Capturing the Feeling: Emotional Wedding Photography in Northern Michigan

There are weddings that are beautiful, and then there are weddings that breathe beauty—where the details are stunning, the view is breathtaking, and every single moment pulses with emotion. Sammy and Lucas’ emotional Bay View wedding at Gallagher Farms was all of that and more.

From the beginning, Sammy and Lucas had a vision: to invite their closest family and friends to Northern Michigan and gift them with a weekend that celebrated not just their love—but the place they love. Their entire day was inspired by the hues of a Northern Michigan sunset: vibrant corals, deep oranges, soft lilacs, and dreamy pinks woven through their floral design, decor, and even the sky itself.

An Emotional Ceremony at Bay View at Gallagher Farms

And though the day started with clouds and a bit of rain, by the time the ceremony began, the sky had cleared—and Grand Traverse Bay glittered below in the distance from the hilltop ceremony. As guests found their seats, many noticed a chair in the front row, lovingly reserved with a sign for Sammy’s late father. It was one of many moving tributes woven into the day—reminders of a man whose presence was deeply felt, even in his physical absence.

But what truly made this an emotional Bay View wedding wasn’t just the view or the design—it was the love. The kind that shows up in tears during the vows and quiets a crowd during a mother’s toast. The kind that wraps around you when the bride’s mom reads from a letter her late father had written years before, promising to be with her through all of life’s milestones: marriage, buying a home, becoming a mother. There wasn’t a dry eye under that sailcloth tent.

A Hilltop Celebration Under the Stars

The entire evening was full of these beautiful, goosebump-worthy moments. From the choreographed first dance (complete with a lift that left the entire crowd cheering) to the Chicago-based modern rock band that serenaded guests late into the night under a glowing chandelier and starlit sky, everything about this celebration was unforgettable.

It was the kind of night that lingered. That filled your chest with warmth and stayed in your bones. Even after the reception, the energy carried on through an after party… and a second after party. As their planner, Stacy, so perfectly put it: “Guests connected with the feeling we wanted to share—that feeling of summer in Northern Michigan with people you love.”

To quote a guest: “It was the people.” And they were right. There’s something undeniably powerful about a wedding where everyone is fully present—intentional in their love, their toasts, their joy.

Sammy and Lucas, your day was more than a wedding—it was an experience. A reflection of everything you are: vibrant, joyful, intentional, present, and full of heart. Thank you for letting me witness and preserve something so special and for trusting my team to capture it all.

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Planning your own Emotional Bay View Wedding?

If you’re dreaming of a day filled with meaning, beauty, and unforgettable emotion, I would be so honored to help tell your story. Reach out HERE to see if we’re a good fit.

The Amazing Vendor Team:

Venue | Bay View Weddings at Gallagher Farms
Planner | Juniper & Lace Events
Photography & Videography | Mandie Forbes
Bride’s Attire | Lihi Hod + Alice in Ivory | Chicago + Greek Chic Handmades
Groom’s Attire | Suit Supply
Bridesmaid’s Dresses | Birdy Grey
Hair and Makeup | Team Hair & Beauty
Floral Design | Flowers by Jody
Bar & Catering | Willow Harbor Springs
Cake & Desserts | Sweet Tartlette & Moomers Ice Cream
Calligraphy | Eventful Designs with art by Molly Fallon
Decor & Rentals | Meggison Tents & Events + Eden Woods Rentals + Timeless Event Rentals +BBJ LaTavola + Event Theory + Sensational Events
Band | Mike & Joe Band

Mandie Forbes of Mandie Forbes Photography is a wedding and portrait photographer and videographer from Northern Michigan. She’s been featured in 9&10 News, Tacari Weddings, Wedding Day Magazine, WeddingWire and The Knot. If you’re looking for a videographer to document your Northern Michigan wedding adventure,  contact me!

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