John & Katy — A Spring Barn Wedding Up North
A spring barn wedding up north in Johannesburg, Michigan — sunshine, hype girls, homemade cake, and golden-hour portraits to remember.
There's something about a barn wedding up north in springtime, and John and Katy's day had all of it. They said their vows at a family friend's barn — a space lovingly transformed into the perfect venue to host their wedding.
A gamble on the weather
Spring up north is a bit of a guessing game: chilly, mild, or hot — you never really know what you're going to get. The couple was hoping for mild and ended up with hot! Mid-80s and sunshine as far as you could see. Warm, sure, but a whole lot better than the cold alternative.
Morning with the girls
I spent the morning with the girls as they got ready, and I have to say — Katy has one incredible friend group. They supported her so well and were her true hype girls all day long. Before the ceremony we worked through bridal portraits, bridesmaid photos, and the bride with her siblings and parents, plus all the detail shots: the dress, the rings, the bouquets, the ceremony site, and the reception hall.
The ceremony
The ceremony went flawlessly — from vowing their lives to one another, to the exchanging of rings, to that first kiss and the moment they were pronounced husband and wife. Man, I love everything about weddings. The whole bridal party made epic entrances, and right after John and Katy came in, they cut into a beautiful homemade cake.
Cake, speeches, and a packed dance floor
The speeches were something special. I'm pretty sure the bride's father had all of us — myself included — tearing up, while the groom's father had the whole room laughing. After dinner, the dance floor stayed packed the entire night. Bubble guns and Polaroid cameras were a huge hit with everyone.
Golden-hour portraits
As the sun softened, John and Katy slipped out for a few couple portraits, and they were simply magical. This is easily one of my favorite parts of any wedding — a quiet minute to step back, take in the day, and soak up time with your new husband or wife in a more intimate way. A night to remember, without a doubt.
Congratulations, John and Katy — thank you for letting me tell the story of your day.