A Gorgeous Lake Michigan Elopement Syle Shoot

Photos ByEmily Hary Photography

Written By

Chrysa Keenon

Date

September 19, 2019

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You’ve heard of a getaway car, but have you heard of a getaway wedding? It was a goal of Leah Bayes of LB Floristry to create a styled shoot that had a VW Bus in it—a.k.a., the perfect getaway vehicle—and after brainstorming with Emily of Emily Hary Photography, this beautiful boho style shoot was born! Emily says, “We thought Chicagoland-type couples and other city dwellers would be moved by our shoot to skip the big 'show' and have a small wedding or elopement on the beach in nearby Michigan. They could even have a brunch wedding if they’re not eloping! Who says you have to have typical wedding dinner food at dinner time on your wedding day? Let’s mix it up!”

Conceptually, the team wanted to go for a beachy, brunchy elopement. Lake Michigan is the perfect Midwest escape for a city-dweller, according to Emily. The team used bright florals and sunset hues to give off that perfect late summer vibe. We love the flexibility that this team shows throughout this entire shoot! Emily explains, “We wanted to showcase a different type of wedding that you’d usually see in the Midwest and let people know that it’s okay to not have a dinner in the evening. You can do what you want on your wedding day!”

The first and largest hurdle for this shoot was actually finding a VW Bus. Emily says that it was the only rental used in the entire shoot! “Leah gathered the table, runner, candles, flatware, pillows, napkins, glassware, etc. all herself,” Emily explains. “These bright pieces help tie in the florals and keep with the cheery/modern vibe of the shoot.” We love it when teams use what they have at their disposal to bring creative, offbeat vibes to their shoots!

The cake used in this shoot is a whole new level of art deco! Emily says, “The cake was a modern/simple little guy with strokes of bright colors. We loved how Sweet-Em’s made the frosting look like it was brushed on!” Paired with the waffles and sweet tarts, this elopement has enough finger foods to satisfy any sweet tooth!

We are in love with those dreamy florals—some of which Leah grew herself! That gives these romantic pink and orange blossoms a little extra personal touch from the team.

That dress is gorgeous and flows beautifully in the beach wind! Leah picked out a more casual dress for a beach setting, which looks dazzling in the sand and late afternoon sun. Emily says, “Leah also selected a pink ruffled dress for the bride to change into (because why not!). The soft pink was a perfect addition to the sunset-hued color scheme we had going.”

An elopement might be simple, but it doesn't make the day any less special! Emily predicts that these quick and cost-effective weddings are on the rise. “I think couples are realizing they don’t have to save up a fortune for years to get married,” she says. “All they need is themselves and the legalities. They can make their wedding day into an experience/trip all in one and do whatever they’d like. It’s practical, eco-friendlier, and cost-effective in the long run.”