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Wedding photography for the Elegant Soul

Coloma Michigan Backyard Wedding | Caroline & Adam

Weddings

A bride and groom stand beside a table, addressing seated guests at an outdoor wedding reception under a white tent surrounded by greenery.
A bride and groom pose together in a lush, green outdoor setting. The bride holds a bouquet of pink and white flowers, her lace veil draped around them both, while the groom embraces her in a navy suit and bow tie.
A bride and groom stand smiling near a table, surrounded by seated guests at an outdoor wedding reception under a canopy, with trees and string lights in the background.
A bride and groom smiling and embracing outdoors, surrounded by greenery. The bride holds a bouquet of pink and white flowers, and wears a white dress and veil, while the groom wears a navy suit with a boutonniere.

Caroline always knew her Nana’s home in Coloma, Michigan would play a role in her life’s most important moments. Nestled between tall trees and wrapped in memories, it was the kind of place where summer seemed to last forever—where barefoot dinners on the lawn and golden evenings felt sacred. So when she and Adam decided to get married, choosing Nana’s backyard felt less like a decision and more like destiny. Making this Coloma Michigan backyard wedding the best of the best.

Caroline and Adam’s love story bloomed quickly. They met by chance, and from that very first conversation, something clicked—a calm knowing. Their connection grew fast, but never rushed. It was as if every step forward was already waiting for them.

When Adam met Caroline’s two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, it was clear he wasn’t just falling in love with Caroline—he was showing up fully for the family they were becoming. Watching him with her daughter, the tenderness and intention, was what sealed everything for Caroline. And that deep, layered love was what made their backyard wedding not just beautiful—but unforgettable.

1. Setting the Stage: Backyard Wedding 101

  • Backyard wedding simple: Simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Caroline and Adam kept their décor minimal yet intentional—twinkling string lights overhead, vintage mason jars overflowing with baby’s breath, and a stunning floral arch where they exchanged vows. These choices kept the focus on connection and the natural beauty of the backyard while making the space feel romantic and inviting. A Coloma Michigan backyard wedding that is simple and sophisticated!
  • Backyard wedding tent rentals: A tent is essential for comfort and weather unpredictability. For couples in West Michigan, I always recommend Michiana Rental in Niles or The Rental Branch in St. Joseph. Both offer tent packages that include setup, lighting, chairs, tables, and even portable dance floors—everything you need to transform a lawn into a celebration space. Caroline and Adam chose a classic white tent with open sides to maintain the garden view and flow.
  • Backyard wedding 2010 vibe: Since Caroline and Adam met in 2010, they wanted to subtly nod to the era that sparked their love. They created a nostalgic ambiance using framed concert tickets, printed photo strips from their early dates, and a vinyl record guestbook. This not only made their décor personal, but also brought a sense of fun and storytelling to the day that guests loved.
A bride and groom stand beside a table, addressing seated guests at an outdoor wedding reception under a white tent surrounded by greenery.
A white wedding dress hangs from the ceiling in a sunlit, plant-filled hallway with large windows, potted plants, and round paper lanterns overhead.

2. Planning the Essentials: Backyard Wedding Tips

  • Rentals: Tent, seating, and a dance floor should be among your first considerations. Caroline and Adam worked with The Rental Branch in St. Joseph for their tent and reception setup—about $600 for a mid-sized tent and an additional $300 for chairs and lighting. Michiana Party Rentals in Niles is another excellent option, offering everything from tents and tables to portable dance floors. A backyard celebration gives you creative control over the entire layout, from ceremony to cocktail hour.
  • Catering: Food is one of the most memorable parts of any celebration. CK Catering in Coloma is known for their curated menus and seasonal flair—perfect for intimate outdoor weddings. Caroline and Adam’s spread included grilled chicken sliders, roasted vegetable platters, and fruit tarts that felt summery, elegant, and relaxed. Creative Catering Services in Paw Paw is another local favorite, offering custom experiences that center around fresh, local ingredients. Olive Garden in Portage catered Caroline and Adam’s Coloma Michigan Backyard Wedding.
  • Dress code: Caroline selected a “garden casual” backyard wedding dress code that invited guests to show up in floaty sundresses, relaxed linen shirts, and breathable fabrics. It created a cohesive look in photos and helped everyone stay cool and comfortable under the late June sun.
  • Photography + film: Visual storytelling is one of the most lasting parts of your celebration. I work with couples to capture the genuine emotion, fleeting moments, and intentional details that define the day. Caroline and Adam’s gallery leaned into timeless, editorial framing with a documentary heart—sunlight streaming through the trees, laughter spilling from cocktail hour, and quiet glances between newlyweds that speak volumes.
A pearl necklace and two rings, including a diamond engagement ring, rest on green moss next to a small orange glass bowl.
A green glass desk lamp with a brass base sits on a wicker surface, topped with a small pink flower and three tiny white blossoms.

