-to-earth vibe here that made it feel like a family gathering rather than a formal event.

First Dances

After toasts, John and Kate shared their first dance to “Thank God” by Kane and Kaitlyn Brown.

Don’t know how I got you
I couldn’t ask for more.
Girl, what we got’s worth thanking God for.
So, thank God I get to wake up by your side.
And thank God your hand fits perfectly in mine
And thank God you loved me when you didn’t have to.
But you did and you do and, he knew
Thank God for giving me you.

After that, Kate and her father danced to “Cinderella” by Steven Curtis Chapman. I have to admit, I got a little teary-eyed listening to the lyrics:

But she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowing and telling us all they had planned.
She says, “Dad, the wedding’s still six months away
But I need to practice my dancin’.
Oh, please, daddy, please”
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms.

Finally, John and his mom danced to “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion.

You were my strength when I was weak.
You were my voice when I couldn’t speak.
You were my eyes when I couldn’t see.
You saw the best there was in me.
Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach.
You gave me faith ’cause you believed.
I’m everything I am because you loved me.

In closing –

John and Kate, thank you for choosing us to tell the story of your marriage! Your wedding was absolutely beautiful and we loved getting to know your family, too. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together! ❤️

Marquette Area Wedding Vendors

Photography: Enjoy the VU Photography
Venue & Catering: The Up North Lodge Event Center – Gwinn, Michigan
Lodging: Elemental Resort
Officiant: Chad Mager
Bridal gown: Madison’s Bridal Boutique / Madison James
Bridesmaid dresses: AZAZIE
Flowers: Budget-Bride.com
DJ: Eric Higgins
Cake: Huron Mountain Bakery
Rings: Erickson Jewelers / Jandrons Fine Jewelry

If you’re considering a wedding at The Up North Lodge Event Center, know that you’re in for a truly beautiful experience. This venue’s natural charm will give you memories to hold onto for years. Also – if you’re planning your own wedding in this gorgeous part of northern Michigan, reach out! We’d love to capture your story and help you create a day just as unforgettable as this one.