Michelle + Kevin | White Barn Wedding at Etre Farms | St. Joseph, MI

August 23, 2024

Weddings

The storm had finally subsided. Clouds parted to reveal the hidden sun as the atmosphere around Etre Farms seemed to snap to attention as everyone began to prepare for the day ahead. As Michelle and her friends began to get ready for the joyful day, Bentley, her precious pup, sat quietly in the corner, simply taking in the morning’s events. Suddenly, he felt a sense of need and immediately stood up to find the one person whom he felt perfectly safe with. He quickly found her, but now she was dressed in pure white. Puzzled, Bentley walked over amidst the gaze of others to softly lie down on the white dress, perfectly content to simply be in Michelle’s presence, not knowing that this day would be the beginning of a beautiful new season of life.

As the morning slowly turned into the afternoon, final preparations began to take place. While Michelle’s bridesmaids finished the morning with final touches on hair and makeup in their bridal suite, Kevin and his groomsmen were able to enjoy the excitement of a European futbol game in Etre’s own dedicated groom’s suite. Bentley, Michelle’s dog was more than a welcome guest at Etre and could always be seen throughout the day with either Michelle or Kevin, whoever was less busy at the moment. After getting dressed and a final approval from Bentley, Michelle departed to the shade of Etre’s “swing tree,” where she and Kevin not only were able to see each other for the first time, but were also able to share their thoughts and feelings of the day and their relationship through hand-written vows. Instead of risking inclement weather for the ceremony, Michelle and Kevin opted to enjoy and utilize Etre’s upstairs ceremony space, which still easily welcomed in each and everyone of their guests. In order to honor their guest’s time and travel, Michelle and Kevin opted for a first look to complete their portraits ahead of the ceremony in order to “make sure that we can be fully present for our guests during cocktail hour.” That same intentionality went into the design the reception space, as Michelle’s request for vibrant color literally popped off of the tables as their guests entered Etre’s grand ballroom. Before joining the dance floor after dinner, Michelle and Kevin stole outside for a private cake cutting and champagne tower. With the sun setting in the background and Bentley proudly by their side, Michelle and Kevin entered their reception one last time as the dance floor called.

Michelle and Kevin, thank you so much for not only welcoming us into your city during your engagement session and your wedding day, but also welcoming us into your lives! The laughter and love we saw from the first moment you saw each other to the ceremony and beyond clearly tell the story of two people who simply couldn’t wait to say “I do.” We are thrilled that Bentley finally has an official dad, and we could not be more thrilled for the three of you! Enjoy this beautiful, new life that you two have now created, as both of the lives you’ve separately built have finally come together in a beautiful tapestry of friends, family, and lots of love from Bentley.

All our best!

J + A