I first got to know Tori three years ago when we photographed her sister Gillian’s wedding in Port Huron. Since then, we have all become friends, and she’s part of our book club we’re in, so we have gotten to know both her and her sister on a friends level, too. Her boyfriend Dan popped the question, and she immediately sent me a text and wanted me to photograph her wedding. She went through some different planning phases, and the two of them came to the conclusion that planning a Michigan Micro Wedding would be their perfect fit to celebrate their union. “What’s a micro wedding?” you may ask? Huffpost defines a micro wedding as “an abbreviated celebration of marriage that has only a handful of invited guests (commonly 20 or less), is shorter in duration and is more simple in format, relaxed in atmosphere and less stress to organise than a traditional wedding.” You see, it’s just like a “normal” wedding, but done at a way smaller and more intimate scale. This is perfect for Tori and Dan, because family is everything to them. I’ve never met a more-involved and doting family before in all my days. (Seriously, they are goals for me, as I raise my three kids.) The siblings are all super close, and they all hang out all the time, take family vacations together, and honestly just enjoy each other’s company fully, as family and also as adult friends. Since family is so important to them and such a major element in their relationship, they chose to do a handfasting in their ceremony, and each of their parents brought up something that is important to them, their heritage or hobby, to tie around Tori and Dan’s wrist. Then they literally tied the knot with those elements surrounding their marriage. It was a heartfelt moment in their Michigan Micro Wedding ceremony.

We then loaded onto the party buses, and headed off to do a quick portrait session at a nearby park, where we very narrowly escaped torrential downpour rain by about 13 seconds. Their reception was held at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Troy, and the room was decorated beautifully with candles and tons of flowers on the table. The food was top notch, and the whole reception was full of laughter, wine, story-telling, and love.

Tori and Dan are excited to start a family together, and that’s always been a priority to them and their relationship. But before they get bogged down with little’s, they wanted to travel and explore Italy. The Italian culture (and food! Hence their Maggiano’s micro wedding choice) is something that they wanted to see together; the two of them jetted off the day after their wedding for an amazing two week long honeymoon abroad, and we’ve loved following along their journey (enviously) via Instagram, as well.

We welcome Tori & Dan back to the states, and couldn’t wait to share their Michigan Micro Wedding blog preview with everyone. If you’re planning a Michigan Micro Wedding, we would love to chat! Email: hello@mulberryandsage.com

Planner: Krystina Lynn Weddings and Events
Dress: Joy’s Bridal Boutique
Officiant: Ben Coburn
Ceremony Venue: Auburn Hills Marriott
Dinner Venue: Maggiano’s Little Italy (Troy)
Photographer: Mulberry & Sage
Florals: Flowers by Julie