Tricia + Jon: Perfect Michigan Backyard Wedding in Farmington Hills

I love me a Michigan backyard wedding – the simplicity, the single location, the intimacy – this wedding was no exception. The only exception, and a first for us, was that the entire wedding had to be run on a generator due to storms hitting the area about three days prior to the big day!

Even with the mishap of the power being out, the day was magical. Sometimes there is that magical wedding where the bride and groom were completely and utterly meant to be for one another. Tricia and Jon’s wedding was THAT wedding. These two met when they were very young – Tricia was 13 and pretended to be 16 to hang out with Jon and his friends one summer at the lake. That summer hang out turned into a life-long friendship and eventually turned into a romance for the ages. I actually met Tricia when she stood up in another wedding that I photographed for a family friend. That wedding was so much fun – you can check it out here.

Michigan Backyard Wedding

Again, one of the best parts of a Michigan backyard wedding is that the getting ready location, ceremony and reception are all in once spot. Tricia and Jon tied the knot at the home of a friend of her parents – and this house was a dream. Located in Farmington Hills, the house is set on acres of land. Not only that – the maze of a home led us to my favorite room of all time: a dark, wood trimmed alcove where the wall was lined with empty vintage picture frames. Does that sound crazy? Maybe. But did it look amazing and dreamy? Hell. Yes.

Having to operate inside by natural light only is never a deterrent to me – it’s actually my preference. I could have hung out in that room all day and been as happy as a clam.

The Biggest Bridal Party

When I say that this is the biggest bridal party I think I’ve ever photographed, I mean it. Tricia and Jon have so many people who adore them and whom they adore in return, there was no question that each and every single person in that wedding party had a part to play. From family to college friends – to having the twins who Tricia babysat for years officiate the ceremony – there was no shortage of inside jokes and new memories being made.

Dad Rocks It Out

We didn’t stay incredibly long at the reception, but I do have to say, the band (who drove up from Ohio!) was sensational! They had people on their feet and dancing from the very first song. The best moment of the night was when the band allowed Tricia’s dad to take over the stage and play base for a few songs. I grabbed Tricia and had her dance in front of her dad as he played just for her on the best day of her life. I was INTO that moment.

So into it, in fact, that while kneeling and getting every amazing angle of Tricia’s dad’s rockstar moment, I sliced my knee right open on the dance floor.

Suggestion for any dance floor making people: can we NOT line the parquet floors with metal? Why is that a thing? Or am I the only one who’s obliterated my knee cap on the dance floor? LOL

Planning & Florals: Sweet Rustic Charm