A Private Property Wedding In Whitehall, Michigan

Airbnb weddings are all the rage right now. This hack has to be one of the best ways to have a high-quality wedding for a small group. Emily & Nate's wedding took place on a private property near Lake Michigan, and the vintage bridal suite stole my heart the morning of the wedding. I love antiques, so when I saw the antique dresser in the bridal suite, I knew it would be my backdrop for detail photos. I love the wood accents, and all things vintage.

Vintage display with tan slide sandals, white dahlia, glass decanters, and rustic wooden drawers on lace-covered surface.

Orange & Brown Bridesmaid Fall Color Pallet

You can't go wrong with burnt orange, gold, and brown as your FALL wedding colors. The bridesmaid dresses were a vibe.

Bride in white gown with bridesmaids in rust and brown satin dresses laughing together on green lawn at outdoor wedding.
Bride in white gown with bridesmaids in rust and brown dresses holding colorful bouquets in a garden setting.
White textured Bella Bianca candle jar with silver lid on lace, surrounded by greenery and white flowers.
White dahlia in vase with greenery, lace tablecloth, ring box, and gold hoop earrings on rustic wooden table.
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Why Whitehall Is Such a Beautiful Place to Get Married

If you're planning a wedding in West Michigan, Whitehall is a location worth considering.

Located near Lake Michigan and just a short drive from Muskegon, Whitehall, Michigan offers a beautiful mix of natural scenery, small-town charm, and easy access to some of the area's incredible beaches and outdoor spaces.

For couples who don't necessarily want a traditional ballroom or large wedding venue, the area also offers opportunities for private-property celebrations and more personalized wedding experiences.

A private estate, family property, backyard, or other meaningful location can become the perfect setting for an intimate Michigan wedding.


And from a photography perspective, natural surroundings can provide so many opportunities for beautiful portraits.

Bride and groom share a kiss outdoors on green lawn with colorful autumn trees in background at wedding.
Bride and groom walk hand-in-hand through a lush garden with colorful autumn foliage during their wedding day.

Where to get married in Whitehall?

Since this wedding was on a private property, I want to suggest one venue that is commonly overlooked in this area. I have been wanting to photograph a lakeside wedding at Michillinda Lodge in Whitehall for so long! Plan your lakeside wedding here and bring me along to photograph.

Bride and groom cutting their white wedding cake together outdoors on a sunny day.
Bride and groom sharing a kiss while cutting their wedding cake outdoors.
Bride in white lace gown holds floral bouquet as groom in gray suit kisses her cheek in a lush garden setting.
Wedding party in autumn garden, groomsmen in gray suits and bridesmaids in burnt orange dresses cheering with bouquets raised.
Groom kisses bride on cheek as she smiles holding red and white bouquet in lush garden wedding portrait.
Bride and groom cutting their white wedding cake outdoors on a lace-covered table surrounded by lush green trees.
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Wedding Photography That Feels Natural


When I photograph a wedding, I don't want the entire day to feel like one long photoshoot.

Your wedding day should actually feel like your wedding day.

There will absolutely be time for beautiful portraits. I'll help guide you through those so you don't have to worry about knowing what to do in front of the camera.

But some of my favorite photographs happen when nobody is posing.

A parent watching their child get married.

Friends laughing during cocktail hour.

A quiet moment between newlyweds.

Someone tearing up during the ceremony.

A packed dance floor later in the evening.

Those are the photographs that tell the complete story of a wedding day.


My approach to West Michigan wedding photography is a combination of gentle direction and documentary-style observation. I want you to have gorgeous portraits while also preserving all of the moments that happen naturally around you.