Maria and Kent’s Grand Traverse Resort wedding was such a beautiful fall celebration in Northern Michigan. From their Catholic ceremony at Sacred Heart Church in Elk Rapids to their reception at the resort in Traverse City, there were so many gorgeous details throughout the day.

Between the beautiful fall colors, incredible florals, and the sweetest families, there was so much I loved about this wedding! From getting ready at the resort to their ceremony in Elk Rapids and the gorgeous reception details, it was such a fun day to photograph.

Getting Ready at Grand Traverse Resort

The morning started at Grand Traverse Resort, where Maria and Kent were getting ready in separate spaces.

I stopped by Maria’s room before heading over to the guys, and I still remember the view from nearly the top of the tower. There were windows everywhere, overlooking the surrounding Northern Michigan landscape as the fall colors were just beginning to change. It was gorgeous!

Maria and her bridesmaids looked beautiful in their matching getting-ready outfits, and everyone was so kind.

Meanwhile, Kent was getting ready in one of the resort’s condos with his dad and closest friends. The guys were so much fun, and I especially loved seeing how excited Kent’s dad was for him.

They had personalized glasses, a special bottle of whiskey, and plenty of little moments worth photographing. Kent also had the coolest pair of red-bottom shoes to go with his tuxedo, which I loved!

It was such a fun group to spend the morning with.

A Beautiful Catholic Wedding at Sacred Heart Church in Elk Rapids

After getting ready, we headed to Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Elk Rapids, Michigan, for Maria and Kent’s ceremony.

And wow, what a beautiful church.

The white interior, tall windows, traditional architecture, and beautiful altar made it such a stunning setting for their Catholic wedding ceremony. I especially loved the view from the upper level, where I was able to photograph Maria walking down the aisle with her dad.

Maria looked absolutely incredible. Her wedding dress had the most beautiful full skirt and sleeves, and her long veil was stunning. Paired with her hair, makeup, and gorgeous bouquet, everything came together so beautifully.

Their ceremony was filled with family, tradition, and meaningful moments. One of my favorite parts to photograph was Maria and Kent walking back down the aisle together after being married. The excitement on their faces was the sweetest!

As a Northern Michigan wedding photographer, I always love photographing ceremonies in beautiful, historic churches. There is something so special about the architecture, the traditions, and the moments shared with family.

A Fall Wedding Celebration in Traverse City

Following their ceremony in Elk Rapids, Maria and Kent continued their wedding portraits at Mari Vineyards before returning to Grand Traverse Resort for their reception.

One of the things I love about weddings in the Traverse City area is how many beautiful locations couples can incorporate into their day. From historic churches and vineyards to resort celebrations, there are so many options within Northern Michigan.

For Maria and Kent, their day brought together several of those beautiful locations.

While their portraits were taking place at Mari Vineyards, I headed back to the resort to photograph the cocktail-hour space and reception details before guests arrived.

An Elegant Grand Traverse Resort Wedding Reception

The reception at Grand Traverse Resort was absolutely beautiful.

Their celebration took place in the Michigan Ballroom, with cocktail hour just outside the reception space. The room was filled with gorgeous floral arrangements by Bloom Floral, candlelight, and beautiful table settings.

I especially loved the rich red florals. They added so much color and personality to the reception, while still feeling elegant and timeless.

There were so many thoughtful details throughout the room, and I loved having the opportunity to photograph everything before the celebration began.

The resort’s event coordinator, Kloe, was also wonderful to work with throughout the evening.

For couples planning a Grand Traverse Resort wedding, having your getting-ready spaces and reception at the same location can be such a nice part of the experience. The resort also offers beautiful surroundings for portraits, especially during Northern Michigan’s fall season.

A Reception Filled With Family and Celebration

One thing that really stood out to me about Maria and Kent’s wedding was how much their families loved celebrating them.

When the wedding party made their entrance, everyone was cheering and having the best time. There were so many happy tears during the speeches, and you could tell how much this day meant to everyone there.

After their entrance, Maria and Kent cut their cake and later shared their first dances.

I especially loved photographing the reactions throughout the reception. The little expressions, laughter, and moments between family members are always some of my favorite things to capture.

It was such a beautiful celebration, and I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to be part of it.

A big thank you to Chelsea Erwin for having me along to help photograph Maria and Kent’s wedding!

Planning a Grand Traverse Resort Wedding?

If you’re planning a wedding at Grand Traverse Resort or anywhere in the Traverse City area, I would love for you to explore more of my work!

I’m a Northern Michigan wedding photographer who loves documenting meaningful moments, beautiful details, and all the people who make your wedding day special.

You can learn more about my wedding photography experience or browse some of my favorite Northern Michigan wedding venues.

For more real wedding inspiration, take a look at Allison and Cole’s intimate Black Star Farms wedding in Suttons Bay or this beautiful Bayview Weddings at Gallagher Farms celebration.

If you’re still looking for your wedding photographer, I’d love to hear what you’re planning. Get in touch here!

Wedding Vendors

Ceremony: Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church | Elk Rapids, Michigan

Reception & Getting Ready: Grand Traverse Resort | Traverse City, Michigan

Portrait Location: Mari Vineyards | Traverse City, Michigan

Florals: Bloom Floral

Venue Coordination: Kloe | Grand Traverse Resort

Lead Photographer: Chelsea Erwin Photography

Second Photographer: Leah Rohde Photography

More Northern Michigan Wedding Inspiration

I photograph weddings throughout Traverse City, Leelanau County, Petoskey, Charlevoix, and beyond. Whether you’re planning a celebration at a resort, vineyard, or somewhere especially meaningful to you, I would love to document it.

Take a look at Delaney and AJ’s Northern Michigan wedding at Bayview Weddings at Gallagher Farms, learn more about my wedding photography experience, or reach out about your wedding date. I’d love to hear what you’re planning!