bride and groom dance in Tabor Hill Winery vineyard at their wedding by Chicago Wedding Photographer Jennifer Lourie

At this summery Michigan bash, “flower men” replaced “flower girls,” handing out McDonald’s cheeseburgers rather than tossing flowers. It was definitely not your average wedding day! But after tons of Covid-required reschedules, who has time to waste being average!? Karen and Kyle infused their personalities into every aspect of their Tabor Hill Winery wedding in Buchannan, MI. And I can’t wait to give you a peek inside!

I first got to know Karen and Kyle during their engagement session on the Chicago Riverwalk. I love this spot at dusk as the city lights start glowing in the background. They even brought their husky mix, Mason, which made for some fun boomerangs and adorable photos! And while we documented their love story, they told me some of the ideas they had for the wedding day ahead…and I couldn’t wait!

On the morning of their August wedding day, I zipped off to the Airbnb where Karen, Kyle, and their bridal parties got ready. Her hair falling in loose golden waves around her shoulders, Karen zipped up her straight-line, form-fitting dress from Alice in Ivory. Meanwhile, Kyle tied his bowtie on his classy black tux from The Black Tux. Once they were ready, we headed down to the beach for the first look.

Karen and Kyle chose New Buffalo Beach for their first look because they spent time there as kids, playing volleyball, swimming, and hanging out with friends. Even though it was a hot day, we caught breezes off the lake while I photographed their intimate moment together before the ceremony. Once the photos were done, we hopped back in the van for some AC and one last unconventional pre-wedding pit stop.

On the way to Tabor Hill Winery from the beach, we stopped at McDonald’s so Karen and Kyle could order cheeseburgers for everyone! Karen and Kyle told me that McDonald’s was the only restaurant they went to when going to Buchanan for the summers. So, the local McDonald’s turned into a special place for their relationship. The “flower men” passed out these cheeseburgers to raucous laughter as they walked down the aisle. But don’t worry—the wedding was not without flowers! Both bride and bridesmaids held white lilies from Marco Alexzondra Floral and Event Design, and white petals covered the aisle of the outdoor ceremony space.

Their ceremony, while warm and bright under the August afternoon sun, was heartfelt. One of the lines from their readings was, “Love is a promise that is always kept, a fortune that can never be spent, a seed that can flourish in even the most unlikely of places.” I thought it was a beautiful line that spoke so perfectly to the nature of Karen and Kyle’s love.

After the ceremony, I took more photos of the wedding party with the vineyard in the background. The groomsmen were down to take funny photos, including one where they tossed Kyle up in the air as if they were in a mosh pit at a concert. When I get wedding parties who know how to have a good time, the photos are always next level!

After having to delay their wedding so long due to COVID, Karen and Kyle made it very clear to their guests that they were ready to celebrate in a big way. An open bar, a sign that said “We’ve waited a year for this, party accordingly,” and a champagne toast with their bridal party to replace the classic “grand entrance” all set up the night for lots of fun. The vibe was very “summer beach party.” They had a live band, Hello Weekend Music, and even brought out an ice cream bar from local spot Paddy Shack to keep the summer party feeling going. But the party didn’t end when the night did—the couple and their guests all had a beach day the next day to celebrate!

I loved that Karen and Kyle planned a weekend full of events for their Tabor Hill Winery wedding where they put guest experience first. Everyone traveled in from different places, so the couple made it a goal to spend lots of time with their loved ones, and it made for a weekend-long wedding experience they (and I!) will never forget.