The Summer before Clay and Hilary’s wedding, I did an engagement session giveaway, and they won it! I seriously couldn’t have picked a cooler couple to be the most grateful recipients for this session gift. We went to Oval Beach and I just fell in love with these two. Their love for God and one another was so evident and they felt like kindred spirits immediately. I let them know that I would be honored to talk with them about wedding coverage if they were interested. And as they say, the rest is history.

Breathtaking Wedding Day in Northern Michigan

Clay and Hilary tied the knot in one of the most stunning outdoor venues Northern Michigan has to offer — Bayview at Gallagher Farms. Their wedding was not only a reflection of their love for each other but also their shared love for nature, adventure, and God.

Surrounded by sweeping views of Lake Leelanau, rolling orchards, and endless skies, their wedding day felt like a seamless blend of luxury, intimacy, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the outdoors.

Getting Ready in Northern Michigan

Hilary got ready with her closest friends and family at an AirBnb near Bayview. The morning was filled with laughter and lakefront views. Before Hilary got dressed she read a letter from Clay written for their wedding day which brought laugher, tears, big smiles and gave her a beautiful time to herself before the big day ahead. Her mom helped her into her breathtaking gown — Made With Love – Austin from Spring Sweet in Holland, MI — a delicate mix of timeless elegance and modern simplicity and the perfect gown for Hilary.

Meanwhile, Clay prepared with his groomsmen in the nearby cabin on an inland pond, fishing, enjoying the joys of friendship and Clay reading a letter from Hilary. Their intentional start to the day — a reflection of the couple’s deep-rooted faith — set the tone for everything that followed.

An Emotional First Look at Bayview at Gallagher Farms

One of the most emotional moments of the day came during the first look. Just outside the tent in the lawn overlooking the lake, Clay stood waiting for his lovely bride. Hilary was already teary as she walked up to Clay to tap him on the should and when he turned around, Clay was overwhelmed with emotion and doubled over. With Hilary’s parents and bridesmaids emotionally watching from the tent and the beautiful way Clay and Hilary embraced, this moment was truly unforgettable. These private minutes, captured against nature’s gentle backdrop, are always some of the most powerful for me as your photographer.

The rolling landscape of Gallagher Farms offered no shortage of stunning portrait locations. From sun-drenched hilltops with panoramic views of the lake, to the rich greenery of the surrounding orchards, Clay and Hilary were radiant as we explored the grounds together.

We spent a lot of time in the field because the day was just overcast enough that we could capture the lake behind them without them squinting in the sun or being overexposed. Clay and Hilary were completely at ease — the kind of presence that only comes from being deeply known and loved.

Ceremony on a Hilltop at Bayview

As guests gathered in the open-air ceremony space overlooking Lake Leelanau, the atmosphere was both reverent and joyful. many guests used the complimentary umbrellas provided by Bayview to shield them from the hot sun. The couple’s officiant, a close friend and spiritual mentor, led a ceremony rich in scripture, personal vows, and communion.

One of the most touching moments was the couple’s decision to take communion together, privately, before exchanging rings. Surrounded by creation and community, their ceremony felt sacred — a true worshipful celebration of love and God’s faithfulness. They joined hands in prayer at this time and were prayed over by their parents.

Tent reception at Bayview at Gallagher Farms

Following the ceremony, guests were chartered from the hilltop to the tent reception and cocktail hour. We were able to capture all the photos with the bridal party during as well as family photos prior to the ceremony and this allowed Clay and Hilary to receive their guests from the bus, welcome them to cocktail hour as well as mingle and enjoy it themselves. This was especially important to them and was a beautiful way for Clay and Hilary to be preset with their family and friends and enjoy the beautiful celebration they planned.

The reception space was beautifully decorated by Cass and Jean Flower Co. Hilarys vision was to merge the elegance of a reception with the natural beauty surrounding them and Cass did an unbelievable job. The Tent itself was draped in greenery, every table was adorned with garden-inspired florals and produce, and the soft flicker of candlelight brought a cozy glow and elegance to reception space.

The toasts were especially heartfelt — Parents and siblings shared memories with tears and laughter, all reflecting the deep relationships that shaped the couple’s journey. It was beautiful to see the support surrounding this young couple as well as the stories and people that, without reservation, are celebrating these two.

As night fell, the dance floor came alive under a canopy of twinkle lights and greenery. From their cutting the cake to special dances to spontaneous group dances with friends, Clay and Hilary celebrated with abandon. The joy was contagious. Its was at this moment that an insane heavy rainfall came and immediately drenched anyone more than two feet away from the tent. Truly an eventful end to an already beautifully eventful day.

Reminiscing this Northern Michigan Wedding

As a photographer, it’s an honor to witness so many kinds of love stories, but Clay and Hilarys was a reminder that when a wedding day is centered in faith, rooted in intention, and set against the grandeur of God’s creation, it becomes more than a celebration. It becomes a legacy.

From the emotional first look to the prayerful vows, the laughter-filled toasts to the wild joy of the dance floor, every moment of this wedding day at Bayview at Gallagher Farms was steeped in meaning.

To Clay and Hilary — you two are easy to love and easy to celebrate. Thank you for letting me be a part of your beginning. May your lives together be as beautiful and intentional as the day you said “I do.

Interested in Your Own Northern Michigan Wedding?

If you’re planning a destination wedding in Northern Michigan and love the idea of a luxury outdoor experience like this one, I would love to help you capture it. From location scouting to timeline guidance and photo styling, I love telling love stories in the most breathtaking natural settings.