If I was to describe Madison and Luke’s wedding in one word, it would be “beautiful”. Then again, maybe “unique” is an even better word. Come to think of it, “creative”, “awe-striking” and “intimate” also come to mind. I guess such an amazing wedding is just too difficult to describe in one word!

I was so delighted to be asked to photograph Madison and Luke’s wonderful day. First of all, we could not have ordered more perfect weather! It was warm, but not too hot and not a drop of rain fell until an hour or so after the last light was turned off - perfect for an outdoor wedding.

The intimate ceremony took place on a small island nestled in a beautiful lake on Luke’s family property in Clarkston. What had been Luke’s favorite place while he was growing up became the setting for the most important day of his life. Both Luke and Madison’s families cleared the area and added handcrafted touches like a birch wood arbor and hand-hewn log benches. “Perfectly mismatched” chairs and a free-standing “door to the island” combined to transform the island into an enchanting “outdoor chapel in the woods”.

The ceremony was officiated by pastor Jim Combs, Luke’s father (no Star Wars puns, please!). Pastor Jim performed an impassioned and family-oriented ceremony that included a bible from Madison’s great-grandfather and Luke and Madison planting a tree on the island to commemorate the day.

The reception that followed in the rustic pavilion was just as beautiful as the ceremony. Every detail, from the cake to the table settings, looked like it was straight out of a style magazine. A delicious barbeque meal, music and a sparkler send-off capped a day full of precious moments and memories.

I was honored to be able to capture those memories and share some of them in this blog. Congratulations, Madison and Luke!