After Evan and Charlotte’s stunning engagement session earlier in the summer, we couldn’t wait to return for their Pictured Rocks wedding in September. And instead of wildfire haze, we had clear blue skies and the perfect early fall weather we love in the Upper Peninsula.

Getting Ready At The AirBnB

Charlotte and Evan’s wedding invitations read, “Twenty years in the making …” They selected the date of their marriage to be a Monday, but the most special of Mondays – September 18, their 20th anniversary of being together. We love it when couples choose a special date, adding an extra layer of meaning to their wedding.

I’d shared with Charlotte that our anniversary was one day before theirs, September 17th. When we arrived that morning for their wedding, the very first thing Charlotte said to me in greeting was, “Happy anniversary!” The fact that she remembered our anniversary on a day that was so important and busy for them tells you all you need to know about them as a couple. 🥰

Some of the other thoughtful touches Charlotte included in their wedding day were wearing family heirloom earrings and including some flowers from her mom’s bouquet in her own as her “something blue.” Additionally, Evan designed their invitation suite himself, including painting the illustrations. They also included handwritten notes to all the attendees on their personal invitations – talk about going the extra mile for their loved ones!

The AirBnB Evan and Charlotte selected for their wedding festivities is one of my favorites on M28 in Harvey. Nestled between Marquette and Munising, it sits at the end of a long driveway secluded from the road noise overlooking the beach and Lake Superior. The home is constructed with huge windows and an open floor plan to allow for lots of natural light, making for some of the best getting-ready views in the Central Upper Peninsula.

Charlotte got ready upstairs with her mom and best friend, curling their hair together and making last-minute touches. Meanwhile, Evan and his best friend got ready together downstairs.

Charlotte’s dress was simple elegance, and she added a deeply personal touch that brought everyone to tears: a patch sewn into the inside of her gown with the wedding dates of her parents, Evan’s parents, and their own. Watching her mom and mother-in-law’s emotional reactions was one of those “I’m not crying, you’re crying” moments that made the day unforgettable.

First Look On The Shore of Lake Superior

For their first look, we stepped out onto the sandy beach along Lake Superior, just a few steps from the AirBnb. Evan was already fighting back tears before he even turned around, and when he finally saw Charlotte? Let’s just say there wasn’t a dry eye. The wait all day to see each other was worth every second.

After their first look, we captured some portraits right by the water. The sky was bright and the waves gently lapped against the shore. Charlotte and Evan couldn’t stop smiling – those grins that make your cheeks ache by the end of the day – and they took it all in, savoring the day they’d waited so long for.

Miners Beach Wedding Ceremony

Miners Beach is one of those places that feels like a secret tucked away in the heart of the Upper Peninsula. White sand, red sandstone cliffs, pine forests behind, and Lake Superior stretching endlessly — it’s pure Northern Michigan magic. Charlotte and Evan exchanged their vows surrounded by their closest friends and family, with the sound of waves as their backdrop.

Everywhere around Pictured Rocks has become more popular in recent years, but having a weekday wedding meant we had the beach mostly to ourselves. The sun was warm with a temperature in the low 70s, and the September breeze added just enough coolness to make everyone comfortable. We loved this intimate ceremony – just the two of them, their parents, their best friends, and their pastor to officiate.

What to Know About Planning A Wedding at Miners Beach in Munising, Michigan

If you’re planning to have your wedding at Miners Beach, a permit is required through the National Park Service. All applications will be handled in the order they are received. Standard requests are processed in 30 business days. Additionally, because Miners Beach is a NPS site, all vehicles need an entrance pass. If you visit National Parks or other NPS sites including national landmarks, national monuments, and national lakeshores more than 2-3 times a year, we recommend you purchase the America the Beautiful Pass. This will save you the most money and is good for a full year from date of purchase.

A Laid-Back Reception at the AirBnb

After the ceremony and a few more portraits along the shore, we made our way back to the AirBnb for a relaxed and cozy reception. Instead of a traditional catered dinner, they baked their own meal. While we waited for the oven to heat the lasagna they’d prepped the day before, they enjoyed appetizers, heartfelt toasts, and lots of laughter. It was the kind of reception that felt like a warm hug — completely them. Everyone gathered around, sharing stories and soaking in the joy of the day. There was no rush, no stress — just love and connection, the way it should be.

And, of course, while Meeko and Remy couldn’t be there in person, they were there in spirit. 🙂

Why Miners Beach Should Be on Your Wedding Radar

Charlotte and Evan’s wedding at Miners Beach was a perfect blend of nature’s beauty and their personal story. Whether you’re dreaming of a Munising wedding ceremony, considering a Northern Michigan wedding, or just want to work with a Michigan photographer who gets the unique charm of the Upper Peninsula, I’d love to be part of your journey.

From the sandy shores to the endless sky, Miners Beach offers an unforgettable setting for your big day. If you’re planning something intimate like Charlotte and Evan, let’s talk about how we can capture those candid, heartfelt moments you’ll cherish forever.

Did you love their wedding day? Reach out if you’re envisioning your own love story unfolding in a place as beautiful as this. I’d love to help you bring your wedding dreams to life!

In closing –

Evan and Charlotte, thank you for choosing us to tell the story of your wedding day! Your wedding was beautiful, intentional, and we loved being there to capture every moment of it. Wishing you a lifetime of adventures and happiness together! ❤️

Michigan Wedding Vendors

Photography: Enjoy the VU Photography
Lodging: AirBnB
Location: Miners Beach / Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Permit Required)
Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Rings: Zales
Groom’s Suit: Ticknors Men’s Clothier
Bride’s Jean Jacket Embroidery: The Letterman Ink & Threads
Invitations: Handmade by Evan Manrow
Catering: Family