KARA HANES

I live and work in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and I love photographing weddings across West Michigan, Detroit, and Chicago. My couples value genuine connection, joyful moments, and timeless storytelling through photography.

Hi, I'm KARA.

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Weddings

A Summer Garden Wedding on a Family Farm in Metamora, Michigan: Marjori + Spencer

Oh, where do I begin? Marjori and Spencer’s wedding is one I will never forget. From the moment I met them, I knew they were madly in love and the perfect match, and their summer garden wedding on Spencer’s grandparents’ family farm in Metamora, Michigan was every bit as beautiful as they are.

If you’re dreaming of a Metamora Michigan wedding or a garden wedding at home on family land, this day is proof of how magical it can be. Everything was so thoughtfully planned that you would think the farm hosted weddings every weekend. You can also see their engagement session here.

Blue and white wedding morning details

Marjori’s blue and white details set the tone for the whole day: toile, pearls, a photo locket, blue heels and the sweetest bridal suite. Spencer’s blue floral bow tie and vintage pocket watch were the perfect match.

Blue and white wedding invitation suite with ribbon for a Metamora garden wedding
Wedding gown hanging in a bright bridal suite with blue gingham chairs
Wedding rings on a blue ribbed dish
Photo locket charm, pearls and rings on a blue dish
Bride adjusting her veil in the bridal suite
Bride smiling at her reflection in an ornate gold mirror
Bride putting on her blue wedding shoes
Bride with her veil in soft window light
Groom tying his blue floral bow tie
Blue floral bow tie detail
Vintage gold pocket watch for the groom
Groom details with tan shoes, cufflinks and cologne

A first look and private vows

Marjori’s bridesmaids got to see her first, and their reactions were everything. Then Marjori and Spencer shared a first look in the garden. The most memorable part of the day for me was when they read their own personal vows to each other right there, just the two of them. Despite the summer heat wave, it was such a sweet, quiet moment.

Bridesmaids reacting as they see the bride for the first time in the garden
Bride walking up behind the groom for their first look in the garden
Groom turning around to see his bride
Bride and groom embracing during their first look
Bride and groom kissing after their first look
Groom reading his private vows to the bride
Bride and groom sharing private vows in the garden
Bride and groom smiling together after sharing their vows
Bride and groom hugging after their private vows
Bride and groom on the porch of a little white cottage on the family farm
View of the reception tent across the lawn of the family farm in Metamora
Blue and white ginger jar with florals

A garden ceremony on the family farm

Their ceremony took place in the garden, with white chairs, blue hydrangeas and white roses from West Floral Co, and live music from Florella Strings. It was surrounded by the people who love them most, and you could feel it.

Garden ceremony setup on the family farm with white chairs
Groom waiting for his bride at the garden ceremony
Bride walking down the aisle with a loved one
Bride sharing a hug at the end of the aisle
Wide view of the outdoor ceremony in Metamora, Michigan
Bride and groom exchanging vows at the outdoor ceremony
Blue hydrangeas in a white pedestal urn
White roses and blue hydrangeas
Newlyweds walking back up the aisle after the garden ceremony

Portraits around the farm

As stunning as the portraits from this day are, nothing compares to the beauty in Marjori and Spencer’s hearts. The little white cottage, the garden pedestals and the pond made the most gorgeous backdrops.

Bride smiling down at her white rose bouquet
Groom in a light blue suit with a white boutonniere
Bride and groom kissing in front of the white cottage
Bride and groom between white garden pedestals
Bride and groom walking by the pond
Romantic portrait of the bride and groom
Bride and groom by the pond under the trees
Bride and groom by the pond at the end of the day

The wedding party

Wedding party in light blue suits and blue dresses
Groomsmen laughing with the groom
Bride and groom celebrating by the pond
Bride with her bridesmaids in blue dresses in the garden

A tented reception by the pond

The reception was under a tent by the pond with chandeliers, blue and white toile, blue glass goblets and a blue and white cake from The Home Bakery. Guests played croquet and lawn games in between dancing to Lifesize Productions, and the tent glowing by the pond at night was the perfect ending.

Tented reception with chandeliers on the family farm
Reception tables under a chandelier in the tent
Audio guest book phone on a blue and white toile tablecloth
Blue and white Our Favorite People seating chart
Reception tent reflected in the pond
Blue place cards with greenery
Blue glass goblets at a place setting
Bride and groom cutting their blue and white cake
Bride and groom feeding each other cake
Blue and white wedding cake with personalized ribbon
Bride and groom embracing at the reception
First dance under the chandeliers in the reception tent
Lawn games tied with blue ribbon
Croquet set for lawn games
Guests playing croquet on the lawn
Custom monogram cornhole board on the lawn
Bride and groom dancing in party sunglasses
Bride and groom on the dance floor in the tent
Older couple dancing together at the reception
Reception tent glowing beside the pond in the evening

It was a true honor to capture Marjori and Spencer’s wedding. I’m still in awe of this day.

Vendors

Venue: Private family farm, Metamora, MI
Planner and Coordinator: Whole Hearted Events
Hair and Makeup: Lipstick and Brides and The Glam Vault (Mikayla)
Stationery: @curry_likethespice
Florist: West Floral Co
Videographer: 97 Films
Rentals: Gerych’s
Bartenders: @lafeyettegrande
Dress: La Belle Elaine’s
DJ: Lifesize Productions
Musicians: Florella Strings
Desserts: The Home Bakery
Lead Photographer: Kara Hanes Photography
Second Photographer: Stephanie Parshall

Planning a garden wedding in Michigan?

Whether it’s at a venue or on your own family land, I’d love to hear about your plans. Reach out here and let’s chat.

Now booking weddings!

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I'm Kara, West Michigan Photographer, Wife, Mom of two kids and our sweet Maltipoo. I hope you stay a while or reach out to chat!

FREE DOWNLOAD

MY WEDDING GUIDE

Learn how to get the most out of your photography experience with this free resource

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