Esch Road Beach Empire Elopement

Jake and Chase’s Esch Road Beach Empire elopement was everything you could hope for when eloping with your love. Immediate family on the beach in beautiful Northern Michigan – it was literally perfect.

We started the morning at an Air BnB that Jake and his family had rented for the weekend. It was so fun getting to meet both sides of the families and friends. Everyone was so welcoming, and they were just so excited Jake and Chase were getting married. It was fun to see all of the guys joking around and interacting with Jake. It was honestly so obvious how much love both families had for Jake, and for each other.

After I left Jake’s, I drove over to the Air BnB that Chase had rented to get ready at with her mom. It was a beautiful a-frame with large windows that allowed so much natural light into the space. It was so stinkin gorgeous!

It was so interesting, because I had never photographed only a bride and her mom on a wedding day. But it was amazing to have a calm quiet time chatting and getting to know each other while photographing Chase’s details and her getting ready with her mom.

Fast forward to the ceremony, everyone met up at Esch Road Beach, and Chase and Jake were married under the sun with their friends and families as witnesses. It was one of the most beautiful and perfect days to have at the beach. And actually a little warmer than any of us anticipated for the end of September.

After the ceremony, we all drove over to Empire Bluff Trail to hike up and take family photos overlooking the best view of Lake Michigan. Once family portraits were done, we had some time to do couple’s portraits before we headed back into downtown Traverse City for their family only reception dinner at The Cook’s House.

It was seriously one of the best days to have the privilege of witnessing. When I say my heart is all for small weddings and elopements, I’m not joking. Every wedding day is special, and I’m ready to photograph you however you choose to marry the love of your life. But when it’s all of your absolute favorite people in one spot together, there’s something so incredibly different about it. And this Esch Road Beach Empire Elopement wholly and completely embodied that.

Vendors:
Ceremony: Esch Road Beach in Empire, Michigan
Reception: The Cook’s House
Photography: Aliscia Marie Photography
Dress: Becker’s Bridal
Groom’s Suit: Jim’s Formal Wear
Florist: Bloom and Berrie
Cake: Totally Baked Cakes by Ruth Ann