3. Dress & Décor

  • What to Wear: When planning a backyard wedding, it’s helpful to gently guide guests on attire—especially with grass, gravel, or uneven terrain. Suggest breathable fabrics, flat shoes or block heels, and styles that feel polished but comfortable. Many couples include a note on their invitation or wedding website to encourage easy, weather-appropriate looks that still photograph beautifully.
  • Groom’s Look: Backyard weddings offer freedom from formalwear rules. Grooms often opt for relaxed tailoring—like a soft blazer, open-collar shirt, or even suspenders and rolled sleeves. The key is cohesion and confidence. Whether it’s coastal-inspired linen or timeless neutrals, the right look should echo the tone of the day and feel true to who he is.
  • Décor Details: Simple touches can make a big impact. Cotton and lace textures, handmade signage, and soft lighting—like beeswax candles or strands of café bulbs—create a cozy, intimate feel. Consider mixing vintage and natural elements: potted plants, family heirlooms, or even items from local antique shops. These details not only reflect personality but often feel more meaningful (and sustainable!) than standard rentals.

4. Food & Beverage

  • Backyard wedding food ideas: Caroline and Adam chose a buffet-style dinner that felt fresh and celebratory without being too formal. Highlights included smoked brisket, hand-rolled tacos, grilled peach salad, and watermelon skewers. CK Catering even brought a mobile kitchen to ensure hot food and fast service. Their menu balanced casual comfort with elegance.
  • Drinks: Instead of a full bar, they opted for a curated drink station: local sparkling cider, their signature cocktail (vodka, mint, and lemonade), and chilled rosé. A big hit? Their late-night s’mores bar beside the backyard wedding dance floor—complete with gourmet chocolate and flavored marshmallows. Guests toasted, danced barefoot, and lingered late into the night.

5. Entertainment & Timeline

  • Dance floor & music: They rented a raised dance platform from The Rental Branch and covered it in neutral-toned vinyl to keep things elevated. Their playlist—made in collaboration with a DJ friend—included love songs from 2010 and beyond, nodding to their early years and keeping the vibe upbeat and nostalgic.
  • Timeline tips: The ceremony was timed with golden hour, giving us the dreamiest light for backyard wedding pictures. Dinner flowed seamlessly into toasts, and the first dance started just as string lights began to glow. Building in buffer time between moments helped the day breathe—no rush, no stress.
  • Chaos control: Backyard weddings can feel unpredictable, but with the right timeline and support, they run beautifully. I helped lead the flow of the day alongside their coordinator, and we built in time for things to shift without causing panic—especially key when kids are involved or family is hosting.

6. Capturing It All on Film

  • Backyard wedding photos & pictures: From stolen glances on the porch to flower girls dancing in the grass, every moment was bursting with joy and authenticity. I focused on timeless framing and honest emotion—no heavy poses, just honest storytelling that felt true to them.
  • Backyard wedding film: Their highlight film wove together vows, laughter, music, and light. It told not just the story of their wedding day, but of their love—of family coming together, of Adam kneeling to hug Caroline’s daughter, of a home that holds generations of memory. It’s a keepsake they’ll revisit forever.

