During our initial video call, Corey & Kate let me know the details about their intimate Elk Rapids micro wedding. They did not want big formal affair and were planning a ceremony special to them. They both attended college here in Michigan and met while working together at Zingerman’s Deli downtown Ann Arbor (check out their engagement session). Needless to say, the Mitten state holds a special place in their hearts.
The Open Road
Elk Rapids is three and a half hours from my house, so I drove up the day before the wedding. I absolutely love long drives, especially when the scenery is as beautiful as it is in up north Michigan. Typically, I listen to a business podcast and get myself pumped up to nail the photos. Arriving in early evening, I found myself at the cutest roadside motel, the Elk Rapids Lakeshore Inn. It is located less than a half a mile from the beach at Elk Rapids Day Park. Perfection! The couple and I met at the beach to discuss final details of their Elk Rapids micro wedding. They planned on waking up early to reserve the pavilion as it was first come, first serve. After the meeting, I found did a quick Google search for dinner. Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen came up and I was sold! When dinner was over, I went back to the beach to watch the sunset and fully flush out my game plan for the wedding.
The Most Beautiful Elk Rapids Micro Wedding
The next morning, I got to the beach and the plan had slightly changed. The pavilion they were using for the reception was no longer available. When Corey and Kate originally called, the pavilion was on a first come, first serve basis. However, the park changed the way they dealt with them, and customers now had to reserve it in advance, and someone booked it for that day. No sweat though! There was another picnic area just through the trees behind the ceremony site they could use.
Music plays a huge role in Corey and Kate’s life, naturally they incorporated music in their wedding. Hands down, this was one of my favorite ceremonies I have had the privilege of photographing. The two of them walked down the aisle to a close friend singing I’ll Cover You from Rent. I adore musicals, Rent is in my top 5, so hearing that song set the tone (ha, see what I did there!). During their ceremony, they invited each of the families there to read/sing lyrics to a special song in their life. The whole experience was very emotional, you could literally feel the love that radiating around Corey and Kate.
Venue | Elk Rapids Day Park
Florist | Amy & Kate Designs
Beach Seating | Sand Cloud Towels
Catering | Zingerman’s
Officiant | Steve Foley
Singer | Jeff Cavataio
