Grounded, Documentary Wedding Photographer for the Northern Michigan Coast
Frankfort, Thompsonville & Manistee Wedding Photography
For couples who want to experience their wedding day, not pose through it.
Built for people who love the raw beauty of Northern Michigan, value real moments and want their photos to feel like the life they are building together.
Couples invest $5200 on average for full day coverage with 2 photographers
An Honest Approach to Your Wedding Photos
Your wedding isn't a performance or a high-production media event. It is a rare, milestone moment where everyone you care about is gathered in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Whether you are coming up from downstate, traveling from out of state, or you live right here in our local communities, your day won't feel rushed, stiff, or staged.
I'm Karly and I won't take over the room or push artificial claims of best friendship. As the lead photographer and owner here at Treehouse Studios, I'm your seasoned local photographer who understands the gravity of the day, respects your time with your guests, and keeps the energy entirely on point.
We've cracked the code on communication, and it is a game changer
You don't need to explain exactly what you're looking for and hope I understand. I can deliver exactly what you want because I've built a simple system that lets you show me instead.
How do I do it?
In the planning phase ahead of the wedding, you will receive a link to a master gallery of images showcasing each part of the day. Every approach to lighting, direction, and creative style is represented so you can simply "heart" the images that resonate with you, and the gallery will automatically send me your favorites. Combined with the answers you provide in your detailed questionnaire, this helps me build a custom plan for everything from the lighting I'll use during your first dance to how your portraits are directed, ensuring every shot reflects your vision and helps you create the best possible memories together.
Local Expertise for your Northern Michigan Destination Wedding
Photographing weddings along this specific stretch of Lake Michigan requires a local understanding of our unique geography. Our coast features dramatic bluffs, massive dune structures, and deep inland forests that create beautiful, unpredictable microclimates and lighting challenges.
Based right here in Thompsonville near Crystal Mountain, I don't have to guess how the elements will behave. I know how to balance the intense midday water reflection off the lake, handle the sudden winds along the shoreline, and light the deep shadows cast by tree canopies at our nature-based venues. I handle all the technical adjustments on the fly, creating a realistic, flexible timeline that gives your day plenty of breathing room.
• The Northern Lake Michigan Coast & Forest: Managing the open-air elements at lakefront venues like Lake Bluff Preserve, The Homestead and Elberta Life Saving Station. orchard venues like The Cherry Barn.
• Resort & Golf Course Celebrations: Navigating the expansive acreage, wooded trails, and logistics at venues like Crystal Mountain, Arcadia Bluffs and Fox Hill.
• Manistee & Portage Lake: Dreamy historic backdrops like Portage Point Resort and orchard venues like The Cherry Barn down through the Manistee coastline to celebrations at The Lakehouse in Ludington.
Michigan Wedding Collections & Investment
From $ 3000
Every collection is designed to cover your celebration from start to finish. Each one includes secure access to an online gallery that remains available for at least a year, a professional print shop built in, and a complete print release.
The Classic Collection $4,400
8 hours of continuous coverage • 1 lead photographer
Your choice of an engagement session or a custom USB drive paired with five matted prints in a custom keepsake box
The Signature Collection $5,400
10 hours of continuous coverage • 1 lead photographer • second shooter (6 hours)
Your choice of an engagement session or a custom USB drive paired with five matted prints in a custom keepsake box
The Weekend Collection $6,700
12 hours of multi-day coverage (splittable over 2 days) • 1 lead photographer • second shooter (8 hours)
An engagement session and a custom USB drive paired with five matted prints in a custom keepsake box
Every collection is tailored to what matters most to you. There are no travel fees for weddings in Michigan.
Meet Karly
Who is behind the camera & why does that matter?
The Wedding Experience
More about how we capture your day and what makes us different
Talk to me
Schedule a free vibe check. Jump on a quick call and see if it's a fit.
Ready to connect?
Get in touch