I start by saying how lovely Lauren and Seth are the sweetest people and they had the sweetest Botanic Gardens at Historic Barns Park wedding in Traverse City, Michigan. These two Ohio natives (yes, Ohio natives) turned Michigan residents chose the perfect setting for their wedding in the Botanic Gardens at Historic Barns Park. The grounds are not only beautiful, but make for the perfect tented reception site.

Seth and Lauren have been together a long time (since college days at Ohio Wesleyan…another D3 school like I went to!) and have followed each other across the country – Denver, West Virginia and now Michigan. Recreation and the outdoors are so important to them – Lauren works in parks and recreation and Seth works in sports psychology. This made the Botanic Gardens at Historic Barns Park wedding perfect for them.

After meeting Seth and Lauren in person at their engagement session (failed once by rain my gosh!),  I was so very excited for their wedding day. It was my first time away from my son, who was three months old at the time, but very much worth it to capture their day!

We started at a loft space just down the road from the venue, where Lauren’s party was getting ready. Once Lauren put on her absolutely stunning gown – and I was in awe of this gown…it was stunning – we headed to the walled garden at the venue for their first look.

After portraits across the Botanic Gardens, the pair were married on the stone labyrinth  in a very heartfelt, personal ceremony officiated by by Seth’s dad. Then the party truly began! And what a party it was. I don’t think I’ve ever attended a wedding with more people who were truly excited and happy to be there! Maybe it was post pandemic feels or because every person had traveled from somewhere to be there for this wedding, but the energy was truly so so good.

One of my favorite moments was Seth and Lauren’s little first ice cream date – Lauren’s surprise for Seth was a Moomer’s cart! – right after dinner as we went out for a short portrait session.

One of the best things Lauren and Seth did for their wedding was hire an incredible vendor team. I’m still in shock that I got to be a part of that team! From planning and coordination by Kendall from the Revel Rose to the florals from Bittersweet and Co. to the hair and makeup team led by Carlena, everything was literal perfection. A solid vendor team really can’t be beat and I 110% recommend having at the very least a day of coordinator to take the reins on your day.

Seth and Lauren, thank you so much for allowing me to capture this day for you.

Vendors:

venue: Botanic Gardens at Historic Barns Park

planning/coordination: The Revel Rose

floral: Bittersweet & Co.

dj: 2Bays DJs

hmu: Hairpins and Happiness – Carleana Delacruz

catering: Catering by Kelly’s

gown: Alice in Ivory \ Jane Hill – Bridal

rings: The Personal Jeweler c

ake: The Flour Shop – Kelsey Barnes