Lower Harbor Boardwalk Vows

September 23rd, 2017

Emily was perhaps my first bride booked for the 2017 season. She found me via photographer referral while living in Portland, Oregon. Emily is a Marquette native, she and Adam met through college friends in Michigan, both have family in Michigan, and no one can dispute the untouched beauty northern Michigan has to offer, so it only made sense in their minds to get married in what they believe is one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

When Adam and Emily had first met, Adam had a girlfriend. Six months elapsed and they met again, both single. While they hadn't exchanged numbers that night, they ran into each other again two mornings in a row on their bus commute. Adam finally asked for Emily's number that second morning, and soon they realized by their first date that they had found something special. Adam proposed to Emily on their first Christmas together while walking the shores of Lake Superior just down from his father's house.

Extensive distance would test their love, however. Emily had accepted a job in cardiology as a physician's assistant on the west coast, pursuing essentially her dream job. Not too long after, Adam got accepted to Yale out east for grad school. With their careers on the line, Emily knew she must stay at OHSU and Adam knew he must make the move to Connecticut. Such a move required taking the time to sit down together and verbalize their commitment, what the future might hold for them as a couple. Honest and open discussion revealed their fears, insecurities, and expectations, and revealed distance couldn't sever their bond. They both hate talking on the phone, but they did so every night. FaceTime was prioritized as often as possible and goodnight texts were mandatory. Trying to see each other about every six weeks became a goal. Extra shifts paid for the extra flights, and now they're only about a month from the end of the distance madness. They'll be reunited, and Adam too will be a PA.

Being on different coasts, planning an engagement session seemed tricky, so Adam and Emily used their complimentary session instead to document their families hanging out the night before, conjuring up a delicious cookout on Presque Isle with Black Rocks beer. Classic Marquette.

Anyone accustomed to the moody U.P. knows to be prepared for anything, but it's fairly likely the temperature in late September will be fairly chilly or at least sweater weather. The autumn colors might be changing. It might even be snowing. But a sweaty 95 degrees and full sun?! That's quite the wild card sent from above!

While Adam prepped himself at the historic Landmark Inn, Emily waited calm and collectively at a suite in the Watermarq condos.

Conveniently enough, EVERYTHING on Adam and Emily's wedding day was in walking distance. Both getting ready locations, the ceremony site, their portrait location, and the reception was literally just up the hill as well.

They wed on the boardwalk in front of the Hampton Inn, showcasing iconic Marquette views that include the lower harbor ore dock that's no longer in commission, Mount Mesnard, and Lake Superior. Just as guests began taking their seats, a freighter ship crept into the harbor. I can't think of a more perfect ceremony photobomb!

p.s. that awesome ore dock view of the ceremony throughout the set? That's all thanks to my second shooter, Riley Fields!

After nearly melting from the uncommon fall heat, I offered Adam and Emily a ride up to their reception... but of course, my Subaru had a flat that day and I took my dad's woods truck. My Subaru has air conditioning and space. My dad's old GMC has no AC, only partway working windows, and it's a little squished. Nevertheless, they survived for their food and party.