Micro Wedding at Farrand Hall | Colon, Michigan

On a crisp fall day in Colon, Michigan, Kristen and Matt exchanged vows at the beautiful Farrand Hall. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, the couple celebrated their love with a micro wedding that was filled with personal touches and autumnal details.

As guests arrived, they were greeted with a champagne toast, setting the festive tone for the evening.

The micro wedding ceremony took place in the Farrand Hall back yard, with the natural beauty of the surrounding woods serving as a picturesque backdrop. The bridesmaids, dressed in mismatched fall-toned dresses, solidified the autumnal atmosphere.

During the emotional vow exchange, Kristen and Matt promised to love and support each other for a lifetime. The couple's love was palpable as they exchanged rings and sealed their vows with a kiss.

After the ceremony, the celebration moved to the Farrand Hall side-yard for a farm-to-table dinner party reception. The decor was filled with the touches of early fall, including colorful but warm-toned florals and cut tree branches. Guests dined on locally sourced cuisine prepared on site by one of the regular chefs from the exclusive Fararnd Hall dinner parties.

As the night went on, the party continued with dancing and a dessert spread in the gorgeous Farrand Hall Carriage House. It was a night that Kristen and Matt, as well as their loved ones, will never forget.

Kristen and Matt's micro wedding at Farrand Hall was a beautiful and intimate celebration of love. From the emotional vow exchange to the festive farm-to-table reception, every detail was thoughtfully planned and executed. It was a perfect representation of the couple's personalities and their love for each other.

If you're planning a micro wedding and are looking for inspiration, consider Farrand Hall in Colon, Michigan. It is a stunning location that is sure to make your celebration unforgettable.

Wedding at Stafford's Perry Hotel in Petoskey

If you're planning a wedding at Stafford's Perry Hotel in Petoskey, Michigan, you're in for a treat. This stunning venue is the perfect setting for a memorable and romantic celebration, and I had the privilege of photographing Marie and Keith's beautiful wedding there.

The ceremony was held at the historic Holy Childhood of Jesus Catholic Church in Harbor Springs, and the outdoor reception was on the brick patio at Stafford's Perry Hotel. Fox & Fern Events did an incredible job coordinating and designing the day, from the colorful florals by Bittersweet & Co. to the elegant table settings featuring blue and white china accents. The cake by Bow Tie Baker was a work of art, and the Bluewater Kings Band kept the party going with their lively music.

Just before sunset, we took a break from the reception to take some beautiful pictures around Petosky, ending at the lakeshore as the sun dipped below the bay. It was the perfect opportunity for Marie and Keith to take a moment to soak in the beauty of their special day and enjoy each other's company.

As a wedding photographer, I know how important it is to capture the memories of such a momentous occasion. That's why do my best to capture every detail. If you're planning a wedding at Stafford's Perry Hotel I would be honored to be your photographer. Thank you, Marie and Keith, for trusting me to capture the memories of your beautiful wedding.

My favorite part of the day: Sunset at the park across the street from Stafford's Perry Hotel ❤️❤️❤️

Loft Lucia - Chicago Wedding Venues

I had the pleasure of being Cara and Chad’s wedding photographer at the beautiful Loft Lucia in downtown Chicago. From the moment I arrived at the West Loop hotel where the couple was getting ready, I could feel the excitement and joy in the air.

Cara and Chad opted for a classic black and ivory color scheme, with rust accents adding a pop of warmth to their chic, sophisticated decor. The Local Petaler provided stunning florals to compliment their style. As the couple finished getting ready, we headed down to the riverwalk for some portraits with their wedding party. The city skyline provided the perfect backdrop.

After the riverwalk photos, it was time for the intimate ceremony on the rooftop terrace at the Loft Lucia. Surrounded by her closest family, Cara made her way down the aisle, a vision in her ivory lace gown. Chad, dashing in his classic black suit, waited for her at the altar, a smile spreading across his face as she approached.

The ceremony was filled with love and emotion, as the couple exchanged vows and pledged their lives to each other. As they shared their first kiss as husband and wife, the guests erupted into cheers and applause.

After the ceremony, guests made their way to the dinner party reception which was held inside of Loft Lucia. Tables were adorned with votive candles, rust-colored linens, and flower arrangements by The Local Petaler. The room was filled with the warm glow of candlelight and the laughter of close family and friends.

