
Some weddings feel like a production. This Sunrise Farms Wedding Venue wedding felt like a cozy October night with your favorite people. Noemi and Shanna wanted fall, spooky, and relaxed. Sunrise Farms delivered the barn, the lights, and the country vibe that made it all click. Even better, the day flowed without them having to manage every little thing.
Noemi and Shanna first explored Sunrise Farms three years before their wedding. The venue was just getting started then, and it already had the feel they wanted. They loved the pond area, the barn, and the lounge space. They also loved that it looked great without needing a ton of extra decor. That “easy but beautiful” vibe matched them perfectly.
They kept things simple, and it worked. No bridal party meant less chaos and more breathing room. Noemi started coverage at 12:30 PM, and Shanna arrived shortly after at 12:45 PM. Noemi also had one big vision from the jump, and it started with the dress.
Noemi wanted a black dress, and online shopping became her best friend. She found her gown at Sparrow Bridal, and she knew she wanted tulle, sparkle, and drama. The fit was close, but not perfect, so they changed the back to a corset style. That one switch made everything come together, and it fit the spooky fall vibe in the best way.
They chose to wait for the ceremony, so the first time they saw each other happened at the aisle. Guests arrived around 1:30 PM, and the ceremony started at 2:00 PM outdoors. They also chose an unplugged ceremony, which made the whole thing feel more present and more emotional. Tara Kelley officiated, and the ceremony stayed simple, heartfelt, and focused on the two of them.
If you want to know their favorite moment, it was not even close. Their private vows took the top spot. They called it the most intimate moment of the entire night. It gave them space to breathe, speak honestly, and connect without an audience. Then they could step into the ceremony already grounded.
They started with sunflowers and bold fall colors. Then the theme slowly morphed into spooky, and it worked so well. They leaned into black, burgundy, gold, and warm autumn tones like orange and yellow. The barn lights added that glow that makes everything feel cinematic. The whole day looked rich and moody, without feeling heavy.
This Sunrise Farms Wedding Venue wedding had heart in the details. They set out memorial seats at the ceremony and created a memorial station at the reception. That choice made it clear who they carried with them that day. They also brought in a memory table, so the people they lost still had a place in the room.
They added one more spooky touch that guests definitely remembered. They had Gerard the Donut Butler holding donuts on a gold skeleton tray. It was funny, weird, and perfect for them.
Cocktail hour and reception started at 3:00 PM, and their entrance followed around 3:30 PM. Dinner began at 4:30 PM, and cake cutting happened around 5:30 PM. They skipped a first dance, and instead they built the night around connection and play.
They planned yard games, a temporary tattoo station, and s’mores later in the evening. Those choices kept the vibe relaxed and gave people something to do besides dance. Noemi later said she wished she danced more, but she also loved how easy the whole night felt.
One of the best unexpected moments happened with the rings. Noemi decided last minute to have her oldest sister hold them. She did not tell Shanna. So, when the moment came, Shanna sprinted up like she had to save the day. Everyone laughed, and it became one of those stories that will never get old.
Their advice is simple and very on brand for this day. Keep it simple. Do private vows. Have donuts for dessert. Add a temporary tattoo station. Also, trust your people and let them help. Noemi and Shanna felt grateful that their family and the venue team made the day flow.
This wedding was captured by our associate team. Rick photographed the day, and Fernando filmed video coverage. They kept things calm, guided poses when needed, and stayed patient through the real moments. Noemi even mentioned how helpful it was, especially during dress time.
Venue: Sunrise Farms Wedding Venue // Photography: Westley Leon Studios (Rick) // Videography: Westley Leon Studios (Fernando) // Officiant: Tara Kelley // Ring Shop: Pompeii3 // Noemi’s Dress: Sparrow Bridal // Shanna’s Attire: Kohl’s / Torrid // Noemi’s Shoes: Converse // Shanna’s Shoes: Thursday Boots // Florals: Michaels + Sola Wood Flowers // Cake + Donuts: Amanda’s Bakeshop & Farm Market // Catering: El Asadero // DJ: JellieFish Productions // Party Wagon: Tipsee Mare Party Wagon // Stationery: Zazzle
Getting Married? Check out our work and contact us!
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
You must be logged in to post a comment.