Rustic Michigan Wedding | Garrett & Jenny | Starry Night Barn Suttons Bay
Let me just start by saying WE ALL need to give it up for one fabulous couple, Jenny & Garrett! Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson!
This wedding was mostly planned from overseas as Garrett furthered his professional hockey career. It doesn't surprise me at all how meticulously thought out each detail was. Jenny is an incredible person with a sharp wit and a keen eye, and if anyone could pull off a stunt like that, it would be her. I'm talkin' down to the individually selected china, you guys. Their wedding day really showcased their impeccable style - it really defined them as a couple.
I thoroughly enjoyed photographing Jenny and Garrett's wedding Starry Night Barn in Suttons Bay! We asked a few questions when Jenny and Garrett first inquired about our wedding photography services. Here are some of their hilarious and honest answers:
How did you meet?
Garrett and his family moved to Traverse City from downstate Michigan the middle of his 11th grade year. He played on the Northstar junior A hockey team and Jenny was in 10th grade and played on the girl’s Northstar travel team. They met in Señor Clark’s Spanish class originally and having the same interest and mutual friends spiked a curiosity that turned into a relationship even though Jenny said she would never date a hockey player.... lol.
Where was your first date?
The Batman Dark Knight premier and Jenny fell asleep hahahaha.
Describe your relationship in one word.
Real
How long have you been dating?
10 years (August 2008)
How did the proposal go down?
Every year Garrett has a few day break in the winter and we go out to the old mission peninsula with Louie and let him run around. We have a tradition of setting the timer on our phones and capturing a picture of us 3 before we leave. This year, he surprised me by starting a video instead of a picture while I waited out in front of him to make sure the “picture” would be properly centered. Once he was ready he told me to call Louie, and when I did, he came running out to me and a ring box fell out of his jacket. Not exactly how Garrett planned it but made it memorable (especially because there’s a video). Garrett proceeded to run up to the box and grab it. It was a beautiful day and I loved how intimate it was because it was just us.
What are some of the hobbies you enjoy doing together?
Most anything outside! Literally all involving our pup Louie :) -Hiking our favorite places and finding new ones -Kayaking -Skiing/snowboarding -Fishing -Boating -Camping -Playing hockey (Louie doesn’t skate but he comes to games sometimes hahahaha)
What are some of your individual hobbies?
Garrett is very outdoorsy and into fishing and hunting (would like to eventually have a career involving outdoors and wildlife. I am into anything outdoorsy as well. Especially when it involves hanging with my girlfriends and my family (I spend a lot of time with my aunt a Linda and my mom).
What do each of you do for a living?
Jenny- Licensed and self-employed cosmetologist since 2010 & Licensed Veterinary Technician since 2016 Garrett- Professional hockey player in the ECHL/AHL
So when we did their engagement photos, naturally we incorporated Louie:
When they did their first look, they had a time capsule that was buried 8ish years ago with the promise that they would open it again some day. That day would be their wedding day, and they giggled at the contents that were strewn around in the box and said their personal vows to one another that just about brought me to tears.
As if you weren't already in love with the thought and time that this couple put into their wedding day, look at how perfectly orchestrated their ceremony was:
Our portrait session was perfectly located on top of the Leelanau Peninsula, and then we did a little golden hour sesh right on the grounds at Starry Night Barn.
When we got back to the barn after portraits, it was time to party down. Boy did their friends & family know how to get it on the dance floor! Check out the astounding moves:
This amazing day would not have been possible without the help from:
