There’s something beautifully timeless about a vineyard wedding—the way the sun filters through the rows of grapevines, the romance carried on the breeze, the sense that nature itself is a quiet guest. For Michael and Katherina, this Michigan vineyard became the perfect backdrop for a celebration filled with deep intention and classic elegance. With every detail thoughtfully chosen, their day reflected not only the story they’ve written together, but also the people and moments that have shaped them.
Set against a palette of ivory and green with warm golden tones, their wedding unfolded like a page from a beloved novel—softly lit, brimming with meaning, and tenderly composed. The couple’s heartfelt vows, handwritten and exchanged beneath the open sky, brought together both joy and quiet reverence. From the delicate lace of Katherina’s gown to the vintage-inspired touches and al fresco reception, each moment was steeped in grace.
It’s a celebration that invites you to slow down, to savor the beauty in simplicity, and to see love for what it is—steadfast, luminous, and quietly extraordinary.
from the photographer: “Katherina and Michael’s vineyard wedding took place in Northern Michigan’s very own wine country, a quaint town called Leelanau. From local Michigan wine served, to opting for pies for dessert from locally owned Grand Traverse Pie Company, Katherina and Michael chose details that paid homage to the mitten state, a special treat for guests who visited from far and wide to celebrate with them. Katherina also thoughtfully chose to include touches of green, her grandmother’s favorite color, along with soft pastels throughout the day. The couple had known each other throughout middle school, high school and then college, but didn’t begin dating until after college. They had so many sweet friends play a part in their special day that they had grown up with and chose to display their yearbooks for family and friends to peek through on their guestbook table. This couple absolutely exuded joy on their wedding day which shone through in each and every one of their photos.”
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
We met in 6th grade after Michael moved to Michigan from Colorado. After going through middle school, high school and undergrad of college together, and hanging out with similar friend groups we finally decided to hang out one on one. We discovered we had a lot in common and immediately hit it off. We both weren’t sure if it would lead anywhere past friendship but since then we’ve bought a house, adopted a dog named Marsha, and got married!
Tell us a funny story relating to your wedding day or relationship!
We got married at Aurora Cellars in Leelanau, MI which had a beautiful grassy area under a huge willow tree where the ceremony was. During the rehearsal I joked around and said that I would for sure be tripping walking down the aisle. Everyone laughed because they knew it was true, I have double jointed ankles and am always rolling them (especially in heels on the grass). When it was time to walk down the aisle the next day I was so focused on not tripping and had made it all the way down, but the last two steps I rolled my ankle and tripped. Luckily my dad held on to me tightly so that I didn’t fall. Everyone gasped but I laughed it off and said I told you this would happen!!
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.
Trying to balance everything life throws at us while still trying to have a relationship with each other. It’s hard to manage a work life, social life, relationships with family/friends and still try to priorite the relationship we have with each other. It’s all about finding a balance that works!
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
We had our moms present the rings at the ceremony.
We saved a chair for the people that had passed in the front row of our ceremony and put a sign with their names as well as a picture of Michael and his dad that had passed.
We put a table of all of our families wedding photos to display from our parents, to aunts and uncles, grandparents and even great grandparents.
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you?
The most important part of our wedding day for us was our first look and private vow reading. It helped us be present with each other and take some of the pressure/nerves away. It was such a hectic week leading up to it and this was the moment we could finally breathe. I think it’s easy to get lost in making sure everything is perfect for everyone around you and that moment was just for us so it was really special.
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
To communicate 110% of the time. We’ve learned to over communicate because we can’t read each others minds. Especially if something is bothering us it’s better to talk it through than to let it grow into something bigger.
What is your favorite thing about each other?
Katherina: I love his go with the flow nature and that he is always down to tag along with all of my crazy plans and ideas.
Michael: I love that she is passionate about helping other people without hesitation.
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
Getting to customize everything to how I wanted it. We DIY’d every part of our wedding so it was fun to watch it all come together. I had TONS of help which I think is key.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
You don’t have to plan everything about your future but having a loose plan with goals that you want to achieve as a couple will help grow your relationship. Be supportive of each others goals no matter what!
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
Love can come easy but what counts is how hard you work to continue to make it easy.
Photographer / Alyssa Marie Photography / www.alyssamariephotos.com / @alyssamariephotosllc
Venue / Aurora Cellars / www.auroracellars.com / @auroracellars
Coordinator / The Opal Affair / www.theopalaffair.com / @theopalaffairevents
Videographer / Julia Seitz Films / www.juliaseitz.com / @juliaseitzfilms
Dress / Beloved Bridal / www.belovedbridal.com / @belovedbridal
DJ / Lakeside DJ / www.lakesidedjs.com / @lakesidedjs
Hair and Makeup / MI Day Beauty / www.midaybeauty.com / @midaybeauty
Flowers / Michigan Flower Barn / www.michiganflowerbarn.com / @michiganflowerbarn
Catering / Chef’s Pride Catering / www.chefspridecatering.com / @chefspridecatering
Dessert / Moomers Ice Cream / www.moomers.com / @moomersicecream / Grand Traverse’s Pie Company / www.gtpie.com / @gtpie
Late Night Snack / Tiger Market / www.tigermarket.com / @shoptigermarket
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
NO COMMENT