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Tory and Sage | Camp Pinewood | Queer Wedding Photographer

Weddings

Camp Pinewood in Twin Lake, MI was a beautiful place for Tory and Sage to hold their woodland theme queer wedding. These two tied the knot with family and friends present on a gorgeous August day! The lake, the scenic view offered by the campgrounds and the weather completed the vision they had for their nuptials. First, we have to look at how they met one another.

The Couple

Spring of 2019 was when they connected on a dating app. After getting to know one another a bit, they met up at the Ypsi Pride event on June 7th. During the afterparty where they danced with each other, it ignited the spark! Shortly thereafter, there were dates and overnight camping trips that drew them closer together. Covid delayed their moving plans to share a home together. However, it taught them they could get through anything in life with the love and support they share for each other. Their family includes their cats and their adopted dog, Roo. All of this has led up to this very moment. They are excited to have friends and family share this moment coming together in such a peaceful and serene place. They are also excited to have a “great queer dance party!”

The Ceremony

Getting ready photos can be so much fun for weddings. Not only do I capture special details that Tory and Sage picked out, such as the Winnie the Pooh and Tigger salt shakers or the poem by Mary Oliver “How I Go To The Woods”. I also get to capture the excitement of Tory putting on their dress and Sage suiting up. They had an adorable First Look that almost made me cry! Tory gifted sage a watch, which they wore for the day and Sage gave Tory a beautiful jacket with a special pin that said “Queer Love Is Magic”. It is indeed!

As the guests made their way to their seats for the ceremony, I snuck a peek at the reception area. I snapped a photo of the adorable cake that featured the woodland theme with two cuddling bears on top the cake. Sage, Tory and I took a walk to the lake, where they laughed, smiled and hugged, knowing the moment was near. One of the other details I wanted to capture was Tory’s hand-painted boots adorned with flowers and purple ribbon for the laces. When it was time, they had flower folks who scattered petals down the aisle with a little groove. Sage and Tory followed soon after, to join hands with the lake behind them surrounded by their wedding party. After the vows and exchange of rings, they sealed the deal with a kiss and the guests cheered in celebration.

The Reception

The reception was everything they could hope for! One detail I noticed on each of the guests tables were pronoun cards. These encouraged guests to leave their name and pronouns on the card at the table so that other guests could know it. It would be something interesting to see not just for a queer wedding, but perhaps weddings in general. I think it’s fantastic when pets are a detail in the wedding day in whatever way they can, like with the signature cocktails, which included both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

Sage and Tory entered with rainbow flags in hand and beaming smiles! After the dances, the funny and emotional toasts and cake cutting, everyone danced the night away. I have to say the photo of the two of them at as the sun was setting in the background with their newly wed glow is one of my absolutely favorite moments. Thank you Sage and Tory for choosing me to preserve the moments and details of such an incredibly special day in your lives. I hope this blog inspires others when they plan their queer wedding!

Congratulations and I wish you both a lifetime of happiness!

Vendors that helped make this day possible:

Wedding Planner | Tanya Lynnette Events
Lovebird #1 Attire | Tory- dress from Bombshell Bridal, shoes handpainted by friend, Emma Blackman
Lovebird #2 Attire | Sage- Suit from Missguided
Ceremony Officiant | Mary Larkin
Make-up Artist(s) & Salon/Company Affiliated With | Hair: Rikki Moss at Betty Green
Florist | Viavi
Catering Company | Martha’s
Bakery | Cakabakery
DJ or Band | Mary Larkin / Emma Blackman
Jeweler | Custom engagement rings: Valley Rose, Valerie Madison
Nails: Katie Sue Klages (Kitty Bourree)