Breanna and Chris wanted to keep things stress-free and simple so they chose our all-inclusive Black Beach Elopement package. Black Beach is a well-known destination on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota. It features a cove surrounded by impressive rock formations, black pebble sand, and my personal favorite, trees. Yes, I LOVE trees. Especially when the soft evening light shines through them!! But never in my life have I experienced a light flare like the one captured during their intimate ceremony. Their good friend was the officiant and while I was too far away to hear everything, especially with the waves and beach goers behind me, he mentioned the loss of a dear friend. So my guess is that was him gracing us with his presence.
Superior Hideaway A-frames overlooking Lake Superior
When Breanna asked for a lodging recommendation, I excitedly told her about these new, beautiful, A-frames that were built on the cliffside overlooking Lake Superior on the North Shore of Minnesota. SUPERIOR HIDEAWAY is owned by The Havens. They specialize in modern lodging tucked away in Minnesota’s finest destinations. Nature is at the forefront of every design. Breanna jumped at the opportunity and was lucky to find one available on a Saturday during prime Summer months. It must have been meant to be!!
Nikki Popp (the hair and makeup Stylist) and I met them at the A-frame in the late afternoon. They were well rested, relaxed, yet excited, and ready to begin their wedding adventure. As Nikki completed a classic hair and makeup look on the beautiful bride, I made my way to the famous North Shore icon, Betty’s Pies. I purchased a delicious pie so they could have a fun post-wedding celebration picnic on the beach with their daughter and friends.
Black Beach Elopement on Lake Superior
After the pie was in hand and the bride, groom and adorable daughter were all dressed in their Saturday Best, we made our way to Black Beach. I was a bit nervous because I never shoot there on a Saturday because it is so busy. Nikki and I arrived a bit ahead of them so we could secure a secluded spot for them to have a bit of privacy during the ceremony. Luckily my favorite spot had gone unnoticed by the beach goers. It pays to like trees more than the actual beach I guess!! However, if you are planning on getting married at Black Beach on a weekend during the summer or early Fall be prepared for parking chaos and this…
Palisade Head Overlook
After the ceremony, a celebratory picnic, and a few photos on the beach, I stole the bride and groom for an adventure at Palisade Head Overlook. It is one of the most sought after photo spots on the North Shore and my personal favorite. However, it is not for the faint of heart… parking is extremely limited so you need to be flexible and prepared to drive the loop a few times before finally finding a spot. And after you find a spot, the incredible photo opportunity from above requires some hiking and a daring leap which I personally couldn’t do due to my fear of heights. Many of my couples are adventurous souls and make it look effortless, but it is ALWAYS their decision…not mine…out of fear something could happen. That’s just the Mom in me;) Breanna was a bit hesitant, but made the leap with the help of her new hubby!! It’s such a fun achievement right off the bat as a married couple.
ALL-INCLUSIVE BLACK BEACH ELOPEMENT TEAM
planner, photographer, videographer, florist | XSPERIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY, Little Falls MN
picnic stylist and hair and makeup stylist | NIKKI POPP, Royalton MN
“We cannot say enough good things about our experience with Trisha and her team on our wedding day. From the moment I first reached out to Trish, after seeing her amazing images, I knew we were in the best hands. Trisha met us with an energy and excitement that was contagious. Her vision for our special day was more than we had ever dreamed of. It made us more excited than ever! She took care of everything- from lining up hair and makeup, making my bouquet herself, and running to get Betty’s Pies – which was DELICIOUS!! Because she handled all the little details, we truly got to enjoy every moment of our destination wedding day.
The only slight worry I had was appeasing our 2 year old daughter. Anyone with a toddler knows, it generally takes more planning and strategy to have an enjoyable and successful evening. Trisha took it all in stride and included our daughter in the most special ways. She even brought her a special gift. It meant the world to us that she took the time to make us feel special, not only as partners, but also as parents.
We will look back at the beautiful images she captured and remember the day for what it was – simple, intimate, absolutely beautiful – everything we had ever wanted. We can’t thank you enough, Trisha and team. ” ~Breanna and Chris