Traverse City Documentary Wedding Photographer.
Documenting stories throughout Northern Michigan and beyond on film and digital!
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY FOR
Couples who are looking to immerse themselves in their wedding experience and soak in all the moments with their family and friends.
No curating, no posing, just real, raw moments and emotion.
Hi, I’m Chelsea!
I approach weddings the way a documentarian approaches a story—with curiosity, intention, and a quiet presence.
My role isn’t to control the day or turn it into a production. It’s to observe, anticipate, and document what’s already unfolding. The small glances, the deep breaths, the laughter that spills out when no one’s paying attention. The moments in between are often the ones that matter most.
After 15 years of photographing weddings, I’ve learned that the most meaningful images come when people feel comfortable enough to be themselves. I bring a calm, grounded energy to the day—offering gentle guidance when it’s needed, and stepping back when it’s not. My goal is for you to feel supported, unhurried, and fully present with the people around you.
Whether you’re exchanging vows somewhere quiet, gathering in a backyard with your closest people, or celebrating with a full dance floor, I document the day as it naturally unfolds. No heavy direction. No forced moments.
Just thoughtful observation, honest storytelling, and photographs that carry the feeling of the day long after it’s over.
Freedom to have the wedding day you want.
Let’s throw all the rule books out the window and create a day that’s as unique as you are! Forget those picture-perfect Instagram shots—what really matters are the real, heart-melting moments when two people are madly in love (and maybe doing a questionable dance move or two). Your wedding photos should capture those raw, fun, and beautiful moments, not just the ‘Instagram-worthy’ poses. On your big day, you’ll be surrounded by the ones you love, and that’s exactly the kind of love your photos should reflect.
LIVE IN THE MOMENTS
Your wedding day is all about you—and let’s face it, you don’t want it turning into a non-stop photo shoot, right? That’s why I’ve designed my packages to give you plenty of time to actually enjoy your day without feeling like you’re in an endless line-up of ‘now smile, now turn, now pretend you’re not exhausted.’ And if you want to make it a full wedding weekend experience, I’m all in! There is no reason for us to not document your entire wedding weekend story.
WEDDING COVERAGE WITH NO LIMITS
Full wedding day coverage
I love hanging out with you so much, I don’t want to leave early! I’m here to fully document your day with no limits and zero interruptions. This also means you can ditch the frantic ‘quick, let’s do the formalities before the photographer bails!’ vibe and actually enjoy your day. No rush, no pressure, just all the moments captured without the stress!
Vibrant, Emotive, Candid Photography
Photography that blends photojournalistic style with a creative and artistic touch.
-Nicole + Gavin
“She doesn’t just capture moments, she captures the emotion and brings that to life in each photo.”
CLIENT LOVE
“Chelsea is truly the best wedding photographer EVER! My husband and I fell in love with her aesthetic and authentic style on Instagram and were lucky enough to have the opportunity to work with her on our wedding day. Chelsea is so sweet, creative and makes the overall wedding photography experience feel so natural. She doesn’t just capture moments, she captures the emotion and brings that to life in each shot. We couldn’t have dreamt of more amazing wedding photos that capture the authenticity of every moment throughout our day. Chelsea was also the most helpful throughout the wedding planning process – she crafted the perfect timeline, offered recommendations of other vendors that she likes to work with and took calls with us to help organize the best day-of flow. There is truly no one better. We are beyond grateful that we found Chelsea and had her be part of our wedding day!”
“Hands down Best photographer ever! Chelsea is so warm, creative and just makes the overall engagement and wedding photography experience feel so natural. I couldn’t have dreamed for more amazing wedding photos. She has such a cool unique style, really capturing special moments without making anything feel super posed. I am so grateful that we found Chelsea and had her be part of our wedding day! And not only that, but she is just a really great human!”
“I found Chelsea two years ago before I was even engaged to my now husband. She was someone that I knew I wanted as my photographer the minute I saw the photos she had done in the past. Chelsea was absolutely amazing to work with for our engagement shoot and wedding! She makes you feel so comfortable during the shoots with her kind and funny personality. The photos we took with Chels have so much life in them with them being candid. Even the posed ones looked so natural! I’m so happy I had her as a photographer and the photos she took I will cherish forever! Thank you Chels for everything.”
Lets create something real together!
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who gets you, celebrates your weirdness, and tells your story with honesty and heart—you’re in the right place.
I travel far and wide to document weddings of all shapes and sizes. Based in Northern Michigan, available anywhere your love story takes me.
I am excited to start creating a beautiful and meaningful wedding experience with you. Fill out the form below to get the conversation started! Give as much or as little info as you are comfortable with. Looking forward to connecting and getting to know your vision for your day.
FEATURED SHOOTS
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Traverse City Wedding at The Delamar Hotel
Intimate Traverse City Lakeside Wedding Casey + Tom A fun lakeside party! Casey and Tom’s wedding at Delamar Hotel in…
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Intimate Backyard Wedding In Northern Michigan
Lakeside Backyard Wedding Mariah + William An Intimate Lakeside Wedding Mariah and William had a beautiful and intimate back yard…
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Northern Michigan Cherry Basket Farm Wedding
Cherry Basket Farm Wedding Sarah + Lio A fun-filled Northern Michigan Wedding Weekend This summer Northern Michigan Cherry Basket Farm…
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Chelsea is a Traverse City photographer covering weddings + elopements all over Northern Michigan (Traverse City, Mackinac Island, Grand Rapids, Detroit and the Upper Peninsula), as well as South Florida. Available worldwide!
