Luke and Claire had the perfect Upper Peninsula wedding on the shore of Lake Superior. They planned a day full of intention and infused with personality. They laughed, they cried – and they became husband and wife in an intimate ceremony at Little Presque Isle.
As soon as we heard about Claire and Luke’s wedding plans – a nontraditional ceremony with only close family and friends – we knew they were the type of couple we are most aligned to work with. Their engagement session this spring confirmed what a special, fun couple they are and we were just that much more excited to see them again in June!
Luke and Claire lived in Marquette for a year, working remotely and spending the rest of their time exploring the Upper Peninsula. When it came to planning their wedding, they knew they wanted to go back to the area that is so special to them. They love hiking and exploring, so an outdoor, lakeside wedding was a no-brainer.
Getting Ready at Negaunee Union Station Depot
WOW – that is all I can say about this incredibly perfect venue Luke and Claire selected for getting ready! The Depot’s website describes the property as “unique lodging for the adventurous spirit,” and that’s a pretty good description.
This was our first time photographing at the Union Station Depot, but it was a photographer’s dream – lots of historic details, large windows, and a big lawn out back.
Claire and Luke ordered their wedding bands from Linn & Owen Jewelers; the same place her grandparents bought their wedding bands. I loved this sweet nod to family!
Claire’s details included her grandmother’s pearls and her antique pin, which she placed on her bouquet.
Claire’s mother and sister Theresa helped her dress. Hiking packs sat in the corner; Luke and Claire left after dinner to spend the night in Houghton before flying out to Isle Royale the next day.
First Look
In the months leading up to their wedding, Luke and Claire had gone back and forth on whether or not they wanted to have a first look. As we often see, they adjusted their timeline the week of the wedding to accommodate for some last-minute changes. Fortunately, one of these changes meant deciding to have a first look together after all.
Both commented later how happy they were that they did a first look ahead of time! It helped take away the nerves of the day. We also got some great portraits early in the day while hair and makeup were fresh.
The Iron Ore Heritage Trail travels right along the border of the Union Station Depot property. I was glad it was a weekday, because this trail is pretty busy on the weekends. It was Thursday, which meant we had the path to ourselves. The flat, even pavement was a much better setting for Claire and Luke’s first look than if we had them on the lawn. This is because it was a bright, sunny afternoon and the grass would have reflected green light back onto their faces and clothing. (This is a major pain when I’m editing!)
Private Wedding at Little Presque Isle
Luke and Claire walked the beach Wednesday afternoon to find the perfect cove for their ceremony. As they approached the place they already had in mind, they discovered someone had created a heart of stones at that very location! They knew this was the spot.
Family and friends gathered on a ledge in the pines overlooking the beach. Their old roommate Nate officiated their ceremony. Claire and Luke shared their vows with laughter and happy tears.
Bride & Groom Portraits in Marquette, Michigan
We experienced a few pesky blackflies while on the southern beach for their ceremony, but the wind kept most of them at bay. After heading back to the parking lot for a drink and a few minutes in air conditioning, we took the path over to the north beach. There was no wind on this side and the flies were vicious – even with lots of bug spray! After a couple of quick images, we opted to head into Marquette instead.
In Closing –
Luke and Claire, congratulations! We have loved getting to know you both this year and were so happy to be a part of your Upper Peninsula wedding. Wishing you an amazing lifetime of love and adventures together!
Marquette MI Wedding Vendors
Photography Enjoy the VU Photography LLC
Venue Union Station Depot
Hair The STUDIO
Dress Essense of Australia
Bridesmaid dress AZAZIE
Bouquets Lutey’s Flower Shop
Rings Cushla Whiting Jewellery & Linn & Owen Jewelers
Catering Elizabeth’s Chop House
In Their Own Words:
“Veronica and Rob are the people you want behind the camera for your special day. They’re professional above anything else, not to mention how friendly and caring they are. I feel so blessed to have found these two to capture my wedding.
I love looking at our pictures because they show exactly what I wanted them to show: The love between my wife and I. Thank you, Veronica and Rob. I will always cherish the photos you took and wish you nothing but success.”
–Luke & Claire M.
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