Nate and Ashley wed on a blue sky Saturday in May at Presque Isle in Marquette, Michigan. Their intimate wedding was centered around their close family and friends and it was a fun, relaxed atmosphere of celebration.
When I say everything about their wedding took their family into consideration – I mean everything. While originally they planned to hold their wedding near their home in the Keweenaw, they opted to move the celebration to Marquette to make it easier for the many family members who were traveling up from lower Michigan or out of state and country completely. This spirit of kindness embodies everything Nate and Ashley do, and it’s clear to see how they cherish and are cherished by those around them.
Getting Ready at Landmark Inn
Ashley spent the night before with her mom, sister, and childhood friends at the Landmark Inn in Marquette, MI. Landmark Inn is easily my favorite hotel for bridal portraits in Marquette. Every room is elegantly decorated and equipped with large, stately windows which make getting ready portraits a breeze. Ashley’s long, rectangular room was also plenty large enough for all six girls to get ready without feeling “on top of” each other. Long rooms like this one are is infinitely nicer for bridal mornings!
Sunlight streamed in as the girls chatted and listened to music. Ashley is extremely organized and had everything ready and prepared ahead of time for detail pictures.
Ashley took 16 years of dance classes including ballet en pointe. She still goes up onto her toes unconsciously, which her friends pointed out throughout the day 🙂
Ashley’s ring is an oval sapphire with a halo of pave diamonds in a white gold setting.
Ashley’s gold bangle bracelets are from her paternal grandmother. Stamped inside is “1965,” which is the year her grandparents immigrated over from Scotland. Sadly they were unable to attend, but Ashley wore these bracelets as a way to keep her grandmother close on such a special day. Ashley also secured a medallion from her maternal grandmother into her bouquet.
Ceremony on Presque Isle in Marquette MI
We were glad for the sun shining at Presque Isle in Marquette because it was only 45 degrees! Nate’s boss officiated the ceremony for Ashley and Nate standing in front of an arbor Nate built himself. He said he started it on a Tuesday morning and finished it the next evening. He has done a lot of woodworking and it shows – so well-crafted!
Nate works in material science, so he selected a wedding band consisting of tungsten, seashell, and wood.
I loved that Ashley let all her bridesmaids select their own dresses and shades of blue. It was such a fun way to mix and match and looked great against Lake Superior!
Portraits at Black Rocks on Presque Isle in Marquette
After bridal party and family portraits, we all hopped into our car and drove along Peter White Drive to get to the Black Rocks area. When Nate and Ashley had their Presque Isle engagement session, they had been considering where to have their wedding. They loved the Presque Isle area and had the inspiration to have their wedding to Marquette.
When Ashley was trying on wedding dresses, she wanted something that felt “princessy” with lots of movement, but was still practical for an outdoor wedding. This dress was the perfect combination of all her requirements – and it was ideal for twirling in, too!
In closing –
Nate and Ashley, thank you for inviting Rob and me to be a part of your intimate wedding day. We were so happy to capture your wedding and meet your family and friends! Wishing you many years of happiness, laughter, and adventure together!
Upper Peninsula Wedding Vendors:
Photography:Â Enjoy the VU Photography LLC
Dress:Â A Bride’s Choice
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Ring: Brilliant Earth
Venue: Landmark Inn and Presque Isle Park
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