A Woodsy Wedding in Paradise: Love, Rain, and Magic at Tandale Nature Barn
Sometimes, the best weddings are the ones that don’t go according to plan—and this September celebration at Tandale Nature Barn in Brighton, MI, was the perfect example. Picture this: the sky is a little grey, the rain is coming down in soft drizzles, and yet, two souls were about to embark on the best day of their lives—together. The rain didn’t dampen spirits. In fact, it seemed to add an extra layer of magic to the whole day. It was one of those weddings where everything just clicked into place, and the images from Lutz Family Tree Photography? Well, they tell the whole story better than words ever could.
From the moment we arrived, we knew this would be a celebration like no other. Tandale Nature Barn, nestled in the heart of Brighton’s woods, is the perfect blend of rustic charm and natural beauty, making it an ideal setting for a woodsy wedding. The barn, with its towering wooden beams and sweeping views of nature, is the kind of venue that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. And the owners? Absolutely wonderful people who truly go above and beyond to make every event feel personal, warm, and unforgettable.
We also have to mention one thing we absolutely love: LGBTQ+ weddings! They’re always filled with so much joy, energy, and fun, and Sarah and KD’s big day was no exception. It’s an honor to be part of such a special celebration where love is celebrated in its most beautiful form.
Sarah and KD: The Perfect Match
Sarah and KD reached out to us about a year before their wedding, and we immediately knew this would be an event to remember. We met at an adorable coffee shop in downtown Brighton, and from the moment we sat down, the connection was undeniable. Their excitement was contagious, and their energy? Simply electric. It’s always a joy when we get to work with couples who are not just organized but also so passionate about their big day.
And while Sarah and KD couldn’t have been more different in terms of their personalities, it’s exactly what made their relationship so special. As they say, opposites attract! Sarah is the perfect picture of a type-A planner—always on top of things, making sure every detail is accounted for and nothing is left to chance. KD, on the other hand, has that laid-back, “go-with-the-flow” energy that balances Sarah’s meticulous nature. It’s clear that Sarah’s careful planning and KD’s relaxed vibe create a harmony that works beautifully—something we saw firsthand as we worked with them to bring their dream wedding to life.
Designing Their Dream Wedding
When it came to the design, Sarah and KD knew the “vibe” they were going for but needed a little help with the details. It was clear from the start that they wanted something natural, earthy, and romantic, but they weren’t exactly sure how to pull it all together. So, they visited us to set a few tables—and let me tell you, it was adorable watching them work together. They each had their own ideas, and seeing them compromise on different elements was a perfect reflection of their dynamic. Sarah’s eye for detail, combined with KD’s more go-with-the-flow approach, made for a fun and collaborative design session.
In keeping with their desire for a more sustainable wedding and sticking to their budget, they made a bold and totally amazing decision: they opted to forgo a floral budget and instead embraced the beauty of seasonal nature. Let’s just say, I got really up close and personal with nature! Yes, I may have looked a little ridiculous, standing by the side of the road, cutting weeds and hay grass like it was my day job—but honestly? I’d do it all over again for these two. There’s something about gathering the perfect wildflowers, branches, and grasses from the earth that just feels so right, especially for a couple like Sarah and KD who were all about making this day uniquely theirs.
Vintage Touches: A Timeless Collection of Charm
When it comes to design, we’re all about mixing the old with the new—and Sarah and KD were the perfect couple to bring that vision to life. Their wedding embraced vintage pieces that didn’t just tell a story but created one, and we couldn’t have been more excited to pull from our collection to help shape their day.
Some of the standout elements came from our own personal collection—and yes, these items had their own unique history! For example, we used terra cotta tile pipes that we had pulled from the exterior foundation of our own 1940s Cape Cod house that we’ve been slowly renovating. These rustic, earthy pipes were repurposed as vases and centerpieces, adding a personal, reclaimed touch to the decor. It felt so meaningful to bring a piece of our journey into their special day.
Sarah and KD also chose to incorporate avocado green vintage Mid-Century Modern vases, which were a total showstopper. These beauties were a bit of a treasure hunt, but our friend Criselda came through and helped us track down a few more before the wedding, giving each table a pop of retro color and style. The vases complemented the wildflowers and grasses perfectly, balancing the earthy feel with a touch of vintage glam.
To keep things eclectic and playful, we mixed and matched vintage chinaware, with each place setting having its own unique character. And then there were the vintage, multi-colored water goblets, which added a bit of whimsy and charm to every table, catching the light beautifully throughout the evening.
For the linens, Sarah and KD chose vintage lace overlays and tablecloths, which brought a soft, romantic feel to each table. These delicate details added texture and warmth to the overall aesthetic, making the whole space feel inviting and cozy.
And just a friendly reminder: all of our inventory is vintage and/or secondhand, which means every piece has a history and a story to tell—just like the couple themselves. It’s this commitment to sustainability and the celebration of the past that makes each event we design feel so special and one-of-a-kind.
