Adams Manor Wedding | Holly & Chuck

Early Morning Start for a Stunning Adams Manor Wedding

This past weekend, I had the joy of second shooting an Adams Manor wedding with my friend Autumn. Remember when I photographed her wedding at Castle Farms?! She sent me the timeline a week in advance. I was surprised to see the day begin so early! I left my house at 5:40 a.m.—definitely the earliest wedding start I’ve had in my 17 years.

Luckily, the roads were quiet, and the drive went smoothly. Once I turned onto the long dirt drive, I spotted deer crossing. Then suddenly, Adams Manor appeared through the trees. The English Tudor-style home stood tall and elegant among manicured green lawns. I took a moment and sat in the circle drive, sipping coffee and reviewing the timeline one last time before heading inside.

History and Charm at Adams Manor

Adams Manor isn’t just beautiful—it’s historic. Built in 1932 by bankruptcy lawyer Frederick Darden, it was designed by Canadian architect Arthur LeBaron Weeks. The estate reflects classic English Tudor architecture. Holly, the bride, helped the current owner with renovations, adding a personal touch to the venue.

The bridal suite buzzed with excitement when Autumn and I arrived. We greeted Holly and began with flat lay shots on the dark wood kitchen table. I soon met Chuck and the groomsmen, capturing their “game day” walk, breakfast, and fun shots with a wrestling belt—Chuck’s favorite!

Emotional First Look and Vows

One of the most touching moments at this Adams Manor wedding was Chuck and Holly’s private first look. They shared heartfelt vows, shedding tears and sharing laughter. It felt like the world paused just for them. These intimate moments are always my favorite part of a wedding day.

After their vows, we took full wedding party portraits in front of blooming spring trees at Adams Manor. White and pink blossoms created the perfect backdrop. Once finished, we tucked everyone away before guests arrived.

A Back Terrace Ceremony and Brunch Reception

Chuck and Holly were married on the back terrace of Adams Manor, overlooking the sprawling lawn. Guests sat under white parasols while the couple exchanged vows in front of their closest family and friends.

After cocktail hour, the couple made their grand entrance, followed by their first dance and parent dances. Chuck took a moment to thank everyone with a heartfelt welcome speech, expressing gratitude for their presence and the role they’ve played in their lives.

Then brunch was served—and it was amazing. Their spread included chicken and waffles, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, crepes, muffins, Danishes, salad, and a donut wall for dessert. It was my first brunch wedding, and I’m officially hooked!

After everyone finished eating, the wedding party shared their toasts. Holly also took the microphone to say a few words of her own. Instead of a traditional bouquet toss, she dedicated her bouquet to her mother, thanking her for years of support and all the help she gave planning the wedding. It was a beautiful moment. I could barely keep it together behind the camera, imagining my own kids on their wedding days someday.

Once the formalities wrapped up, the DJ turned up the music and the dance floor filled for the Cupid Shuffle. It was the perfect way to kick off the party.

Final Thoughts on This Adams Manor Wedding

This Adams Manor wedding was packed with joy, style, and heartfelt moments. From the early morning stillness to the laughter-filled reception, it was unforgettable. I’m so grateful to have assisted Autumn and documented this beautiful day. If you’re dreaming of a venue with history, character, and natural beauty—Adams Manor should be on your list.

Vendors

Venue: Adams Manor
Cake: Kelsey Elizabeth Cakes
Donuts: The Looney Baker
Caterer: DNA Catering LLC | Chef Darius
Violinist: SJ Violin
Hair & Makeup: J Montrece Beauty
DJ: Falcon Film Studios
Linen: Linen Hero

Similar Posts

  • How to Plan a VRBO Wedding: Jade & Arynn’s Orchard Hill Farm Celebration

    When it comes to weddings, there’s something truly special about creating a day that reflects who you are as a couple. For Jade and their partner, Arynn, that meant an intimate and stylish VRBO wedding at the breathtaking Orchard Hill Farm in western Michigan. A Personal Connection I’ve known Jade for a while now—we used…

  • AirBNB Wedding Holland, MI | Katlin & Joe

    This time a year ago Katlin and I were sipping coffee with her mom at Starbucks talking about how in a few weeks we’d be back to normal. The day after Katlin and I met to discuss her wedding, the whole world shut down. Plans continued for her large downriver wedding unbeknownst to anyone that…

  • Dexter Engagement Session | Chris & Lola

    When Michigan started to allow photographers to work again I had posted a BOGO deal for portrait sessions. Someone could purchase a session for their family and gift one to an essential worker they knew for supporting the rest of us. Lola reached out to me explaining that she was a nurse and her fiancé…

  • Micro Wedding in Ann Arbor | Ashley & Roger

    Ashley and Roger had slightly different agenda when they first contacted me, but like most things during COVID, plans were derailed. Originally, we were going to meet at the courthouse for their ceremony, then do some photos downtown Ann Arbor, and meet up with their guests for an intimate dinner. Instead, a few days before,…

  • Matthaei Botanical Gardens Wedding | Amanda & Mark

    For being one of the more popular locations I photograph at in Ann Arbor, surprisingly I had not photographed a Matthaei Botanical Gardens wedding before Amanda and Mark’s big day. Engagements, couples sessions, micro weddings, sure, but a full wedding, not yet. So I was pumped when Amanda told me that’s where the ceremony was….

  • Top Wedding Photographer Questions

    THE TOP 10 Questions Couples Ask Wedding Photographers (Answered!) Planning a wedding means making a lot of big decisions, and choosing your photographer is one of the biggest. Your photos are the one thing that lasts beyond the day itself, so it makes sense to have plenty of questions before you book. To make things…