The Barretts at The Blue Dress Barn
Matt & Leighann’s Wedding
Welcome to the May 2019 wedding of Matt & Leighann!
Their venue was the The Blue Dress Barn in Michigan, who introduced the ‘Wedding Barn’ concept in 2003, making it the first ‘Wedding Barn’ in America!
The Barretts chose to use their pre-wedding shoot images for their invitations and save the dates, just one of the mahoosive positives to having a pre-wedding session!
Sparkle and shine
Shooting Leighann’s details was a to-die-for experience! These Badgley Mischka shoes stole the show!
Pre ceremony - glam squad assemble!
I absolutely love shooting this part of the day; so much excitement is in the air! You can practically feel the butterflies in everyone’s tummies!
Meg Kline Beauty applying beautiful bridal makeup on Leighann.
For Leighann and Matt, it was so important that Grace, Leighann’s daughter, was a huge part of their day; Matt and Grace even read vows to each other! (this is the part where you grab a tissue in preparation for further down the blog- possibly the sweetest thing I have ever witnessed at a wedding!)
A surprise from the groom…
What I love so much about this amazing couple is how many times during the day there were little (and big!) surprises for each other! It was such a joy to witness their love for each other!
Special moments. No words needed.
Moments with momma.
I mean, who doesn’t love a hairspray shot?! Amazing wedding hair by Wedding Bell Michelle.
The dress.
An absolutely stunning gown by Morilee Madeline Gardner. Leighann found her dream dress at Here Comes The Bride Bridal Boutique.
Leighann’s maid-of-honour making sure everything is perfect!
The reaction.
I just adore a reveal! Look at those proud ladies!
Beautiful florals
The Barretts’ wedding flowers included white roses and baby pink peonies (my personal favourite!)
Truly stunning floral design by the amazing Flowers by Anna.
Special touches.
Leighann attached a jewel that came from her late grandmother’s chandelier to her bouquet. As a child, Leighann and her sisters loved the chandelier; it was such a beautiful touch and way to include such a special person to Leighann on her big day.
Matt left gift number two for his beautiful bride at the bridal suite! A beautiful scroll to hold their wedding certificate! And a little something blue from the mother-of-the-bride.
Leighann is one of 4 girls and her momma is the sweetest momma! I just loved capturing the interactions between them all day!
Let’s hear it for the boys!
These guys were an absolute hoot!
As I always do, I spent a bit a time before the ceremony hanging out with the boys! It was a laugh a second! Matt and his crew were a blast to photograph!
The most beautiful ceremony.
The Blue Dress Barn’s grounds are absolutely incredible, just breathtaking!
The ceremony took place between two historic 40' silos.
I still get blown away by the absolutely stunning floral arch designed by Flowers By Anna!
Matt & Leighann decided on a ‘unplugged ceremony’ which meant everyone was kindly asked to put away their phones and be truly present in the moment.
They also chose to incorporate ‘A Cord of Three Strands’ into their ceremony, beautifully made by Patriot Crafted.
Here comes the bride.
Grace and her best friend since preschool laid petals down the aisle, ready for Leighann and her daddy!
The ceremony was beautiful, there were laughs and smiles and definitely tears, too!
Leighann’s sister and niece sang during the ceremony and it was absolutely perfect!
Not a dry eye…. including mine! Matt & Grace’s vows to each other, so emotional and moving.
…. husband and wife!
Party time in the barn!
… and what a party it was! Stay tuned for one last surprise, too! A surprise that made this wedding truly unforgettable!
The most adorable Jam favours by Miss Shellies Southern Jams & Jellies!
The piano in the barn was decorated with photographs of the happy couple!
A beautiful two tier cake by The Baker’s Rhapsody and cake box by Patriot Crafted.
The Dances.
Not only did Leighann & Matt take to the dance floor for their first dance, there was also a father-daughter dance and a fabulous routine by Matt & Grace!
The perfect dress for twirling!
Daddy’s girl.
And then it was time for everyone to let their hair down and dance the night away! Oh, and… that one last surprise…
Don’t stop ‘til you get enough!
That’s right! Unbeknownst to Matt and all of the guests, Leighann had arranged a Michael Jackson tribute artist to perform! Matt, Leighann & Grace are huge Michael Jackson fans and it was just amazing!
I can honestly say this was one of the best weddings I have ever attended in my life! And it was such an honour to be the one who got to photograph it!
Thank you, Matt & Leighann for choosing me to share these precious memories with! I will never forget it!
See you all next time
Lucy x