Castle farms is a dream wedding venue in Northern michigan in the beautiful resort community of Charlevoix. It is the venue my couple fell in love with and where they wanted to have their classic wedding. I can see why. It’s french inspired architecture building, landscape gardens, fountain, and rich stone is so visually pleasing to the eye, and great for all your background wedding day photos. First off let me tell you about my amazing couple, Cayla and Ben. I love their hearts to serve and help others, and the love they share for each other. Cayla and Ben are high school sweethearts. You really dont hear that much anymore, but I was so excited to learn this about them. Cayla and Ben love helping others and both serve in fields that do that. He is a firefighter and she is in the medical field helping others.
Cayla and Ben chose the Knights Courtyard at Castle Farms for their ceremony and the west garden room for the reception. The west garden room at castle farms is known as the most romantic reception room. With just the right amount of lighting and warmth. The detailed crown molding, and elegant chandeliers and stunning french doors, will send you and your guest into a night of celebration to remember. The Knight’s courtyard has the castles longest entrance walkway, and just the right amount of historic charm for the most classic and timeless celebration. A castle farm wedding is a dream wedding venue for any bride to be.There space both indoor and outdoors offer so much beauty, and is why we love going back there to photograph weddings year after year. We know the space well, and love working with the organized staff there.
Cayla and Ben wanted to have an intimate first look and read their vows in a private spot where the two of them could enjoy just each other. The first look was very special, and definitely helped calm the nerves of the day. It was much needed as the nerves of the day were strong just moments before this, as we were running behind, and the bride started to panic. There were moments while getting ready I could see the bride getting stressed and I reminded her to breathe and that everything is going to be ok. That is very normal, and I was totally able to calm her and get us back on track. we headed to the frist look area, where the groom awaited his beautiful bride under the arches at the castle. Another amazing feature Castle farms has to offer. They read their vows to each other, and spoke the most beautiful words about one another, and had all of us including each other crying. After that the bride and groom could relax and enjoy there pictures together. First looks are so great for this reason. The bride was nothing but smiles after that.
The weather was on the warm side, but what can you expect for a summer wedding. I think it ended up perfect and for an outside wedding ceremony the most important thing was there was no rain. There are several backup plans in case it rains on your wedding day at castle farms, and some are just as stunning as the outside.
The couple had there husky as their dog of honor in the wedding. A beautiful blue eyed gorgeous pup, but a very warm day for him. He was walked down the aisle by the groom’s brother. He sat in the seats along family until the sun just got to hot to bare and they needed to find some shade for him. Cayla and Ben read their vows again in front of everyone and exchanged rings and their first kiss as husband and wife. They walked down the aisle as happy newlyweds and the groom picked his bride up and kissed her at the end.It was a beautiful moment, and made such a beautiful photo. look through the images and see what i am talking about.
The couple was introduced into the beautifully decorated reception space and immediately had there first dance followed by dances with mom and dad. The couple wanted to have a private and intimate cake cutting in the bridal suite so we headed there to capture some images with the cake and Cayla changing into her reception dress to dance the night away. These were so fun. by this time the couple had a few drinks and were so relaxed and ready to continue enjoying themselves. Cayla licked some cake off ben, and they fed each other cake, before snapping some photos of them with their favorite drinks and heading back to celebrate on the dance floor. And what a celebration they had. Thanks to this amazing couple. They were a dream to work with, and what a pleasure it was to capture all these amazing moments they will have forever to look back on.
The Vendor List
If you have them, list other key vendors here (include their website URLs):
Wedding Venue: Castle Farms
Wedding Photography: Veil of Grace Photography
Hair and Makeup: Vogue Salon And Spa
Dress: Piera’s Bridal Couture
Castle Farms wedding Venue Information
Knight’s Courtyard and West Garden room
Ideal for 80-160, Maximum 200
Timeline: 3pm to 10pm
Price Range: $7,000-$9,000
Castle Farms has several rentals , and tons of things to add to make your day perfect. Check out their official website sharing all this information by clicking Castle Farms
Testimonial
If you are looking for a photographer that will help with your timeline, go above and beyond, act as your peace of mind on your wedding day, AND get the most gorgeous pictures, go with Amy! She far exceeded my expectations with both our wedding photos & engagement pics. She is worth every penny, plus some! I loved working with her and the 2nd shooter she used (Sam) was amazing as well. Amy is very open-minded and willing to try anything. She was very open to our preferences and did an amazing job. She is professional (yet funny), kind, timely, reliable, and talented! My wedding day would not have been the same without her!
-Cayla
Meet Amy, owner of Veil of Grace Photography, and check out her introduction HERE.
veilofgracephotography@gmail.com
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