Intimate Au Train Wedding on Lake Superior

Jesse and Jaye Lynn chose to get married with a small crowd of their closest family and friends on the sandy shores of Lake Superior in Au Train, MI. They chose Pinewood Lodge as their venue, a renovated Hiawatha log home, which effortlessly created the dreamiest scene to get ready at, exchange vows and host the chillest reception with a homemade meal and outdoor deck dancing.

Though they saw each other throughout the morning, Jesse and Jaye Lynn still opted to have a first look moment to take in each other dressed in their wedding attire as well as take a few woodsy portraits ahead of time.

The flower girls took their final practice runs as guests began climbing their way down the stairs to the expansive sandy shores. Jaye Lynn’s father officiated the ceremony and both of their mothers performed readings. The ceremony concluded with a flower petal sendoff and family photos took place along the beach.

Jaye Lynn and Jesse are both very active, outdoorsy people and they knew they wanted to have a canoe sendoff! They paddled through the choppy surf and went on to take a few portraits against the water and beach grass before joining their guests for cocktails in the sunshine.

There was a strong emphasis on candidly capturing their guests. Candid imagery takes time as it involves allowing moments to unfold without prompting. It also requires guests to feel comfortable and acquainted with their surroundings, which was easily feasible in this scenario given the close knit crew and a combination of comfortable indoor and outdoor hangout spots, but especially the thoughtfulness Jaye Lynn and Jesse put into creating the time to simply be. The family and some friends also collaborated on catering the meal, featuring fish caught by the bride, groom and company.

Just before dinner, guests shared toasts in a gazebo overlooking the lake.

Anyone who’s spent time on Lake Superior in the summer knows the flies can be a royal pain — the electric rackets are worth it, hahaha.

Dinner was served, Jesse and Jaye Lynn fed each other mini cupcakes, and the dance floor opened up on the deck outside with strands of lights and the shade of the pine trees.