By Jamie May Photography

This wedding at the Muskegon Country Club was absolutely beautiful! The venue sits on top of the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, offering some of the prettiest views in the area. With its recently remodeled facility and large deck, it makes the perfect setting for both your wedding ceremony and reception. I’ve always heard great things about the food here, and this time it definitely lived up to the raves. It was fun to be back there to see the transitions they made with the new restaurant.

Takeaways from the Muskegon Country Club.

While the golf course itself has a few picturesque spots for photos, it can be somewhat limited if you’re looking for a wider variety. The Country Club no longer lets you move away much from the main building.  Luckily, Pere Marquette Beach and downtown Muskegon are just minutes away, offering stunning lakefront views, gardens, and unique architecture that make for amazing wedding photos. If you’re planning your wedding at Muskegon Country Club, setting aside a little time to go offsite for portraits is a great idea. If you decide to do a first look, that can help with time limitations.  Check out my blog post about first looks here.

Here is a list of potential stops in Muskegon:

The Union Depot

Pere Marquette

The Frauenthal Center

This couple was such a joy to work with! I originally met them through another wedding I photographed, and it has been so fun watching these circles of friends grow. A few members of the wedding party were past clients of mine—I even took some of their senior pictures years ago—which makes documenting these milestones even more special.

I couldn’t be happier for this amazing couple and was honored to capture their day at such a timeless Muskegon wedding venue.

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Looking for Lake Michigan Beach Pictures? You’ve Found the Right Photographer

Looking for Lake Michigan Beach Pictures? You’ve Found the Right Photographer. If you’re dreaming of stunning beach photos on the shores of Lake Michigan, you’re in the right place. With over 15 years of experience photographing along Michigan’s beautiful lakeshore, I’ve spent countless summer evenings capturing families, seniors, and weddings against the breathtaking backdrop of the beach.

Why Choose a Beach Photographer with Experience?

Beaches are one of the most popular—and most challenging—locations for photography. Between shifting light, strong winds, reflective sand, and unpredictable weather, shooting at the beach requires both technical expertise and creative vision.

With over a decade and a half behind the lens, I know how to handle the tricky lighting and natural elements that can make or break a beach session. From golden hour glows to soft cloudy skies, I’ve learned to adapt quickly and use the beach’s unique elements to create timeless images full of light, connection, and authenticity. This is why if you are Looking for Lake Michigan Beach Pictures,  you’ve have found the right photographer.

Lake Michigan: A Dreamy Canvas

Michigan summers are short but spectacular. The shoreline transforms into a dreamy, golden landscape that’s perfect for capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone senior year, gathering with extended family, or saying “I do” with the waves as your witness, Lake Michigan offers an unforgettable setting for your photos.

Some of my favorite beach locations include:

• Grand Haven – Known for its classic pier and sunset views
• Holland State Park – With its iconic Big Red Lighthouse
•  South Haven – A perfect blend of beach charm and romance
• Pere Marquette Beach – Wide sandy shores, clean water, and a classic pier with a red lighthouse. Perfect for both intimate portraits and large family sessions.
• Muskegon State Park – Beautiful dunes, forested trails, and access to both Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake. A versatile spot with tons of variety.
•  Norman F. Kruse Park – A quieter beach with a great mix of dune landscapes and open lake views.
•  Lake Harbor Park – Where the river meets Lake Michigan. Wooded paths, a long footbridge, and wide open beach space.

What to Expect When You Book

When you book a beach session with me, you get more than just a photoshoot—you get someone who knows how to make the most of every moment. I’ll guide you through outfit choices, ideal timing, and how to relax in front of the camera. We’ll chase the best light, embrace the breeze, and maybe even dip our toes in the water.

Whether you’re looking for lighthearted candids with your kids, elegant engagement shots, or vibrant senior portraits, I’ll capture your story with clarity, warmth, and joy.

Don’t Miss Michigan’s Best Season

Summer books fast, and these golden beach moments are fleeting. If you’ve been thinking about booking your beach photos, now is the time! Don’t let another season slip by—let’s create something beautiful together on the shores of Lake Michigan.

