Intimate Beach Wedding in the UP | Private Residence | Naubinway, Michigan
Kaitylnn and William’s intimate beach wedding in the UP was day full of love, joy, and intentional time spent with the people who they are closest to. With a guest list of around 50 loved ones, they headed to Will’s family beach home in the UP for their dream wedding.
That beach is filled with memories of summer holidays, time with friends, William proposing, their wedding celebration, and a lifetime of moments yet to take place. It’s holds a great deal of sentiment to each of them which is why when planning their wedding, they couldn’t think of a more perfect place to say I do!
Before the Ceremony
In order to build up anticipation for the first look, William and Kaitlynn got ready alongside their wedding party in neighboring cabins. With the help of a few close friends setting up, they enjoyed a smooth morning. Excited to see her ceremony space, Kaitlynn and the girls headed down to the beach early while still in their PJ’s! The water was calm, the sun was shining and the weather was on their side. It was the perfect opportunity to run around in the water, get some giggles out, and let themselves feel the excitement of what was to come!
While the guys worked on tying their ties and wrangling with their suspenders, the gals helped Kaitlynn into her dress. When every last detail was in place, she took a few moments to stand on the balcony and soak it all in. It was one of the more quiet mornings I’ve spent with a bride, but that quiet was intentional. Like so many other moments throughout the day, Kaitlynn was making sure she was fully present to enjoy every step.
As the morning came to an end, we met William out on the beach for a first look with his bride. Their reactions to one another were so sweet. Eyes wide with love, and smiles that could not be contained. We knew this moment was one they had most been looking forward to because it meant that they had the rest of the day to spend together.
The Ceremony and Reception
As guests arrived they were greeted by the entire bridal party. A personal touch that made sure everyone felt welcome before taking their seat at the waterfront. After saying I do at their intimate beach wedding, the newlyweds we’re showered with eucalyptus petals and William whisked away his bride by picking her up and carrying her away. Seeing the joy on their faces in that moment made it one of my all time favorite ceremony exits!
Keeping time with guests as a top priority, William and Kaitlynn chose to include everyone in their photos. Their intimate guest list made that possible, and allowed them ample time to socialize at cocktail hour. They were able to take a few minutes to themselves, and also have quality conversations with everyone in attendance. Once dinner was served, you could hear chatter throughout the tent while guests mingled and caught up with one another while enjoying their meal.
After everyone had a chance to go back for seconds, they began speeches. With full bellies and even more full hearts, they listened intently to the kind words that their loved ones had prepared for them. The speeches brought up a lot of emotion, so it was time to balance things out with a little playfulness. Kaitlynn and the girls had choreographed a surprise flash dance to perform for Will that had everyone laughing and smiling.
After, we snuck the two of them away for some romantic sunset portraits and more alone time on the beach. I asked how they had felt about their day, and both agreed that it could not have been any more perfect. Slowly, their loved ones joined them for the sunset. While some played games, others chatted and everyone was at peace. At dusk, the kiddos in attendance excitedly ran down to the water with a box full of glow sticks, where everyone gathered for our last photo op- the glow stick send off!
When we left that night, their sandy dance floor was filled with people laughing and letting loose in celebration of an absolutely beautiful day.
Thank you William and Kaitlynn for inviting us to join you on your intimate beach wedding. Cheers to all the memories yet to be made at that family cabin!
Vendors
Venue | Private Family Residence
Photography | Kuffel Photography
Videography | Shore and Summit Storytelling
Florals | Sola Wood Flowers
Catering | Cheryl’s Country Catering
Rentals | Knaffle’s Tent Rental
