A Rainy Michigan-Themed Tent Wedding at Waldenwoods | Anna and Mike

Weddings

They say rain on your wedding day is good luck. For Anna and Mike’s special day at the waterfront Waldenwoods Resort and Conference Center in Howell, Michigan, the day couldn’t have been luckier. Despite the unexpected rain over their summer tent wedding, Anna and Mike embraced the day, rolled with the punches, and enjoyed every second of their Michigan-themed wedding day. 

Anna got ready with her bridesmaids and mom in the nearby Sunrise Cottage. Meanwhile, Mike and his groomsmen got the day started in the cozy Hilltop Cottage. Once they were dressed, Anna and Mike shared a first-look outside of their reception tent along the water. With the help of some clear umbrellas, the rain didn’t stop us from enjoying the beautiful waterfront setting for their first-look and some photos after. I loved how Anna threw down her umbrella and jumped under Mike’s to give him a hug right after he turned around and saw her in her wedding dress! It was a perfect moment.

 The rain brought a sense of romance (and perfectly even lighting, thank you clouds) to their day, giving their outdoor wedding photos a moody edge, unique and memorable for their summer wedding. We took advantage of short breaks in the rain for photos with their wedding party outside and worked under the tent as needed.

As guests were arriving, the rain came down heavier so Anna and Mike made the decision to move the ceremony into the tent. Guests sat at their tables and watched as Anna’s grandlittle from her college sorority, Shaina, married them. 

Their ceremony was personal, memorable and filled with sweet anecdotes. And my favorite part was when Anna and Mike shared a “first shot” of Southern Comfort whiskey. On their first date, both Anna and Mike were nervous, so they started the date with a shot of Southern Comfort to ease the butterflies. I love it!

Anna and Mike’s wedding was a true celebration of all things Michigan. Each table featured a distinctive Michigan element as its centerpiece, adding a personalized touch that celebrated the couple’s roots. And their Michigan-made favors table offered Vernor’s ginger ale, Better Made chips and more. Even the drink stirrers at the bar featured the shape of the state of Michigan.

Guests enjoyed a buffet dinner catered by Waldenwoods before Anna and Mike each shared a dance with their moms. From there, it was party time! And what’s a dance floor without a round of Thunder – a drinking game played when AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” comes on. Later in the evening, we celebrated the new Mr. and Mrs. with a streamers photo op! Streamers are a perfect alternative (and easier to set up) to a classic sparkler exit. 

Anna and Mike’s rainy wedding at Waldenwoods Resort and Conference Center was a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the beauty of unexpected moments. While the weather might not have followed the script, the couple’s unwavering positivity and spirit set the tone for the day. Everyone made the most of it, rain or shine, and had fun dancing in the rain (under a tent). 

If you’re planning a wedding and you’re nervous about it raining, don’t be! With clear umbrellas and some backup plans, a rainy wedding day can be even more memorable. For another example, check out Elena and Brad’s rainy wedding day at the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

The Dream Team