Mike and Gabby wed on a blue sky Saturday in July at Presque Isle Pavilion in Marquette, Michigan. They brought their family and closest friends north for a destination wedding on the shores of Lake Superior. We absolutely love Presque Isle weddings, and this one especially we felt like the Upper Peninsula was showing off for its guests. Days like these remind us why we love living in the UP!

We’ve been so looking forward to seeing Gabby and Mike again ever since their Marquette engagement session this spring. Before we knew it, July was here and it was time for their wedding day!

Funny story – when we originally met with Gabby and Mike for their consult Zoom call their camera was off. As we were chatting and going over potential options for their engagement session since they lived in the lower peninsula, Mike mentioned he was from a small farm town in Northern Michigan. I asked where, and he said West Branch. I exclaimed, “I’m from West Branch, too! What’s your last name?!” It turns out we had overlapped by one year in high school – I was a freshman when he was a senior – and we had been in one semester of band class together. Cue the “It’s a small world” music 🎶 While I didn’t know Mike well back in the day, it was such a throw back to see his friends at the wedding – many who I vaguely remembered from high school. Living 7 hours from where I grew up means we don’t often photograph people I grew up with, or even around.

Getting Ready at Landmark Inn

Gabrielle spent the night before with her mom and sister 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. Mike’s mom Sandy also came up Saturday morning for the getting ready fun. Gabby’s long, rectangular room was also plenty large enough for all four women to get ready without feeling “on top of” each other. Long rooms like this one are is infinitely nicer for bridal mornings!

Mike proposed to Gabby using this vintage French ring box. He shared the story behind waiting for it to arrive during their engagement session. I encouraged them to bring it for their wedding so we could include it with their details!

Every room in Landmark Inn is decorated a little differently, but Gabby had the dream getting ready room. The light pink wallpaper perfectly coordinated with the blush tones in her wedding gown.

Michael got ready with his brother and soon to be brother-in-law and father-in-law at an AirBnB down the road. They spent the morning relaxing and playing poker before heading down to Presque Isle Park.

Bridal Portraits in Landmark Inn Lobby

Landmark Inn has this incredible lobby decorated in an art deco style. Gabrielle wanted some portraits in her suite upstairs, but wanted to plan some time for portraits in the lobby before we left for the ceremony. We were all too happy to oblige this request!

Presque Isle Wedding Ceremony in Marquette MI

Sarah and her team at Mandala Events did such a gorgeous job setting up the ceremony decor for Mike and Gabrielle’s wedding. I loved the boho chic details that took the ceremony from simple to elegant without distracting from the natural beauty of the setting. The feathers and florals fluttered in the wind, and the orange textiles were the perfect contrast against the green grass.

Mike walked his mom Sandy down to her seat, then came back for Gabby’s mom.

The groom’s first look at his bride is always one of my favorite moments at a wedding!

Portraits at Black Rocks on Presque Isle in Marquette

After family portraits, the four of us hopped into our truck and drove along Peter White Drive to the Black Rocks area. Gabby wanted some pictures with the tunnel of trees in the background and I warned her we might need to dodge some cars to do so. To our surprise, a police car pulled up and offered to block traffic so we could get our photos! Of course, we said yes, thank you!!

Presque Isle Pavilion Reception

Mike and Gabby’s first dance was to “Golden Hour” by JVKE.

“I don’t need no light to see you
Shine
It’s your golden hour (oh)
You slow down time
In your golden hour (oh).

We were just two lovers
Feet up on the dash, drivin’ nowhere fast.
Burnin’ through the summer
Radio on blast, make the moment last.”

Gabrielle’s father-daughter dance was to “My Girl” by The Temptations.

Mike’s mother-son dance was to “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw.

In closing –

Mike and Gabby, thank you for inviting us to be a part of your Marquette wedding day. We were so happy to capture your wedding and meet your family and friends! Wishing you many years of happiness and adventure together!

Upper Peninsula Wedding Vendors:

Photography: Enjoy the VU Photography LLC
Planner, Day of Coordination + Bar: Mandala Events 
Hair + Makeup: Embrace Salon 
Bridal Gown: Memories Bridal
Bridal Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Accommodations: Landmark Inn 
Venue: Presque Pavilion
Flowers: Lutey’s Flower Shop
Catering: Ashley Webster Catering 
Cake: Sisters Baking Co 
Wooden Tables + Chairs: Twilight Special Events
Officiant + DJ: Tim Simula