7. Bonus Touch: Shower & Prep

  • Backyard wedding shower ideas: Hosting a pre-wedding shower in the same backyard where you’ll say “I do” creates a sweet sense of continuity. Think garden-inspired activities like flower arranging, iced tea tastings, or creating custom favors like herb bundles or mini candles. It’s a chance to gather your favorite people in a relaxed setting, build excitement, and infuse the celebration with thoughtful, personal touches—without the pressure of formality

Caroline & Adam’s wedding proves that a simple outdoor wedding idea can be deeply meaningful, stylish, and delightfully personal. Especially when you plan with intention, invest in key vendors, and let your story shine. Plan a Coloma Michigan backyard wedding? Start with your own backyard, build around your favorite people, and consider these trusted partners:

Vendors for Caroline & Adam’s Backyard Wedding:

An elderly woman with white hair, wearing a pink jacket and white pants, sits on a chair in a bright sunroom filled with potted plants, cozy furniture, and large windows looking out onto a green garden.
A smiling bride and groom pose closely together outdoors, framed by the bride’s veil. The bride holds a bouquet of pink and white flowers with greenery, and both wear formal wedding attire.
A bride and groom stand together indoors, seen through glass doors decorated with string lights and flowers. The scene is framed by plants and reflections, creating an intimate, romantic atmosphere.
A bride and groom smiling and embracing outdoors, surrounded by greenery. The bride holds a bouquet of pink and white flowers, and wears a white dress and veil, while the groom wears a navy suit with a boutonniere.
A bride and groom stand smiling near a table, surrounded by seated guests at an outdoor wedding reception under a canopy, with trees and string lights in the background.
A bride and groom stand beside a table, addressing seated guests at an outdoor wedding reception under a white tent surrounded by greenery.
A bride and groom pose together in a lush, green outdoor setting. The bride holds a bouquet of pink and white flowers, her lace veil draped around them both, while the groom embraces her in a navy suit and bow tie.
A bride and groom share a kiss outdoors during their Coloma, Michigan backyard wedding. The bride holds a large bouquet, the groom wears a navy suit, and guests in colorful attire watch and celebrate their special day.
A green glass desk lamp with a brass base sits on a wicker surface, topped with a small pink flower and three tiny white blossoms.
A black-and-white photo of people gathered outdoors at round tables, sharing a meal under trees. A couple stands and smiles in the background, while guests sit and converse at a table in the foreground.
A bride and groom stand close together on a sandy beach, facing each other and smiling under a lace-edged wedding veil, with green trees and blue sky in the background.
A bride and groom stand close together outdoors, embracing and touching foreheads under a sheer wedding veil, with trees in the background. The image is in black and white.
A pearl necklace and two rings, including a diamond engagement ring, rest on green moss next to a small orange glass bowl.
A bride and groom share a kiss under a translucent veil. The bride wears a pearl necklace and earrings, and the groom is in a dark suit. The intimate moment is captured in black and white.
A bride and groom share their first dance under a white tent at an outdoor wedding. The bride wears a white gown; the groom is in a dark suit. Guests seated at tables watch in the background, surrounded by greenery.
A bride in a wedding dress and veil stands on a sandy beach, facing the ocean, with gentle waves and a clear sky in the background. The scene is captured in black and white.
A bride in a flowing white gown stands on a sandy beach, looking back over her shoulder, while a groom in a suit stands beside her, both facing the calm sea under a clear sky. The image is in black and white.
A man in a navy suit swings a smiling young girl in a white dress by her arms under a tent at an outdoor event, while seated guests watch and smile in the background.
A bride and groom walk hand-in-hand along a sandy beach. The bride wears a flowing white gown, and the groom is dressed in a dark suit. The ocean and sky create a calm, serene backdrop. The image is in black and white.
A smiling bride in a white gown and pearl necklace stands outdoors holding a large bouquet of pastel flowers, next to a happy little girl in a light dress and floral headband, both surrounded by greenery.
A bride in a flowing gown and a groom in a suit walk hand in hand along a sandy beach, smiling, with calm ocean water in the background. Black and white photo.
