INTIMATE CAMP BLODGETT WEDDING

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Camp Blodgett is one of my all time favorite Michigan wedding venues. The first time I photographed a wedding there, I found my heart racing as I wound down a long drive through tall pines and quaint camp grounds until I came to the Loeks Retreat Center that would be Christine and Marta’s home base for the wedding day. It sits perched upon a hill overlooking Lake Michigan, and I immediately ran down to the lakeshore to photograph the simply stunning ceremony arch created with what looked like driftwood and flowers. Like, literally. It was the first thing I did.

I was early (as per usual) because this was not only my first time at Camp Blodgett, it was also my first time working alongside the incredible fox & fern events and I wanted to photograph every last detail of their gorgeous design.

After checking in on the brides who were still getting ready in the upstairs guest rooms, I headed down to see the reception space in the fireplace room of the Retreat Center.

What I saw made me smile sooooooo big. Geometric shapes played off of organic wildflowers and the room was very boho-meets-ikea. Which made absolute sense because those opposites mirror the bride’s personalities. Just like their relationship, it WORKED. Science beakers and teal glassware- hand-dyed ombre napkins and airplants in golden geometric holders- vintage loveseats with modern pillows- this wedding was eclectic and FUN.

After photographing all the decor, I began to collect the couples personal details for their wedding flat lay and that’s when Marta showed me the STUNNING morganite ring that she wanted to give Christine during their first look. You see, they had a legal wedding ceremony prior to this celebration with their friends and family, and Marta knew that her wife (who self-describes as “extra”) would love a bonus ring. It was massive and sooooo fun to photograph.

Finally, I headed upstairs to see if the brides were almost ready.

That’s when Christine revealed that she had not one, not two, but THREE wedding dresses. One a little more traditional for the ceremony, a Zac Posen for the dinner and first part of the reception, and a light and more comfortable party dress for dancing. Remember the “extra” thing? I love her so much! She also had a cape… because of course she did.

After the most precious first look and Chrstine’s awestruck reaction to the bonus wedding ring, it was time for a ceremony written by the brides around Dr. Seuss’s classic “Oh, The Places You’ll Go.”

The rest of the night was blur of laughter and dancing and ice cream and I’m pretty sure Marta’s mom ended up skinny dipping in the lake.