camp blodgett beach wedding

lake michigan wedding in west olive, michigan | kaitlyn + jack

There is nothing—and I mean nothing—like a Western Michigan summer sunset over Lake Michigan. Truly, any random Tuesday in July would do… but on your wedding day? It hits different.

Kaitlyn and Jack’s Camp Blodgett wedding in West Olive, Michigan was the kind of day you whisper thank you for. Perfect weather. Soft breeze. That golden, glowy Lake Michigan light that makes everyone look like they belong in a nostalgic indie film.

And the best part? It wasn’t over-the-top. It wasn’t performative. It was intentional.

A Ceremony on the Deck at Camp Blodgett

They kept it simple—just their closest friends and family gathered on the deck at Camp Blodgett, overlooking the beach.

No distractions. No fluff. Just Lake Michigan stretching out behind them like it was part of the guest list.

You could hear the water. You could smell that clean, cool breeze rolling in. The kind that gently lifts your veil (or in this case… your dress—more on that in a second).

It felt sacred. Not staged.

And that’s the magic of a Lake Michigan wedding done right—nature does the heavy lifting. You just show up and be fully there.

A Reception Surrounded by Windows + Water

After portraits in the sun (and yes, we soaked up every golden second of it), everyone headed inside for dinner and toasts.

One of my favorite parts about a Camp Blodgett reception? The dining area is lined with windows. So even when you’re inside clinking glasses and cutting cake, you’re still wrapped in dunes and water and sky.

It never feels closed off. It feels connected.

Dinner. Heartfelt toasts. A few tears. A few inside jokes. The kind of laughter that makes your shoulders drop because you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

This is what I mean when I say presence over perfection.

Dancing Under the Twinkle Lights

After dinner and dessert, they headed back out onto the deck for dancing under the twinkle lights.

You could smell Lake Michigan in the air—that cool, slightly salty breeze that reminds you summer doesn’t last forever (which is maybe why it feels so romantic).

There’s something about dancing outside near the water that just feels… free. Shoes kicked off. Hair a little wind-blown. No one worried about being perfectly posed.

Just joy.

Sneaking Away for Sunset Photos on Lake Michigan

And you better believe we snuck away to the beach for sunset photos.

Because if you’re having a Camp Blodgett beach wedding and you don’t run down to the shoreline when the sky starts turning cotton candy pink… we need to talk. 😉

Lake Michigan sunsets are unreal. The kind of light that wraps around you and softens everything.

Kaitlyn’s dress from Renee Austin Wedding (can we take a second??) was absolutely stunning. The way it caught the breeze all day long was… amazeballs. Truly. It moved with her. It felt alive.

And that’s what I love about a Lake Michigan wedding—everything moves. The water. The wind. The fabric. The emotions. Nothing feels stiff.

It feels like you.

Why Camp Blodgett Is Such a Dream Lake Michigan Wedding Venue

If you’re planning a Camp Blodgett wedding or dreaming of a Lake Michigan wedding near Grand Rapids, here’s why this place is so special:

• Ceremony space overlooking the beach (hello, built-in backdrop)

• Reception area with surrounding windows and natural light

• Easy access to the shoreline for sunset portraits

• A laid-back, intimate camp vibe that feels personal—not ballroom-y

• The ability to keep your people close and your day intentional

It’s perfect for couples who:

• Care more about connection than production

• Want a sacred-feeling ceremony without rigid tradition

• Love the idea of dancing under the sky

• Value experiences over stuff

Sound familiar?

if you missed their engagement session, check it out HERE

Venue: Camp Blodgett // Hair + Makeup: Lauren Colburn // Dress: Renne Austin // DJ: Moments In TIme Disc Jockeys