September is one of my favorite months for weddings—especially outdoors! The weather cools down, beaches clear out, and fall weddings lend themselves to so many rich and vibrant color choices! When Michele+John decided to host their ultra-relaxed and intimate wedding at Mill Creek Barns on September 25th, I knew it was going to be fantastic. They are a laid back and super sweet couple, and I could tell from their first email that I was going to enjoy working with them!
We plan a lot of beach weddings throughout the summer, but September is my favorite month for lake shore nuptials! With kids back in school, the beaches are deserted and we are able to have a pristine, beach go-er free backdrop for ceremonies on Lake Michigan! Michele+John had a beautiful ceremony, with beautiful crashing waves, and despite just a bit of chilliness, it was an absolutely gorgeous afternoon! Guests were greeted with baskets of flip flops so they could slip off their formal shoes before hopping in the sand and Michele’s dress….absolutely gorgeous! Instead of a unity candle or sand ceremony, they planted a rosemary bush, adding soil and water from vintage blue mason jars, symbolizing the love they will nurture and help to grow.
After the ceremony, guests headed over to Mill Creek Barns where they were greeted with passed h’ors dourves, lemonade and iced tea, hot cider , delicious apple donuts and old-fashioned yard games like croquet and bocce ball! Vintage blue mason jars filled with bright and cheery sunflowers adorned the tables, and guests were given tiny glass jars filled with orange, yellow and green chocolate-covered sunflower seeds. A vintage window pain strung with twine and clothespins held “wishes” from guests…so many adorable details
Friends and family enjoyed a delicious family-style meal before dancing the evening away and enjoying a lovely bonifre. All of these lovely photos were captured by Amy Carroll (who we were so excited to get a chance to work with!) and you can see many, many more on her blog!
Michele+John, thanks for letting us be a part of your special day—it was a personal and beautiful day and we were so happy to be there!
