A Summer Military Wedding at Waltman Lake Lodge: Morgan + Brandon

Morgan and Brandon’s summer wedding started and ended at Waltman Lake Lodge in Pierson, Michigan, with a Catholic ceremony in between and a saber arch exit I’ll never forget. Family and friends traveled from near and far, including from abroad, and this Waltman Lake Lodge wedding was a true gathering of the people they love most.

Getting ready at Waltman Lake Lodge

The day began at the lodge, where everyone got ready with views of the lake. Morgan’s gown from True Society shimmered every time it caught the light, and Brandon’s mom and sister were right there helping him into his Army dress uniform.

Aerial view of Waltman Lake Lodge on the lake in Pierson, Michigan

Wedding invitation flat lay with florals and bridal shoes

Engagement ring and wedding bands resting on the wedding invitation

Close-up of peach ranunculus and greenery in the bridal bouquet

Bride getting buttoned into her wedding dress

Bride getting ready by the window with a loved one at Waltman Lake Lodge

Groom's Army dress uniform hanging in the lodge

Groom details with polished shoes, bow tie and ceremonial saber

A quiet moment before the ceremony

Before the ceremony, Morgan and Brandon spent a quiet moment together hand in hand around a door, without seeing each other, and read the vows they had written to one another. It was the perfect way to ease the nerves.

Bride and groom holding hands around a door before the ceremony

Close-up of the bride and groom holding hands around a door

Bride and groom reading their vows to each other without seeing one another

A ceremony at St. John Paul II Catholic Church

Their ceremony was at St. John Paul II Catholic Church. Morgan was so eager to get to Brandon that she and her dad made it down the aisle so quickly it was almost hard to keep up!

Wedding program and boutonniere on a church pew

Wedding welcome sign at St. John Paul II Catholic Church

Altar at St. John Paul II Catholic Church

Black and white view of the church interior before the ceremony

Groom in his Army dress uniform waiting at the altar

Dad walking the bride through the church doors

Father of the bride walking his daughter down the aisle

Wide view of the Catholic wedding ceremony at St. John Paul II Catholic Church

Bride and groom praying at the Marian statue during the ceremony

Newlyweds walking back up the aisle after the ceremony

A saber arch exit

As husband and wife, they walked out under a saber arch formed by Brandon’s fellow service members, a military tradition that made for such a special exit. Then they drove off in a vintage car.

Bride and groom kissing at the church entrance

Bride and groom leaving the church with uniformed groomsmen

Bride and groom walking under a saber arch at their military wedding

Saber arch exit with guests cheering outside the church

Lakeside portraits

Back at the lodge, we took portraits along the water. The lake, the cattails and the tall trees made such a beautiful backdrop for these two.

Groom in a blue suit by the lake at Waltman Lake Lodge

Groom in a blue vest with his jacket over his shoulder

Bride walking along the lakeside at Waltman Lake Lodge

Close-up of the bride and groom holding hands

Bride and groom among the cattails by the lake

Black and white photo of the couple kissing by the lake

Bride and groom walking across the lawn toward the lake

The wedding party

Wedding party celebrating on the lawn at Waltman Lake Lodge

Groom and groomsmen in blue suits in the woods

Groomsmen lifting the groom on their shoulders

Bride with her bridesmaids in champagne dresses

A tented reception by the lake

The celebration continued at Waltman Lake Lodge under a tent with long farm tables, rattan chargers and rust napkins. Guests enjoyed dinner from Martha’s Catering, a cake from Connie’s Cakes and heartfelt speeches, and then everyone danced the night away under the string lights.

Tented reception at Waltman Lake Lodge with long wooden tables

Long farm tables set for the tented reception

Place setting with a rattan charger and rust napkin

Bride and groom making their grand entrance across the lawn

Bride and groom cutting their wedding cake

Wedding cake with dried florals and a script cake topper

First dance under string lights at Waltman Lake Lodge

Bride and groom laughing during their first dance

First dance on the outdoor patio in the woods

Bride wiping a tear during the father-daughter dance

Father-daughter dance on the outdoor patio

Mother-son dance under the string lights

Aerial view of the dance floor at the reception

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. VanWert!

Vendors

Venue: Waltman Lake Lodge
Hair: Hair by Morgan Rose
Makeup: Pretty Committee Beauty
Florist: The Poppy and The Peony
Videographer: Scarlet Ace Media
Rentals: Alpine Events
Catering and Bartending: Martha’s Catering
Dress: True Society
DJ: Sam from Ace Wedding DJs
Cake: Connie’s Cakes
Lead Photographer: Kara Hanes Photography
Second Photographer: Kayla Bowman
Third Photographer and Assistant: Jessica Cenko