Wedding Planning

I have helped people coordinate the day of their wedding for about 15 years now.  When my daughter proposed to get married, I thought it would be very interesting to see what my customers have to accomplish from start to finish.   Word of mouth and advice was a great way to start. I started by reading some of my other blog posts that brides so willingly helped share some of their advice from their planning. You can find a few of the blog posts here: 2023 or  2022

I knew the venue was usually the hardest place to book as they filled up fast.  Luckily, we had plenty of time to plan this wedding with a two-year engagement!   Shelby and Jameson began to tour local venues such as The Trillium, Post Family Farm, Windmill Island, The Little Red Barn of Nunica

THE VENUE

They were interested in staying local to where we live so we didn’t check out any Grand Rapids venues and toured the lakeshore.   After touring several spots they chose The Little Red Barn of Nunica.

THE LITTLE RED BARN OF NUNICA

They chose this spot because the owners seemed to care about them and their wedding.  We felt welcomed and important.   They also allow you to be on the property for the weekend.   This is extremely helpful because it takes away the need to have a wedding planner/coordinator.  We could set up on Friday and clean up on Sunday.   There are many reasons to hire a planner, but with the knowledge I have from attending so many weddings,  the coordinating of set up and clean up were my main concerns. Those concerns were eliminated by the ability to have the weekend.

Benefits to The Little Red Barn

Some other benefits to the TLRB are they do provide you with a selection of decorations, if interested.  We used some of them: such as wood logs centerpieces, little stringed lights, signs, she has much, much more.

I am thankful the barn had tables and chairs, but you do need your own linens.  We bought them on Amazon and borrowed them. The owners provide you with all the sizes needed.  I was able to resell the ones that I bought for a little bit less than I bought.  It was cheaper than renting them. Linens can be a handful.  I also recommend having a big steam iron. We just borrowed one, but I provided an example.   One of the bridesmaids steamed Friday while we laid them out and decorated them.  It was a good process.

They have rooms for the bride and groom to get ready in the morning with plenty of space and outlets.  The boys have yard games to play and video games in the room.

Provided at the barn are a freezer and a refrigerator.   The freezer can hold 8-10 bags of ice or so.  Another thing to keep in mind when you have a barn wedding is you have to bring in your owndrinking water.  The bartenders can do this as well, but it is cheaper to bring it yourself. We bought big jugs like this BPA plastic jug. 

You can bring your own drinks into the barn. This also is a big money saver.  We shopped at Sam’s Club, Walmart, and Aldi.  The bartender you hire will help you with this as you decide on a menu.

With outdoor weddings in Michigan, you always have to worry about the weather. This was not my favorite part.  The weather was windy that day, but we were really fortunate, with no rain and overall a comfortable temperature.   She does have a large tent for the deck, and the sides can go up for weather conditions.   In over 400 weddings I have photographed,  the weather never stopped the event from happening. It always works out.

If you choose The Little Red Barn for your wedding, I learned a little tip from being there a few times. Rooms are divided. Some of the people in the tent cannot see the speeches. To solve this, we asked the videographer to run a 100ft HDMI cord to a TV in the tent. We were able to stream the speeches live on the screen so the people in the tent could see as well.

The outdoor ceremony needs an efficient sound system as well. You want to be sure that the mics can hear the bride and groom speak.  It is also beneficial for the officiant to share the plans after the wedding even the details if there are bubbles that you would like used for the recessional.

Owners are always onsite if you need them. We were constantly changing the sides due to the wind. When the wind died down we were able to have them up for the rest of the night, and they were always there to help.  Another tip that I had to learn later is they will not eat unless invited. I wish I would have invited them to eat!   They are wonderful people.

The Little Red Barn was a wonderful setting for a wedding and the owners are a big help to The Process of Planning a Michigan Wedding. Everything was fantastic and went so well.  Please look back for Part 2 The Dress on The Process of Planning a Wedding in Michigan.

Michigan offers so many beautiful venues. I have been to so many over the years.   We have such a beautiful area in all seasons.

Here are just a few of the images from the wedding. I hope to share many more as I share more about the planning process.

The post The Process of Planning a Michigan Wedding: Part 1 The Venue by Jamie May Photography appeared first on Jamie May Photography.

The Insta, Prayerful, Fairy Tale Wedding

When I sit down to write a blog, I never know what I am going to talk about so I title this blog  to describe the day.   We walked into a very friendly environment, with the groom’s mom giving us a hug, she lives in Mackinaw and we got some warm Mackinaw Island hospitality!  She was so sweet. In addition, Madison’s mom is so sweet…!

Prior to the wedding, I was given a pretty detailed list from the bride, who is blogger, Insta- lady! And the groom, who is a Insta-guy!  It was a little intimidating! Instantly I was relieved of this pressure.  Even though, I know the bride had spent hours and hours, organizing her day, she was relaxed and calm.

How to have a successful day…

To have a successful Instagram wedding, I noticed she had put someone in charge of all the content and organization of the day.   Her maid of honor was running the show and making sure all details were in place to assure what needed to be done.  In addition, this alleviated the bride whom had NO PRESSURE because she was in good hands with a like-minded friend, who knew her goals.  Many friends and family surrounding them, were helping the process.

