I did a fantastic wedding on May 14 at The Mill at Spring Lake Heights. First, let me say that for outdoor photo opportunities, the restaurant is top-notch. While the downstairs was busy with a dinner crowd and a big wedding upstairs, downstairs along the lake a private room held a small reception. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the best part of my experience at The Mill: the staff. The valets are the friendliest I’ve met and the banquet coordinator and waiters went out of their way to fix an issue that wasn’t their fault.
First, the view from the covered porch outside the room:
The view from the porch is tranquil
The cafe room downstairs that opens out onto the covered porch:
Wood floors and pendant lights create an intimate mood
The walk down to the ceremony garden is lovely throughout the year, but spring is lovely.
A short walk away from the restaurant is the path to the ceremony garden.
The ceremony garden can be filled with rows of chairs for larger ceremonies:
The ceremony garden along the lake.
The plantings along the lake offer a lovely background for photographs:
Lush greenery along the lake.
The centerpieces brought a shore theme inside:
The beach theme moves indoors through the centerpieces.
Despite the threatening skies, a brief sunshower gave way to perfect weather for the ceremony.
Although the rain threatened all week, the sun came out for Michelle and Bruce’s at-home wedding. They had a small wedding with only a few family members present, and it made me think about what it means to focus on who is important in your life. Their parents watched as we gathered in the living room to exchange vows in a way that was intimate and meaningful to them. Far more personal than if they had married at the courthouse. Afterward, the couple posed for a few photos together and with all their guests (all 6!). Once the ceremony was over, they headed out for a celebration dinner with those who mean the most to them.
While I love doing large weddings with exquisite details and amazing settings, I also love doing ceremonies for couples who are clearly in love and have complete focus on their relationship rather than a big party.
As a bride who got married in the living room 8 years ago, I also have a soft spot for home weddings.