northern michigan castle farms wedding in charlevoix by kari dawson

i do {weddings}

a romantic castle farms wedding in charlevoix with a soft color palette

Blush and navy summer northern Michigan Castle Farms Wedding in Charlevoix, Michigan provided by Kari Dawson, top-rated northern Michigan wedding photographer, and her team.

A Castle Farms Wedding…

Who doesn’t love northern Michigan in the summer? Molly and John got married on her grandparent’s wedding anniversary to honor the legacy of their family. The location for their Castle Farms wedding in Charlevoix was also an intentional choice. I mean, who wouldn’t want to get married in a castle?

Molly and John along with the immediate family and wedding party tribe got ready in the charming Mushroom Houses. The interior of the houses with the stone walls, exposed beams, and lovely window light was a stunning backdrop for their final touches.

It is no secret around here that I love pink. Paired with gentlemen in navy and you have a classic and timeliness wedding day color palette. But make it modern with unstructured florals full of lush greenery, babies breath, and a little pop of color with pink roses.

Their story…

John met Molly and began their lifelong journey together nine years ago. Molly’s sister, Maggie joked in her speech that she could hardly take the relationship seriously because there was no way Molly’s high school crush would turn into her forever partner. But they did indeed last through high school and beyond. And let me tell you, both families could not be happier to have added Molly and John to their families.

The tears were rolling all day. Alllll day. There was plenty of laughter, too. So much laughter. Molly’s sister and the rest of the bridesmaids got the tears started early on. But when Molly came down the stairs fully dressed to greet her anxiously waiting father, everyone teared up. Mom turned me into a blubbery mess when she recalled ‘gotcha day’ for Molly in Korea which easily sets off the tears again. I met the Booth family six years ago through another wedding couple and photographed Maggie’s senior photos. The whole family, even the dogs, came along for the session. And we have been intertwined on social media ever since. I have had a front row seat to the bond and affection this family has for one another so I understand completely how the change of a new marriage can bring all of the emotions for the forefront.

A lil’ about the groom…

John is outgoing, intelligent, and so funny. He kept everyone laughing all day. Both of them had a wedding party composed of friends from high school and college that have now become family. In order to have great friends, you must first BE a great friend. I think that explains a little of how well John and Molly love the people in their lives.

Speaking of John, he didn’t escape the tears either. He shared an emotional first look with Molly followed by a fit of laughter. But when they got do the reading of their vows, privately, his emotions were audible. If you are reading this and planning a wedding, I highly recommend writing your own vows and reading them privately to each other before the ceremony.

Speaking of audible emotions…

Standing at the top of the aisle at the beginning of the ceremony as Molly came up the aisle then was give away by her parents had me surrounded by all of the sniffles. It was such a sweet moment. To know these two are loved so much. To be surrounded by people who are so proud of you and so happy for you that their emotions and sniffles could be heard by all.

But once the serious stuff was over the real Molly and John entered the room. Their expressions as they came back down the aisle after saying ‘I do’ were priceless. They beamed just as much for introductions. Okay, there were some tears during toasts because… dad. But their first dance got the party started and by party I mean PARTY. One of their bridesmaids said ‘the dance floor wasn’t safe for anyone in the best way.’ Add another thing for Molly and John to be grateful for to the list: the ability to be your truest self in the presence of those you love.

I could go on and on about these two, their families and their amazing day. But I will leave you, John and Molly with a prayer for many happy years together. Sounds like beating 67 years is the goal. xoxo – Kari

Wedding day vendors provided at the end of this post.