Forest Lodge Summer Wedding | Cathryn + Elia

Weddings

filed in:

Cathryn and Elia’s summer Sherwood Chalet wedding at Forest Lodge.

How they met

Cathryn and Elia met as counselors at a Christian sports & outdoor adventure camp. Those days spent together at camp turned into dating for almost 3.5 years. They got engaged in October of 2022! Elia pulled off a COMPLETE surprise by tricking Cathryn to go back to the camp where they met. Elia proposed at the exact spot they fell in love! How sweet and memorable! They currently live in Detroit, Michigan, and plan to live there for the foreseeable future.

The Venue : The Sherwood Chalet at Forest Lodge

Cathryn and Elia chose the Sherwood Chalet at Forest Lodge for their wedding reception for the proximity to her hometown and home church. They got married at New Providence Presbyterian Church, the cutest little white and clue chapel! Perfect for a beautiful traditional ceremony with pale blue interiors and the most beautiful arched altar. The Sherwood Chalet is a short 15 minute drive from their church of choice, so easy to get to for all of their guests.

Highlights from their Forest Lodge Summer Wedding.

Cathryn’s Mother is so thoughtful! She made up the bedroom that Cathryn was getting dressed in with photographs from other family members wedding days. I just loved that little personal touch to add to Cathryn’s getting ready images.

Cathryn chose to give her parents each sentimental gifts before she got into her dress the morning of their wedding day. Mom received a lily suncatcher, because she instilled in Cathryn, her love of lilies. Dad received a desk clock with a photo of him holding Cathryn as a newborn. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room… myself included. I’m a total sap for sweet wedding day touches.

In our planning meetings, Cathryn mentioned a tradition of taking a photo walking out the front door to go off to the first day of school each year. She mentioned that she would like one last photo holding that door handle, walking out of her childhood home for the last time as a Wolak. Ummm… how sweet! The mom in me was balling my eyes out, but I held it together because I’m a professional.

Cathryn and Elia were inseparable the entire evening! From their ceremony on, they were hand in hand, enjoying each other’s company, welcoming guests and dancing the night away! This makes a photographer very happy!! SO many photos of the newlyweds together on their wedding day! If you take note of one thing for your day, make it this!!