Skyline Camp Wedding in the woods. Almont, Michigan wedding photography at the Skyline Camp provided by Kari Dawson Photography and her team.
A groomsman said “this day is like a Katy Perry song” followed by the lyrics to Hot n Cold. The weather was interesting and if it were my wedding day, frustrating. But, Kaitlyn and Michael were careful and just rolled with it. When I arrived for their Skyline Camp wedding in the woods, I was first greeted by a bunch of deer. I live in Romeo where seeing deer is a regular occurrence but the wonder of it hasn’t gotten lost on me. There were a lot of hands on deck at the pavilion where two tents went up, the tables were dressed and finished touches came together.
Kaitlyn had her and make-up in place. She nibbled on her lunch while the flower girls and bridesmaids made their final preparations. I was thrilled to see Kaitlyn’s three piece wedding dress that was mostly tulle. So divine! Her simple Steve Madden sandals had just the right amount of bling making them perfect for their rustic wedding. Her bouquet was a stunning, eclectic mix of sunflowers, roses, english tea roses, with subtle pops of purple and cranberry. The mix gave the bouquet a rustic and whimsical feel while being wrapped in a beaded cage that was Kaitlyn’s grandmother’s.
The guys made things interesting with their mix of grey and navy tuxedos. Michael wore a sharp dark navy tie and quilted cuff links. It takes a lot for a cuff link to catch my eye and these did! I love that Kaitlyn and Michael opted to surround themselves with all their siblings cousins, and the very closest of friends for their wedding party. When Todd and I got married, a long time ago, our wedding party also consisted of all our siblings and cousins. A decision we knew we would never regret.
We had an opening of dry skies, at Skyline Camp, and took full advantage of it for Kaitlyn and Michael’s first look and couple portraits. It didn’t last long though so we began to tackle the wedding party portraits inside the lodge that serves as a chapel. Then the skies dried and we were able to finish things up outdoors. Soon, their guests seated, albeit armed with coats and umbrella’s, and the violinist began to play. Kaitlyn’s father gave her away, the minister asked everyone to be seated and said a word of thanks for the dry air and bit of sun. And almost immediately after that the sky darkened. A lot. First a mist fell. Then we had a wee bit of lighting. Followed by a full on pouring rain. The trees surrounding the gazebo kept everyone pretty dry and after the first kiss, everyone scattered to their vehicles. But things dried up pretty quickly and we did have lots of warm, gorgeous sunlight as we did wedding party portraits and the cocktail hour got underway. The wedding party was ushered in by a tractor atop of a bunch of hay as the sun began to set. Toasts were made, the food was delicious and everyone danced the night away wearing glow sticks and flashy glow rings. Michael and Kaitlyn, it has been such a pleasure getting to know you both and I’m honored to have been invited in to document such an important part of your lives. I pray you’re loving every second of being up north! Happy honeymooning! Hugs – Kari
