Bella and Chris built the kind of day that feels like a cozy backyard hang, a dance party, and a romance movie all rolled into one.
Their Sherwood Gardens wedding in Plainwell, Michigan was full of personal touches, live music, prairie wildflower vibes, and the kind of energy where you can tell everyone showed up ready to celebrate hard.
And yes, if you were wondering, Twilight was absolutely in the chat.
Getting Ready At Sherwood Gardens
One of the best parts about Sherwood Gardens is how much it gives you in one spot. The main house has that classic, welcoming feel, and having spaces on the property for both sides makes the whole day flow smoother.
Bella’s details were also seriously packed with meaning. A blue patch sewn into her dress from her mom, blue shoes, a photo of her grandpa that her mom held close, her grandma’s engagement ring, and a bouquet that tied right into their prairie wildflower theme.
Chris brought his own set of signature pieces too, including a handkerchief, boutonniere, and a bolo tie that fit the vibe perfectly.
Also, shoutout to the bridal party for having one shared interest they could talk about forever. Anything Twilight related, anytime, anywhere.
A Ceremony With Live Guitar And An Unplugged Vibe
Bella and Chris planned an unplugged ceremony, which we always love. Not because phones are evil, but because it’s really nice when your people are actually watching you get married instead of watching their screen.
Their ceremony was set outdoors, weather permitting, with family and friends playing guitar. Chris’s dad and his close friend Tim performed music for the ceremony, which made the whole thing feel extra personal in a way you cannot fake.
Rachel Benzer officiated, and the whole setup had that grounded, intimate feel that Sherwood Gardens does so well.
First Look Or No First Look?
Bella and Chris were deciding whether a first look made sense for their timeline and photo time.
Here’s the simple version: if you want more time for portraits, more breathing room, and more time actually hanging with guests, a first look usually helps. If you want that first time seeing each other to happen during the ceremony, that is also totally valid. There’s no wrong answer, it’s just about what matters most to you.
We’ll always help couples choose what fits their day and their personalities, not what Instagram says is “the right way.”
Portraits In The Woods, By The River, And Around The Gardens
Sherwood Gardens has so many solid photo options without needing to leave the property. Bella and Chris wanted portraits in the woods near the ceremony site, in the flower gardens, and, if time allowed, some more intimate photos near the Kalamazoo River across the road by the honeymoon suite.
They also asked for a lot of direction, which is honestly our favorite. You do not need to know what you’re doing. That’s our job.
Their portrait wish list covered everything from cozy and romantic to playful and silly, plus creative lighting when the moment was right. Basically, a full range of “we’re obsessed with each other” energy, with a little spice.
Reception: Dance First, Ask Questions Later
Their reception was built for movement. Fun, music, dance was the whole mission, and it showed.
They planned parent dances, a packed set of toasts, and a first dance to “I Love You for Sentimental Reasons” by Linda Ronstadt, which is such a classic choice.
Instead of a cake cutting, they did a cookie sharing moment, which felt very them. They also had a cookie dessert table, plus decks of cards as favors, which is a perfect “grab one, play later, remember this day forever” kind of touch.
And then the bonfire kicked off, with s’mores and that end-of-night glow that makes everyone loosen up in the best way.
Bella had one specific request: a photo of them making s’mores together. Consider it done. Those are the moments that feel like real life, and they are always worth chasing.
A Quick Planning Tip For Couples Getting Married At Sherwood Gardens
If you’re planning a Sherwood Gardens wedding, build in intentional time for portraits before the party fully starts, even if it’s just a quick window.
Once the dancing begins and the bonfire is going, it gets harder to pull you away without it feeling like an interruption. A little breathing room earlier means you get the romantic woodsy photos, the garden photos, and you still make it back to cocktail hour with your people.
Bella and Chris’ Wedding Day Vendors:
Photography: Westley Leon Studios // Venue: Sherwood Gardens // Officiant: Rachel Benzer // Hair and Makeup: Perfect Image Salon // Catering: El Granjero // DJ: Mac Gannon with Ring Finger DJs // Attire: Khloe Mae Store (Allure) // Groom Attire: Suits Outlets (Nola) // Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie // Invitations: Zola
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