These Two Eloped on an Island in Lake Superior + Held the Reception in a Sweet Cabin!

Intimate Island Elopement on Lake Superior

For Bridget and Corey, trips to the North Shore and Lake Superior were a constant throughout the years of their relationship. From backpacking through the Superior hiking trail, to kayaking along the shore, Lake Superior has always been their magical place. Bridget tells us: It was on these trips that we could disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and focus on our relationship. In addition, our families are from Wisconsin and Minnesota and we felt like Lake Superior was neutral waters between our two states.

So, it only made sense for them to say their vows there! Corey, an avid mushroom forager, likes to venture to Madeline Island—a treasure trove of fungi in the autumn months—and they thought that would be the ideal place! Corey was even able to incorporate a mushroom into his boutonnière, for good measure.

Let’s travel to the banks of the lake and fall in love with all the photos captures by Sarah Ascanio!

pink and navy wedding invitation

house in the woods

How epic is this place?! They rented out this Airbnb on the island (yes, you can rent it, too!), and celebrated with their immediate family.

Their Outfits

Intimate Island Elopement on Lake Superior

Cuties!!

Intimate Island Elopement on Lake Superior

Intimate Island Elopement on Lake Superior

So. So. STUNNING! Bridget’s whimsical floral dress is by Made with Love Bridal from a&bé.

Intimate Island Elopement on Lake Superior

The Ceremony by the Lake

Intimate Island Elopement on Lake Superior

Surrounded by woods with a view of the lake—does it get any more perfect for a ceremony location? Sister Honey Floral Co. dressed the space up with rich fall florals and tons of greenery. How cute are those lanterns + blankets?

Intimate Island Elopement on Lake Superior

half circle floral install

Intimate Island Elopement on Lake Superior

How cozy + intimate is this?!

Intimate Island Elopement on Lake Superior

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Halo by Beyoncé, performed by Stringspace String Quartet

Recessional: Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix

First Dance: Skipped

Intimate Island Elopement on Lake Superior

Intimate Island Elopement on Lake Superior

The Newlyweds

Intimate Island Elopement on Lake Superior

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

While we had an intimate elopement, still carving out time to be alone with just one another to soak up all feels was so necessary. Sitting at the bow of a sailboat in 38 degrees, catching the autumn sunset, wrapped in each other arms and a pile of blankets to stay warm, will forever be a memory we cherish.

Intimate Island Elopement on Lake Superior

Intimate Island Elopement on Lake Superior

The views were stunning and the couple rented a private sailboat to enjoy the sunset together. Doesn’t that sound like a dream?

Intimate Island Elopement on Lake Superior

Cozy up on + pop the champagne!

Intimate Island Elopement on Lake Superior

We wouldn’t have changed a thing about our day. We left a lot of things to chance, like where we were even going to do the ceremony on the property, and it was that spontaneity that created some of the most magical moments. Everything felt like us, even the part about not having a plan, allowing us to share our unique love story to our closest family.

The Cabin Reception

Intimate Island Elopement on Lake Superior

Bridget is an interior designer, so it’s no surprise to us that she has such a keen eye for design! The table was set with gorgeous black plates, an abundance of berries, and pine—a lovely late fall, early winter spread.

black dinner plates

Intimate Island Elopement on Lake Superior

An intimate dinner celebration by candlelight…doesn’t that sound so wonderful?

Intimate Island Elopement on Lake Superior

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Take a deep breath and focus on what you enjoy doing most with your partner. Stay focused on what's important to the two you and don't get distracted by all the things you think you need to do, there is no rule-book. For the day of—don't stress the small things, just go with the flow, your day will be beautiful no matter what, because of your love.

Intimate Island Elopement on Lake Superior

B+C, thank you so much for inviting us in to your special day! We love how you captured your relationship with each detail. Cheers to the two of you!

photography: Sarah Ascanio // venue name: The Barn Madeline Island, La Pointe, Wisconsin, USA // event design: the bride, Bridget // planning: the bride, Bridget // florals: Sister Honey Floral Co. // wedding dress: Made with Love Bridal // wedding dress boutique: a & bé // hair stylist: the bride, Bridget // makeup artist: the bride, Bridget // groom attire: The Foursome // videography: Sarah Ascanio // catering: Farmhouse Madeline Island // cake: Farmhouse Madeline Island // desserts: Farmhouse Madeline Island // tabletop rentals: Thrifted // furniture rentals: On Solid Grounds

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