Minnesota North Shore Elopement
This past fall, I had the opportunity to capture Ben and Karlie’s wedding day in Lutsen, MN near the North Shore. Ben and Karlie are literally the sweetest couple. Karlie reached out to me about their wedding and when she gave me the details, I was so excited. Ben and Karlie visit the North Shore for a little get away each year together, which is why they decided to get married there. HOW SWEET. Ben and Karlie invited Hailey (Hailey Jean Films) and I to the rehearsal dinner at the cabin they were staying at. We were able to meet their friends and family as well as check out their cabin for photos the next day! It was so fun and such a good idea. So, let me walk you through this Minnesota North Shore Elopement even more!
Getting Ready
The day started at their VRBO cabin on Caribou Lake in Minnesota. The girls were getting ready here, and the guys were in a cabin right down the road! Ben and Karlie had a super relaxed morning. They started getting ready around 11:00am with a little brunch! Ben and Karlie had gotten their own cabin, and their friends and family had split a few different ones. Everyone was very close and able to enjoy all the festivities. I loved the idea of getting cabins in the same neighborhood, on a beautiful lake, with an insane view! Ben and Karlie had their first look right outside of their cabin on the road surrounded by gorgeous fall colored trees.
North Shore
Karlie had ONE request the entire day, and that was to get pictures on the rocks of the North Shore. Obviously, I was all for that. HOWEVER, the weather was not as sure. When we left the cabin to head to the North Shore, the rain started. Luckily, after 20 minutes it let up and paused for a little while, long enough to take some amazing photos of Ben and Karlie on the shore as well as their family photos! The radar was showing that the rain was going to start again in about an hour so we went straight into the ceremony. Thankfully, God decided to hold off the rain and Ben and Karlie had an amazingly beautiful ceremony at Cascade Lodge!
The Ceremony
The Cascade Lodge has a beautiful outdoor ceremony location tucked back in the woods on a trail. It was so intimate, dreamy, and romantic. Literally, felt like a fairytale wedding. The ceremony location consisted of log benches, a bridge over the rives to get to the location, and a square log arch. Karlie’s family had set up candles in votives and that was the ONLY decor. It was so simple, so elegant, and so beautiful. 10/10 would recommend this location for your wedding! You can also stay at this lodge in cabins on the property.
The After Party
Once the ceremony was done, the whole group headed back to the cabin to have supper together. And it was a good thing we left when we did. It started to POUR. When we got to the cabin, everyone mingled, drank and enjoyed appetizers off of the charcuterie board that Karlie made herself. Yes, she is amazing, check her boards out here! Ben and Karlie’s parents made supper for their friends and family. The whole group ate, drank, and enjoyed the night together. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.
Minnesota North Shore Elopement
The next day, Karlie and her girlfriends enjoyed some time at the North Shore Winery (yes, Hailey and I might have bumped into them there)! Ben and his guy friends went golfing! Both such fun activities to do the next day with your guests. Also, just letting you all know, Hailey and I saw a bear walk across the road of the winery, so, just be aware! But, DEFINITELY recommend checking out this winery! It was so good and so fun to sit outside to enjoy delicious wine and cheese.
Ben and Karlie’s day was nothing short of perfect. It was a beautiful day in every single way. If you are wanting to elope in Minnesota, I would highly recommend checking out the North Shore!
Photo: Sydney Leigh
Video: Hailey Jean Films
Dress: Luxe Bridal
Florist: Terra Bella Floral
HMUA: Makeup By Aleah
Cabin: VRBO
Ceremony Location: Cascade Lodge
XOXO
Sydney
