Mary and Tanner are the kind of couple who make you remember why you love what you do. Kind, empathetic, genuine—the type of people who moved from Colorado to Michigan a few years ago and immediately fell in love with the outdoors here.
They adore their dogs, value their people, and wanted a wedding day that reflected all of that—which is exactly why they planned their Michigan micro-wedding at Mary’s aunt and uncle’s house nestled in a hillside of Brooklyn.
With the river running behind it, greenery surrounding them, and the people who matter most, saying “I do” became one of the most intimate and memorable moments of their relationship, and I had the pleasure of capturing it on film as their wedding photographer.
Mary & Tanner are one of the couples I’ve had the pleasure of being their engagement photographer, too! You can see all the photos from their engagement session in Watkins Lake State Park & Preserve in Brooklyn, Michigan here!
Getting Ready in the Hillside of Brooklyn, Michigan
They took the morning slow; Mary got ready with her bridesmaids, and the whole morning felt relaxed. She was able to spend time with her close friends and have a moment with her family before walking down the aisle.
I’ve attended a lot of weddings—although not nearly as many in Brooklyn as I’d like, more so in Sleeping Bear Dunes and Glen Arbor—and this one was so much more relaxed in the preparation.
The First Look: Walking Down the Aisle at Their Intimate Wedding
Mary and Tanner decided against a traditional first look, which meant the ceremony was the moment they’d see each other for the first time that day. I love when couples choose what feels right for them.
When Tanner saw Mary walking toward him, his whole face changed. The emotion, the way he couldn’t take his eyes off her—those are the moments that make documentary wedding photography so meaningful. I wasn’t directing anything. I was just there to witness it.
The ceremony took place right on the property, with trees starting to show early hints of autumn.
Why One Location Works So Well for Michigan Micro Weddings
Here’s something I don’t think gets talked about enough—having your entire wedding (and all your wedding photos) in one location.
Getting ready, ceremony, portraits, reception—all on the same property. No rushing between venues, no stress about timing or traffic. You get more time to be present and enjoy the time with the person you love and the people you’ve invited to celebrate with you.
It also meant we could use different parts of the property for portraits without feeling rushed. If you’re planning a Michigan micro wedding and you have access to a meaningful private property, I can’t recommend this approach enough.
If you’re not sure of a good, intimate wedding venue for your micro-wedding or elopement in Northern or Southeast Michigan, I’d love to share my favorites!
Editorial and Candid Moments with the Bride and Groom in Their Family’s Brooklyn Backyard
After the ceremony, we wandered around for their wedding portraits. Mary and Tanner are so natural together—they didn’t need much, if any, direction.
We got some editorial shots that feel polished and timeless, but my favorite moments were the candid ones.
The real laughter, the way Tanner looked at Mary, the way they were both so happy and excited to start this chapter of their lives together.
Family Wedding Photos in Their Brooklyn Backyard
After the couple’s portraits, we gathered everyone for family photos! This went so much smoother because Mary and Tanner had a clear list prepared ahead of time—something I always recommend.
When you know exactly which groupings you want, family photos take fifteen minutes instead of an hour (giving you more time to enjoy your own micro-wedding).
An Outdoor Reception in Southeast Michigan
The reception was set up in an outdoor tent, and you could immediately feel how close this family is.
Their first dance really got me. You could see how intentional they were about that moment—how present, how connected. It wasn’t performative, it was very much just for them!
And then the dance floor opened up and everyone joined in. From younger kids to the older members of the family, everyone danced and just had fun.
I was also able to get so many close family photos, and while I usually recommend working off a list,
That’s what a Michigan micro wedding is really about.
What Luxury Really Means When You’re Planning Your Wedding
I think a lot of people hear “luxury wedding” and picture something big and extravagant. But Mary and Tanner’s day proved that real luxury is about intention and investing in what actually matters to you.
They chose a property with sentimental value and an experience where they could genuinely enjoy their wedding instead of just getting through it. That’s luxury rooted in meaning.
Planning Your Michigan Micro-Wedding
Whether you’re thinking about a backyard celebration or just a wedding where you can actually be present with your people—I’d love to help make it happen.
Mary and Tanner’s day is a perfect example of what becomes possible when you choose intention over expectation. If that resonates with you, reach out.
You can also check out some helpful planning resources below!
Planning a Michigan Micro Wedding? Here Are Some Helpful Links:
💍 How to Plan a Michigan Wedding
🌿 Outdoor Wedding Decor in Michigan
🏡 Best Small Wedding Ceremony Sites in Michigan
👗 The Best Wedding Dress Shops in Michigan
📅 When to Book Wedding Vendors for a Michigan Wedding
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