Color-Filled Wedding at a Golf Course | Clarkston, Michigan | Ashley + Ryan

“The earth laughs in flowers.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Our conversations on the way home from photographing weddings often circle around the joy we felt emanated from our couple throughout the day. “Ashley was just…glowing today,” Andrea shared as she reminisced the day that had just concluded. It seemed destined for Ashley and Ryan to weave the motif of florals throughout the day, from the vibrant inspiration shared with their guests down to the subtle nods to florals in the groomsmen’s attire. At the center of a day flooded with florals stood a couple that carried a joyful spirit with them throughout the entire day of their Shepherd’s Hollow wedding.

The Daxton Hotel

Far from the preparations at Shepherd’s Hollow, Ashley and Ryan selected the Daxton Hotel as the space for their friends and family to prepare for the upcoming celebration. Instead of getting ready in cramped spaces and dark hallways, the Daxton provided beautiful, sun-filled spaces for the couple to prepare for the day ahead. Ashley, in her Berta Couture gown, stole the words from anyone who caught a glimpse, culminating in the tender moment when Ryan, speechless as well, was finally able to see his bride for the first time.

The Station at Shepherd’s Hollow

After a petite portrait session, Ashley and Ryan boarded the bus bound for their Shepherd’s Hollow wedding. The tall pines welcomed the couple along with their bridal party and beckoned them to the back porch for portraits. Bathed in radiant light, the marbled back halls of Shepherd’s Hollow glowed, creating a stunning moment for Ashley and Ryan. As guests began to arrive, they were welcomed by the magnificent glass structure of the Station at Shepherd’s Hollow and ushered to the center of the front patio to await to ceremony with eager anticipation.

The Ceremony and Cocktail Hour

There was not a cloud to be found as Ashley was escorted by her father down the grandiose staircase and into the arms of her fiancé. Their officiant shared stories from the past as he welcomed everyone into their story thus far, and shouts rose from the crowd as Ashley and Ryan strolled back past the fountain and up the stairs into the most magical of dips as a perfect capstone to the ceremony. While family gathered for a few portraits, guests were encouraged to explore the grounds and enjoy the exquisite design of the reception space, thanks to the hard work and elevated vision of the incredible teams at Fear No More Events and Jen House Design. Ashley and Ryan mingled throughout the cocktail hour, encountering relationships both old and new, who were excited to share their well-wishes for the stunning couple.

The Reception at Shepherd’s Hollow

The waning sun and the tree line began to converge as guests were ushered back to their seats for the evening celebrations to begin. While good food and fabulous drinks were shared in the Station, Ashley and Ryan stole outside for a few moments together on a stroll where an extraordinary sunset waited to bless them with its final rays before turning in for the evening. Back at the venue, music roared through the pines, announcing to the world that the celebration of Ashley and Ryan had only just begun.

The Congratulations

Ashley and Ryan, it’s not often that our couples have their engagement shoots so close to their wedding days, but when it happens, it feels like the wedding day hits our emotions in an especially meaningful way. The laughter, the joy, and the life you bring to life is beautiful, and it is something that this world desperately needs. We are such fans of you two and the story you have written so far, and we hope that your life together is blessed with many long, beautiful chapters to come.

All our best!

J + A

All photos are property of Josh and Andrea Photography LLC.

The Vendors

• Photographer: Josh and Andrea Photography
• Venue: Shepherd’s Hollow
• Planner: Fear No More Events
• Videographer: Trifoot Productions
• Wedding Dress: LuxeRedux Bridal Salon | Berta
• Florals: Jen House Design
• Hair Artist: The Beauty Gals
• Makeup Artist: The Beauty Gals
• The Shoes: Jimmy Choo
• Stationary: Invitations by Caitlin
• Cake Artist: Cakes by Stephanie
• Live Band/DJ: Michael’s Entertainment
• Catering: Shepherd’s Hollow
• Men’s Suits: State and Liberty
• Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Azazie

If Ashley and Ryan’s wedding inspires you, you can find another beautiful wedding at Shepherd’s Hollow here.