
Lindsey and Austin’s wedding day at The Venue on 5th was light-hearted, eclectic, and exactly the kind of celebration where you can tell the couple actually likes their friends.
It was full of personality, a little nerdy in the best way, and planned with just enough structure to keep things smooth while still leaving room for everyone to have a ridiculously good time.
These two originally planned an outdoor wedding, then realized it was going to be a headache to pull off the way they wanted. So they made the smart call and secured The Venue on 5th instead.
One of the coolest parts is that their AirBNB was right on the top floor. The owner renovated it just a few years ago, so it gave them a convenient, comfortable home base for getting ready and hanging out, all in the same building as the celebration.
Lindsey’s getting ready space was filled with the kind of energy you want on a wedding morning. Supportive people, calm excitement, and a whole lot of shared interests.
Most of the wedding party is into anime and video games, and which felt very on brand for a day that leaned eclectic instead of overly traditional.
Lindsey also had a handful of details set aside to be photographed, including the wedding invite, shoes, ring box, perfume bottle, and her dress hanging on an arch. Those small touches tied everything together and helped set the tone for the day right from the start.
Lindsey and Austin chose to do a first look, and it gave them a quiet pocket of time together before the ceremony energy kicked in.
It also made the rest of the day feel more relaxed. More time for portraits, more breathing room, and fewer rushed moments between the ceremony and reception.
They went unplugged for the ceremony, which we love. Guests were asked to put phones away and be present, which always makes the aisle cleaner and the moment feel more real.
Their ceremony was non-religious and officiated by Renee Becker-Blau, and they planned to decide who would read vows first with rock-paper-scissors. Which is a perfect example of their vibe. Light-hearted, playful, and not taking themselves too seriously.
One of the most fun surprises of the day was the rings being hidden under two random chairs during the ceremony. Only a few people knew it was coming.
It’s such a good idea if you want a moment that feels interactive without turning your ceremony into a full performance. It keeps guests engaged, adds a little laughter, and makes the story even better later.
They kept portraits on-site, which was the right move. No travel time, no stress, and more time to actually enjoy the day.
Lindsey and Austin trusted our direction, but also planned to toss out ideas as they came up. That balance is perfect. We guide the flow, keep it natural, and if you have a “wait, what if we do this” moment, we make it happen.
Their reception timeline was built with flexibility, which is honestly the best way to do it. Cocktail hour, parent welcomes and speeches, dinner, cake cutting, and then the dance floor taking over the night.
They planned a father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, and an anniversary dance game to celebrate couples who have been together through different seasons of life, and then it was time for the after-party dancing.
Their first dance song was “Lady May” by Tyler Childers, and their colors were emerald greens, lilac purples, and gold accents. Lindsey described it as “like Mardi Gras but not,” which is accurate and also hilarious.
If your original plan stops making sense, pivoting is not failure, it is wisdom. Lindsey and Austin made a change to protect the experience they actually wanted, and that choice is what makes the day feel smooth and fun.
Choose the option that gives you the most peace and the most time with your people. Everything else is just details.
Photography: Westley Leon Studios // Venue: The Venue on 5th // Officiant: Renee Becker-Blau // Attire: The Wedding Loft (Lillian West) // Groom Shoes: Florsheim // Hair and Makeup: Black Swan Beauty (Sarah Buckland) // Florals: Jill Brown // Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes // Catering: Sweet & Savoury // Linens: Tablecloth USA // Bartender: Billie Grant
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We’re Westley Leon Studios, a team of wedding photographers in South Bend, Indiana with an unwavering commitment to authentic imagery and a personal experience. For the couples who choose a damn good time over stuffy propriety every time.
Studio Address: 218 Front St Niles, MI 49120
Mailing Address: 1606 Oak St Niles MI 49120
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