There are more ‘product’ details then normal because this is a part of having an ‘Insta-wedding.’

The videographers, there was three of them, they were awesome.  Something that sets them apart is they edit as they go, so at the end of the night the a mini-clip is displayed at the end of the night.

The Venue

Wedding location was a place in Charlevoix, Michigan at Shanahans Barn.  Check out my blog post about the pros to one wedding venues, here

Getting ready happened in two locations, girls and boys got ready separately.  A blind-fold groom and groomsmen, came together for prayer.   It was fun and exciting trying to keep the bride and groom from the reveal to soon!

After we headed to the venue for game time.  A first look with her dad, before he walked her down the aisle, was a must.   Filled with love for Jesus, the ceremony was beautiful and thought provoking.

Christ-Centered

Jesus is important to them. For example, Christ-centered focus,  there were many times where more than one were gathered praying around the couple. They also did a feet washing, as Jesus did for his disciples.

Speeches were about this, the family was about Jesus and it was a repeated theme throughout the day.  Guest activities included a Bible out for people to highlight verses that were dear to them. I appreciate that they are all so open about their faith and also share that in their everyday lives on social media and with real relationships.

FairyTale

Many times I heard Madison say this is going to be her FairyTale day, or something along that. Insta, Prayerful, Fairytale day, accomplished!  Relaxed, kept a smile and joy in their hearts, the couple looked like they were in a fairytale.   Tears of joy and hope and love, even the sun would hit the right spot at the right time.  The barn weddings bring in some cool, sun rays to give it a mystical mood.   Her dress was beautiful!

Conclusion

In my opinion, this couple is ‘Professional Social Media folk’!  They know what they are doing and make it look easy, and it isn’t; a ton of work goes into promoting small businesses and influencing people.  I love that they constantly share their faith to the masses.  This day was a mix of it all, but still keeping the day about them and their love and happiness.  You can tell they are crazy for each other and a true fit.

I am going to let the pictures do the rest of the talking. Honored to share in such a unique wedding day, thankful for the opportunity to capture all they had hoped for.

For more weddings and tips, check out www.jamiemay.com/blog

Vendor List

Videographer: Ingalls

Venue: Shanahans Barn, Michigan

DJ: MInightout

Food: Catering by Kellys

Harpist: Sylvia Norris

Chairs: Sweet Seats

Colors: Navy, blush and white

Bridal Party: 14

Theme: Rustic, Christ-Centered

The post The Insta, Prayerful, Fairytale Wedding appeared first on Jamie May Photography.

Melissa’s family hired us based on a wedding we did six year prior. We sat by them at a reception during dinner.  They were so sweet to remember us and to call. I was so flattered and thankful.  Melissa and Kyle had a packed party. You can tell this couple is well loved.  There was a lot of laughing and dancing. Wishing you many more hunting and fishing years together!!!  xoxoxox

How to have an successful Engagement Session with a professional photographer:

1. I alway recommend bringing props to have in your engagement session that may represent who you are and what you love as a couple.  For example, Melissa and Kyle love to hunt and fish together.  I love that they brought a pole and signage that represents a characteristic/hobby that they share.

2.  You don’t have to dress exactly the same. I love variety. Look at a palette that you may like.  They picked orange and blues and then did a clothes change with red and black. I think up to four colors can be successful if done right.

3.  Bring poses you like. If you want to put a little elbow grease into the session, feel free to pin a few pictures poses that you love and we can accomplish them

4. Have fun. This is a great chance to get familiar with the camera and have fun. You can get a great blend of romantic, traditional and creative because we have the time.

A Wedding Photographer point of view of the Hitching Post Wedding Venue:

The Hitching Post Facts:

• On-site props and backgrounds. I like that there is a lot of variety on site.  You don’t have to go anywhere and you have barns, and fields, animals, farm equipment, rustic texture, etc… Lots of options
•  Indoor or Outdoor ceremony site. I do prefer the outdoor location, but in a bind at least you have back up
• Everything at one spot! I love this. It reduces stress by a lot!
• Budget friendly. I think it is pretty reasonable in cost
• The barn inside is very nice.

What could improve at the Hitching Post

They could take care of their grounds a little better, it is not horrible, but it is very rustic. Weeds in the cement cracks and worn down parking lot.

It’s a barn, so it can be hot if a humid August day.

Overall, it is a very nice venue and am always happy to be a wedding photographer there!  I have been there on a great day and a rainy day, and I equally love the wedding pictures.

To learn more about pricing for Jamie May Photography, click here

The post Hitching Post Wedding Photographer | Jamie May Photography appeared first on Jamie May Photography.

Melissa and Brian got married! I love when I get a referral from a previous client and get to see the whole crew all over again! In addition, I love these ladies. I have had so much fun getting to know them better and join with them in their celebrations!!!

This was the first time I have been to the Hitching Post. It is a very cute location for a wedding, what is a bonus about this space is they have a rain back up inside, a little chapel.  Also, I appreciate when everything is at one location and their is so much beauty around us for pictures.   I am so happy for you both, Melissa and Brian. Wishing you many more happy years!!!
To learn more about Jamie May Photography’s pricing, click here

The post Hitching Post Weddings | Jamie May Photography appeared first on Jamie May Photography.