Bayfield WI Elopement

There’s something magical about a Bayfield WI elopement!! When Ariel and Ben reached out about helping them plan their elopement in less than a month AND documenting their intimate celebration on Madeline Island with their two kiddos, I knew we were going to be creating such a SPECIAL elopement experience.

Ariel and Ben had reached out to me on October 27th, 2024, wondering if I had the availability to not only photograph their elopement, but to help them plan it all out for November 23rd, 2024!! Spoiler Alert: YES! It was possible to plan their elopement in less than a month 😉

They truly had such a special elopement day for their elopement. They wanted a small adventure to create some lifelong memories with their kiddos — and I have to say, it was pretty damn perfect!

Want to learn more about eloping in Wisconsin? Here’s the ultimate guide to Eloping in Wisconsin!

Wisconsin Lake Superior Elopement Timeline

Are you wondering what Ariel and Ben’s elopement day timeline looked like?! They had 6 hours with me and I’d say the 6 hours was the perfect amount of time (including enough time to warm up and relax)

Sunrise: 7:18am

Hair & Makeup Starts: 8:00am

Sam arrives at Airbnb: 10:30am

Hair & Makeup Done: 10:30am

Finish Getting Ready: 11:00am

Leave Airbnb for Park: 12:00pm

Officiant Arrives at Park: 12:45pm

Ceremony: 1:00pm

Sunset: 4:21pm

Sam leaves, photography coverage ends: 4:30pm

Ariel & Ben’s Testimonial for Their Bayfield WI Elopement

“My husband and I decided we wanted a small, very intentional elopement with our two kids on Madeline Island, WI 3 weeks after getting engaged. But we had no idea how to make that happen, where to start or how to capture the day. Luckily, we found Sam. She took the time to help us envision our dream day and we had everything planned in the first week. She made sure to push high quality vendors to us, and also picked up our flowers on her way because everyone had closed for the season.

Then the day of, she was there with us, capturing all the magical moments – from the serious, heartfelt to the giggles and pure joy to becoming a family! She even let us use her AirBnb to warm up and play a game which ended up being a wonderful, spontaneous addition to the day! Last of all, the pictures – you can tell Sam takes her photography seriously and we are so grateful for her creativity and eye for beautiful, scenic pictures while still capturing all our great moments. We can’t wait to get them on our walls! I highly recommend Sam for your big day events!”

A Family Elopement Celebration on Madeline Island

Ariel and Ben’s November elopement on Madeline Island was all about becoming a family of four with their kiddos, Natalie and Will. Their Bayfield WI elopement embodied what makes intimate celebrations special: real moments, gorgeous locations, and making the day completely their own!

The morning began at The Madeline Island Inn with sweet getting-ready moments. Natalie helped her mom into her wedding dress! When Ariel was all ready, we were ready for the first looks: Natalie with Ben, Will with Ariel, and finally Ariel and Ben seeing each other!

They exchanged vows on the rocks overlooking Lake Superior with just their kids, witness and officiant present. Afterward, they celebrated with cookies and hot chocolate, dancing on the shoreline. Ariel and Ben shared their first dance right there in Big Bay State Park, eventually pulling the kids in for a family dance circle!

After warming up at my Airbnb with a competitive game of “Name 5,” they headed to Big Bay Town Park. With the entire park to themselves, they ran along the beach and skipped rocks into Lake Superior. We ended at Joni’s Beach, catching the final moments of sunset despite the cold.

Their Bayfield WI elopement showed that meaningful celebrations don’t need big venues or guest lists! Sometimes all you need is Lake Superior and the people who matter most.