Shila & Joe // South Haven, Michigan

Cozy Contemporary Black River Barn Wedding

When a wedding morning kicks off with the groomsmen gang (of ten + groom) running into Lake Michigan for a refreshing November dip and ends with the bride busting out dance moves onstage while her new husband djs the last hour of their wedding to a packed dance floor, we have to call that day epic. High energy epic.

Of course, thanks to Shila’s naturally hospitable spirit, there was a whole lineup of delightful experiences in between. A soulful witty ceremony framed in a glorious floral arch, a chef station pasta bar, euchre tables and live music for cocktail hour, layers of velvet and visual texture in a cozy romantic vibe under crystal chandeliers for a delicious dinner, a 16′ dessert table with 17 kinds of confectionaries, an amazing band, a late night taco run and the most enthusiastic spirit of revelry all night long.

There was also a moment that captivated the room when Joe joined the band on keyboard to surprise Shila with a song she loved and he learned to play just for her. And another moment when Shila’s dad led the guests in a rousing traditional German dance involving hats, drinks and newlyweds on chairs. Unforgettable.

There are so many elements that can make a celebration great but I think two of the most powerful are 1) Couples who intentionally set out to make the experience memorable for their guests and 2) guests who have the time of their lives on a whole-hearted revelry kind of level. S&J and their guests accomplished both on an inspiring level.

Cheers to pulling out all the stops in a fancy barn by the southern shores of Lake Michigan and cheers to an incredible vendor team who not only brought the magic but also pulled off flipping the room from ceremony to reception in 2 hours while 264 guests enjoyed the pasta bar.