Valerie + Greg | Photos on the Farm in Michigan

November 1, 2023 Holly Smith

Well, I went out with a bang!! My cousin Valerie asked me to come to her farm in Michigan to photograph her wedding to Greg. Together they run Sharp Farm Chic where they host barn sales a few times a year. And more recently they opened Photos on the Farm, where photographers can come to the farm and rent certain scenes or vignettes on the grounds to use for photo sessions.

It was a misty, kind of drizzly day, but it didn’t matter! Everything was so pretty I couldn’t stop shooting every little detail! I can see why the place is so popular with photographers! If you are in the Flint, Michigan area, you’ll definitely want to check it out, and follow them on Instagram!

The day started out with me arranging and photographing all of Valerie’s meticulously planned small details, including all kinds of heirloom items from family members. The fish tie tack belonged to our Grandpa Roat! Then when Valerie returned from getting her hair done, we photographed the dress in the barn loft and some getting ready photos. Greg was everywhere getting all the outdoors seating and setups ready. He also picked up the cake!

You guys — how cool is this greenhouse?! Valerie + Greg built it together using leaded glass that they had thrifted for years. It was a welcome source of great light and place for me to get out of the rain for detail photos. And not to mention that it is just plan gorgeous. 😍

Then once everyone had arrived, we started the ceremony while everyone held umbrellas. They both said their vows and had their first kiss as husband and wife, and then we immediately did family photos, which included the Valerie + Greg’s children.

Valerie had her uncle bring in his horse Dottie for a few photos, and Dottie wore vintage sleigh bells that belonged to Val’s grandfather. We also had to get a few photos with Butters, their baby miniature Highland calf, even though he was drenched all day. 😂

We ended the day with some photos in the getaway “Just Married” truck, and then I was off to the airport to head back to Illinois.

I can’t imagine a more perfect way to have ended my wedding photography career. My very first wedding ever was my cousin Dave’s, and I love that I was able to bookend this chapter of my career with another cousin’s wedding. Thank you, Greg + Val for hosting me and for inviting me to take your wedding photos!! <3 Congratulations!!

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