July in Minnesota offers some of the best (and the most humid) weather anywhere in the world. Of all of the places I’ve traveled and taken photos, there is no place quite as special as the North Shore of Minnesota. So when I was thinking of places I wanted to shoot for my next styled shoot, I didn’t have to think too hard. For this styled elopement shoot, I chose the Black Beach in Silver Bay, MN. a beautiful spot nestled in the midst of the north shore, with beautiful — you guess it — black sand, and stunning rock formations. This shoot was just freakin amazing… The natural lighting was phenomenal, the temperature was 75 degrees with a wonderful breeze coming off Lake Superior, and we had the most magical sunset!
True story: I was pretty stressed leading up to the shoot. We had to drive up to the Black Beach in Silver Bay, which was packed. I should have expected this. It was, after all, a beautiful Saturday in July. By some small miracle we found a place to park, off to the side of the lot at an awkward angle on a hill. My assistant/husband/free labor/potential new wedding planner ;) helped me unload the rentals from Style Society and beautiful flowers by Minne Floral Co. and carried all of them down to the beach. The crowd started to thin as we were setting up, which is when Ariana and Josh arrived. They changed in our car, and met us back down by the beach to start shooting! Let me tell you what people.. Ariana looked freakin flawless in her dress by Mara Marie Bridal. Josh is one lucky guy!
I wanted this shoot to be easy, fun, and simple. I may have gone a bit more than simple, but I when I first started planning this I wanted someone to look at this photos and be able to replicate it for their own elopement someday! I was going for a beachy picnic elopement with a touch of boho charm :)
We started shooting on the side of the beach where there were fewer people and captured some intimate bride and groom portraits. Then, as more people left the beach (thank goodness), we took photos at the set up with the style society décor, silverware from Amazon (what cant you get there really…), and pretty mauve napkins by Magnolia Home. We got a couple of rugs, some (a thousand) plush pillows and puffs, a beautiful old harvest table, and plates and glassware from Style Society Mpls. I would absolutely love to do a an actual wedding/elopement on a beach just like this! It was simple yet elegant, and sophisticated with a touch of wild! Just perfect! While we took more photos and ate some cake, Peter ran to Jimmy’s Pizza for our dinner! (Pro tip - pizza always for the win)
I need to take a minute to rave about Emily Grace Cake’s chocolate cake… Literally, not figuratively — THE BEST FREAKIN CAKE I HAVE EVER EATEN EVERRR!!! — go buy one, eat it, and buy another one.. okay I’m done.
After shooting at Black Beach, we packed up as quickly as possible and sped over to Palisade Head to capture the last light of the day. It was a little frustrating to spend even a small amount of time in the car, because the lighting was perhaps the most perfect lighting I have ever had the pleasure of shooting in! Even though it was only a few minutes, I really wish we could have spent that time taking photos!
At Palisade Head we captured Josh and Ariana next to the dramatic cliffs looking out over Lake Superior! I love shooting with adventurous couples who love outdoor spaces as much as me, and am so thankful that everyone came out next to the cliff to make these few photos spectacular! And of course, we ended the night with a celebratory birthday champagne shot. Happy belated birthday, Ariana, thank you for spending your birthday with us :)
VENDORS —
Florals | Minne Floral Co.
Photos | Hannah Ampe Photography
Stationary | Hunt Wright Design Co.
Rentals | Style Society
Dress | Mara Marie Bridal
Cake | Emily Grace Cakes
Models | Ariana & Josh
