Michelle and Seth are such a sweet, gentle, kind-hearted couple with hearts for family, Seth’s daughter Makennan, and of course - each other. Michelle described their relationship as “natural from the beginning” and it shows in the way they look at one another and interact together. They cherish the simple things and find the bond of family to be the most important aspect of life… one of the many reasons why I absolutely love these two.
Michelle wanted the “colors” of the day to be reflected in the surrounding natural elements, particularly the Rose Garden, which was in perfectly full bloom. She wanted the day to feel organic and free-flowing, and did such a wonderful job planning everything so that each moment felt as such…
I’ve always loved the Antrim. The grounds, mansion, and houses on the property always look lovely, but everything looks the best I’ve seen it in years, and the staff was so incredibly helpful and pleasant to work with throughout the day. Katie, the day-of coordinator, was absolutely fabulous and kept things moving along in such an organized and calm way, letting the day play out without being intrusive in the slightest.
There have been some landscaping improvements over the last year or so, which has increased the visibility of the mansion’s gorgeous porch and iconic pillars, the roses were so beautifully fragrant and trimmed to perfection, and the trees and shrubs were all lush and green… Each of the fountains were trickling peacefully and everything was just so… The entire setting was absolutely lovely!
As Michelle and her girlfriends got ready, Seth had a bouquet of roses sent to her, along with a bouquet for Makennan too… It was so sweet and she was so surprised. :)
Mak was excited to wear makeup and was skipping around sharing that it was the first time she’d ever worn mascara! It was adorable…
Michelle’s grandmother spent some time with the girls as finishing touches were added to their hair and makeup. That same day was her 60th wedding anniversary with her late husband… Michelle was honored to share in that same wedding date, May 30th, as her beloved grandparents. I loved seeing her grandmother watch her granddaughter so proudly and lovingly as she got ready…
JoJo (Michelle’s niece) was playing with all of the makeup she could find, which was so cute, and showing Morgan (Michelle’s cousin’s little guy) before it was time to get dressed. They were such cuties!
Meanwhile, the weather forecast was not looking so spectacular… A tornado warning was in effect not too far away, and it had just started to lightly rain on the Antrim grounds. it didn’t bother Seth and his groomsmen one bit! But Katie and I were praying it would hold off, of course, especially since Michelle’s plans were so intricately made around the Garden theme.
Seth and each of his groomsmen are EMT’s! They were such a nice group of guys… And funny!
It began to pour and I mean pour… My wonderful friend Tori Nefores of Tori Nefores Photography was there shooting alongside me, and we were anticipating how the day would go, praying the storm would pass just in time. We still had about an hour before the call was to be made, and we stayed calm and present, knowing that it would be beautiful no matter what…
Michelle and Makennan shared a sweet special moment just after stepping into their gowns. Mak wrapped her arms around Michelle and said, “I love you Mommy…” We were all tearing up!
The officiant said to us, “I’ve never performed a wedding in the rain… I promise you, it’ll stop.” Well, she was right! About 15 minutes before the ceremony was set to begin, the skies cleared and the storm passed… The hotel staff wiped down the ceremony chairs as guests began to arrive, and we headed to the Rose Garden to have a wedding!
Josephine and Morgan’s daddys encouraged them down the aisle just as the ceremony began… They weren’t particularly excited but it was adorable!
Then, just after the Bridesmaids came down the aisle, it was Makennan’s turn. Her daddy walked to meet her at the fountain, and escorted her down the aisle. It was precious… She is so delicate and sweet, and was so ready for this day to arrive, you could just see it in her beautiful little face when she smiled, taking in every second.
Then it was time for Michelle’s dad to bring his little girl to meet Seth… It’s always an emotional moment! Michelle looked absolutely beautiful…
Mr. Peloquin almost took a tumble over the train on the way back to his seat!
The ceremony was beautiful. They exchanged hand-written vows and of course, their rings…
Clarice Bowen, their officiant, surprised them by writing a little ring ceremony into the service for Makennan as well, for Michelle and Seth to give to her as they joined together as one family. It was so tender and sweet and Makennan felt so special… They each kissed her, before their official “Mr. + Mrs.” kiss! After they were announced, Mak’s eyes welled up with emotion and she hugged both Michelle and her Daddy as they walked back down the aisle together… That was such a special moment I’ll never forget.
There’s Katie, the coordinator, watching the wedding from the porch! :)
After the ceremony, we photographed portraits around the Gardens… This was such a nice and fun group!
Oh my GOODNESS how cute was that?? Tori grabbed these shots of Mak and her “friend”… :) You know, Tyler and I weren’t that much older than these two when we first met… Who knows what the future holds for them! :) Adorable!
I loved having time with Michelle and Seth for their portraits… They have such a calm and natural energy about them that’s just so comfortable and special.
I loved Michelle’s dress with those beautifully beaded capped sleeves…
They interacted so sweetly together… They were both so present and had such a sense of peace between them.
Tori captured the ballroom perfectly! We fell in love with the table number names - pieces of broken flower pots, accented with greenery.
Each table’s centerpiece had potted herbs and plants, and just outside the ballroom was their guest book station with precious art hand-drawn by Makennan.
They decorated so perfectly, letting the decor sensibly accent the space without taking over. Each of the elements highlighted the others so nicely, flowing together so well.
I loved their vintage Bride + Groom champagne glasses!
And their cake was accented with cronuts!!! Oh my goodness… If you’ve had these before, you know how amazing they are, and if you’ve never had one - FIND ONE!
Their reception started off with dancing before dinner which set such a fun vibe for the night… A delicious dinner was served and all of their guests enjoyed each other’s company while dining and celebrating!
Michelle’s Uncle Ray flew up from Florida to attend his niece’s wedding. He has cerebral palsy, but that doesn’t slow him down from living his life to the absolute fullest each and every day! Michelle ensured me that he’d be the life of the party! Uncle Ray has a special piece of head gear that allows him to paint! This was a special piece he did especially for Michelle and Seth, that they opened before everyone, signifying two rivers coming together as one. It was such a special moment! I love Uncle Ray’s face as he happily hugs Michelle! And look at that Florida tan he brought with him!
Nope, the crying wasn’t over… Michelle’s family had just sadly very recently lost her beloved Aunt Carol. As a dedication to her, ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” was played and everyone got up and danced in her honor. I couldn’t help but think of my precious aunts that I love so incredibly much and was barely holding it together… I loved that everyone was DANCING and SMILING as they celebrated her…
Afterwards, we hung out outside a bit to get a few pictures with little Josephine and her family. I love these shots of her! They’ll be special to look back on one day on her own wedding day…
In a few places around the reception, I found little flying piggies! I’m not sure their significance, but something tells me it has to do with Aunt Carol… <3
Before long, it was time to cut the CAKE! And inside it was filled with funfetti! Michelle, Seth, and their guests all enjoyed a slice along with cronuts and Antrim’s signature chocolate-covered strawberries, visited with each other, enjoyed the Antrim’s gardens, and danced the night away… Uncle Ray even showed us his moves for a song or two!
These two are just so rich… They have their loving families, beautiful daughter Makennan, and each other… God has given them so much, and I have no doubt in my mind that he will continue to lavishly bless them in their future together.
I’m so grateful to have been part of this incredibly sweet, heart-felt, meaningful day… It’s one I’ll definitely never forget!
Much love to the new Mr. + Mrs. Robinson!