Caitalyn and Spencer wed in a timeless and classic ceremony at Fernwood Botanical Garden. Their day was full of personal touches and lots of laughs!
We’ve been in eager anticipation of Spencer and Caitalyn’s Fernwood Botanical Garden wedding since their engagement session last spring! Would it be too cliche to say it was worth the wait? 😉 Spencer proposed to Caitalyn in January 2020, but as world events unfolded they opted to plan for a 2022 wedding with hopes of bringing together family and friends from all over Michigan.
My favorite weddings are the ones that leave me smiling as I edit their images, write their blog, and design their album – and this was a perfect example. I found myself remembering shared conversations and inside jokes, and rediscovering hidden moments throughout their day. Enjoy!
Getting Ready at Fernwood Botanical Garden
Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve sits on 105 acres of cultivated and natural areas along the scenic St. Joseph River valley. This was our first time in southwest Michigan and we loved the lush, rolling hills. As she sat inside prepping with her sisters and friends, Caitalyn reminisced about all the times her family had come to Fernwood when she was growing up.
Caitalyn got ready at the Summer House, tucked away towards the back of the property. It was an overcast, humid day but Caitalyn commented how thankful she was that it wasn’t 90 degrees like it had been for most of the week!
Spencer proposed to Caitalyn with a family diamond, and Caitalyn selected a new setting for the stone. It’s the perfect blend of old and new, honoring family as they start their new life together.
The Boxwood Garden was the perfect fairy tale setting for Caitalyn to finish getting ready with her bridesmaids! The hedges created a quiet setting tucked away from tourists who walked the paths nearby. I also loved the layering of old stone benches!
First Look with Spencer and Caitalyn & Portraits
A first look is a private moment for couples to see each other prior to the wedding ceremony.
My favorite part is seeing the groom’s face when he finally sees his bride!
We did bridal party portraits after Spencer and Caitalyn’s first look in case it rained later. It did start to sprinkle during this time, but it stopped pretty quickly! I loved the variety of pastel blues Caitalyn’s bridesmaids wore.
Wedding Ceremony At The Herb Garden On The Green
Because of the threat of rain, while Caitalyn and Spencer were getting ready Fernwood staff had asked them to decide whether to hold their ceremony as planned or move it indoors. Despite being two hours ahead of time, Spencer and Caitalyn opted to continue with an outdoor ceremony. There was a plethora of umbrellas available if needed, but as the ceremony time grew closer the weather was still holding off!
Caitalyn’s father walked her down the aisle as Spencer beamed from the altar. Their officiant Keith shared how Spencer and Caitalyn met at freshman orientation at Michigan Tech, and have been together ever since.
I loved this secret moment as Caitalyn signed the wedding certificate!
Wedding Reception at Orchard Hills Country Club
After an incredible spread of duck, pork, and sides Caitalyn and Spencer shared their first dance to Perfect by Ed Sheeran. The lyrics were sweet and perfect as they swayed together softly.
Darling, just kiss me slow
Your heart is all I own
And in your eyes, you’re holding mine
Caitalyn’s father-daughter dance was to I Loved Her First by Heartland.
Spencer’s mother-son dance was to Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles. There were lots of smiles as Spencer spun his mom around the room!
After this the dance floor opened up and the party started! We love watching everyone laugh and have a good time.
In closing –
Spencer and Caitalyn, thank you for inviting us to be a part of your Fernwood Botanical Garden wedding. It’s been an honor to get to know the two of you over the last year. We can’t wait to hear about your amazing adventures all over the Keweenaw and internationally in the years to come!
Southwest Michigan Wedding Vendors:
Photography Enjoy the VU Photography LLC
Ceremony Venue Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve
Reception & Catering Orchard Hills Country Club
Hair & Makeup Salon Rouge
Dress A Bride’s Choice UP
Bridesmaids dresses AZAZIE
Cake C’est La Vie Cakes
Ring Laiti Jewelers
DJ & Lighting DPM Events
Officiant My Sacred Ceremony
What an insanely beautiful day!! I loved all of the blue accents throughout the day and even that a lot of the guests wore blue. Her ring, the details, their foreheads together during the ceremony – I feel like I was there. So gorgeous (: