White Barn Wedding at Etre Farms | St. Joseph, Michigan | Ally + Nick

“In every gathering, in any chance meeting on the street, there is a shine…” — Rumi

A wedding at Etre Farms feels like a wedding at our second home. However, after spending the day with Ally and Nick, our fond feelings towards this white barn wedding venue are now also irrevocably tied to these two beautiful souls. As Detroit wedding photographers, we often find ourselves far from home. When Ally and Nick shared that they had selected Etre Farms, a beautiful venue on the west side of Michigan, the excitement in our household was palpable. Little did we know the gift that had just been given to us. As we look back on the day one last time, we can now appreciate along with Ally and Nick all that happened over the years to make this stunning celebration a reality.   

The Morning at Etre

The emotion of the day started long before the sun rose. A weather forecast decided to play its cruel game of “rain or shine” throughout the week. Thankfully, Ally and Nick woke on Saturday morning to news that the weather might soften its heavy hand and show them some kindness for their white barn wedding. Instead of rooms full of people, Ally and Nick’s getting ready rooms were solely comprised of their closest friends and family. The grand ballroom of Etre welcomed Ally in as her own personal space to prepare for the day ahead. It wasn’t long before she was perfectly prepared to enjoy all that the day had to offer.

The Moments Between

Standing outside, under the shadow of Etre’s shade, Nick’s thoughts drifted inside to the beautiful woman he had waited years for. All at once, it struck him, more clear than any other moment leading up to this day: he was about to marry the love of his life. Suddenly, his mind snapped back to the present; she had arrived. He slowly reached out his hand, only to have it firmly grasped by a hand he knew all too well. She held his hand confidently, not out of fear or nerves, but out of excitement. They shared a few words together before Ally disappeared inside, just as the clouds suddenly took on a new, ominous ambiance. Before long, the footsteps of arriving guests harmonized with the raindrops that started to fall. The ceremony had finally arrived…but so had the storm.

The Ceremony at Etre

Etre’s Garden Bar housed guests as umbrellas and parasols were shared. Everyone waited with hopeful anticipation that the skies would cease their rainy interruption. Ally and Nick believed that they were supposed to be married outside; and in pure faith, chose to wait a few minutes more, hoping for what felt like the impossible. Suddenly, the announcement rang through the air: the ceremony would continue outside, rain or shine. Umbrellas rose in unison as guests stepped out to take their seats. They were all determined to not let the weather ruin this celebration. But then, as Ally began to walk down the aisle, the umbrellas began to drop. The rain, and the clouds that brought them, suddenly started to fade into obscurity. By the time Ally and Nick walked back up the aisle as husband and wife, blue skies started to peek out in the distance.

The Cocktail Hour and Reception

With the gloomy weather behind them, Ally and Nick’s guests spread across the beautiful Etre grounds to enjoy cocktail hour delicacies and a special appearance by Bandit and Benny, the Tipsy Burros. The vendor team Ally and Nick assembled worked in perfect harmony to adapt to the schedule change, allowing the bride and groom to have time greeting their guests before having a few moments together to capture their joy in their first portraits of the day. The invitation to enter the grand ballroom was raised to the crowd, and soon the newest Mr. and Mrs. Mullinax were welcomed into the reception by showers of cheers and fireworks. While the reception slowly transitioned to Etre’s second floor for dancing and late night treats, Ally and Nick stole away for one last portrait session, confidently beating out the rain that had ultimately failed in trying to steal the joy and excitement away from their wedding day.

The Congratulations

Ally and Nick, you two and your wedding day are an inspiration for brides and grooms everywhere. Instead of giving into fear, you both not only stayed calm but you also stayed true to yourselves and what you wanted for your wedding day. You will now have the chance to share the stories of the day for years to come, and when you do, you’ll be able to remember it with confidence and pride. We have so enjoyed spending the last year with you, and we can’t wait for the next chapter of your story to begin.

All our best!

J + A

All photos are property of Josh and Andrea Photography LLC.

The Vendors

Photographer: Josh and Andrea Photography

Venue: Etre Farms

Videographer: SJK Productions

Florals: Etre Farms

Hair Artist: Katie Fay Reflektion Salon

Makeup Artist: Artistry by Tay

Live Band/DJ: DJ Sevven

Catering: Etre Farms

Men’s Suits: The Suit Shop

Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Amsale

Donkeys: Tipsy Burro

Cocktail Hour Strings: Kalhaven Strings

If you love white barn weddings, you can find another Etre wedding celebration here.