A June Matthaei Botanical Gardens Wedding in Ann Arbor

Hey friend! If you’re a Michigander, you know exactly what I mean when I say June heat hits different. We spend six months in survival-level winter mode, and then BAM—summer arrives and we are suddenly melting.

But let me tell you, a little (okay, a lot of) sweltering heat could not stop Caitlin and Justin’s day from being one of the greatest weddings of the year. Grab a cold drink, because you’re going to want to read all about this gorgeous Ann Arbor celebration!

Let’s start with real reviews from this real couple, check google if you don’t believe me!

The Bride’s Review
“Autumn did my wedding and engagement session! Her professionalism is outstanding, she helped settle out nerves when small bumps occurred prior to the ceremony. She created unique opportunities for pictures, even going to the coffee shop my husband proposed in, to get some beautiful pictures! She made sure we all looked fabulous on one of the hottest days of the year. She was amazing and I hope you decide to use her for your wedding!! I cannot wait to look back on the photos she took for years to come! 💕🥰”

The Groom’s Review
“Autumn is incredibly professional, fun to work with, and her photos came out incredible.

My wife and I are larger, and after an engagement session done by friends, we realized we needed someone that could actually take pictures of larger people in a way that was flattering and showed the world the beauty I see in my (now) wife. I found her off of Facebook asking around and was very impressed by her work.

She threw in an engagement session to get to know how she works and it was honestly a blast. The original timeslot got rained out, but she went above and beyond for us and took us to two absolutely gorgeous parks and gave us an extended photography session. We had fun, she made us laugh the entire time.

Fast forward to the wedding and she helped us with the timeline, took some incredible photos and made our best day even better.”

Now let’s get to what I have to say about this wedding!

Romance in the Blooms: Matthaei Botanical Gardens

These two tied the knot with a romantic outdoor ceremony in the perennial garden at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor . If you’ve been dreaming of a space surrounded by vibrant blooms, lush greenery, and effortless natural beauty, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the area.

After they said their “I dos,” we explored all around the grounds for their portraits. We obviously had to make a stop inside the conservatory because—insider secret—I am all about the tropical house! Granted, in the dead of a Michigan summer, the conservatory is essentially a greenhouse sauna. But the major win? Getting out of the punishing, direct sunlight for a minute. 10/10 recommend for the aesthetics alone.

Steal This Location Pro-Tip: > If you’re planning your own session at the Botanical Gardens and want some gorgeous, intimate portraits without dodging crowds of visitors, sneak over to the pathways nestled between the growers garden and the children’s garden. It’s relatively secluded, beautifully shaded, and perfect for those quiet, romantic moments.

Recreating the First Date (And Surviving the Heat)

These two beautiful humans are Eastern Michigan University College Sweethearts so in true Autumn & Hive style, we knew we had to weave their history into the day to honor the place that made this marriage possible.

But did I mention it was hot yet? Because it was a total scorcher. Luckily, we had a brilliant trip planned to Sweetwaters Café in Ypsilanti to recreate the couple’s very first date. It doubled as the ultimate saving grace of the afternoon because, iced beverages, duh. Honestly, cold anything has never tasted so good!

Once we were sufficiently cooled down, our photo adventure continued with a classic walk through the EMU campus. We captured some iconic, timeless shots in front of the historic Frederic H. Pease Auditorium and took a stroll through the stunning MLK gardens.

The rest of the night was a beautiful, chaotic blur of sweat, endless laughter, and a high-energy reception where the party literally never stopped. It was raw, it was fun, and it was so perfectly them.

Planning Your Own Authentic Michigan Wedding?

If you’re looking for a photo and video team that isn’t afraid to brave the elements, chase your love story back to where it all began, and keep the vibes high no matter what the weather throws at us, I would love to connect. Your wedding day deserves to be captured with care, creativity, and a whole lot of heart.

Inquire here to start the conversation about your wedding photography and videography!

Vendors
Catering | Maize Mexican Cantina Yipsi
Venue | Matthaei Botanical Gardens Ann Arbor
DJ | Dramatic Dimensions Entertainment
Desserts | Emmy’s Sweet Treats
Coffee Stop | Sweetwater Coffee Yipsi