An Intimate Wedding On The Shores of Lake Michigan

When planning his proposal to Olivia, Zach knew that he wanted to incorporate all her favourite things – hiking, wine, cheese, a sunset and a gorgeous water view.

After spending a day hiking around Cape Kiwanda on the Oregon Coast, Zach took Oliva to the beach to watch the sunset.

“While watching the sunset, a seal was swimming around the ocean while the waves were crashing into the cape. Zach began reminiscing about our relationship, then pulled out my dream ring to ask me to marry him,” Olivia told us.

“I felt like time stopped and sped up all in the same moment.”

The happy couple tied the knot on a beautiful and hot Michigan summers day in an intimate, barefoot wedding on the shores of Lake Michigan.

“Our close friend, Lauren, married us and personalized every part of the ceremony. There were lots of happy tears and laughter.”

The reception was relaxed but filled with non-stop fun, with a party that lasted all night long. The dancing was so exciting that even Oliva’s grandparents made it out on the dancefloor for multiple songs – not just the slow songs either!

“Having the reception at Brengman Brother’s Winery felt very comfortable and homey. It almost felt like we were having a big reunion celebration with the bon-fire, bean-bag toss games, tasting room to escape the heat and patio for dancing.”

With so many personal touches and DIY elements, the newlyweds had an very unique wedding.

“Zach’s family built the wedding arch we were married under; my Aunt and Uncle crafted all the small touches including the wedding program-fans and Zach’s Aunt and Mother hand-painted and hand-wrote all the table numbers and seating arrangements on Michigan-mitten cut-outs.”

Congratulations Olivia and Zach!

All photography by Bethany Small Photography