Modern Black and White Wedding at a Golf Course | Clarkston, Michigan | Kara + Ryan

“Mariage pluvieux, mariage heureux” – A French Proverb

Rain carries a lot of emotion on a wedding day. For our couples, it brings an air of uncertainty; a “random element” that tends to put plans to the test. As wedding photographers, it takes the normal flow of our inspiration and diverts it into new and unique directions. Some would bemoan rain on a wedding day, but for Kara and Ryan, their Shepherd’s Hollow wedding experience on a rainy Saturday in Michigan perfectly displays the beauty in the French Proverb shared above: “Rainy Wedding, Happy Wedding.”

Getting Ready at Shepherd’s Hollow

The laughter of the bridal party could be heard throughout the halls of Shepherd’s Hollow as Kara and her friends spent the morning preparing for whatever the day had planned for them, whether that be rain or shine. Nothing was going to dampen the excitement Kara felt as she slipped into her dress “Emory” with the help of her mother, already expectant that come rain or shine, she would soon see the man she would spend the rest of her life with. Across town, Ryan spent a few, final moments of stillness before the day began, thinking back on everything that has brought him to this point.

First Look + Portraits at Shepherd’s Hollow

Under an awning in a private corner of Shepherd’s Hollow, Ryan stood ready, unsure if his heart could take the wait to see his fiancé. However, when the moment came, it was Kara whose tears hit the ground first, as they both held each other close as the rain danced just beyond their reach. After some portraits together, Kara and Ryan rejoined their friends inside the venue, ready to celebrate with the ones who had watched their story from near and far.

Shepherd’s Hollow Wedding Ceremony

With rain still tempting an untimely appearance, the ceremony was finally moved inside, and as we look back, it could not have been a more perfect decision. The light cascading through the windows lit up the entire space and the glass and steel structure created a once in a lifetime experience for Kara and Ryan’s guests. And yet, while everyone took in the incredible ambiance, the two at the front of the crowd were in their own, beautiful world, sharing vows and rings in a public display of the love that took away the breath of everyone present. As if on cue, the rain decided to depart, allowing for guests to enjoy a full cocktail hour experience both inside “the Station” at Shepherd’s Hollow and outside on the spacious veranda. Unique design and floral elements by Alyssa Amez and Fleur and Bloom respectively set Kara and Ryan’s experience apart from any other Shepherd’s Hollow wedding.

Shepherd’s Hollow Wedding Reception

Amidst the beautiful traditions of cutting the cake and dances, Kara and Ryan were now able to take a step back and take in the last 12 hours of beauty. Even from across the room, any guest could see that throughout the evening, Kara and Ryan were experiencing their wedding day to the fullest, from the first, intimate moments on the dance floor, to the electric entrance of Kara as she stole the show with her second dress reveal of the evening. As we left the celebration, we turned back to see Kara and Ryan in the very middle of the dance floor, the rain a distant memory and a life full of beauty in front of them.

The Congratulations

Kara and Ryan, you two are truly an inspiration to brides and grooms everywhere. As wedding photographers, we have had the opportunity to see how couples react when things do not go “according to plan” and many struggle with truly “going with the flow.” Throughout the day, we heard you share the same sentiment again and again, ‘We are getting married, that’s what will be important,” and if we had one wish, we would make it so that every couple of ours could live and breathe that sentiment for their wedding day as well. You both are incredible, and it is truly bitter sweet for us that this is goodbye for now.

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
• Wedding Dress: Luxe Redux Private Label
• Florals: Fleur and Bloom
• Hair Artist: Makeup loft
• Makeup Artist: Makeup loft
• The Shoes: Dolce vita
• Stationary: The Knot
• Cake Artist: Sweet Heather Anne
• Live Band/DJ: Michaels entertainment
• Catering: Shepherds Hollow
• Men’s Suits: Men’s warehouse
• Bridesmaid’s Attire: Birdy Grey
• Decor + Signage: Alyssa Amez Design

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