Peep that gorgeous wedding mirror sign resting on our vintage painting easel down below! One of our very best friends hand-painted that for us. Now, she doesn’t really want to dive into the world of calligraphy, but let’s be real—she’s currently the best at it, so every now and then, we have to twist her arm (just a little)! A HUGE thank you to our amazing Brooke—we love you so much! As always, we’re endlessly grateful for your love, support, and talent. You truly helped make the bride’s day even more special.
Four Unique Tables, Four Times the Fun
Sarah and KD also decided to add a little extra flair by having four different table designs scattered throughout the space. We love when couples get creative like this—it adds a layer of interest that keeps guests on their toes. Every time someone turns around, they get to discover something new and unique. It makes the whole space feel dynamic and playful, which was exactly the vibe Sarah and KD were going for.
Each table had its own personality, reflecting the couple’s eclectic style and love for nature. From lush greenery and hand-picked wildflowers to mismatched vintage vases and rustic touches, there was a story at every table. It felt like the barn was alive with conversation and color, with every guest getting a chance to sit at a new “scene” as they moved through the celebration. It was one of those design decisions that added so much charm and gave every corner a little something special.
The Magic of the Day
As the day unfolded, the rain continued to fall, but it only added to the enchanting atmosphere of the barn. The warm glow of string lights twinkled overhead, and the sound of laughter and love filled the space. We watched as Sarah and KD shared their vows—personal, heartfelt, and full of emotion. And then came the celebration: an epic dance floor, heartfelt toasts, and those sweet moments that make a wedding day unforgettable.
By the end of the night, it was clear that the rain couldn’t wash away the happiness that filled the air. It was a day full of beauty, love, and memories, with every detail perfectly reflecting Sarah and KD’s story.
Final Thoughts
This wedding was a true testament to love in all its forms—fun, beautiful, spontaneous, and filled with laughter. We are beyond grateful to have been part of Sarah and KD’s big day, and to have witnessed their love story unfold in the most magical of settings.
Thank you, Sarah and KD, for trusting us to bring your woodsy wedding dream to life. And to all the couples out there—whether you’re looking to embrace nature, play with design, or simply celebrate love in the most authentic way possible—know that your wedding day will be one of a kind.
Sarah and KD’s review to us! – We love them so much!
“My wife and I got married on 9/28/2024 at the Tandale Nature Barn in Brighton, MI. After booking the venue (2 YEARS ago!), I was having trouble grasping a theme for decoration. I was scrolling through a Michigan Bride to Be facebook group one day and saw a bride mention Margee and her team at Hive Weddings and Events thanking her for the decoration rental and inspiration.
Response was quick when I inquired with Margee about our wedding. We met the following week and went over all ideas, inspiration photos on Pinterest, and wrote down what we were looking to rent from her collection. She was the very first vendor I knew I wanted. For two years, we were in constant communication discussing ideas, our needs, details, etc.
My favorite thing to share about Margee is that this woman saw two pictures on my Pinterest board of items/decorations that she did not have in her collection, but she loved the look and vibe it added to the space, so she actually had a Macrame arch and vase covers MADE for our wedding! When we got closer to our date, we spent some time with Margee in a warehouse full of her vintage and antique collection just setting up tables to get an idea of our goal image.
I am not type A, so naturally I wanted everything to be mismatched and have different table centerpieces with contrasting color palettes and place settings, and she was able to make that happen and the end result was absolutely GORGEOUS. Our venue was beautiful enough, but even the owner pulled me aside the night of and told me how our vibe brought out the beauty of his space (he also told me that our chosen decor was his favorite of all other weddings, totally bragging).
She came the day before our event to set up the space, and on the day of our event Margee and her team were so quick to jump in and clean as the night progressed without being in the way of guests or other vendors. By the time our wedding was over, the place was spotless and I barely remember her cleaning!
I still believe to this day that there is nobody on this planet, other than Margee herself, that would’ve been able to deliver on the vision that I had. She created my vision and made it more beautiful than I ever could’ve dreamed.
Rentals included in our package: chargers, plates, silverware, water glasses, a multitude of colored goblets, cake stand, linens, lace doilies, tulle, gauze napkins, sweetheart table, beautiful wicker chairs, antique centerpieces of many different styles/colors/shapes, amber vases, a vintage ring holder, votive candles, a vintage couch for photo opportunity, a customized macrame arch and vase covers, a neon “Til Death” sign, all dried/preserved floral, a mirror welcome sign (with painted calligraphy), a vintage french windowed door for our seating chart, and probably a hundred other things I am forgetting.
Bottom line, Margee was definitely our favorite and most valued vendor for our day. She made our wedding everything I hoped and dreamed, plus some. I will recommend her to everyone getting married for the rest of my days!”
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