Wedding rings on yellow leaf on lace at Island Park wedding in Ann Arbor

Island Park Wedding Ann Arbor | Darcie & Justin

Island Park in Ann Arbor is such a hidden gem. I had seen it a few times while kayaking down the Huron River, but didn’t know exactly where it was. A quick Google search showed me its location. I never would have guessed that Island Park would be across the street from an apartment complex. There’s an adorable building that looks like it is Greek inspired which makes for a great photo location. The light in that shines in there in the afternoon is to die for!

Darcie and Justin let me know their wedding would take place on the island, then the reception would be in the shelter on the shore. The park is the perfect setup for a smaller wedding since both locations are just steps away from each other. Their wedding colors are one of my favorite combos, yellow and gray, LOVE! They had yellow balloons lining either side of the walk way leading up to the aisle. Such a unique idea, plus we used them for a super cute photo later in the evening.

The reception was so laid-back, we ate Qdoba and they individual mini pies for dessert. So adorable! Then it was time for the dances. Now, I am a sucker for father-daughter dances being a daddy’s girl myself, so it’s not out of the ordinary for me to shed a tear or two behind my camera. But this time I was crying like a baby, along with most of the guests. Watching the two of them dance together, you could see the bond that they had. She will definitely always be his baby girl.

Just before I left, we gathered all the guests in a nearby open area. Darcie and Justin wanted a photo with everyone since the whole family doesn’t get together too often. I climbed up on a picnic table to get the photo. Totally not safe while six months pregnant with twins by the way, but I’m that photographer that will climb and get down in the mud to get the perfect angle. Really I should just bring a ladder with me, that’s just a lot of extra stuff to have to carry around. Anyway, I think doing a photo with everyone is a great idea when possible. You can use them to customize or include in your thank you cards, then people would actually hold on to the card. Personalized touches like that are so darn cute!

Similar Posts

  • Tahquamenon Falls Surprise Proposal | Lucas & Kassidy

    Stealth Mode: A Tahquamenon Falls Surprise Proposal When Lucas reached out to me about photographing his surprise proposal to his long-time girlfriend Kassidy, I was thrilled to be part of such a special moment. The plan was set: capture an unforgettable Tahquamenon Falls surprise proposal, and make it all look effortless. Here’s how it all…

  • Aaron & Brian | Quincy Wedding

    Hurricane Irma disrupted a lot of lives when she traveled through in early September. But the devastation that she caused on the island of St. Thomas in the Caribbean had Aaron and Brian scrambling to change their original wedding plans. They ended up rearranging everything to have an October wedding and get married in Michigan…

  • Wedding Photo Album Importance: Why Printed Memories Matter

    There’s something about holding a photo in your hands. Scrolling through your wedding photos on a phone or laptop is convenient, but nothing compares to flipping through an album, feeling the weight of each page, and watching your story unfold in print. I know this firsthand. My grandpa’s old Polaroids still sit on my shelf….

  • Cascades Manor Wedding | Charley & Elise

    Charley and Elise asked me to capture their wedding at Cascades Manor, and I couldn’t have been more honored. Since I started my business as a Jackson-based wedding photographer, this venue holds a special place in my heart. I love its rich history and the way it perfectly blends classic architecture with modern charm. Their…

  • St Mary Magdalen Brighton, MI Wedding | Alex & Maria

    A St Mary Magdalen Brighton Wedding Full of Firsts and Heart Even after years of photographing weddings, I still experience exciting firsts. Alex and Maria’s St Mary Magdalen Brighton wedding gave me one of those. This marked my first time photographing a Hispanic wedding, and I loved every moment. They chose to marry at St….

  • Irish Hills Barn Wedding | Felicia & Harley

    When I heard that Joel, the owner of Mid-Michigan Entertainment, was opening a wedding venue in the heart of Brooklyn, Michigan, I was beyond excited. Having worked with his DJs numerous times in the past, I already knew his commitment to professionalism and creating an unforgettable party atmosphere. The Irish Hills Convention Center & Barn…