If you are Looking for Lake Michigan Beach Pictures,  you’ve have found the right photographer.

📸 Contact me today  616-402-5111 to reserve your session!

Check out my blog on preparing your high school seniors graduation pictures Blog

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I would first like to say that Brett and Dannielle are totally awesome people, that I have had a blast getting to know. We started our relationship at a engagement session. Danielle was referred to me by her friend, who was a bride I photographed prior.  During the engagement session, they decided to choose a couple locations that were meaningful to them: we made a stop at a park  that they spend a lot of time at and the fire-station.

Here is a bit about their day :

We started the day in Muskegon, at private homes, for the girls and guys getting ready pictures.  We greeted the guys first and walked into the unique sock display. I love socks! Of course, we had to take a picture.  The guys were great about taking pictures and posing for some.  We could tell by this crew, it was going to be a fun day!  We then headed over to the girls.  They had on these adorable robes. I am not sure where they got these, but I have heard in the past people mention Etsy before.  Well this home was a beautiful spot to take pictures at, with breathtaking views.  I was very excited!  Not to mention all the lovely ladies are so fun and photogenic.  After we finished up these photos, we headed to the ceremony site in Muskegon. St. Mary’s Catholic Church, so historical. I love the architecture. Not to mention it is pretty light and bright in the church, which can be unusual in such an older congregation.

1.  How to chose your wedding venue?

There are situations to look for in buildings, churches, etc, that I know personally, I would have NO idea about if I haven’t been doing this so long!

1. What are the rules of the venue?  ASK!  You want to know what kind of photos they are going to allow you to get.  Maybe it isn’t important to you and maybe it is.  You want to know the limitations if there are any.
2. Look for unique architecture that may interest you
3. Walk around the building and look at the time of day you are having your ceremony and what time you plan on having pictures?  Are there pretty areas for outside pictures?  Look for shade.
4. Does the building have lots of natural light?
5. White walls?  natural light and white walls, really help pictures to look more natural
6. Is there somewhere to go if it rains? Maybe you are planning a outdoor venue, what is the back up plan?

After the ceremony, we took advantage of all the beauty this church has to offer!  We then headed to the Train Depot in Muskegon.  Here the bride and groom were so thoughtful and had food and drinks for everyone to snack and refresh.  This is something that can often get overlooked when planning a wedding, feeding your crew!  …and remember the waters, sometimes there is only alcohol and people need water. Haha.

I love Muskegon Downtown. It really is an awesome place that I have grown to love. There are so many unique spots within walking distance, yes, that is right in walking distance! It is always such a quiet place, which is also unique because it is a downtown area!!!

2. Look for an outdoor location that has a lot to offer in walking distance.

You can get so much done and quickly when you don’t have to drive everywhere.  This is great for a tight timeline or if you just don’t want to spend the whole time on pictures

3. What makes you unique? As a person, as a couple?

We all look at Pinterest and become in awe. There are so many amazing ideas and how do they come up with them, right?!  I love when a couple want to add props or locations that are unique to them.  Brett happens to be a firefighter, so he has connections 🙂 !   We were able to have so much fun with the expired fire extinguishers.  These pictures become unique because it is about them.  I know everyone doesn’t have such a cool job, with these kind of props. But maybe it is biking, or cars, or physical fitness??- there is a way to make these pictures extra special and sometimes it just requires a very little effort.

So even if you don’t have any thing amazing – there is alway THE COUPLE, who look amazing on this day and glowing with love, bouncing all over them! So no fear if you are the simple type, that makes you unique, too.

4.  How do you pick a Reception Venue?

1. Be reasonable about how many guest you are having and the space.  It is hard when it is to tight in a space
2. Look at where you would sit and your bridal party
3. Again – look for natural light and avoid black walls or ceilings, if you can
4. Is there a outdoor location to hang out? Always a nice perk
5. A bonus is also when the venue really makes it cute. I have to say some of my favorite spots are when the venue puts in effort to style the venue, too. I know that isn’t always in everyone’s budget. But hey, we are talking about what I like here 😉

The venue they chose was at Fricanos in Muskegon. I like that Fricanos, it is really open and has a very large layout. There is a bar area that is great for the happy hour with plenty of room for dinner tables. They also have beautiful views across the way and a little deck to hang out on if you need some fresh air.  The staff is always friendly and the food is good.  It was a lovely night, with a lively group of people. We had a blast watching all the fun that was being had.

