Moody Minnesota Elopement on the North Shore
Danielle and Nolan’s North Shore Elopement filmed by Chuck and Shiloh Photo and Film
Minnesota’s North Shore is a beauty that can only be fully appreciated if you’ve been lucky enough to experience it for yourself. There is just something about looking out over seemingly never-ending Lake Superior and feeling tiny that is indescribable. It’s in those moments especially, that I find myself reflecting on just how blessed Chuck and I are to be documenting love stories. Danielle and Nolan’s Moody Minnesota elopement on the North Shore was no exception. Celebrating a couple as loved and cherished as Danielle and Nolan comes so easy, and makes our job as a photo and video team a breeze.
North Shore Elopement
If there’s piece of advice I could give a couple who is planning an elopement or intimate wedding, it would be to prioritize your love. For some couples, that might look like private vows. Other couples may prefer to spend the morning getting ready together. But whatever you do, prioritize your love and what makes you two feel the most present. Danielle and Nolan knew how to do exactly that during their North Shore elopement weekend! From the pre-wedding festivities to the final “cheers” before embarking on their new adventure as a married couple, this duo ensured authenticity from start to finish.
Danielle and Nolan’s Minnesota North Shore elopement weekend began with a lake day. If you’re a Midwesterner, you know it doesn’t get more ‘quintessentially Minnesotan’ than a lake day! They invited their crew to embrace the chilly Lake Superior waters, and kick off their wedding weekend in the best way possible. Despite the predictably unpredictable weather, the crew was eager to celebrate the sweet couple. Their big ole raft made for the perfect base for day drinking, and soaking in the little peeks of sunshine between jumping off rocks and cold plunging. The entire experience was wholesome, and was a sweet foreshadowing for the following day… just so much genuine love.
Eloping on Minnesota’s North Shore
The following day began at a leisurely pace, as the bride and groom got ready separately. Getting ready photos are some of my personal favorites to capture. I don’t know if it’s the anticipation or the bittersweetness of witnessing a bride’s mom zip her dress, or the deep belly laughter emanating from the groom’s crew, but it’s always beautiful. Once the finishing touches were made, Danielle and Nolan headed down to the lake to soak in all the little moments before their ceremony.
Danielle was an absolute vision and ray of sunshine with her floral veil (courtesy of Tailored Tulle), and bright summer bouquet. While she would’ve looked just as beautiful on a sunny day, the vibrant colors of her veil and bouquet were like works of art against the gloomy North Shore day. And if Danielle was a ray of sunshine, Nolan was clear summer’s day. His sky blue suit was just what was needed to complete the ‘early summer elopement’ vibe. With waves crashing to shore, and a fine mist hanging in the air, these moments were too good not to just enjoy. One of the biggest perks of an intimate wedding or elopement is having the flexibility to be present. And in a moment like this one, why wouldn’t you!?
Grand Marais Elopement | Chuck & Shiloh Photo and Film
Danielle and Nolan’s intimate ceremony took place beneath right along the water, beneath Nolan’s family cabin. Their intimate bridal party stood behind them, as they shared heartfelt vows with one another. In typical Danielle and Nolan fashion, their unity ceremony was the mixing of two beers. After the beers were mixed in a classic Kemps jug, their family and friends enjoyed a drink to share in the love! It was such a sweet twist on a unity ceremony, and fit the couple perfectly. Once they were officially husband and wife, we spent some time down on the shore taking formal portraits. And I say ‘formal’ loosely, because like I mentioned earlier: this crew was the freaking best. The bridal party’s personalities were shining in each image, which still brings me so much joy when I reminisce on this day!
After dining on pizza and cake at the cabin, this moody Minnesota elopement on the North Shore continued up to Grand Marais for the remainder of the evening. On our drive to The Gunflint Tavern, we stopped at the harbor for some fun newlywed portraits (with Danielle in her second dress). We wrapped up our time together after first dances and big hugs.
Searching for more Midwest love stories? You can check out some of our favorites down below! And of course, you can keep up with the adventures of Chuck and Shiloh (and Hoka) over on the ‘Gram (@chuckandshiloh). ’Til next time!!
