Matthaei Botanical Gardens Wedding | Amanda & Brett | Ann Arbor
I am so excited to share Amanda and Brett’s BEAUTIFUL Wedding today! It was held at one of my favorite venues in Ann Arbor, MI – the University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Amanda and Brett are so much fun, I LOVED getting to know them during their Brewery & Baseball Engagement Session! I was anticipating this wedding so much, I was so excited when the day came and I got to celebrate with these two and their family and friends!
Our day started at Weber’s Hotel in Ann Arbor. The ONE thing that I was super nervous about for this wedding was that it was a Game Day for the Wolverines – and traffic in Ann Arbor can be such a nightmare on game days! BUT it was a sign that the day was going to be PERFECT when I arrived without having to fight any traffic at all! The bridal suite at Weber’s has an amazing little private patio that made for the perfect place to capture all of the ladies’ details. I am OBSESSED with Amanda’s dress – the silhouette and lace detail were GORGEOUS.
One of the things I loved most about Amanda & Brett’s day was that they made it so personal to them! There were so many details throughout the day that held special meaning – but one of my favorites was the necklace that Amanda designed using her mom’s original diamonds. Amanda also had a handkerchief from her grandmother, and gave personalized gifts to Brett and her dad.
Details and moments like these are one of the reasons I love capturing the “getting ready” part of the day!
After Amanda’s bridesmaids helped her into her dress and shoes, and her mom put on her beautiful custom necklace, it was time to head to the ceremony! There is no ceremony decor needed when you are getting married at a venue as naturally beautiful as Matthaei Botanical Gardens!
Have you ever heard of an Anniversary Box Ceremony?! I’ve been to more than a few weddings in my day – this was a first for me, and I LOVED it! You lock away love letters to each other and a bottle of your favorite beverage! If you are looking for an alternative to a unity candle, sand ceremony, etc…I definitely suggest considering this ceremony! It was just one more thing about Amanda & Brett’s day that was unique and meaningful to them <3
After the ceremony and family portraits, I was able to steal Amanda & Brett away for a little alone time. This is my FAVORITE part of the wedding day. The day goes by so fast, it is a top priority for me to be able to give the gift of some quiet time away from all the people and things to do…a few moments to just BE and soak in the fact that you are now HUSBAND AND WIFE! I think it’s safe to say that Amanda and Brett were pretty excited about it too!
After some alone time we hopped on the party bus with the rest of the wedding party and headed to Nichols Arboretum and Island Park – Ann Arbor has so many beautiful outdoor locations for photos!
Before heading into the reception at Weber’s Atrium, we were able to take advantage of the fact that their guests hadn’t made their way out onto the Patio yet – and Amanda & Brett were able to enjoy their His & Hers Cocktails!
Of course attention to detail was not spared at their reception! If you didn’t already know, I’m a huge fan of succulents – I loved the way Amanda incorporated them into her reception decor and her cake
Amanda and Brett, I could go on and on about all the things I loved about capturing you wedding day – there is so much more that I haven’t even mentioned here (like the emotional MOH’s speech, how delicious your cake was, or your amazing DJ that kept the dance floor full)! Thank you for letting me share your special day with you and your loved ones, and for trusting me to preserve your memories! May your marriage and life continue to be blessed – I can’t wait to go through life with you two as your Forever Photographer!
Bride’s Dress Boutique: Gina’s Bridal Boutique
Hair & Makeup Artist: Brie Artistry
Florist: Hearts & Flowers
Ceremony Venue: Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Reception Venue, Catering & Bakery: Weber’s
DJ: Mid Michigan DJs
