On May 31, Eva and Kaleb celebrated their wedding day on the beautiful Mackinac Island, truly a dream location for such an intimate wedding day.

From the moment I arrived at the Grand Hotel to capture Eva getting ready, the day was filled with charm, laughter, and unforgettable memories. 

Eva and Kaleb’s wedding was such a joy to photograph, not just because of the gorgeous setting, but because of how genuine, relaxed, and fun they are as a couple.

Getting Ready at the Grand Hotel For a Magical Wedding on Mackinac Island

The morning started at the iconic Grand Hotel, where Eva was surrounded by her sisters, mom, and stepmom as she got ready. There’s always something so special about photographing those quiet moments before the ceremony with the anticipation, laughter, sweet glances, and teary-eyed moments between family members.

I photographed Eva’s jewelry, shoes, and the little details that often become some of the most treasured memories later on. Also included in the detail shots was the bonnet Kaleb wore home from the hospital after he was born. While she continued to get ready, I headed over to meet Kaleb and his family. He was dressed and ready, surrounded by his loved ones, full of anticipation to see his bride.

Instead of doing a first look, Eva and Kaleb chose to wait until the aisle to see each other for the first time, a decision that made their ceremony all the more emotional and meaningful.

A Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride to Little Stone Church

One of the most magically charming details of weddings on Mackinac Island is the lack of cars. To get to and from your destination, you have the choice of walking, biking, or hopping on a horse-drawn carriage (my personal favorite for the romantic, timeless feel!)

Eva’s carriage ride to the Little Stone Church was straight out of a fairytale. She rode through town toward Kaleb, who was waiting for her with their closest family members, ready to begin the next chapter of their lives together.

The Little Stone Church is one of the most beloved wedding venues on Mackinac Island. With its charming stone walls and intimate interior, it’s the perfect setting for a heartfelt celebration.

Eva and Kaleb’s ceremony was small and personal, attended only by their closest family. And that intimacy made every moment feel all the more meaningful. It was simple, beautiful, and everything they had hoped for.

Portraits Around the Island

After the ceremony, we spent time capturing portraits of Eva and Kaleb around Mackinac. The weather could not have been more perfect. It was warm and sunny with just the right amount of breeze.

We started with portraits at the church, then headed back to the Grand Hotel for more photos outside. The gardens and stunning architecture created a stunning backdrop, and Eva and Kaleb were naturals in front of the camera.

Their chemistry is effortless. They laughed easily, held each other close, and truly seemed to forget I was even there snapping away.

One of my favorite moments came when Eva decided to ditch her heels due to sore feet. She kicked them off without hesitation, which is just so true to her personality: laid-back, fun, and always ready to go with the flow.

Not wanting to walk through town barefoot (anyone who’s been to Mackinac knows the horse-drawn carriages leave little “surprises” on the road that you don’t want to step in), we waited for a solution.

Soon enough, a horse and delivery driver (who is normally pulling packages) offered us a ride into town. Without hesitation, Eva climbed into the front seat with the driver, grinning from ear to ear, while Kaleb and I hopped into the back. 

As the carriage made its way downtown, people cheered and clapped for the newlyweds, it felt like a parade made just for them!

Wrapping Up the Day with More Portraits and Dinner

Once we arrived downtown, we took more portraits near the harbor and the boats. The combination of the lake, the bright sun, and the cheerful energy of Mackinac in the summer made the photos feel alive and joyful. 

Eva and Kaleb’s love for each other radiated in every shot. They weren’t worried about posing or perfection, they were simply happy to be together.

Dinner and Farewell

The day wrapped up with a cozy dinner in town, surrounded by the glow of the evening. After saying my goodbyes to the couple, I caught the Shepler’s ferry back to Mackinaw City, my heart full from such a beautiful day.

Weddings on Mackinac Island have a magic all their own. Between the horse-drawn carriages, the stunning backdrops, and the timeless atmosphere, it’s a place that makes every celebration feel like a storybook moment.

Eva and Kaleb’s day was a perfect example of that, full of joy, laughter, and pure love.

I feel so honored to have been part of their story and to have captured these memories for them to treasure forever.

Congratulations, Eva and Kaleb!

Eva and Kaleb’s Wedding on Mackinac Island: The Vendors

• Ceremony: Little Stone Church
• Reception: Island House Hotel
• Photography: Kristina Sobel Photography
• Florist: Lasting Expressions (Alpena, MI)
• Hair and Makeup: Mission Point Spa
• Catering: Island House Hotel
• Dress: Blush Bridal (Cincinnati, OH)
• Rings: Princess Bride Diamonds