“Do you remember the 21st night of September?” – Earth, Wind & Fire
Katie and Chris’s wedding on September 21st was a day that will be etched in everyone’s hearts. What started as a warm, sunny day—a surprising heatwave for late September in Michigan—turned into a night full of love, joy, and unforgettable memories. Their wedding wasn’t just a celebration; it was a journey through a little escape of a wonderland that had it all: a beautiful getting-ready house, a cozy cocktail hour building, a serene outdoor ceremony, and a grand, rustic barn for the reception.
From the moment I met Katie and Chris, I knew their wedding would be something special. They’re the kind of couple that radiates positivity and warmth—a perfect match, not just for each other, but for their family and friends, too. As the day unfolded, it was clear that everyone there shared in the happiness these two created together.
The Day Begins: A Picture of Elegance and Love
The morning started with excitement and laughter as Katie and her bridal party got ready in a charming house on the property. The natural beauty of the venue, set against a backdrop of late-summer greens and golden tones, matched the vibe of the day. Katie looked stunning in her gown, embodying effortless beauty and grace. Chris, equally dashing, was calm and collected, ready to marry his best friend.
Before the ceremony, Katie and Chris shared a private “first look.” It wasn’t just any first look; it came with a sweet twist—no kisses allowed! This small, playful rule added an extra layer of anticipation and emotion, making the moment even more special. The way they looked at each other during those first few moments, though—no words or kisses were needed. You could see the love in their eyes and feel the joy between them.
The Ceremony: Emotion and Nature in Perfect Harmony
As the guests arrived, they were welcomed by the refreshing breeze and the natural beauty of the outdoor ceremony space. Surrounded by the gentle hues of sage greens and the golden afternoon sunlight, Katie and Chris exchanged heartfelt vows in front of their closest family and friends. It was a touching and emotional ceremony, made even more special by the support of their bridal party, who cheered them on every step of the way.
The bridal party truly embodied what it means to be a couple’s biggest supporters. They were a lively and loving group, hyping Katie and Chris up at every moment. Whether it was during the pre-ceremony preparations, the emotional walk down the aisle, or the joyful recessional, their energy was contagious, keeping the vibe fun and full of love.
Parents on both sides shared in the joy. It was impossible to miss the looks of pure pride on their faces, and by the time Katie and Chris said “I do,” there wasn’t a dry eye in the audience. The combination of happy tears, laughter, and love made the ceremony feel intimate and deeply personal, even in such a grand setting.
The Reception: Drinks, Dancing, and Timeless Memories
After the ceremony, the celebration moved to the cocktail hour, where guests enjoyed refreshing drinks to cool down from the September heat. The cocktail building provided a perfect space for guests to mingle and relax before heading to the barn for the main event. One of the day’s highlights was the creative old-school telephone guest book—a nostalgic, vintage touch that allowed guests to leave personal messages for Katie and Chris. It added a fun and unique twist that fit perfectly with the couple’s vibe. Guests were laughing and smiling as they recorded heartfelt messages that will surely become cherished memories for years to come.
As the evening settled in, the barn became the heart of the celebration. Bathed in the soft glow of moody candles, the space was breathtaking. The sage green and gold color palette continued to flow through the décor, adding an elegant yet rustic charm. Katie and Chris had created an atmosphere where their guests could truly feel at home, and the barn provided the perfect canvas for a night of celebration.
Dinner was a delicious feast, and once the music started, the party kicked off in full swing. From the first dance to the last song, the dance floor was packed. Katie and Chris were surrounded by their friends and family, dancing and celebrating their love under the twinkle of lights strung across the barn ceiling.
The couple’s energy and love for one another were contagious. It was clear that this wasn’t just a wedding—it was the beginning of an incredible journey for two people who are deeply in love. Their happiness was mirrored by everyone in attendance, making it feel like one big, joyful family affair.
A Perfect Ending to a Beautiful Day
As the night wore on, it became evident that this was a day no one would forget. Katie and Chris’s wedding was a true celebration of love, full of beautiful moments, laughter, and tears of joy. Their story was told in every detail, from the sage greens and gold accents to the sentimental first look and the endless celebration in the barn.
To Katie and Chris, thank you for letting me be part of your special day. It was truly an honor to witness and help create such a magical event. Your love for each other is an inspiration, and I wish you nothing but the best as you begin this exciting new chapter of your lives.
To those reading, remember to hold onto the little moments—those are the ones that make the biggest impact. And never forget the joy of dancing the night away with the people you love!
And even though their honeymoon took an unexpected turn when they had to evacuate from Florida on the very first day, that didn’t stop Katie and Chris! They embraced the challenge with the same love and positive energy that filled their wedding day. No matter the obstacles, they continue to face everything together—always finding a way to make the best of every moment, just as they did on their wedding day.
Their love story is a reminder that even when life throws unexpected challenges, love and resilience shine through.
XO
Venue – High Point Farms https://highpointfarmevents.com/#1
Photographer – Samantha Radca https://www.instagram.com/samiijophotography/
DJ – Jeff Kelley
Caterer – Gravity Smoke House https://www.gravitysmokehouse.com
2nd Caterer – Commonwealth https://commonwealthcommerce.com/ccc-catering/
Valet – Zak Baklau
Bar Servie – Courtney Trowbridge