Lush Greenhouse Wedding at the Ivy House | Saugatuck, Michigan | Cameron + Avery

“For there we loved, and where we love is home” —  Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

The word “destination” often has us reaching for our bags and passports, ready to board a plane to wherever our couple desires. As Detroit wedding photographers, “destination” can mean anywhere from downtown Chicago or Detroit to across the country. When we learned that Cameron and Avery’s destination greenhouse wedding would be taking place in our own home state, we jumped at the chance to experience a beautiful destination wedding without the jet lag or airport security. After this wedding day, we now know that this word does not just mean a place. It can mean a person as well. Cameron and Avery have found their “destination” in each other, and this is the story of how the next chapter of their story together begins.

The Morning at Ivy House

After arriving early and spending a few days soaking in the anticipation with friends and family, Cameron and Avery woke up to a morning of warm sunlight and great anticipation. The grounds of Ivy House were already being transformed as Cameron and those closest to her finished the morning preparation. Miles away, Avery and his groomsmen enjoyed a morning of leisure before trading their ball caps for boutonnières. Although they had decided long ago not to see each other before the ceremony, the anticipation was too great for Cameron and Avery to wait.

The Moments Between

Even though the drive over was short and sweet, the moments seemed to elongate and stretch in Avery’s mind. The sights and sounds of the surroundings had faded into obscurity. He stood still in the same glade where his fiancé had stood only moments earlier. Avery’s full attention was focused on the shadow that drew close to his. Suddenly, he felt her hand touch his, igniting a flood of emotion that quickly overwhelmed him. They were finally together. Vows in hand, Cameron and Avery began to share the thoughts and feelings that would forever be kept safe in their memories. Even though they still would have to wait a few more hours to see each other, this little moment was a gift that would make the next few hours seem like seconds.

A Greenhouse Wedding Ceremony

Guests were welcomed to the Ivy House’s grounds, perfectly pristine and prepared for the evening to come. The greenhouse in the heart of the grounds beckoned all to enter. Even though guests were eager for Cameron to make her appearance, it was all too evident that the one most eager to see her stood at the altar. Cameron and Avery softly held hands like they had just moments earlier, finally able gaze into each other’s eyes. The rest of the ceremony seemed to fly by for couple, culminating in celebrations and cheers that echoed through the greenhouse and out in the open air. With the ceremony concluded, guests began touring the cocktail hour space and banquet hall, eager for the festivities ahead.

The Cocktail Hour and Reception

Although the forecast had threatened for the past week, cocktail hour was the picture of perfect “end of summer” weather. The team of Simple Elegance and Ivy House were perfectly prepared both inside and outside to welcome all. Soon, the announcement was made to enter the banquet hall to begin the reception. Before the final rays of sunlight escaped over the horizon, Cameron and Avery slipped outside for one last portrait session together while their guests enjoyed delicious delicacies. Before returning, they rehearsed their first dance, providing a glimpse of the future where the entire room would rise to its feet in celebration. The dance floor was filled from the first song to the announcement that the evening had sadly come to an end. As the last song played and the crowd departed, Cameron and Avery spent one last solitary moment together before leaping out into a shower of sparks and cheers from the crowd.

The Congratulations

Cameron and Avery, it has always been our greatest joy to connect and bond with our destination couples. Sadly, we know that one day, we will have to say a final “goodbye.” To say that you two belong with each other may seem cliche, but anyone who attended your greenhouse wedding day would have to agree that you two have found your perfect “destination” in each other. We have loved witnessing your story unfold and being a part of it as well. Here’s to so many beautiful years as the newest Mr. and Mrs. Hill.

All our best!

J + A

All photos are property of Josh and Andrea Photography LLC.

The Vendors

• Photographer: Josh and Andrea Photography
• Venue: Ivy House
• Planner: Simple Elegance
• Videographer: M Label Media
• Florals: Garden Ground Florals
• Hair Artist: Cheeky Strut
• Makeup Artist: Kosmetics by Katie
• Stationary: YellowBrick Graphics
• Cake Artist: Nantucket Bakery
• Live Band/DJ: Ace DJ
• Catering: Kangaroo Kitchen
• Strings: Meredith Schmidt
• Vintage Car: Chief Noonday Car Park

If you love epic celebrations, you can find another lush wedding celebration here.