Black Barn Vineyard & Winery WEDDING IN SOUTHERN MICHIGAN

Courtney & Anthony

We're welcoming back two familiar faces, Courtney and Anthony! You may recognize them from a previous blog all about their engagement session. If you haven't read that yet, then go ahead and do that here!

getting ready

Courtney and Anthony both were getting ready at the Courtyard Marriot in Jackson, Michigan. Now normally when you decide to get ready at a hotel the bride and groom are given suites. For Courtney and her bridesmaids however, they were able to spice things up and were given the entire conference room to get ready in. While I don't know if this is something you need to pay extra for or not, it is definitely something to consider when you're looking for plenty of space to get ready. Courtney looked absolutely stunning with her Hollywood glamour hair and really was the epitome of beauty. Her entire wedding day look seriously took my breath away.

Shortly after spending time with the gals, I went upstairs and met up with Anthony and his groomsmen. There we spent some time hanging out and of course appreciating the amazing bolo tie that Anthony got to wear. While to many of you this may seem insignificant, it was one way that Anthony was able to express himself on his wedding day and truly make it his own.

Black barn vineyard & winery

Once everyone was prepped and ready to go, we made our way to their venue, Black Barn Vineyard and Winery! This beautiful wedding venue is located on 16 acres of beautiful landscape that is sure to make any wedding day breathtaking. If you're a wine fan then you're definitely going to need to check out this venue. Some of the amazing amenities included when you book your wedding at Black Barn Vineyard & Winery are:

Two onsite dressing rooms
Farmhouse tables & wooden chairs
Month-Of Planning Services with our Onsite Coordinator and Assistant
Three scenic outdoor ceremony locations
Use of golf carts (weather permitting - for photography purposes)
Table & napkin linens
Use of 30’ x 40’ Tent (April - October only)
7 Patio heaters and propane
Gas fire table
and more!

To see more of the amenities included at Black Barn Vineyard & Winery, click here! If you're ready to bite the bullet and inquire about hosting your wedding there, inquire here!

FIRST LOOK

Once we all arrived at the venue, it was time for Courtney and Anthony to meet by this beautiful willow tree outside for their first look. A first look is a great option for couples who are wanting to have some more intimacy and privacy on a rather hectic and busy day. Your first look can also be a great opportunity for you to read your vows to each other, especially if you're feeling a bit nervous reading them during the ceremony.

Now let me tell you guys... this first look was VERY emotional. It's during these moments that I am so grateful that I pack tissues in my wedding day fanny pack for all of my couples. Make sure if you think that you're going to cry (or just in case) to put on some waterproof mascara. This will save you - trust me.

PORTRAITS

For Courtney and Anthony's portraits it was only right to have the "star" of the show, their pup Murphy, join in. Fun fact, Murphy has his own IG account so if you want to go ahead and check that out, click here! Let's just say that Murphy came dressed to impress - LOL. Since the venue has such beautiful landscaping, it wasn't hard to find some perfect backdrops for Courtney and Anthony's wedding portraits.

It wasn't long until their wedding party joined us outside for some full wedding party portraits. Now when it comes to taking wedding party portraits, the larger the wedding party the seemingly more difficult it is to navigate. However, my biggest tip is to always listen to the photographer. Your wedding photographer is there to guide you, pose you and make sure that you are lookin' SNATCHED.

VINEYARD WEDDING CEREMONY

When it came time for the ceremony, we trekked our way to the middle of the vineyard where the ceremony was to take place. Wedding guests arrived and were seated awaiting the couple to arrive for this beautiful ceremony in front of the large oak tree. Anthony's family member was playing the bagpipes in traditional Scottish attire as Courtney walked down the aisle. For all of you Outlander fans, this may be music to your ears. To get a taste of what we all witnessed that day, just click here!

As Courtney walked down the aisle of course the tears started to pour. Everyone was so incredibly emotional and especially as Courtney's dad gave her off to Anthony, he said in her ear, "bye baby" which made everyone instantly start crying. It was a moment that still tears me up to this day and I don't think I'll ever forget.

BBQ FOOD + SPARKLER EXITS

After an emotional ceremony, it was time for everyone to let loose for the reception! The reception was filled with a ton of great dancing, cigar smoking, some amazing food from Red Rock Barbecue and of course a grand sparkler exit to end the night. When it comes to grand exits, specifically with sparklers, I always recommend getting the longer sparklers. Sometimes to get that picture perfect shot, the couple may need to exit 2 or 3 times. Having shorter sparklers may cause for some of your wedding guests to fizzle out before all of the photos are done. So to be on the safe side, always get the long sparklers!

Courtney and Anthony were such an amazing couple and I truly feel amazed and honored to have captured their special day. Over the months of wedding planning and getting to know each other, I really am able to develop a deep connection with my couples which I am eternally grateful for. Congratulations Courtney & Anthony and I'm wishing you a lifetime of happiness!

If you’re loving this Summer Wedding at Black Barn Vineyard & Winery, then maybe you should check out this blog here!

Photos By Gayle does more than just take photos of people. Rather, it is capturing moments of LOVE and HAPPINESS. Singing to the skies, dancing in a field, smiles that hurt because they’re so big. There is nothing else I would rather be doing than photographing these unique details that make you and your significant other a couple. If these photos from Courtney & Anthony's session puts a spark in you, you know where to click <——— right there!