A young girl in a white dress stands smiling in a doorway, holding the door with one hand. She has curly hair with a flower headband. An adult stands behind her, partially visible, wearing a blue shirt.
A man in a tuxedo spins a young girl in a white dress while a woman in a gown smiles nearby. They are under a tent at an outdoor event, with guests seated at decorated tables in the background.
A bride in a flowing gown and veil stands on grass, smiling and holding her veil outstretched with trees and shrubs in the background. The photo is in black and white.
A bride in a white gown and lace veil stands on green grass surrounded by lush trees, looking down and holding her hands together in front of her. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a serene, natural scene.
An older woman in a bright pink jacket sits on a chair in a sunlit indoor garden room with wooden walls, many green plants, white tile floor, and skylights above.
A smiling bride in a white dress holds a large bouquet of pink and white flowers, standing beside a happy young flower girl in a light pink dress, surrounded by greenery outdoors.
A bride and groom share a kiss outdoors, surrounded by trees. The bride wears a veil and a white dress, while the groom is in a suit. Sunlight filters through the foliage, creating a romantic atmosphere.
A bride and groom embrace and smile at each other outdoors, surrounded by lush green trees and sunlight. The bride wears a white dress and lace veil; the groom is in a dark suit and tie.
A bride in a lace veil holds a bouquet and stands beside an older man in a suit, likely her father, during an outdoor wedding ceremony. Guests are seated and watching in the background.
A bride and groom stand under a white pergola during an outdoor wedding ceremony by the water, holding hands with an officiant behind them. Bridesmaids and a groomsman stand on either side, surrounded by greenery.
A bride and groom stand facing each other during an outdoor wedding ceremony under a decorated pergola, with an officiant and two flower girls nearby. The scene overlooks water and trees in the background.
A bride and groom stand facing each other on a wooden deck under a pergola, holding hands during their outdoor wedding ceremony. A flower girl and an officiant are nearby. The setting overlooks the water, with trees in the background.
A groom follows a bride, holding her dress train as they walk outside. The bride holds a bouquet and wears a veil. In the background is a large elegant building with columns and steps. The photo is in black and white.
A groom kisses his bride as they walk down the aisle outdoors, surrounded by seated guests. The scene is shaded by trees with a decorated pergola and a man standing in the background. The image is in black and white.
A bride and groom share a kiss during their outdoor wedding ceremony, surrounded by guests seated in white chairs, with trees and a view of water in the background. The bride holds a bouquet of pink and white flowers.
A bride and groom stand facing each other during an outdoor wedding ceremony under a decorated pergola, holding a small child. An officiant and another man stand nearby. The scene overlooks water in the background.
A wedding ceremony takes place outdoors under a white pergola, with the couple, officiant, and two attendants standing. Guests are seated, and trees frame the view of a large body of water in the background.
A group of people sit outdoors on folding chairs, attentively watching an event. They are surrounded by green trees and a large brick building is visible in the background. The atmosphere appears calm and formal.
A white wedding dress hangs indoors, and a young child in a light dress peeks out playfully from underneath the gown. The setting is bright, with wooden walls, windows, and various potted plants.
An elderly woman with short gray hair, wearing a bright pink cardigan and white pants, sits on a chair in a sunlit, plant-filled indoor patio with large windows and wooden walls.
A bride in a white dress with a pearl necklace and earrings looks down, holding a bouquet of roses. The photo is black and white, with delicate lace visible at the top edge.
A bride in a white gown crouches and smiles at a young girl in a white dress, while a groom in a navy suit laughs nearby. They are outdoors in a green, wooded area.
A white wedding dress hangs from the ceiling in a sunlit, plant-filled hallway with large windows, potted plants, and round paper lanterns overhead.
A white wedding dress hangs from a light fixture in a sunlit, plant-filled hallway with windows and skylights. The hallway features benches and cozy seating, creating a peaceful, inviting atmosphere.

Coloma Michigan Backyard Wedding | Caroline & Adam

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