Claire & Mark’s Fall Destination Wedding in Union Pier, Michigan

I will never forget Claire and Mark’s destination Michigan wedding. These two changed plans over the summer due to unforeseen circumstances (sound familiar?). Instead of the chic downtown Chicago soirée they had planned, they secured a private residence in their home state for their immediate families. If I say so myself: this was an absolute dream wedding! In fact, Claire designed much of the decor herself! With the help of an A+ Vendor Team, the dream became reality.

Union Pier, Michigan Wedding

The gorgeous property was located on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, including a private beach. Claire’s eldest sister officiated the private ceremony, and I know there wasn’t a dry eye among us! After the knot was tied, the newlyweds chose to celebrate with champagne on the beach (and photos, of course!). Claire and Mark joined their guests for a cocktails and romantic first dance as the sun set over the lake 🙂

Something I loved about this wedding was that every single detail was personalized. Travel is a mutual love of Mark and Claire’s, which they tied into their wedding day as much as possible. The dessert spread included French macarons and also mochi, a nod to their engagement in Japan. Fun fact: Mochi is also the name of their adorable pup, who celebrated her first birthday on Claire & Mark’s wedding day! If you don’t remember this smiley girl from their Engagement Session, her happy birthday photos are just as sweet!!

Claire and Mark: Thank you again for having us capture your Michigan wedding in October!! Wishing you all the happiness in your married life!

Vendor Team

Venue: Yellow Bird Vacations/Bride’s dress: Provonias/Bride’s veil: Untamed Petals/Bride’s shoes: Sole Society/Groom’s suit: The Black Tux/Florals: Field & Florist/Hair & Makeup: Jen and Colette from Hannah Elisabeth Beauty/Invitation: Bride’s sister/Engagement ring: Windy City Diamonds/Wedding bands: Dana Rebecca Designs/Caterer: Spire Catering & Event Planning/Cake: Black Currant Bakehouse/Mochi: Patisserie Tomoko/Macarons: Ladurée/2nd shooter: Jeremy

Thinking of downsizing your wedding to immediate family only? Check out what these other couples have done!

Megan & Taylor’s Elopement | Erin & Evan’s Microwedding | Melanie & Spencer’s Elopement

Romantic photo of bride and groom at their destination Michigan wedding in Union Pier
Welcome sign to Union Pier, Michigan
Intimate Michigan wedding venue at private residence in Union Pier
View of Lake Michigan from private residence in Union Pier
Invitation to Chicago couple's fall destination wedding in Union Pier, Michigan
Engagement ring and paper crane detail at Michigan wedding venue in Union Pier
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Bride and groom prepare for first look at their Union Pier, Michigan wedding
Bride and groom before their first look at destination Michigan wedding
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Bride and groom's intimate first look at their fall Michigan wedding in Union Pier
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Bride walks down stairs to enter destination Michigan wedding ceremony
Bride walks down stairs to enter destination Michigan wedding ceremony in Union Pier
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Intimate Michigan wedding ceremony at private residence in Union Pier
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Bride and groom kiss under flower petals at their intimate Michigan wedding ceremony
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Bride and groom toast champagne on beach after their destination Michigan wedding ceremony
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Bride and groom walk along the beach after their intimate Michigan wedding ceremony
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Destination wedding photo in Union Pier, Michigan of bride and groom kissing on beach
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Bride and groom's romantic first dance overlooking the lake at their destination Michigan wedding
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Happy groom dances with bride at their fall destination Michigan wedding in Union Pier
Bride and groom share their first dance under ceremony arch overlooking the lake at destination Michigan wedding
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Gold Bride and Groom signs at head table with DIY florals and greenery
Gold and burgundy details and candlelight at head table for intimate Michigan wedding reception
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Head table decor and DIY details at intimate destination wedding in Union Pier, Michigan
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Cannoli plate served at intimate destination wedding in Union Pier, Michigan
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Union Pier, Michigan sunset over lake
Bride and groom enjoy family style dinner at their intimate Michigan wedding reception
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Intimate Michigan wedding reception in Union Pier with DIY details at private residence
Bride and groom toast their guests at destination Michigan wedding reception
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Father of the bride speech at destination Michigan wedding reception
Bride's sister gives speech at Union Pier, Michigan wedding reception
Family member toasts bride and groom at their intimate Union Pier, Michigan wedding
Bride and groom toast champagne with family at their Union Pier, Michigan wedding
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Bride and groom's romantic first dance at their intimate Michigan wedding reception

2 Replies to “Claire & Mark’s Fall Destination Wedding in Union Pier, Michigan”

  1. paige says:

    So beautiful. Is this a private residence or is this location available to rent?

    1. Emma says:

      It’s a private residence! Available for rent on Yellow Bird Vacations, link in the post 🙂

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