When we look back on the 2020 wedding season, the wedding that stands out the most for me is Jenn and De’Ontre’s Michigan destination wedding. We did their Muskegon engagement photo session back in the summer of 2019, and were eagerly waiting for their end-of-May Michigan destination wedding for 2020 in Gladwin. I specifically remember Jen calling and saying the words, “I think all this stuff is going to be over by your wedding.” In true 2020 fashion, my optimism bit me in the butt and COVID-19 wasn’t even close to being “over” (and still isn’t, even in December.) Throughout the following 6 months between April and October, Jen and De’Ontre rescheduled three times, and had three entirely different venues, in three entirely different areas in Michigan. 

They finally decided to do an outdoor wedding in October in Jen’s hometown of Tawas, Michigan. Since their venue was outdoors, some of the state’s restrictions were lifted at the time, and we eagerly drove up north to be their Tawas City photographer. Walking in, it was like a reunion. We got to hang out with Ashley (who referred Jen to us) and her sister Taylor. And, of course, since we had been in communication with Jen so much leading up to her wedding, it felt like we were part of the family walking in. Jen and De’ have a playful love, and Jen’s vivacious smile and laughter is so natural and translates into photos so effortlessly and beautifully. Since it was chilly, they customized jean jackets for the girls to wear, and we love the “different” look that they created. (and it was needed- it was probably the coldest day of the fall!) Their first look was done on Jen’s brother’s farm where he raises West Highland cattle, and we were freaking obsessed with it all. (I’m still trying to talk Courtney into getting one of his spring calves.)

We have so much gushing that we could say about this wedding. It will always hold a special place in our hearts, and the relationship that we build with our Michigan destination wedding clients just feels different; it felt the same with Ashley and Taylor’s, too. It’s almost like that bond that you get when you travel away for the weekend with a group of friends, and those special memories that you don’t get anywhere else. We hope you enjoy this tiny preview into their Michigan destination wedding and when we were Jen and De’s Tawas City wedding photographer. If you’re planning a Michigan destination wedding, we’d love to chat with you and work together to customize something to fit your vision.