
Dana and Chris’ wedding day at Stonegate Manor was equal parts laid-back elegance and full-send celebration. Simple details, tons of greenery, and the kind of dance floor energy that makes you forget what time it is.
They chose a venue that let the natural scenery do the heavy lifting, kept the day in one location, and still gave them plenty of cozy spaces for getting ready and hanging with their people.
Dana and Chris picked Stonegate Manor for a few very solid reasons. The outdoor scenery is beautiful, there are great getting ready areas on site, and you can do the ceremony and reception all in one place without bouncing around town.
They also loved the attic full of decor that couples can use. It makes planning easier, and it lets you pull together a look that feels intentional without needing to buy every little thing yourself.
Dana found her dress at Simply Yours in Granger, and it was the first dress she tried on. She already knew the style she wanted, and that first dress was it.
She still tried on a few others just for fun, but when you know, you know. It fit her vision right away and matched the understated, elegant vibe they were going for.
Chris was most anxious about rain. Dana was most anxious about everyone having a good time.
Honestly, those are the two most relatable wedding worries ever. Weather and guest experience. The good news is, they nailed the second one, and even the weather added a moment they’ll never forget.
Their most anticipated part of the day was the ceremony and seeing each other. That moment where everything gets quiet for a second and it finally feels real.
And then the universe decided to add its own soundtrack. Thunder rumbled during their ceremony, and it ended up being one of those “we will tell this story forever” moments.
Dana’s inspiration came from the greenery of the venue. Instead of fighting the space with heavy decor, she wanted everything to complement what was already there.
The result was simple and understated in the best way. Clean, classic, and focused on the feeling of the day instead of doing the most for the sake of it.
Instead of a traditional guestbook, Dana and Chris had a Jenga tower that guests could sign. And it was not random. They met while playing giant Jenga at a party, and Chris has multiple unique sets that they love bringing out when friends are over.
So now they have a guestbook they can actually use. Every time they play, they’ll see names, notes, and little reminders from the people who celebrated with them.
Their favorite part of the day was having everybody out on the dance floor. That is the best kind of wedding win, because it means your people felt comfortable, happy, and ready to celebrate you.
By the end of the night, they both felt proud and genuinely happy that everyone had fun and that they pulled the day off exactly how they hoped.
Do whatever you want to do, and let the people who offer to help actually help. Delegating small tasks takes pressure off you and lets you stay present during the parts of the day that matter.
Also, if you love a venue for its scenery, lean into that. Keeping decor simple can make the whole day feel cleaner, calmer, and more timeless in photos.
Dana and Chris are not rushing the honeymoon plan, and we love that. They are still figuring out where to go and taking their time.
What they are most excited about is building a life together. More adventures, house projects, more fur babies down the road, and just enjoying the everyday stuff side by side.
Photography: Westley Leon Studios // Venue: Stonegate Manor // Catering: CK Catering // Florals: Bicycle Bouquets // Desserts: Blake’s Cake Pops // DJ: Sound FX DJs // Hair: Jill at The Beehive Salon
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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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