Intimate Garden Wedding South Haven Michigan | Marissa & Harrison
Birch & Belle had the honor of photographing Harrison and Marissa’s intimate backyard wedding on Lake Michigan this past Saturday. The weather was perfect, sunshine with a gentle breeze.
We arrived at The Inn at Hawks Head where the couple was getting ready in separate rooms. The Inn was beautiful with unique rooms and a fancy restaurant downstairs. Marissa’s room had tons of space, and the showstopper was the large windows that looked out onto the forest that surrounded the resort. Her amazing makeup was by Abigail's Beauty Corner and gorgeous hair was by Emmazing Hair!
Marissa’s dress from B. Ella Bridal in Plymouth, MI had an elegant deep v neckline with a lace bodice and flowy skirt. Her flowers from Bouquet's By Stacy were amazing with white and lavender colors! Her bridesmaids wore elegant navy dresses. Harrison wore a light gray suit with a maroon bowtie as did his two groomsmen!
Marissa wanted to have a first look with her bridesmaids, her father, and her soon-to-be husband. We started with her bridesmaids. We put them at the bottom of the stairs and as her girls turned to look at her, she was descending the stairs. They all hugged and shed a tear or two. Next it was dad’s turn. We set him up outside under an arbor. Marissa walked to him and touched his shoulder. He turned to look at her and was speechless. Such a pretty bride! Before we left the golf resort, we did a little photo session with Harrison and his groomsmen with Harrison’s baby, his red Cobra Mustang.
Once we arrived at the ceremony space which was overlooking the beautiful Lake Michigan, we set up Harrison in the trees next to the ceremony sight. Marissa walked up to him, and he turned to look at his beautiful bride. It was a special moment. He reassured her and calmed her while she did the same for him. Very touching. The ceremony was short and sweet with about 20 people.
We walked back to the reception which was being held in the backyard of Marissa’s family’s lake house. Their backyard was like a garden oasis with flowers everywhere, small fountains, flowering trees, and a nice balcony that overlooked the side of the yard. They had set up a white tent in the backyard and had a small patio with string lights for dancing and a bar. Everything was set up perfectly!
The food was delicious by Catered Creations! We had chicken with a yummy cream sauce, roasted vegetables, salad, and mashed potatoes. For dessert there was an assortment of pastries from Papa Joe's Market and red velvet cake from Hall Street Bakery. So good! The bartender was great to work with! He made amazing drinks, and he even made a signature drink for Marissa which was delicious and refreshing! Everyone ended up calling it “The Marissa”!
For their first dance we brought a bubble gun to add to the photo's during the dances. It was so pretty and fun! Pro-tip: Use bubbles at your wedding! You won’t be disappointed! After their dance everyone then joined them on the dance floor and started the party!
A little while later we took the bride and groom to North Beach in South Haven for some sunset beach photos. SO worth it!
Congratulations Marissa and Harrison, your wedding was simply amazing! We wish you guys the absolute best for your future together!