Cara and Chad entered the reception and immediately took to the dance floor for their first dance as a married couple. Afterwards, the closest friends and family shared toasts over dinner.

It was an unforgettable evening, filled with love and joy. Congratulations to Cara and Chad on their beautiful Loft Lucia Chicago wedding! As a wedding photographer, it was an honor to capture the special moments of their day and I am thrilled to share these photos with them as a timeless reminder of their love and commitment to each other.

Starry Night Barn Wedding | Suttons Bay, Michigan

Lilly and Thomas had a beautiful and unique wedding at the Starry Night Barn in Suttons Bay, Michigan. They love Northern Michigan. It’s their safe haven. The couple's colorful and eclectic boho theme was apparent in every detail of the day, from the vibrant floral arrangements to the custom flowers embroidered on Lilly’s veil. Shout out to Grateful Gatherings for coordinating this gorgeous wedding day.

The ceremony took place in the field behind the barn, surrounded by lush greenery and a stunning asymmetrical floral arch made by Forget Me Not Floral. Lilly walked down the aisle in a stunning white dress accented by a hand embroidered floral sash by Abigail of Gardina, while Thomas waited for her at the altar in a dapper baby blue suit. The ceremony was intimate and emotional, with a ring warming ceremony where the rings were passed to each person in attendance to bless before the couple exchanged them.

After the ceremony, guests made their way to the reception, which was held in the barn. The space was transformed with twinkle lights, bright florals, and towering head table candles. After dinner, the guests celebrated with a desert of Moomers Ice Cream.

As the night went on, guests danced and celebrated with the newlyweds until I pulled them to the orchards on the Starry Night Barn property for some golden hour pictures.

Lilly and Thomas's colorful and eclectic boho wedding at the Sarry Night Barn was a truly unforgettable and beautiful celebration. The couple's unique style and attention to detail made for a one-of-a-kind event that their guests will never forget.

The Vogts - Destination Wedding in Mexico

Making a Destination Wedding in Mexico Personal

When Meaghan asked me to photograph her destination wedding in Mexico, I didn’t expect it to feel so personal to the couple. It’s difficult to plan a wedding in another state much less in another country. But Meaghan made it happen. From the hand-made bouquets that she brought in her suitcase to the invitations designed by her maid of honor, there were a thousand thoughtful details. Mexico is important to Meaghan and Scott, and they go every year. They saw the wedding as an opportunity to invite their closest friends and family to the place they love.

Sarah Cee Bridal did the ladies hair and makeup, incorporating a feather pin into Meaghan’s bridal style as an ode to Scott’s beloved mother. Meaghan hand-made the guys boutonnières to accent their “beach formal” attire.

Iberostar Paraíso Beach is a 5 star all inclusive resort in the Riviera Maya region of Mexico. I was heavily inspired by the architecture and colors of the property. Yellow, Blue, Green and Vibrant Pink told the color story of the day. Everywhere I looked was a great location for wedding photos. I decided that the color story would be my guiding theme.

The bridesmaid outfits were from Chicwish and Shein, and they were such a fun spin on formal beach wear. Playfulness was a key element of the day. Tequila shots for guests (and the bride and her mom!) before walking down the aisle- a flower man who also passed out beers- and an officiant who donned a pope outfit to officially announce them man and wife.

After some pictures on the beach, I took the couple around the resort for some portraits of just the two of them. We stopped at a Banyan tree, which is a meaningful symbol in my life representing infinity, before heading to the actual wedding chapel on the grounds. While they didn’t have their official ceremony there, it’s such a beautiful gazebo that I didn’t want to skip it.

The wedding day ended with an outdoor reception under market lights and the Mexican sunset. This group knows how to party and can *mostly hold their tequila. Tropical florals, maracas, and lanters served as table decor. There was even a cigar bar and garden games. But mostly, there was dancing.

Congratulations to the Vogts.

You bring love and joy to everyone you meet, and you made me feel like family.

