Downtown Sandusky is always a beautiful place for a wedding, no matter what season of the year! I loved shooting Grace and Braden’s fall wedding at The Sandusky Yacht Club. There are charming spots for couples’ portraits while showing off this cute city in the background. Braden and Grace have a long history together and were excited to make their love official! ❤️

This sweet couple went to the same elementary, middle, and high school together. However, they didn’t get to know each other until they were in drumline for the high school band. Grace was a sophomore and Braden was a freshman and they started dating in May 2014. After graduating, they attended Bowling Green State University and have been loving life together ever since.

A Memorable Proposal Among the Boats

Grace and Braden got engaged last July. Braden took Grace down to the dockside for dinner. She had no clue what was happening until her family showed up when they were supposed to be hiding. Grace had wanted nothing to do with going out because she didn’t pass her licensure exam to become a school counselor. Braden texted her family debating whether it was the right time or not for this. However, everyone kept pushing him to continue. Thank goodness he did! 🥰

Once Grace realized what was happening, her bad day turned into the best day ever and she couldn’t hold back her tears anymore. The moment was perfect! A lot of people were on the boats with live music cheering him on. Grace wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Since Braden and Grace got engaged, they laugh about that day and have been excited about their wedding day being just as special!

Downtown Sandusky Ceremony and Reception

Their wedding ceremony took place at the Old Calvary Church in downtown Sandusky with the reception being held at The Sandusky Yacht Club, less than a mile away. Limo-Scene Limo did a wonderful job providing transportation all day, as we went back and forth throughout the day from the church to the yacht club. Grace had a first look with her brother and dad right outside the church. Then Grace and Braden had their first look just outside the yacht club. The wedding party came with them so I was able to shoot all of those portraits at the beautiful scenery of the Yacht club. It was so nice keeping everyone together to get all of these photos beforehand. Back at the church, Braden and Grace met for a quick moment to say their vows aloud to each other to help calm nerves before the wedding. I love this! 👏🏼

After a beautifully lit ceremony and family portraits at the church, the entire wedding party headed to the downtown Sandusky area for a few more portraits. One of the best spots in downtown Sandusky is the concrete staircase near Jackson Street Pier by Lake Erie. There is a pretty fountain right behind the staircase and it always makes for a great backdrop for weddings, seniors or families. 👌🏼 Soon after, we all headed back to the yacht club for the start of the reception.

In addition to the traditional dances at the beginning of the festivities, Grace had a surprise dance with her mom. 🧡 After the speeches and cake-cutting, the real fun began! From the wedding guests to the couple’s parents, everyone was on the dance floor! 💃🏻 At this point in the evening, it was already dark out but we snuck out to the boats and took just a few more portraits of Grace and Braden before the night officially ended. *Be sure to check them out down below! 👇🏼

Congratulations to this sweet couple on their fall wedding at The Sandusky Yacht Club! Grace and Braden, you were the perfect couple to work with! I’m looking forward to shooting more weddings here in the future. To schedule your wedding date with me at this location or any other spot you’ve chosen, reach out to me so we can discuss the details!

Wedding Vendors

Dress: La Blanca Bridal Boutique

Florist: Bailey’s Buds ‘N Blooms

Ceremony Venue: Old Calvary Church

Reception Venue: Sandusky Yacht Club

DJ: DJ Chosen

Videographer: Odd Fellow

Cake & Cupcakes: Kelsey Elizabeth Cakes

Groomsmen Attire: The Tux World

Invites: Lori’s Printing

Bridesmaids Attire: Revelry

Transportation: Limo-Scene Limo