DIY Michigan Barn Wedding: Emily + Tyler

bride and groom in a corn field

After starting down the traditional road of wedding planning, Emily + Tyler were beginning to realize that the wedding they were planning simply didn’t feel like ‘them’. They decided to make a total 180, and together they began the process of crafting a day that was relaxed, fun, and full of details that were reflective of their relationship. Once they threw all caution to the wind and started to trust their instincts, their dream wedding really began to take shape!

Admittedly breakfast fanatics, they chose to serve their guests delicious brunch fare and even hired a coffee cart to whip up specialty coffee drinks. For the music, they chose songs Tyler serenaded Emily with while their were dating as well as songs off of their fave movie soundtracks. The two of them spent weeks collecting vintage furniture pieces to decorate the rustic barn so it would feel cozy + unique. Every detail included meant something and all of their hard work DIY-ing virtually everything definitely paid off. Their day was not only extremely beautiful, but it looked like it was a total blast, too!

Big thanks to Caroline + Jayden of Woodnote Photography for the lovely photography and to Emily + Tyler, congratulations on a day that was exactly as you always wanted! :)

first look

Woodnote Photography

first look

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

flower crown

bride and groom


Loving Emily’s sweet flower crown, which she handcrafted along with her fabric flower bouquet.

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

bridesmaids


The 11 bridesmaids all chose their own dresses in pretty pastel shades. And Tyler’s crew of groomsmen picked their own attire, too, going for a mix of pieces in neutral hues. The end result was a perfectly mismatched + relaxed look for the bridal party!

groomsmen

wedding party

barn

musicians

ceremony programs

ceremony

ceremony

ceremony

ceremony

ceremony


Emily purchased an adorable $15 (!!) dress from Charlotte Russe  for three reasons: so she would be 100% comfortable all day, so she could really dance at the reception – and, most importantly, so she could sprint back up the aisle with her new hubby and her bridal party once she and Tyler were pronounced husband + wife! Such a fun ceremony exit!!

ceremony

ceremony

ceremony

bride and groom

mug favors

barn entrance

guest book


They chose to service donuts in lieu of wedding cake to keep with their fun brunch theme. I’m sure their guests were thrilled — the donuts look so good!

donut cake

barn reception

first dance

first dance


And their sweet wedding film by Cling & Peck :)

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Short engagements are worth it. (Ours was less than 3 months! We got engaged on May 3rd, and married on August 2nd.) Longer engagements don’t guarantee having everything you want (or having less conflict) and having a short one doesn’t mean you have an awful wedding.

On the day of your wedding, soak in every moment. Our first look and first dance were both incredibly sweet and precious because someone told me to cherish the experience and not worry about anything else. I remember closing my eyes during the first dance, forgetting everyone was looking at me and just thinking of how much I love Tyler. It made it less like a performance and made it into a really sweet memory.

photography: Caroline + Jayden of Woodnote Photography // venue name: Hidden Vineyard, Berrien Springs, Michigan // florals: DIY by Emily // hair stylist: DIY by Emily // makeup artist: DIY by Emily // videography: Cling & Peck // paper goods: Wedding programs designed by Emma Cline (one of the bridesmaids) // catering: Caitlin's Catering // emily's dress: Charlotte Russe // emily's shoes: Goodwill // emily's jewelry: her Grandma's // tyler's suit: J.Crew, Goodwill // tyler's shoes: he found them abandoned in an old house // groomsmen's suits: chosen individually // bridesmaid's gows: chosen individually // wedding favors: mugs from Goodwill

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