Family and friends spent the weekend at a beautiful private residence in Leland, Michigan — a home that stretches across the narrow strip of land between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau. It was the perfect backdrop for Aaron and Megan’s intimate Leland Michigan wedding. The setting felt timeless: waves crashing on one side, still water on the other, and the easy pace that comes with being up north. Megan’s love for Leland runs deep, and I understand why. Coming around the bend at Whaleback on M-22 feels like arriving home — calm, fresh, and unmistakably Northern Michigan.
A Weekend in Northern Michigan Wine Country
The celebration began with a relaxed wine tour through two local favorites — Chateau Chantal and Bel Lago. These wineries are tucked into the Leelanau Peninsula and make for the perfect start to a Northern Michigan wedding weekend. The afternoon brought soft rain showers, but that didn’t stop us. We slipped in a few rainy engagement portraits before heading back to the house for a cozy dinner overlooking Lake Leelanau.
A Calm Morning on the Shore
The morning of the wedding was peaceful and slow — the kind of start that makes an intimate Michigan wedding feel even more meaningful. Strong winds rolled across Lake Michigan, creating whitecaps that shimmered against the cloudy sky. From the porch, the view was breathtaking — and it became the very spot where Aaron and Megan exchanged their vows surrounded by their closest family and friends. It was simple, heartfelt, and exactly what a private residence wedding in Northern Michigan should be.
Sunset Portraits and Late-Night Pizza
Throughout the day, we took a few quiet breaks to wander the property for portraits — golden light flickering through the trees, wind off the lake, and that unmistakable northern calm. After the sun dipped below the horizon, the celebration carried on with one of my favorite wedding traditions: a pajama dance party. (Truly, the best kind of late-night outfit change.) The evening wrapped up perfectly with pizza from Roman Wheel in Suttons Bay — because no Lake Leelanau wedding weekend is complete without a little wine, a little laughter, and a lot of love.
Dress: Becker’s Bridal
Suit: Men’s Wearhouse
DJ/Music: Rusch Entertainment
Food: Hansen Foods of Suttons Bay
Pizza: Roman Wheel Pizza & Subs
Are you thinking about getting married in Northern Michigan? It’s my favorite place to travel, and I am happy to capture your day there! Take a look at this Mackinac Island Grand Hotel Wedding. Another lovely location!