Christmas Wedding at Rivercrest Farm in Dover, Ohio

Christmas Wedding at Rivercrest Farm in Dover, Ohio

Katy and Ryan had to wait a full year after their original wedding date to get married due to the pandemic. But boy oh boy was this golden winter sparkle fest worth the wait. The couple lit up Rivercrest Farm in Dover Ohio like a Christmas tree. And I mean literally. There was a massive story-tall evergreen in the middle of the ceremony space… next to a sleigh… and the groom wore a green suit with a pinecone boutonnière.

When our wedding photography and video team arrived, the weather was cold, windy, and raining. So despite our obsession with the rolling fields and horses roaming the Rivercrest Farm grounds, we made plans to use the cozy barn for the first look and majority of pictures. After a tearful first look (it was me crying) and some portraits, the couple exchanged vows in the sweetest ceremony. Katy described their relationship with the metaphor of a kaleidoscope and the light that makes it shine. I won’t even try to do it justice. Just know that it was poetic and everyone was weeping. Then during Ryan’s vows, he spoke of staying together through life’s storms right before a slightly scary gust of wind that rocked the building. Miraculously, the weather cleared up immediately. Coincidence? I think not.

The night ended with a reception rockin' around the Christmas tree with everyone dancing merrily in the new old-fashioned way ;) Oh, and the prettiest winter cake I ever did see.

Congratulations Katy and Ryan. Your friendship is the best gift.

Chicago Rooftop Wedding

I have been looking forward to Jake and Julia’s Chicago rooftop wedding since before they even reached out to me. I had recently photographed this Chicago front porch elopement and the bride told me about her super cute and fun friend who also happened to be getting married. As she described that friend (Julia) I was crossing my fingies so hard that they would want me to be their wedding photographer. That excitement was compounded during their Lincoln Park engagement session when she and Jake told me that they would be incorporating both Julia’s Filipino culture and Jake’s Jewish traditions into the rooftop ceremony at Loft Lucia.

The wedding day began at the Viceroy Hotel, Chicago. As soon as I walked into the stunning suite, I knew that the pictures were going to be amazing. It was a gorgeous naturally lit space and Julia had gathered so many lovely details for me to photograph. Christine Janda Designs and Events also provided extra flower stems for me to incorporate into the flatlays. Truly, a wedding photography dream. But I swear the best part was walking in and seeing sweet Julia. Her joy and emotion are contagious.

While I was photographing Julia, my second shooter (also named Rachel… which wasn’t at all confusing at a half Jewish wedding with 100 other Rachels 😂), was hanging out with Jake and his side of the wedding party. You know I love color, and their boutonnières made me swoon!

The wedding ceremony and reception were at Loft Lucia in the Chicago West Loop. Featuring a chuppah and stunning rooftop views, Jake and Julia melded their cultures with a ceremony officiated by both a rabbi and priest. I loved seeing the Filipino wedding traditions of the veil and cord as well as the Jewish tradition of breaking the glass.

After the ceremony, we had 45 minutes to take ALL of the family pictures and wedding party pictures. It was fast and chaotic, but we made it work, and I’m so proud of us. The rooftop was getting some harsh light, so after the family pictures, we moved to the Chicago street level and took advantage of the shade next to the venue. I’m a big fan of variety and I loved the way the brick provided a unique backdrop.

My absolute favorite part of the wedding day was the reception on the third floor of Loft Lucia. It. Was. Stunning. But more than that, it was so full of joy. From the bright jewel-toned florals, to the brunch menu featuring candied bacon, the personality of the couple shined in every detail. It was also the biggest Horah in the tiniest space 🤣🤣🤣 I may or may not have been crying during the father-daughter dance and then laughing my booty off during the mother-son.

Jake and Julia, you are so well loved. I can see why.

Chicago Rooftop Wedding Vendors:

Designer/Coordinator: Christine Janda Design & Events
Venue: Loft Lucia
Dress: Sarah Seven
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Catering: Cocina Fusion
MUA: Angela Rose
Hair Stylist: Tania Gilbert
Cake: ECBG Cake Studio
Stationary: Polina Perri

Bay Pointe Woods Wedding

Bay Pointe Inn Woods Wedding

If you are a wedding vendor in Michigan, chances are you’ve been at Bay Pointe at least once in your career. With three different locations for wedding celebrations on-site, it’s a busy place! There is the waterfront pavilion, a smaller front porch also overlooking the lake, and Bay Pointe Inn Woods- a venue within a venue across the street from the main property. We’ve been to the woods many times, but this was out first ceremony that took place on that side of the venue. It was stunning. Especially at sunset.