5. Pick a good photographer – Ha! You knew I had to add this one!!

1. Experience matters – I am able to execute so many ideas that are living in my brain because we have done so many weddings
2. Pinterest list – You have a few ideas, a lot of ideas? That is okay by me. I like to see your vision and not just mine.  But if it isn’t for you, we take care of it.
3. I am sure I could go on, but I won’t.

Thank you so much Brett and Dannielle for letting me and Marie share in your day! We had so much fun and everyone showed us such kindness! Many blessings to you both and many happy years!!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog! Feel free to share it, like it, love it  – you know the drill!  And remember to follow Jamie May Photography – on the million different platforms there are, seriously!! -how can we keep up?! Until the next blog post….which needs to be sooner than later… I am still behind!!!

To see more pictures in the Muskegon Downtown location, click here

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After photographing so many weddings, I have to express my favorite is first looks or wedding day reveals.  I believe that the benefits way out the traditional way of doing things.  There is still that first look that will be emotional and happy!

Benefits of a first look or wedding day reveal and Why I love them?

1. Relaxes the couples.  So often everyone is so nervous before they see their bride or groom. After the first look, everyone will say they feel so much better.
2. More pictures opportunities.  If you love pictures and want some more variety, this is a great way to do that.
3. Time is a gift.  There is so much time before the event starts, it is a great way to get the ‘requirements’ out of the way
4. When the party starts, you can party!  It is great to not have to mess with pictures once the wedding starts. The day goes so fast and how awesome to be able to visit rather than to rush your pictures in.
5. More intimate. It is more intimate if you want it to be or you can line up all the family or friends that you want to be there.

Muskegon Wedding Photographer and a day with Julia and Jose!

I met with Julia and her dad one day to learn more about her wedding, where I was told the reception would have a lot of festive activities to bring in both cultures.  I was so excited to see what this meant!  As you can see Jose’s family traditions include:  pinning money to the bride and groom and some chair lifting, knock the groom over, game and then of course the traditional garter toss and first dances, etc.   It was a fun filled night.

I loved that they did a first look, and we had so much time to walk around the charming, downtown area of Muskegon. We also had a fair share of time St. Mary’s Catholic church, to photograph the bride and groom with some of the architecture and stain glass windows inside.  As you can see from the pictures, this was a fun crowd, who made all my ideas come even more to life!!  I was so blessed to be a part of you Julia and Jose’s wedding day!!!  Wishing you many more wonderful years of marriage!!  xoxx0x0x

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I have known Lisa and Jeff, parents of the groom for some time, they were trusting, open-minded people that trusted a girl, young in her 20s to sell their home.  They are so uplifting and kind, and I was thrilled when Erica, the bride, reached out to me to photograph their  wedding.  It is always nice to have referrals from friends and family; really it is the only way that you can be sure you are doing a good job for people.

To me, referrals are one of the kindest acts shown to me with being self-employed, because you then know people care about you, too.  That being said, the day was like hanging out with family, I love all the familiar faces and catching up with them all.  Erica has been the most ambitious bride I have seen yet. She was savvy in her wedding planning. She found a wonderful spot for all the lodging and the wedding and reception to take place, with beautiful views of Lake Michigan.

I also am a big fan of these three things:

1. White tent weddings

2. Weddings and Receptions at the same location

3. And beautiful flowers.

All the above were true of this wedding.  These curly things you see in the wedding flowers….. yeah, those are real. It is called curled ferns. So cool.  Wishing you both many more happy years, I am so excited for the both of you!!! xoxoxo

Do it Yourself Weddings

If your going to do a lot of the wedding details and props yourself make sure you have a good team. The last thing you want to be doing on your wedding day is worrying about every little detail.  Erica was a amazing with the details and had a lot of clever game ideas and props.  She made all the flower boxes herself, too.

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