Floral-Infused Wedding in a Forest | Clarkston, Michigan | Julia + Chad

“In your light I learn how to love.” — Rumi

To experience a wedding day at Shepherd’s Hollow is a profound blessing. However, to experience Julia and Chad’s floral-laden celebration was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity, both for their guests and also for ourselves as Detroit wedding photographers. The grand design envisioned by Ines and Marie Designs was executed with an elegant touch by the team at 21 Jane Events, culminating in a wedding day that friends and family alike will be talking about and remembering for years to come!

Getting Ready at The Townsend Hotel

With the planning finally behind them, Julia and Chad awoke to the bustling sounds of the streets of Birmingham Michigan, ready to experience the day ahead of them. Julia received the treatment of a princess as she prepared for the day with her friends and family by her side. Her Lee Petra Grebenau gown “Estelle” was perfection incarnate, and with the invaluable bridal assistance of Sarah Kolis, Julia could not have had a more pleasant wedding morning. Merely a floor below, Chad and his closest of friends finished their preparations for the day ahead, as they reminisced through the stories and good times they had experienced with Chad throughout their lives.

The Station at Shepherd’s Hollow

Julia always felt a natural pull towards the setting of Shepherd’s Hollow, so it seemed only fitting that the first time she would see her future husband would be nestled in a tiny pathway in the midst of the pine forest that surrounded the venue. Instead of sharing their vows publicly, Julia and Chad opted to share their deepest feelings and thoughts with each other privately; a beautiful contrast to the day ahead as they were soon joined by their friends for portraits before slipping inside to prepare for the afternoon to come. A last surprise awaited them inside, as the design team had perfectly created the reception space of Julia’s dreams before the ceremony so she could take it all in before departing for the ceremony.

The Ceremony and Cocktail Hour

The officiant’s voice floated across the stone pavilion as he welcomed all to the incredible occasion before them. Julia and Chad exchanged their rings, and before they knew it, they were walking back up the steps they had walked down moments earlier, except this time, they walked back up together. Both the indoor and outdoor spaces at Shepherd’s Hollow were made available to guests, as the sunlight continued to sparkle and dance through the trees, creating an ambiance that only nature could provide. As the MC made the proper announcement to invite all to their seats, the guests milled in with drinks in hand, ready to witness all that the evening had to offer.

The Reception at Shepherd’s Hollow

With everyone seated, the evening could finally commence with the most delicious food provided by the incredible staff of Shepherd’s Hollow. Rather than postpone the festivities til later in the evening, traditional elements like the speeches and the cake were moved to the beginning of the reception, allowing all the time to thoroughly enjoy the meal prepared for them. Before the last formalities of the evening, Julia and Chad slipped outside for one last moment together, to raise a glass and make a toast between the two of them to the long and happy life ahead of them.

The Congratulations 

Julia and Chad, from walking into your hotel room to our final hug under the awning outside of Shepherd’s Hollow, we truly enjoyed every moment we were able to spend with you on your wedding day. Both of your lives separately have impacted this world for the better, and we only know that impact will grow now that you have come together as husband and wife. May the color that blanketed your wedding be a foreshadowing of the beauty you experience in this life together.

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: 21 Jane Events
• Videographer: Visual Reflection Video
• Wedding Dress: Lee Petra Grebenau
• Florals: Ines & Marie
• Hair Artist: Face by Nertila
• Makeup Artist: Face by Nertila
• The Shoes: Loeffler Randall
• Stationary: Lee’s Paperie
• Cake Artist: Sweet Heather Anne
• Live Band/DJ: Michael’s Entertainment
• Catering: Shepherd’s Hollow
• Men’s Suits: Manno Clothing and Tailoring | Men’s Wearhouse
• Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Azazie
• Bridal Stylist: Sarah Kolis Designs
• Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Ambiance: Star String Quartet

If you are searching for more weddings with elaborate florals, you can find another color-filled wedding here.