Vendor Love

Dress designer/shop: Fantastic Finds, Lansing, MI
Hair/MUA: Hanna Wagner-Childers
Venue: Bay Pointe Inn Woods
Floral Designer: Posh Petals
Baker: Nantucket Baking Company
Bridesmaid Attire: The Dessy Group
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Indochino

Saugatuck Boat + Backyard Wedding

After an intimate Catholic ceremony, the bride and groom treated their guests to a chartered sail around Saugatuck and backyard reception.

Florals: Back to the Fuchsia
Dress Boutique: Spring Sweet
Dress Designer: Theia
Catering: Jim from Distinctive Dining

Black Barn Wedding

Black Barn Vineyard and Winery Wedding in Rives Junction, MI

FROM THE PHOTOGRAPHER:

This was our first time photographing a wedding at the Black Barn Vineyard and Winery. We. Are. OBSESSED. It is such a unique take on a barn wedding venue and the property is a photographer’s dream. When we arrived, Amber and the Pinapple Punch team were putting final touches on the reception decor featuring. The tables were decked out in coral florals with emerald and gold accents. Each guest received the cutest favor which was a bookmark that looked like a library card. My bookish heart swooned.

The wedding party finished getting ready just in time for the rain to stop, but the ground was still super wet. So, we found the perfect spot in the corner of the parking lot against the trees where we could make some photo magic. By the time guests started arriving, everything was dry and we could walk around the property without getting muddy.

After a crazy 2020 wedding season with COVID restrictions, this was as close to “back to normal” as we have experienced. It felt so good to shoot a full reception with an awesome DJ (yes Tess!), and enjoy a meal at a table with new friends.

VENDOR LOVE:

Event Coordinator: Pineapple Punch Events
Venue: Black Barn Vineyard and Winery
Catering & Beverage: The Moveable Feast Catering
Beauty: The Painted Peacock Salon
Entertainment: DJ Tess
Rentals & Decor, Florals: Ruby Slipper Designs

Frutig Farms Ann Arbor Wedding

Frutig Farms Ann Arbor Wedding

This wedding had a lot of BIG FEELINGS. Big laughs, big cries, big LOVE ya’ll. I’ve been to so many weddings that I can’t count them all anymore, and without fail, my favorites are ones like this. Sure, it’s memorable because it was my first Frutig Farms wedding- gorgeous. It was a stunning Ann Arbor venue, with the best wedding vendors, and the best style… but all of those things are frankly forgettable if you don’t have a couple like Chelsea and Sri. Not to mention their incredible family, but I digress.

Looking through these pictures reminds me of why I’m a wedding photographer in the first place. It’s not about perfection. It’s not about technicality or awards. It’s about that Daddy Daughter First Look. It’s about Sri reading Chelsea’s letter. It’s about that post-ceremony high-five, and the laughter during toasts, and the eye-crinkling grins during the special dances.

That’s why I’m a wedding photographer. That’s what I love.

VENDOR LOVE

Wedding Dress: Beckers Bridal
Forals: Bella Fiori
Hair: Simona Vigh
Makeup: Imagine Beauty Three
Church Venue: St. Francis of Assisi
Reception Venue: Frutig Farms
American Food Catering + Planner: Angel Food Inc.
Indian Food Catering: Shalimar Restaurant
Grooms Suit: Suit Supply
Live Music: Christina Kateri

Coolest Backyard Food Truck Wedding Ever

COOLEST BACKYARD FOOD TRUCK WEDDING EVER

They had me at “Backyard Wedding,” and again at “Food Truck Wedding,” and again with every damn detail of this incredible day. Like, customized masks for guests!?! Ceviche apps and guacamole and a Taco Truck? The details were already amazing, but Rachel and Caitlin’s personalities took this wedding from amazing to one of my all-time favorites.

