Laid-Back Vintage Inspired Blue Dress Barn Wedding, Benton Harbor, MI: Alex + Nick
When I first met with Alex and Nick last year during their initial consultation I knew their upcoming wedding day at The Bue Dress Barn in Benton Harbor, MI was going to be beautiful and most importantly I knew right off the bat that these two would be so much fun to work with! Alex described Nick as one of those people who can strike up a conversation with anyone he meets, and I think she was spot on with that description! As we chatted about their wedding plans and I discussed my approach to wedding photography in more detail, Nick was one of the most inquisitive and enthusiastic grooms I have ever met.
I love when both the bride-to-be and groom attend their meetings with me because I think it says something deeper about the type of relationship that couple shares. To me, I feel that when both are present it shows that both people are invested in the wedding experience, both people want to plan things and make decisions together, and both people just want to be together and around each other! This is relatable to me and my relationship with my boyfriend of 6 years, Scott (who is also my assistant on the wedding day), and how we love doing life together!
I got to know Alex and Nick even better last fall at their engagement session and I could not wait for their destination wedding at the Blue Dress Barn! Alex and Nick both wanted the day to be very laid-back and fun while surrounded by their closest friends and family! Their outdoor ceremony took place at the base of the silos and beneath the ivy-covered trellis'. The afternoon sun was warm as Alex walked down the aisle with her father to Nick's smiling face! The rest of the day Alex and Nick's main goal was to stay together as much as possible (how cute right?!) and to be present on their wedding day!
Alex and Nick - I want to say again how honored I am to have been your wedding photographer and to document this important day for you and your families! I had so much fun with you both and you guys were down for all of my photo suggestions and were incredible to work with! I wish you both happiness, laughter, and amazing adventures together in life!
Love,
Courtney
I hope you enjoy some of my favorites for Alex & Nick's wedding day!
Alex loved the idea of creating a vintage-inspired look for all of the wedding details and I think everything came together beautifully!
The Blue Dress Barn is such a chill place to be and the owners even have the friendliest cat that hangs around ready for pets and cuddles from guests!
Doesn't Alex look gorgeous as she prepares for the ceremony?!
Nick and his groomsmen got ready in the cutest little camper that is affectionately called "Big Blue"!
The ceremony site was so pretty with the ivy-covered trellis and silos and all the greenery surrounding the altar.
Here comes the bride!
Alex's mom couldn't help but shed a few tears as Nick and Alex exchanged marriage vows.
I just love the way that Nick is looking at Alex here! I think in this moment all he could do was admire her and maybe there is a bit of disbelief that - wow we're married!
Nick told me during their engagement session that one of his favorite things about Alex was her eyes and her compassionate heart!
Alex told me that one of her favorite things that she loves about Nick is that he is sensitive to her needs, supports her, and believes in her dreams!
Alex and Nick's naked wedding cake was gorgeous with the simple design, blush roses, and the tiny banner that read, "Mr. and Mrs." in place of a cake topper!
Their first dance as husband and wife was one of the most anticipated moments of Alex and Nick's wedding day!
Everything about this cake was stunning! I loved the unfinished look and the banner so much!
I'm so glad that Alex and Nick scheduled in some time to step away from the party to just be together and unwind a bit. We were able to capture these portraits right at sunset when the lighting was soft and dreamy!
These two were just so much fun and both are goofy - just like me! Ha!
I think this one is my favorite!!! I love both of their expressions.
As the night came to an end, I suggested we try to get one more creative shot and I'm so glad that Alex and Nick trusted my vision for these shots! - even though I'm sure I sounded a little crazy telling them I'd be going outside . . . into the weeds to grab one last end-of-the-night shot . . . in the pitch black darkness!
Many (many) thanks to the talented team who were a part of creating this beautiful wedding:
Venue: The Blue Dress Barn, Benton Harbor, MI
Wedding Dress from: Darling Brides Showcase & Tuxedos
DJ Entertainment: TJ Suchock of Grand Rapids DJ
Cake: Friend of the Bride
Catering: Adeline Leigh Catering
Photobooth: Fast Booth
Bridesmaids Dresses from: David's Bridal
Groom and Groomsmen Attire from: Men's Wearhouse
Invitations: Vista Print
Photographer: Courtney Carolyn Photography
(Also a special shout out to my amazing assistant, Scott! Your help and patience are always a blessing to me!)
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Meet Courtney
Welcome to the CCP Blog! I'm Courtney Carolyn a wedding photographer based just outside of Detroit, Michigan. I hope you grab a cup of coffee and enjoy viewing my latest work, reading up on resources for brides, and getting a little peek into my life! I'm so excited you stopped by! Read more about me . . .
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