December 23, 2022
Planning a destination wedding is really exciting, but to some it may feel like a daunting task. With so many details and logistics to consider, it can be hard to know where to start. To help you out, I’ve put together a checklist of the key elements you should consider when planning a destination wedding.
The first step in planning a destination wedding is deciding on the perfect location. Consider factors such as the weather, cost, and type of venue you’d like.
Once you’ve chosen a destination, you’ll need to find the perfect venue for your special day. Consider the size and type of venue you’d like, as well as any special amenities or services.
Next, you’ll need to send out your invitations and give your guests plenty of time to plan and book their travel arrangements. Be sure to include all the important details and information they’ll need.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the planning process, consider hiring a professional wedding planner. They can help you navigate the logistics and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Once you’ve sent out your save–the–dates, you’ll need to book travel arrangements for your guests. If possible, try to find a package deal that includes airfare, hotel, and other transportation costs.
It’s important to create a budget for your destination wedding to ensure you don’t go over your allotted funds. Consider all expenses, including the venue, travel, and any other expenses that may arise.
No wedding is complete without entertainment! Consider hiring a DJ, live band, or other performers that will add to the atmosphere of your special day.
If you’re inviting out–of–town guests, it’s important to plan activities to keep everyone entertained. Consider booking excursions, tours, or other activities that guests can enjoy.
Depending on the location of your destination wedding, you may need to take care of certain legalities or paperwork. Make sure you’re aware of any requirements and make sure you have all the necessary documents.
As the wedding date draws near, make sure to check in with all your vendors, such as the caterer, photographer, and florist. This will ensure that everything is running smoothly and that you won’t run into any unexpected surprises.
Planning a destination wedding can be a lot of work, but with the right preparation and planning, it can be a truly memorable and magical experience. With this checklist, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect destination wedding of your dreams!
To book me for your engagement, wedding, or elopement, click here and let’s chat!
There is something undeniably magical about a summer wedding in Northern Michigan. The way the light lingers late into the evening, the shimmer of Lake Michigan at golden hour, the scent of pine and wildflowers drifting on a warm breeze—this part of the world was made for love stories. As a wedding photographer who spends summers between Harbor Springs, Petoskey, and the lakeshore, I’ve fallen head over heels for this region. If you’re dreaming of a romantic, sun-soaked celebration up north, this guide to summer wedding photography in Northern Michigan will help you choose meaningful locations, plan around the light, and create timeless images that feel like pure summer.

If you’re dreaming of a northern Michigan destination wedding, this is my photographer’s-eye view of what makes it so special, how to plan for the light and landscape, and what to know as you design an experience your guests will never forget.

There’s something quietly enchanting about Northern Michigan. The way the light softens over Lake Michigan at dusk, the whisper of birch trees in the breeze, the rolling dunes that look like they were designed for romance. It’s no wonder so many couples are drawn here for their engagement session. As a northern Michigan engagement photographer, I’ve wandered these shorelines and forest paths with countless couples, and I can tell you: when you blend this landscape with intentional planning, your engagement photos become more than pretty pictures—they become a love story you can feel.

There are some places that feel like they were built for love stories. Castle Farms in Charlevoix, Michigan is one of those rare, cinematic settings where every corner feels like a page from a fairytale. Between the ivy-covered stone walls, manicured gardens, and soaring turrets that catch the golden northern light, a Castle Farms wedding is the kind of celebration that lingers in your memory for a lifetime.

There is something undeniably magical about winter in Northern Michigan. Fresh snow dusting the pines, the hush that falls over the lakes, the way the sky glows soft and blue just before sunset—this landscape was made for romance. If you’ve ever dreamed of saying “I do” while snowflakes drift around you and candlelight flickers off crystal glasses, a winter wedding Northern Michigan style might be exactly what your heart is craving.

As a Lake Michigan wedding photographer, I’ve watched the light dance across the water in every season, from soft, hazy June evenings to crisp, glowing September nights. With a bit of thoughtful planning, your sunset portraits can be everything you’ve been dreaming of: romantic, timeless, and filled with genuine emotion.

Creating artistic and visionary images — captivating hearts and minds globally.
Photography by Lauren Case
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