They had their first look at the airbnb, and afterwards, we did some portraits in the backyard. This was one of those times that I wish I could do a comparison of what the location looked like behind the scenes and what magic we captured in pictures. Sure, the airbnb was pretty, but there were a lot of colorful chairs and lawn furniture and distracting elements in the yard. So, I tucked the couple into an overgrown bush and had them sit on an end table 🤣

What can I say? When it works it works!

By this point, it was time to drive over to the ceremony location at a friend of the couple’s home. Just WOW. Heather from Blushing Designs and Emily from Connolly House Events put on such a cool and classy event. The social distancing was made fun with custom face masks and adorable hand-lettered signage.

But even the stunning decor paled in comparison to the beautiful ceremony officiated by their friend Ashley. Rachel and Caitlin exchanged their vows and I was awestruck by the poetry of their words. I mean, just read them:

I Rachel take you Caitlin to be my wife from this day forward. You strengthen my weaknesses and bring focus to my dreams. You are loyal and full of adventure. Your mind is a rainbow and you walk like champagne- the perfect balance of entertainment and repose. You are the color gold in all of its shades and I walk wholeheartedly into this life with you.

I promise to be faithful and honest,
To treat you with respect and honor you as my wife
To help you be your best self, and forgive you when you are not
To fill our life with warmth and adventure
To chase you up the mountain knowing you will follow me back down
To hold you and be held by you for as long as we live.

I Caitlin take you Rachel to be my wife from this day forward. You strengthen my weaknesses and bring focus to my dreams. You are fierce and tough, beautiful, and strong. Consistently, you prove to be the best protector around. In a land of sweeping sand, you are my solid ground and I walk wholeheartedly into this life with you.

I promise to be faithful and honest,
To treat you with respect and honor you as my wife
To help you be your best self, and forgive you when you are not
To fill our life with warmth and adventure
To pace you up the mountain knowing you will lead me back down.
To hold you and be held by you for as long as we live.

And then… FOOD TRUCK TACO reception!!!! Margaritas were poured, DJ Tess played the jams, and although COVID might have forced Rachel and Caitlin to change their original wedding plans, I’m pretty sure that this backyard food truck wedding will go down in history as one of the best days ever.

Front Porch Chicago Elopement

FRONT PORCH CHICAGO ELOPEMENT

This wedding went from a long weekend on Lake Michigan with Dan and Tina’s closest friends and family to a Chicago elopement on their front steps with an audience of their neighbors and a live stream. And you know what? I think the backup plan was just as beautiful and even more personal.

When I arrived at Dan and Tina’s Logan Square two flat, I realized that this would be the most intimate wedding I’ve ever photographed. This is their HOME. A place full of memories and love notes and things that were so clearly hand-picked not just for aesthetic value, but the meaning behind them.

Normally, when I arrive on a wedding day, even if it’s a small elopement, I photograph the day’s details and all of the personal items of significance. This time, everything felt important.

This wedding went from a long weekend on Lake Michigan with Dan and Tina’s closest friends and family to a Chicago elopement on their front steps with an audience of their neighbors and a live stream. And you know what? I think the backup plan was just as beautiful and even more personal.

When I arrived at Dan and Tina’s Logan Square two flat, I realized that this would be the most intimate wedding I’ve ever photographed. This is their HOME. A place full of memories and love notes and things that were so clearly hand-picked not just for aesthetic value, but the meaning behind them.

Normally, when I arrive on a wedding day, even if it’s a small elopement, I photograph the day’s details and all of the personal items of significance. This time, everything felt important.

Dan got ready in their guest room and enjoyed a glass of Scotch in honor of his best man who couldn’t make it while Tina had hair and makeup finished. When it was time for their first look, they decided to see each other for the first time in the backyard.

As guests began to fill the street, I had Dan and Tina snuggle by the window and take a peek outside. They are so loved.

Who would have thought that eloping on a front porch would be so perfect?

When the ceremony was over, they showed me their favorite spots in Logan Square, Chicago and Humboldt Park. It was cold and windy, and there were a ton of people around, but we had a blast.

My favorite part of the day was when Dan and Tina brought me to their neighbor’s urban garden filled with his art installations. Their neighbor assured me that I was welcome back any time and that there are dance parties every Friday.

And that, my friends, was one of the coolest weddings I’ve ever photographed.

Vendor Love:
Florals: Youth and Yarrow
Dress Designer: Lela Rose