Intimate August Wedding In Munising By The Water – Cory + Gabrielle

Cory and Gabrielle had an intimate wedding in Munising, Michigan. Their day was sweet and filled with both tears and laughter. We loved witnessing their special day!

When Gabrielle and Cory contacted me about their plans to elope in Munising, Michigan, they explained they were keeping things small and simple, getting married on a Wednesday afternoon with just a few close family members. We consider it a privilege every time we get to capture a couple’s wedding day, and even more so when it’s such a private, family-centered occasion. No matter what day of the week a couple chooses to wed – it’s a special day for them and therefore for us!

Getting Ready in Manistique

It was a warm, humid day for the Upper Peninsula (although not by Indiana standards!) and we had clear blue skies for our trip to the eastern side of the peninsula.

Gabrielle and Cory reserved an AirBnb in Manistique, Michigan to stay in with their families during their wedding week. Rob and I arrived ahead of their planned first touch to capture details, including Gabrielle’s dress.

Gabrielle’s bouquet was by Sola Wood Flowers and was absolutely stunning – a soft palette of pink and cream. Many brides opt for artificial bouquets, both for simplicity and to be able to save them after the wedding. While often silk flowers are used, I much prefer Sola bouquets! They hold their shape all day without wilting, but look more realistic than fabric flowers. I was totally obsessed with Gabrielle’s bouquet and took far too many pictures of it – if that’s possible 😉

While many couples opt for a first look, having a first touch is another great option. Cory and Gabrielle held hands for a moment, then exchanged letters and gifts under a large tree in the backyard. Opting for a first touch means you get some beautiful images of the two of you together ahead of the ceremony, but preserves the specialness of seeing each other for the first time while walking down the aisle.

Gabrielle’s gift to Cory was a set of moss agate cufflinks. She shared that moss agate symbolizes tranquility and balance, which she feels perfectly represents Cory’s stabilizing force in her life.

Wedding in Munising at Horseshoe Falls

Cory and Gabrielle arranged to have their ceremony at Horseshoe Falls, which is the largest spring-fed waterfall in the area. It’s also privately owned and requires an entrance fee if you’d like to check this waterfall off of your list.

Horseshoe Falls plunges about 20 feet down, then tumbles down a series of cascades for another 20 feet or more. While it wasn’t overly full/overflowing on the day of their wedding, the water was loud enough to dampen the voice of the officiant. Only family standing close could hear Cory and Gabrielle exchange their vows, which kept their ceremony intimate while people walked by along the path.

Cory’s sweet grin to Gabrielle after exchanging rings is my absolute favorite!!

After sharing their vows Gabrielle and Cory had a sand ceremony, pouring purple and blue sand into their memory box.

First Dances on the Beach of Lake Superior

After signing their wedding license at Horseshoe Falls, we headed to Sand Point Beach on the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for portraits. Pictured Rocks entrance fee is now covered in the America The Beautiful pass (which we highly recommend).

Cory and Gabrielle shared their first dance as husband and wife to “I Love the Way You Love Me” by John Michael Montgomery.

Gabrielle and her father John had their father-daughter dance to “I Loved Her First” by Heartland.

Cory and his mother danced to “Her Little Man” by Jami Grooms. His mom hadn’t heard the song before their dance, but it was perfect as Cory is her youngest son. There wasn’t a dry eye to be seen when the song ended.

Bride and Groom Wedding Portraits on Sand Point Beach in Munising, Michigan

After their dances, Gabrielle and Cory’s families headed back to the AirBnB to set up the afternoon meal while we took beach portraits.

In closing:

Cory and Gabrielle, thank you for inviting us into your family to capture your day. We have loved getting to know you as a couple and seeing the way you perfectly complement each other. Wishing you an amazing marriage full of laughter and adventure!

WEDDING VENDORS:

Photography: Enjoy the VU Photography LLC
Hair: Studio 906
Bride’s dress: Bridal Rack Indy
Flowers: Sola Wood Flowers
Venue: Horseshoe Falls / Sand Point Beach