backyard wedding . ashley + tony {i do} . kari dawson photography
A backyard wedding in Armada Michigan provided by Kari Dawson top-rated Southeastern Michigan wedding photographer and her team.
Pivoting…
Ashley and Tony’s wedding wasn’t originally planned to be a tented backyard wedding at a private residence but you know, covid. What they did plan for was a late fall wedding at The Eastern in Detroit, Michigan. But when it started to look like an outdoor wedding was going to be the only way to include everyone they wanted to share their special day with, they pivoted.
Backyard wedding…
The wedding was instead hosted at the home of Tony’s parents. The tent itself was a beautiful structure with several clear ceiling panels to maximize the natural daylight. Just outside the tent chairs were set up to seat guests for the ceremony. That outdoor space was complete with a floral arch along with lanterns and florals that lined the aisle. The sun began to soften and set behind the floral arch just in time for the ceremony. The pond just beyond it and the perfect fall colored trees was the perfect backdrop.
Inside the tent… Ashley and Tony worked with Christa, planner extraordinaire, to create a stunning vision. The local may have changed but the vision and style did not. Floral garlands draped the tables. Candles set a gorgeous glow. High floral centerpieces add just a touch of drama. Ashley didn’t skip the gold chargers and with a tented wedding the utensils were not ‘real’ but sure did look like the real thing. I always think the wedding invitation sets the tone for what the rest of the details will look like. And these invites came alive on the Edmund property.
Their story…
They met in 2018 and only saw each other in group settings. In early 2019 though Tony reached out and asked Ashley out for drinks. Before the end of the year they were madly in love and breaking ground at the site of their future home. The day after their closing they headed back to the property to take a few photos with the ‘sold’ sign to share the good news with their friends and family. Tony made a request to grab one more photo with another sign. To Ashley’s surprise, it read ‘Marry Me.’ When I first met Ashley and Tony she described the proposal as the best day of her life. I think the actually wedding day might take the cake on that now. Congratulations, Ashley and Tony and welcome to your happily ever after!
Full list of wedding day vendors provided at the end of this post.
View more recent Wedding Stories, CLICK HERE!
View more recent Engagement Stories, CLICK HERE!
WEDDING DAY VENDORS
Photographer: Kari Dawson
Event Planner: Christa Graham
Venue: Private Residence
Florals: Lena’s Flowers and Designs
Cake: Elegance in Sugar
Music: Seth Michaels
Rentals: Detroit Chiavari
Mens Suits: Express
Bridesmaid Dresses: Birdy Grey
Bride’s Dress: Piera’s Bridal
Leave a Reply
Karli has been Kari’s creative partner for five years. Before every wedding, we visualize you as a couple, your venue, and your day, so we walk in prepared for a calm, intentional experience.
Kari is the creative director, and since she’s only human and can’t be everywhere at once, Karli closes the gaps. She shoots alongside Kari, keeps the day on schedule, carries your bouquet, fixes your veil, and is a real-life cheering squad.
That’s not even the best part. She’s also Kari’s daughter, which means we communicate without words. She anticipates what Kari needs before she asks, and together we’ve built a wedding-day rhythm you'll notice.
One leads, one closes the gaps, and nothing gets missed.
meet KARI + KARLI
share a cherished story from your time together. Could be how you met, a travel story, a date night, or anything else that comes to mind.
contact us directly kari@karidawson.com
when it comes to photography style, what drew you into our work?
photography investment
wedding date + location
how did you hear about us?
email address + phone number
who is getting married?
tell us if you're hoping for full or multi day coverage, what is the most important part of your day, and what you're hoping for in your photos?
While you're waiting...
Thank you!
we'll be in touch soon!
Stories, wisdom, and a little bit of life. Twice a month, directly to you.
letters from kari
[…] huge thank you to Tony (and Ashley) for connecting me with these cuties. I am beyond grateful for every single time one of my beloved […]