Every once in a while, I photograph a wedding that reminds me exactly why I love what I do, and Erin and Andrew’s day was one of those. As a Lavender Hill Farm wedding photographer, I always get excited when I have the chance to photograph here. It’s truly one of my favorite venues in Northern Michigan because every wedding feels so personal, the staff is wonderful, and there are endless opportunities for beautiful portraits.

From getting ready at Boyne Mountain Resort to portraits at Deer Lake before saying “I do” at Lavender Hill Farm, every part of their day felt thoughtful, relaxed, and full of so much joy. I couldn’t have been more honored to be part of it.

Getting Ready at Boyne Mountain Resort

The morning started at Boyne Mountain Resort, where Erin got ready surrounded by her family and some of her closest friends. Right away, you could tell this was going to be one of those wedding days where everyone was simply happy to be there. There wasn’t any rushing or stress. Instead, the morning was full of hugs, laughter, and so much excitement for everything that was about to happen.

One of my favorite little details was Erin’s adorable bridal bag that we included in her detail photos. It photographed so beautifully and was such a fun personal touch. Her bouquet was another favorite because she didn’t just order flowers. She actually handpicked every single bloom herself, which made it even more meaningful.

At the same time, Andrew spent the morning getting ready with his family and closest friends before we all made our way to Deer Lake.

Portraits at Deer Lake Before the Ceremony

Before heading to Lavender Hill Farm, we stopped at Deer Lake for portraits, and this part of the day meant so much to Erin and her family.

Her mom shared that when Erin was little, she always dreamed about getting married at the Tiki Bar overlooking Deer Lake. Even though they chose Lavender Hill Farm for their wedding, being able to take portraits in the place where that dream first started made these photos incredibly special.

We spent time walking the dock, taking in the views, and letting Erin and Andrew enjoy a few quiet moments together before the celebration really began. Those are always some of my favorite parts of a wedding day because everything slows down for just a little while before the excitement of the ceremony begins.

Then it was time to head to Lavender Hill Farm.

A Lavender Hill Farm Wedding Filled with Heart

Walking onto the property reminded me why I love photographing weddings here so much. Even though it wasn’t peak lavender season, Lavender Hill Farm was still absolutely beautiful. Between the rolling hills, the ceremony space, the open fields, and the gorgeous wildflowers growing up on the hill, there are so many incredible places for portraits.

One thing I thought was especially meaningful was the ceremony arch. Erin’s dad actually built it himself, which made standing beneath it to exchange vows even more special.

There were so many happy tears throughout the ceremony, especially from Erin’s parents. You could feel how deeply loved these two are, and those genuine reactions are always some of my favorite moments to photograph.

Later that evening, we snuck away for sunset portraits in the wildflowers, and one of my favorite moments from the entire day happened completely by surprise. Right as I started photographing Erin and Andrew together, a butterfly flew directly in front of my camera. Somehow, I caught it perfectly in the frame. It felt like one of those little gifts you couldn’t plan, and it’s still one of my favorite images from the entire wedding day.

That’s one of the things I love most about being a Lavender Hill Farm wedding photographer. Sometimes the most memorable moments are the ones that happen completely on their own.

Sunset Portraits Around Lavender Hill Farm

If you’ve followed my work for a while, you probably already know how much I love photographing at Lavender Hill Farm. It’s actually one of the venues featured in my Best Northern Michigan Wedding Venues guide because it truly has so much to offer couples.

Of course, we spent time in the lavender fields, but honestly, one of my favorite spots was the wildflowers growing up on the hill. We snuck away for just a few minutes during sunset, and I’m so glad we did. The light was beautiful, the flowers were still blooming, and it gave Erin and Andrew a chance to slow down together before heading back to celebrate with everyone.

One thing I always tell couples is that you don’t have to get married during peak lavender season to have beautiful wedding photos here. Every time I photograph at Lavender Hill Farm, I find another corner of the property that I love.

A Dance Floor No One Wanted to Leave

The reception was just as much fun as the rest of the day.

Instead of a DJ, Erin and Andrew chose a live band, and the dance floor stayed packed all night long. The energy was incredible, and it seemed like every guest found their way onto the dance floor at some point during the evening.

Toward the end of the night, Erin shared a dance with her mom that was such a sweet way to wrap up the celebration. After a day filled with so much laughter, excitement, and happy tears, it was one more beautiful moment that everyone will remember for years to come.

Vendor Team

Venue: Lavender Hill Farm

Getting Ready Location: Boyne Mountain Resort

Portrait Location: Deer Lake

Dress: B. Ella Bridal

Florals: Michigan Flower Barn

Hair: Kim Burns

Makeup: Melissa Rodery | Lotus Beauty Care

DJ/Entertainment: Joe Laureano | Aces Wild Entertainment

Cake: Kim Brown | Strictly Sweets MI

Catering: Crow’s Nest Restaurant & Catering

Officiant: Rev. Jonathan David Mays

Coordinator: Morgan Miller | MDM Wedding Services

Second Photographer: Caitlyn Marlane Photography

Photography Assistant: Lindsey Bruneel

Why I Love Photographing Lavender Hill Farm Weddings

Every wedding I photograph is different, but Lavender Hill Farm is one of those venues I always hope to come back to.

The staff is wonderful, the property is beautiful, and there are so many different locations for portraits without ever needing to leave the venue. Whether we’re photographing in the lavender, wandering through the wildflowers, overlooking the hills, or chasing sunset, every wedding here feels a little different while still giving couples an incredible experience.

If you’re planning a wedding at Lavender Hill Farm or somewhere else in Northern Michigan, I’d love for you to take a look at my wedding experience to learn more about what it’s like to work together, what you can expect throughout the planning process, and how I approach photographing a wedding day from beginning to end. And if you’d like to see another Northern Michigan wedding, you can also browse Delaney & AJ’s Bayview Weddings at Gallagher Farms wedding for even more inspiration.

My goal has always been to create a wedding experience where you feel comfortable enough to be fully present. The best images happen when you’re enjoying your day instead of worrying about the camera. That’s why my approach blends natural direction with candid, documentary moments to create timeless, true-to-color images that feel like you and tell the story of your day honestly.

If that sounds like what you’re looking for, I’d be so honored to photograph your wedding. Get in touch here, and I’d love to hear more about the two of you and what you’re planning.