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Liv Lyszyk is a queer and LGBTQ+ wedding photographer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Focusing on capturing diverse and fierce love for the everyday couple.

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Shane and Austin | Mackinaw City, MI | Headlands Dark Sky Park LGBTQ+ Wedding

Some love stories are written in the stars, and for Shane and Austin, this couldn’t be more true. On a beautiful August evening, under the canopy of the twinkling Michigan sky, they tied the knot at Headlands Dark Sky Park, a place as magical as the love they share.

A Love Story Rooted in Serendipity

Shane and Austin’s journey began in the summer of 2015, through what seemed like a coincidental meeting. They matched on a dating app and quickly discovered that they worked right next door to each other in Rochester Hills, MI. Shane, who didn’t usually frequent Rochester Hills, had a summer job there, and fate decided that this was the perfect moment to bring them together. Their first date was dinner, followed by hours of laughter and conversation in a park. It was clear from the start that they were meant to be together, and from that day, they were nearly inseparable.

As their connection deepened, so did their love story. After a few months, Austin took a brave step in coming out to his parents, and their relationship became official. They navigated life together through college, grad school, a long-distance phase, and all the joys and challenges of young adulthood. They adopted a dog, built a home, and through it all, Austin was Shane’s constant — a place of comfort, love, and belonging. In July 2021, on a trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Shane proposed to Austin with close friends by their side, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their life together.

A Day Filled with Love and Meteor Showers

Shane and Austin’s wedding at Headlands Dark Sky Park was nothing short of breathtaking. Surrounded by family, friends, and nature’s beauty, they celebrated their love in a place that reflects their shared passion for the outdoors. Both Shane and Austin had been eagerly anticipating this day, especially the rare chance to gather both sides of their families and friends in one place. Their ceremony was full of heartfelt moments, happy tears, and meaningful connections with those closest to them.

What made the day even more special was the location itself. The Headlands Dark Sky Park, known for its incredible stargazing opportunities, provided a romantic backdrop for their vows. As the evening unfolded, their loved ones gathered for a laidback celebration, which perfectly matched Shane and Austin’s personalities. They aren’t the type to be the center of attention, but this night felt just right. As the afterparty began, guests enjoyed the company of one another under a sky sprinkled with stars — and yes, even the beginning of a meteor shower.

The Start of Forever

Now that Shane and Austin are starting a new chapter, including buying a home and nearing the end of grad school, their wedding felt like the culmination of years of love, growth, and adventure. They’re excited to spend the rest of their lives together, continuing to build on the strong foundation they’ve created.

As their special day came to a close, one thing was certain: the love between Shane and Austin is as constant and enduring as the stars above them. The wedding was a reflection of their beautiful journey — full of joy, laughter, and a sky full of possibilities.

Congratulations, Shane and Austin! May your love continue to shine brightly, always.

