A Vineyard Wedding in Northern Michigan Full of Fall Foliage and Scottish Flair

Ashley + Scott both adore the Fall. The colors. The foliage. The chill in the air. Each of them grew up in parts of the country where the changing leaves really put on a show each year. When they began planning their wedding they needed no more inspiration than that. 

Ashley, a professor, and Scott, a software engineer, set an October 2022 wedding date at Brengman Brothers, a winery in Traverse City, Michigan, and alongside planners from Fall In Love Events they created an outdoor occasion full of romantic autumnal touches. 

Woven throughout the day were Scottish details: Ashley’s shall. Bagpipes. All meaningful tributes to Ashley’s late father and his Scottish heritage. 

Kay Marie Photography was there to document the day’s chilly and charming excitement. 

Let’s take a look at the Fall festivities!!

Metallic gold accents add a glamorous touch to these invites from Minted. Also, how clever are those Venn diagram save the dates?! What a fun way for Ashley + Scott’s guests to learn more about them as a couple. Check out our faves from Minted if you’re in need of some more save-the-date inspo.

These hand-painted wedding Converse are wearable works of art.

Check out this cute embroidered pair if you’ve got custom hightop envy.

Ashley went with this beautiful off-the-shoulder lace gown from Grace Loves Lace because of all the gowns she tried on she felt most herself in this one. And then there was the added bonus of it being super comfortable! A tip, though, from this bride who typically doesn’t opt for a strapless look: prioritize fit and alterations so you don’t feel like you have to keep pulling it up all night!

The eucalyptus and deep reds and purples in this gorgeous bouquet by The Day’s Design add a richness and depth to the traditional warm Fall color palette.

The First Look

Look at that grinning groom!!

Ashley’s half-up fishtail braid and loose curls by The Hair and Beauty Lounge are giving so much fairytale romance. We love to see brides working hair florals into their look!

This aisle decor!!! Pumpkins and other gourds were worked into the florals and decor throughout the day to add a harvest charm, and arrangements like this one worked in ACTUAL changing autumn foliage!!

This giant foraged forest archway is absolutely magical!

Lush beautiful ferns filling out the archway’s base.

Scott looks super sharp in his stone-gray suit is from The Black Tux. We’re very into the pops of fiery orange in his tie and pocket square.

Take a look at these velvet bridesmaid dresses if you’re LOVING the texture of these forest green gowns as much as we are.

A pro tip from Ashley: “If you’re not a morning person and are having all the bridal party get ready together and having a professional do everyone’s hair…pay the extra to get more than one stylist so everyone can sleep in longer. I was SO EXHAUSTED by the time the ceremony happened and I know some of my bridal party felt similarly.”

Ashley + Scott (and their wedding party!) made it to the ceremony in style thanks to this adorable trolly from Northern Michigan Trolley.

The Ceremony

When it comes to wedding days, even the most meticulously planned events can be thwarted by the unpredictable weather. Such was the case for this couple, whose original ceremony location was rained out on their special day. With quick thinking and resourcefulness, their wedding planner assisted the couple to make the last-minute decision to hold the ceremony in the reception space – another reason why we highly recommend having a wedding planner!

From Autumn of Fall In Love Events, “We had a spot in the tent with a large installation so we were able to create an altar there. Miraculously, the rain stopped just in time for the couple to have their dream photos at their original ceremony location so that the floral installation there didn’t go to waste. The experience served as a poignant reminder that even when things don’t go according to plan, love can still shine through with a bit of flexibility and creativity.”

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding
Scott: "Seeing Ashley!"

Ashley: "Seeing the vision of the decor come together and hearing Scott's vows."

Our Advice To Those Planning Now
Start early! If you can afford it, consider a wedding planner. It helps keep everything organized. Don't pick your venue based on good weather. Pick a venue you'll still love if the weather is horrible!

The Reception

Our Musical Choices
			
Processional: "Highland Cathedral” played by a bagpiper
			
			
Recessional: "Campbells are Coming" played by a bagpiper
			
			
First Dance: "Home" by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, cover by Chill The Duo
			
		

Macrame-detail chandeliers and dangling greenery bring rustic elegance to this tented reception. And don’t miss the custom Michigan guest gift totes on each seat! Such a thoughtful touch.

Check out that floral garland centerpiece full of ferns, gourds, berries, and burnt orange pillar candles. So woodsy and whimsical!

Warm wood furniture rentals from Event Theory gave this reception tent a cozy tavern feel.

Specialty rentals like this woven circular charger from Heart Wedding Design set the stage for a rustic feast from Catering By Kelly’s.

This (very realistic!) birch log cake by is the work of Ruthann’s Gourmet Bakery. And guests also had their pick of tons of treats by Grand Traverse Pie Company!

Congrats, Ashley + Scott, on your fabulous Fall wedding!! Wishing you so much harvest-time happiness!