A BLIZZARD Happened During This Winter Wedding in Michigan!

Winter wedding in Michigan

Morgan and Justin’s love story is one straight out of a Hallmark movie. Between their meet-cute on a hike in the Grand Canyon, to their eventual wedding ceremony in the middle of a blizzard, Justin and Morgan are simply meant to be. Their wedding was much like their relationship: adventurous, raw, and always classic. 

Connolly House Events helped bring the couple’s vision of a dramatic, romantic wedding to life. Both Justin and Morgan were heavily involved in the planning, exactly as you would hope! Justin was very passionate about ensuring a dark and sexy vibe, while Morgan envisioned lighter and brighter elements. Together, the two created a wedding based on the contrast between light and dark. A perfect metaphor for their personalities! Photographer Emma Quinn expertly captured this exact energy in their photos, and the couple will forever be grateful. Let’s get into this amazing wedding!

Winter Wonderland

black bridesmaid dresses

Before the ceremony began, the wedding party gathered to take pictures in the snowy forest. Black and white were the colors of the evening, and these girls rocked their black bridesmaids dresses!

Bride in the snow

My ceremony dress was from Rita Vinieris’ Classics Collection and I found it at The Wedding Shoppe in Berkeley, Michigan. I explained exactly what I wanted, and it was the first dress [the consultant] showed me. Once we saw it, all my friends and I were like, “It’s a wrap!!!!!” One of my longtime friends from home actually sent me a photo that looked exactly like it the day of, and then BOOM, we found the same one. It was 100% silk and I totally went swimming in a blizzard of slush in it!

red rose anemone bouquet

Morgan’s bouquet by Studio Terrain was the perfect winter floral combination. The moody red and black tones look amazing against the white dress and snow!

snowy first look

Snowy first look

Justin and Morgan shared the absolute sweetest first look in the snowy woods. The joy on their faces is what makes weddings so worthwhile!

Winter Snow Michigan Wedding

Winter Snow Michigan Wedding

We love classic elegance. Think the Kennedys, but with a Marilyn Monroe wild side. On the outside, Justin seems like a huge tough guy, but he is a natural creative and a lot of our décor and color scheme came from him.

Blizzard of Love

Circular wedding arch with roses

This AH-MAZING ceremony display was created in the middle of the snowstorm, and by the looks of it, you would never even know! If you look closely, you can see a small blanket of snow on top of the beautiful roses. Now that is truly special.

Winter Snow Michigan Wedding

When it became evident that the snow would impact the ceremony, Morgan and Justin were asked if they wanted to move the ceremony inside. In response she said,

NO way, this is going to be so much fun! It was like a blizzard, and then all our favorite people in the world were there.

Bride walking down the aisle in snow

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Spiegel im Spiegel by Arvo Pärt

Recessional: Violin Concerto in D, Op. 77: III Allegro Giocoso, Ma Non Troppo Vivace

First Dance: I Only Have Eyes For You by The Flamingos

Winter Snow Michigan Wedding

Bride and groom saying vows in the snow

The couple said their vows to one another under a blanket of snow – and love!

Winter Snow Michigan Wedding

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Definitely walking down the aisle and being in what felt like a Hallmark movie. My future husband was waiting in tears, the man who BAPTISED me was our pastor and I saw the glimmer of tears of joy in his eyes, and my dress was SOAKED and I was FREEZING and it felt like a real adventure, which is my favorite. I loved what the whole moment said about our marriage: we don’t want to be comfortable. We want to be inspired and experience life in a way that chills our bones and awakens our souls.

Winter Snow Michigan Wedding

Congrats to the newly pronounced husband and wife!

Wedding ceremony in the snow

A Romance for the Ages

Winter Snow Michigan Wedding

Many of the guests for Justin and Morgan’s wedding were military personnel. Many branches were represented, from Navy SEALs, to Green Berets, and even the Department of Defense! The couple was filled with immense joy that these special (and extremely busy!) people were able to come from all over the world to celebrate their love.

Winter Snow Michigan Wedding

Winter Snow Michigan Wedding

Black and red wedding reception table

Tons of personal elements flooded the wedding, one of which was custom-made knives inscribed with their wedding date, names, and favorite bible verse. Morgan also ordered matchboxes made to look exactly like the ones her parents had at their wedding. These sentimental touches are so important to tie into your wedding!

Winter Snow Michigan Wedding

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Be yourself and say 'thank you' all day long. As for planning, meet with vendors through Zoom or a phone call to see if they fit with not only your style, but also your vibe. Weddings are an investment, and we feel grateful that we had a team of people who truly felt like family by the end of the wedding. Also, not everything will be perfect, just like life. And that is okay. Embrace the imperfection and let it give you joy!

Congratulations to Justin and Morgan! Your wedding day was truly exceptional, and we wish you a lifetime of happiness!

Love the idea of a winter wedding? See more of our favorite winter weddings here.

photography: Emma Quinn Photography // venue name: Shepherds Hallow Gold Course, Clarkston, Michigan, USA // event design: Connolly House Events // planning: Connolly House Events // florals: Studio Terrain // wedding dress: Rita Vinieris // wedding dress boutique: The Wedding Shoppe // reception dress: Sarah Seven

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