Hayley + Hank

#hmk2
October 21st, 2022

Getting Ready

Hayley and Hank were married on October 21st, 2022 at The Gathering Barn, in Allegan Michigan. The cutest venue for a wedding filled with rustic charm, which is exactly what Hayley + Hank said they were aiming for; rustic charm, with lots of woodworking and greenery.

The Gathering also has amazing photo-op locations! The videographers, the second shooter and I were, as the owners of the space said, like kids in a candy shop. Everywhere we looked the light was gorgeous and the backdrop was adorable. My favorite might have been the cute fireplace area, with the green chairs that I just had to use for all of Hayley's details.

The details were all so perfectly curated and personalized for the couple's day. I about melted when Hayley told me that the handwritten message to Hayley from Hank on the bottom of her shoe was their 'something blue' since it was written in blue sharpie. How stinking cute is that?!

Florals: Sola Wood Flowers
Gown: Beckers Bridal

First, First Look

First, First Look. Yes! First looks can be more than just the lucky lovers getting married! It can be a First Look with your parents, grandparents, or wedding party, I've even heard of doing First Looks with pets too! (An idea that I'm super here for, just want to put that out there!)

Hayley's First, First Look was with her Dad. It was such a special moment, the hug they shared after her Dad turned around to see Hayley in her wedding dress for the first time was filled with so much love. They seemed to just radiate happiness.

Hayley + Hank have tons of love around them, surrounded by lots of family and friends that were essentially family too. In the questionnaires we had leading up to their wedding day, the couple answered often by saying, "basically family" about their favorite people. So it makes sense that we made sure to document the moments with all their family. Doing the First, First Look, gave us a little extra time to capture more family photos. It was a heartwarming experience just to be able to witness all the bonds and connections Hayley + Hank have with their people. ♥

Hayley + Hank's First Look

Then it was time for Hayley + Hank's First Look. Another First Look that had a hug that emitted an energy that everyone around could feel.

Hayley was able to give Hank the tie clip that was made special for their big day, and show Hank how her wedding dress was made for twirling.

Ain't No Party Like The Wedding Party

After the First Looks and portraits, we gathered Hayley + Hank's Party People (wedding party) and took advantage of all those gorgeous photo-op spots at The Gathering.

Their Party People were all about having fun with Hayley + Hank! Every exchange between them seeming to be followed by happy tears or big laughs.

Ceremony

Hayley + Hank's ceremony, yet another part of their day that held some seriously powerful emotions in all the best ways.

The ceremony was officiated by Hayley's Uncle. There's just something so great about having someone close to you officially marry you to your best friend. Hayley's Uncle led the couple through their vows, braiding of chords, and a prayer circle.

The Gathering Chapel, where Hayley + Hank had their ceremony take place has a bell that once they're officially announced married they can ring! Hayley + Hank proudly rang the bell before heading off to continue enjoying their big day.

Reception In The Barn

The reception was held inside the barn. It was filled with warm, cozy tones and all the woodworking the couple hoped for!

They had the cutest personalized cups on each table and the table numbers were listed on wine bottoms. The wine bottles also doubled almost as guest books too! They added a tag to each bottle that said, "Thank you for celebrating with us! This bottle is for our anniversary, please sign it so we can sip and think of you!".

After speeches, dinner by Smokehouse Porter, desserts, and lots of dancing, we ended our night with a sparkler exit! The wind made us all feel a little bit like we might catch on fire, but it was so worth it!

A fun fact about exits!
Grand Exits on wedding days don't always mean that you leave afterward. A lot of time it's just a fun photo opportunity to do with your guests before your photographer leaves.