Herbster WI Elopement

Rob and Wil didn’t want a big wedding. No seating charts, no production. Just the two of them, their pup, and a day that felt like them — laid-back, meaningful, and full of love (and an old fashioned or two). Cue: this Herbster WI Elopement. A day that I, a Minnesota wedding photographer, felt so freaking honored to document.

A little backstory… last July, these two made the intentional decision to trade in the traditional wedding day for something slower, sweeter, and more intentional: a lakeside elopement along the south shore of Lake Superior. And honestly? It was perfect. Is an intimate wedding day for everyone? Probably not! But I can tell you it was PERFECT for these two.

They rented the coziest Airbnb nestled right on the edge of the lake. You could hear the waves from the porch — the kind of spot where the moment you step inside, you just… relax. That’s where the day began, quietly and together, getting ready side by side and sipping on their signature cocktail (old fashioneds, of course). No big affair with stress and timelines. No separate rooms. Just the two of them doing life the way they always do: together.

Their officiant, Emily from Lace and Brass Events, led them through a heartfelt ceremony just a few steps from the shoreline. Imagine this with me: the wind off the lake blowing gently, personal vows where all four of us were tearing up, and their sweet pup attentive to the moment. It. Was. Perfection. (Also can we have a moment for pups at your ceremony! It’s always going to be a resounding YES PLEASE from me!)

This Herbster WI Elopement was quickly shaping up to be a favorite for me!

After the ceremony, the newlyweds popped champagne and cut into a mini wedding cake back at the Airbnb. It was simple and joyful — the kind of celebration that didn’t need anything extra. Just love. (Okay, and champagne. Always champagne.) They snuggled their dog and basked in that newlywed glow.

And then, just before sunset, we headed to Cornucopia Beach to wrap up the day. It was perfect in the golden hour light. We wandered through the trees, stopping at all the photogenic spots that made my heart happy.

Rob and Wil walked along the shore, soaking in those last minutes of their wedding day. No rush. No audience. Just that quiet kind of magic that only happens when you slow down long enough to notice it.

It’s moments like these — skipping the script, leaning into the things that matter — that make elopements so damn special. Rob and Wil didn’t just get married that day. They built an experience that reflected exactly who they are and how they love. Their dog was there. Favorite drink was in hand. Their vows were spoken to each other quietly. As if they were huddled together on their couch at home.

And isn’t that the dream?

If you’re the kind of couple who finds magic in simplicity — who’d rather watch the sunset than rush through a timeline — this kind of day might be for you. Because your elopement doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It just has to feel like yours. That’s my whole goal as a photographer.

I think Rob and Wil proved that you don’t need a crowd to make your wedding day memorable. While I love a wild reception party as next as the next person, the truth is you don’t need much to make your day unbelievably amazing.

You just need intention, love, and maybe a little cake.

Make sure you scroll to the bottom to really absorb the full beauty of this day that was a Herbster WI Elopement!