From the second I arrived in Cheboygan, MI I knew this wedding was going to be special. The air was balmy and the sky bright blue as we drove around northern Michigan—it was the kind of day when you wonderful why everyone doesn’t live in Michigan and I knew it was going to be the perfect weekend for a wedding. Niccole and Steven have been together for eight years and have weathered both college in Ohio and graduate school in Michigan together and have a wonderful ease with each other that comes from being with your best friend for years. It was amazing being a part of wedding celebration and I was thrilled that they asked me photograph their rehearsal dinner as well as the wedding. By the end of the weekend I felt like an honorary member of the family and was privileged to meet all of Niccole and Steven’s family and friends. After meeting and being warmly welcomed by the family it was so obvious why Niccole and Steve decided to get married at Steven’s family cottage overlooking Mullet Lake. Not only was the setting beautiful but the cottage gave a comfortable yet festive atmosphere to the event which was really unique and memorable. Here are just a few of my favorites from the weekend.

First, a few pictures from the rehearsal dinner:

Love the picture on the back of this home brew kit Steven’s brother received for being a part of the wedding party.

Aprons for the two fathers who would be manning the grill at the reception.

The wedding stated with an early morning trip to the salon in Petoskey.

My favorite moment from the day was when Niccole’s father saw her for the first time.

Bustling a dress takes some serious commitment.

I love this detail of Niccole and her mom cutting the wedding cake. Niccole made her own cake and yes, it was delicious!

Love this moment between Steven and his mother.