Ross and Jennifer’s intimate Michigan wedding day was one of those celebrations that felt deeply personal from beginning to end. When Jennifer first reached out, she made it clear that getting married at the Royal Park Hotel was non negotiable. It was her favorite place, located in Michigan where much of her family lives, and a hotel filled with memories from years of visits together. Choosing it as their wedding venue felt natural and meaningful, setting the perfect tone for an intimate celebration.

Nestled along the river, the Royal Park Hotel offers a timeless and elegant atmosphere that still feels warm and inviting. For Ross and Jennifer, it was more than just a venue. It was a place tied to milestones, quiet weekends away, and even their engagement story. Hosting their intimate wedding here allowed them to celebrate not only their marriage, but the journey that brought them to this moment.

Getting Ready at Jennifer’s Childhood Home

On a beautiful August morning, I made my way to Jennifer’s childhood home to begin documenting her day. I was greeted by her kind mother, whose calm presence set the tone for the morning. When Jennifer came into view, I gave her a big hug and reminded her that the day ahead was going to be perfect.

While Jennifer continued getting ready with her mom, I photographed the thoughtful details she had prepared, including her wedding invitations, jewelry, vow books, and sentimental trinkets. Some of the most touching moments happened quietly as her mother helped zip her dress and finish her hair. Their smiles and shared glances spoke volumes, and once Jennifer was ready, we stepped outside for a few portraits where her joy truly shined.

A Garden First Look at the Royal Park Hotel

Once we arrived at the Royal Park Hotel, it was time for Ross and Jennifer’s first look. The hotel’s garden, complete with a stunning fountain, provided the perfect setting. I positioned Ross and then led Jennifer into the garden, letting her know it was time for him to see his bride.

As Ross turned around, Jennifer’s smile lit up the entire space. The happiness between them was undeniable, and their first look felt both emotional and effortless. We continued with portraits throughout the garden before they excitedly told me about one of their favorite spot inside the hotel.

A Love Lock Moment during their Intimate Michigan Wedding

Inside the Royal Park Hotel is a charming love lock bridge, inspired by the famous bridge in Paris. This spot holds special meaning for Ross and Jennifer, as Ross had proposed to Jennifer right there. They even added their own heart shaped lock, engraved with their engagement date, to the bridge.

Before the ceremony, they insisted on stopping by Park 600, the hotel bar. I always encourage couples to make their wedding day truly their own, and this was the perfect example. They enjoyed a drink and an appetizer together, greeting guests as they filtered in. It was relaxed, joyful, and exactly how they wanted to spend their intimate Michigan wedding.

A Intimate Michigan Wedding in the Belgium Glass Conservatory

Soon, it was time for the ceremony. The Belgium Glass Conservatory, surrounded by a lush private garden and centered around an Italian limestone fountain, created a breathtaking backdrop. Jennifer’s sister, Theresa, officiated the ceremony, making the moment even more meaningful.

Watching her little sister walk down the aisle was emotional, and there were plenty of happy tears throughout the ceremony. Ross and Jennifer exchanged heartfelt vows and shared their first kiss as Mr. and Mrs. Preville, officially beginning their next chapter together.

Celebrating with Family and an Intimate Reception

After the ceremony, we returned to the garden for family photos while the conservatory was transformed into the reception space. Once inside, the celebration truly began. The speeches were heartfelt, the cake was delicious, and the observatory was filled with laughter, love, and warmth.

Ross and Jennifer’s Intimate Michigan wedding was the perfect example of how weddings can feel just as meaningful and joyful as larger celebrations. Every moment reflected who they are as a couple, and it was an honor to document a day so full of intention, love, and connection.

How to Plan Your Own Intimate Wedding

Choose a Location with Emotional Meaning

Instead of starting with guest count or logistics, start with meaning. Jennifer knew she wanted to get married at The Royal Park Hotel because it was a place filled with memories from visits, milestones, and Ross’s proposal. Choosing a venue that already holds significance instantly adds depth and emotion to your wedding day and makes the experience feel even more special.

Hotels, boutique venues, gardens, and conservatories are incredible options for intimate weddings because they often allow you to host your entire day in one place while still offering a variety of beautiful backdrops.

Keep Your Guest List Intentional

An intimate wedding is about quality over quantity. Ross and Jennifer surrounded themselves with their closest family members, which allowed every moment to feel personal and unrushed. Smaller guest counts create space for deeper connections, emotional ceremonies, and genuine interactions throughout the day.

When building your guest list, ask yourself who truly needs to be there to witness this chapter of your story.

Build a Relaxed, Flexible Timeline

One of the biggest benefits of an intimate wedding is flexibility. Ross and Jennifer took time for getting ready moments at home, a peaceful first look in the garden, portraits throughout the hotel, and even a stop at the bar before their ceremony. Nothing felt rushed, and the day unfolded naturally.

A slower timeline allows you to be present, enjoy the in between moments, and actually experience your wedding day instead of rushing through it.

Personalize the Details

Small weddings create the perfect opportunity to incorporate meaningful details. From handwritten vows and sentimental jewelry to stopping by Park 600 for a pre ceremony drink, Ross and Jennifer made choices that reflected who they are as a couple.

Think about what feels true to you. That might mean locking a love lock at a meaningful spot, having a family member officiate, or sharing a quiet toast before walking down the aisle.

Choose a Photographer Who Understands Intimate Weddings

Intimate weddings rely heavily on emotion, storytelling, and capturing subtle moments. Having a photographer who knows how to document quiet interactions, family connections, and candid moments makes all the difference.

Your photographer should help guide your timeline, suggest meaningful portrait locations, and create space for moments to unfold naturally, just like Ross and Jennifer’s day.