Jess + Chris | Charming, Elegant Wedding | Black River Barn | South Haven, MI
The shadow of Black River Barn created the perfect setting for their first time seeing each other. He strolled around the corner and stood with his back to where she would be entering from, smiling as he thought about seeing her for the first time. Her gorgeous dress flowed in the wind as she rounded the corner and took her final steps towards him, before stopping and calling out his name. He turned, and for just a moment, time seemed to stand still as they hugged and kissed each other for the first time on their wedding day. It was the perfect start to the Jess and Chris' wedding day, and we are beyond thrilled that we got to spend it with them!
This was the second time that we got to meet up with Jess and Chris in South Haven, although last time it was for their engagement shoot! However, as soon as we saw them at the venue, it was like they had never left Michigan and we immediately started catching up! Jess and Chris' style and personalities flow into everything that they do, from traveling around the US in their RV to enjoying the finer things of life in whatever town they happen to stop in! However, Jess knew that even though she had her pick of any place in America to get married, Michigan was the only choice for them! Although the forecast had mentioned thunderstorms for the last few days, South Haven came to the rescue and the day ended up being perfectly sunny for their ceremony, allowing their guests to enjoy both the inside AND outside of Black River Barn's beautiful grounds!
We've known the Black River Barn venue since it broke ground a few years ago, and the fact that we finally got to shoot our first wedding there this past weekend makes us feel like our story there has finally come full circle! All the memories of shooting their first indoor photos came flooding back to us, but this time, we got to see how a couple like Jess and Chris were able to take this beautiful space and add their own vision to the indoor and outdoor spaces! Jess and Chris' guests were treated to the full BRB experience with the comfy outdoor space and the live band playing for cocktail hour, both inside and outside on Black River Barn's expansive patio! Elaborate florals adorned each of the tables for the reception and as the dancing started, the room filled with beautiful live music, signaling to everyone that the party was just getting started!
Jess and Chris, when we think of you two, we think back to the beautiful stories that were shared during your ceremony and how they so perfectly describe who you are, both as individuals and now as husband and wife. You two balance each other out so well, and as we saw both of you enter your wedding day, we could see little moments where each of you drew out the best in the other. Marriage is such a special gift and adventure, and we can't think of two people better equipped to set out on another new "adventure" than you two! You both are loved and we are so happy for you both! All our best!
J + A
JESS AND CHRIS' WEDDING TEAM
- Venue: Black River Barn
- Videographer: AIMshir Productions
- Wedding Planner: Alaina Hoekwater - All Buttoned Up Events
- Wedding Dress: Brilliant Bridal Las Vegas
- Elaborate Florals: Gail Vander Laan
- Hair/Makeup: The Pretty Committee
- Cake Artist: Soulard's
- Live Band/DJ: The Blue Water Kings Band
- Catering: CLI Catering
- Men's Suits: Mens Warehouse
- Bridesmaid's Dresses: Birdy Grey
- Your Shoes: Badgley Mishka and Stuart Weitzman
- Photo Booth: Smittenbooth
- Party Bus Shuttle Service: Lim-OH
