Katherine and Nate are soooo sweet, and their Mission Table wedding might just be one of the most joy-filled days I’ve had the privilege of photographing.
They kept things intimate, surrounded only by their closest family and friends, and chose one of my absolute favorite venues on Old Mission Peninsula for their celebration.
If you’ve never been to a Mission Table wedding, let me tell you, it’s magical.
The venue sits right across the street from West Bay on Old Mission Peninsula, so when golden hour hit that evening, it felt like the entire beach was glowing just for them. The light was soft, the water was calm, and everything about that evening felt like a dream.
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Getting Ready and the First Look
Katherine and Nate didn’t want to wait until their formal first look to see each other. They just wanted to hang out together before the ceremony, so they made it work in the sweetest way. Katherine threw a coat over her dress so Nate could see her and spend time with her without seeing the full look before their official first look. Honestly? I thought that was one of the most heartfelt little details of the day. They just couldn’t wait to be near each other, and it showed allll day long.
A Relaxed, Present Wedding Day
What stood out most to me about Katherine and Nate was how relaxed they were the entire day. No stress, no rushing, just two people soaking up every single moment with the people they love most. That kind of energy makes such a difference, not just for me behind the camera, but for the whole day. You could feel how present they were with each other and with their guests.
Their bouquet, put together with blooms from Leelanau Plant Company, was SOOOO pretty. Soft, romantic, and exactly the kind of detail that made their whole aesthetic come together.
Golden Hour on West Bay
The best part of shooting a Mission Table wedding is knowing that when the sun starts to dip, you have West Bay right there waiting. We walked across the street after dinner and caught the most gorgeous golden hour on the beach. The light was warm, the water on Old Mission Peninsula was shimmering, and Katherine and Nate looked so in love as they walked along the shoreline together. It’s a moment I look forward to every time I get to shoot at this venue.
Who to Hire for a Mission Table Wedding in Traverse City
If you’re planning a Mission Table wedding, the team you surround yourself with makes all the difference, and I’d love to be part of that team as your photographer!
As someone who has photographed multiple weddings at this venue, I know the light, the layout, and all the little spots that make for the best photos.
I also just have to give a shoutout to Grateful Gatherings, who planned this beautiful day. They are wonderful to work with, truly great people who know how to bring a vision to life while keeping everything feeling calm and organized.
Having a planner like that on-site makes such a difference for the flow of the day, and it always makes my job that much more enjoyable too. If you’re booking a Mission Table wedding, I can’t recommend them enough!
Katherine and Nate’s Vendors for Their Mission Table Wedding
- Venue: Mission Table
- Planner: Grateful Gatherings
- Second Shooter: Morgan Raymond (MHR Photo)
- DJ: Lakeside DJs (Al)
- Florist: Leelanau Plant Company
- Hair/Makeup: Team Hair and Beauty
- Dress: Nancy’s Bridal (Indianapolis)
- Tux: Image by Jordan
- Rings: Orofino Jewelers (Katherine), Shane Co. (Nate)
- Catering: Mission Table
- Dessert: Moomers
- Bartenders: Mission Table
- Rentals: Eleve Events
A Quick Look Back at Katherine and Nate’s Engagement Session at Mission Point Lighthouse
Before the wedding, Katherine and Nate had their engagement session just down the street at Mission Point Lighthouse. It’s one of my favorite spots on the peninsula, with the lighthouse, the water, and that classic Old Mission charm. It felt like the perfect lead-up to their big day at Mission Table.
Why I Love Shooting Mission Table Weddings
Mission Table has become one of my favorite venues to photograph, and days like Katherine and Nate’s are exactly why.
Between the vineyard views, the proximity to West Bay, and the relaxed, welcoming feel of the space, it’s the kind of location that photographs beautifully no matter what time of day. Whether it’s soft afternoon light over the vines or that golden hour glow down on the beach, a Mission Table wedding never runs short on gorgeous backdrops. Add in a couple as sweet as Katherine and Nate, and you get a day that’s impossible to forget.
If you’re planning a Mission Table wedding of your own, I’d love to be the one capturing it. From the getting-ready details to that last golden hour dance on the beach, I want to help you tell the story of your day in a way that feels real, relaxed, and completely you. Reach out here to check my availability and let’s start talking about your Mission Table wedding.
To Katherine and Nate, thank you for trusting me with your day. Thank you for the laughter, the golden hour walk on the beach, and for letting me capture two people who are so clearly, effortlessly in love.