A close-up of the beautifully set reception table at Shane and Austin's LGBTQ wedding at Headlands Dark Sky Park. Rustic elements like wooden accents, simple yet elegant florals, and candles perfectly complement the natural setting of Mackinaw City, MI. A close-up of the beautifully set reception table at Shane and Austin's LGBTQ wedding at Headlands Dark Sky Park. Rustic elements like wooden accents, simple yet elegant florals, and candles perfectly complement the natural setting of Mackinaw City, MI. A wide shot of Shane and Austin standing under the night sky at their LGBTQ wedding at Headlands Dark Sky Park. The couple gazes up at a meteor shower in progress, with the dark sky dotted with stars and streaks of light, creating a magical, celestial moment. Shane and Austin, a joyful LGBTQ couple, exchange vows at sunset beneath a vibrant sky at Headlands Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City, MI. Surrounded by family and friends, the golden light casts a warm glow on the couple as they stand hand in hand, celebrating their love in this beautiful outdoor setting. A detailed close-up of Shane and Austin’s hands as they wear their wedding bands for the first time during their LGBTQ wedding at Headlands Dark Sky Park. The polished rings catch the soft evening light, symbolizing their lifelong commitment to one another. A detailed close-up of Shane and Austin’s hands as they wear their wedding bands for the first time during their LGBTQ wedding at Headlands Dark Sky Park. The polished rings catch the soft evening light, symbolizing their lifelong commitment to one another. A close-up of the beautifully set reception table at Shane and Austin's LGBTQ wedding at Headlands Dark Sky Park. Rustic elements like wooden accents, simple yet elegant florals, and candles perfectly complement the natural setting of Mackinaw City, MI. Shane and Austin laugh together during their LGBTQ wedding reception, surrounded by guests at their laidback afterparty in Mackinaw City, MI. The warm glow of string lights adds to the intimate, celebratory atmosphere. Shane and Austin share their first dance as a married LGBTQ couple, illuminated by soft lighting at their Headlands Dark Sky Park reception. The night sky above twinkles with stars, creating a dreamy, romantic ambiance in Mackinaw City, MI. Shane and Austin laugh together during their LGBTQ wedding reception, surrounded by guests at their laidback afterparty in Mackinaw City, MI. The warm glow of string lights adds to the intimate, celebratory atmosphere. Shane and Austin laugh together during their LGBTQ wedding reception, surrounded by guests at their laidback afterparty in Mackinaw City, MI. The warm glow of string lights adds to the intimate, celebratory atmosphere. Shane and Austin laugh together during their LGBTQ wedding reception, surrounded by guests at their laidback afterparty in Mackinaw City, MI. The warm glow of string lights adds to the intimate, celebratory atmosphere. Shane and Austin, a joyful LGBTQ couple, exchange vows at sunset beneath a vibrant sky at Headlands Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City, MI. Surrounded by family and friends, the golden light casts a warm glow on the couple as they stand hand in hand, celebrating their love in this beautiful outdoor setting. Shane and Austin, a joyful LGBTQ couple, exchange vows at sunset beneath a vibrant sky at Headlands Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City, MI. Surrounded by family and friends, the golden light casts a warm glow on the couple as they stand hand in hand, celebrating their love in this beautiful outdoor setting. A close-up of the beautifully set reception table at Shane and Austin's LGBTQ wedding at Headlands Dark Sky Park. Rustic elements like wooden accents, simple yet elegant florals, and candles perfectly complement the natural setting of Mackinaw City, MI. Shane and Austin pose with family and friends at their LGBTQ wedding in Mackinaw City, MI. The group smiles warmly under the open sky at Headlands Dark Sky Park, sharing joy and love in this inclusive celebration. Shane and Austin pose with family and friends at their LGBTQ wedding in Mackinaw City, MI. The group smiles warmly under the open sky at Headlands Dark Sky Park, sharing joy and love in this inclusive celebration. Shane and Austin laugh together during their LGBTQ wedding reception, surrounded by guests at their laidback afterparty in Mackinaw City, MI. The warm glow of string lights adds to the intimate, celebratory atmosphere. Shane and Austin pose with family and friends at their LGBTQ wedding in Mackinaw City, MI. The group smiles warmly under the open sky at Headlands Dark Sky Park, sharing joy and love in this inclusive celebration. Shane and Austin share their first dance as a married LGBTQ couple, illuminated by soft lighting at their Headlands Dark Sky Park reception. The night sky above twinkles with stars, creating a dreamy, romantic ambiance in Mackinaw City, MI. Shane and Austin share their first kiss as a married LGBTQ couple, framed by the natural backdrop of Headlands Dark Sky Park’s trees and the soft colors of dusk in Mackinaw City, MI. A detailed close-up of Shane and Austin’s hands as they wear their wedding bands for the first time during their LGBTQ wedding at Headlands Dark Sky Park. The polished rings catch the soft evening light, symbolizing their lifelong commitment to one another. Shane and Austin share their first kiss as a married LGBTQ couple, framed by the natural backdrop of Headlands Dark Sky Park’s trees and the soft colors of dusk in Mackinaw City, MI.

Check out more from Liv Lyszyk here:

Shauni and Susie | Lit GR | Grand Rapids LGBTQ Wedding

Jessie and Elle | Backyard LGBTQ Wedding | Grand Rapids, MI

Sam and Romeo | The Felt Mansion, Holland, MI | LGBTQ Wedding Photographer

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