Shane and Libby met in High School. A few years later, Libby’s college roommate knew one of Shane’s brothers, so they all started hanging out. They eventually went to a work Christmas party together and from there started dating. 

Shane and Libby go on a color tour trip to the Upper Peninsula every year. Shane was planning to propose to Libby then, but at the last minute, they changed plans by moving their trip up a week. Unfortunately, that change meant that the ring wasn’t ready. After the trip, the couple was hanging out at Libby’s parents house and Shane kept asking Libby to go for a walk. It was really cold so Libby declined a few times. Funny, because she always asks Shane to go for walks and he is usually the one to decline. Shane eventually talked her into getting outside and he walked her to the spot that would eventually become their wedding spot and proposed. 

On Saturday, I had the privilege of spending a day in Hartland, Michigan documenting Libby and Shane’s DIY rustic woodland wedding. The couple got married on Libby’s parent’s property and made SO many of their decorations and arrangements themselves… Right down to constructing their own KILLER bar! I’d be shocked if you haven’t scrolled past all my words already, just to get a look. It was beautiful!

I spent a lot of the day stressing about the weather. Stressing that it was too hot, stressing that rain was coming. Through it all, the couple, the wedding party, and their families were all really tolerant of the heat and worked quickly with me to avoid the coming rain. In the end, all of my stress was unnecessary. But, isn’t that always the way?

There weren’t many outside vendors at this wedding, sincerely Shane and Libby deserve the credit for making all of this happen, but they had a little help from some awesome professionals, so I want to give them some love before I show you the photos… 

This is the bar I mentioned. Shane made it! The taps and the Michigan map are so perfect!

When you see these handsome guys lined up in three-piece suits, please remember the temps were in the 90s and it was humid. They all deserve a cold beverage, or seven, for posing for these photos.

Hottest bridal party ever? I think so! Seriously… babe city!

Libby’s flowers were so so pretty. I love the loose and unstructured look with a pop of green. They were simple and elegant.

Shane’s dad, Steve’s, dog Ruby followed Steve down the aisle. Can you even? She looked like she was born for a runway.

Little Lennon’s trip down the aisle from Grandma to Mom was pretty great too!

As predicted, Shane had a pretty strong reaction to seeing Libby, but can you blame him?

When Shane reached over to wipe Libby’s tears away, I almost got so caught up in watching the moment that I forgot to document it. Don’t worry, I came to my senses!!

Right as the reception started, it began to rain. Fortunately, as soon as the couple was announced, everyone was safely tucked under the tent.

I wasn’t sure who was more popular at this wedding, Ruby the Dachshund, or Lennon the Flower Girl. But… Ruby didn’t get the crowd to imitate her dance moves, so… I think Lennon wins.

The rain only lasted through the parts of the reception that would have been in the tent anyway. Then the skies cleared up and turned to a beautiful pink right at sunset.

Congratulations, Shane and Libby, on an AWESOME day and a beautiful start to your wedding. I’m so happy for both of you and I wish you a long and happy life together. Cheers!