Kristen + David | Gorgeous Garden Wedding | Dow Gardens | Midland, MI

As the first windmill came into view, the memories from Kristen and David’s engagement shoot flooded back into our minds. That evening, full of laughter and light, was an absolute dream from beginning to end; and as we made our way back to Midland for their wedding at Dow Gardens, we knew that this day was going to be stunning from beginning to end! From the beautiful Midland Country Club to a ceremony nestled at the heart of Dow Gardens, Kristen and David’s day was filled with little moments of beauty and joy with both their friends and family!

The lush, cool shade of Dow Gardens made it easy to see why Kristen and David had decided to have their wedding ceremony nestled next to the stream running through the length of the gardens. Kristen picked their first look location specifically for the intimacy of the pathway and once they saw each other for the first time, we knew that our hardest struggle of the day was going to be holding back the tears whenever the two of them looked at each other. If that wasn’t enough, Kristen’s brother-in-law serenaded the two on his guitar during their first look, completing one of the most beautiful first looks we’ve witnessed! As a grand finale, the leaves captured the light in such a natural way during their ceremony that when Kristen and David celebrated with their first kiss, the trees literally became a living “halo” around them!

However, the evening was just getting started and the Midland Country Club was primed and ready to host and entertain all of Kristen and David’s friends and family! As the beautiful scenery sprawled in the background, Kristen and David shared all kinds of moments throughout the evening, like romantically twirling through the first dance as husband and wife or almost crying from laughing so hard during David’s brother’s speeches! The sun was perfectly placed for our golden hour portraits, and we were yet again thrilled that Kristen and David had decided to take a few minutes for those last few photos on their wedding day! As soon as we entered back into the reception, the dancing and celebration kicked into high gear and these two newlyweds danced their hearts out!

Kristen and David, we just absolutely love the two of you. From our first meeting on Zoom, to the engagement shoot, and now that your wedding is over and you two are married, we have truly loved every minute we’ve spent with you! Rarely do we meet a couple that has so many things in common and in all honesty, you two challenge us to be more adventuresome and to pursue the absolute best out of life! We are so thrilled to have met you, connected with you, and now to have celebrated with you! Here’s to the Reif”s! (And Sage too! 😉 All our best!

J + A