Blog | Mezzaninehttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/2024-03-28T18:31:20+00:00BlogAugust Brengman Brother's Winery Destination Wedding in Northern Michigan2020-04-28T10:45:09+00:002024-03-28T18:17:10+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/august-brengman-brothers-winery-destination-wedding-in-northern-michigan/<h2></h2>
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<p>Julie and Tyler flew in from New York City for a destination wedding at Brengman Brother's Winery in Traverse City Michigan. Like so many couples that choose to have a Northern Michigan wedding, they had family ties to the area and dreamt of being married in Michigan's idyllic beauty. They were one of my coolest, most laid back couples yet, and it made it a true pleasure to be their Michigan wedding photographer. </p>
<p><img alt="bride and groom against ivy wall at brengman brothers winery during august northern michigan wedding captured on kodak portra 800 film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/julie-tyler-brengman/1908-brengman-brothers-winery-northern-michigan-wedding-summer-film-00504_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><img alt="northern michigan wedding couple photographed by the water in traverse city peninsula during august wedding portraits" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/julie-tyler-brengman/1908-brengman-brothers-winery-northern-michigan-wedding-summer-film-00325_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p><br/>Thank you so much to Compose Events for pulling off a seamless and beautiful wedding day and to Brengman Brother's Winery for being the wonderful wedding venue that they are!</p>
<h2>Brengman Brother's Winery Northern Michigan Wedding Vendor Team </h2>
<p>Photography: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/" target="_blank" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/">Brian D Smith Photography</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/briandsmithphotography/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/briandsmithphotography/">https://www.instagram.com/briandsmithphotography/</a></span></p>
<p>Planning + Design: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://composeevents.com/" target="_blank" title="https://composeevents.com/">Compose Events</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/compose_events/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/compose_events/">https://www.instagram.com/compose_events/</a></span></p>
<p>Venue: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://brengmanbrothers.com/hospitality" target="_blank" title="http://brengmanbrothers.com/hospitality">Brengman Brother's Winery</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/brengmanbrothersweddings/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/brengmanbrothersweddings/">https://www.instagram.com/brengmanbrothersweddings/</a></span></p>
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<h2><span></span>Why I love Brengman Brother's Winery as a Northern Michigan Wedding Venue</h2>
<p>Northern Michigan is known for it's winerys. You can't drive 5 miles in Traverse City or Suttons Bay without encountering one. Brengman Brother's is certainly one of the most scenic, sitting atop a hill, tucked away down a long stretch of gravel road. It has gorgeous sunsets and lush greenery every way you turn. They have a secluded ceremony site should you choose to have your wedding ceremony at the winery, the aisle formed at the exit of a long row of grape vines. There is an indoor tasting room for cocktail hours and emergencies in case of rain. The tasting room can also be used as a getting ready location. A large tent sits in front of the tasting room to house your Northern Michigan wedding reception, right atop the hill, overlooking the entire property. </p>
<p><img alt="brengman brother's winery wedding venue at sunset on kodak portra 800 film by brian d smith photography" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/julie-tyler-brengman/1908-brengman-brothers-winery-northern-michigan-wedding-summer-film-00491_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h2>Why You Should Hire Me as your Brengman Brother's Wedding Photographer</h2>
<p>I adore taking bride and groom portraits at this Northern Michigan wedding venue. The property is huge and has plenty of places to explore with your wedding party and just the two of you during formal portraits. Long rows of grape vines provide a quiet escape for some breathtaking portraits, full of rich color - which I am such a fan of on a wedding day. My favorite thing about the venue, and why I love being a wedding photographer at Brengman Brother's is the sunsets. The sunsets are truly magical and there are so many fantastic colors and textures to catch the light for your bridal portraits and bride and groom portraits. </p>
<p><img alt="brengman brother's winery sunset bridal portrait during august northern michigan wedding with bride twirling" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/julie-tyler-brengman/1908-brengman-brothers-winery-northern-michigan-wedding-summer-film-00582_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<h2>Northern Michigan Wedding Details that I Loved</h2>
<p>I absolutely loved the mismatching, dusty blue and purple bridesmaids dresses.</p>
<p><img alt="bridesmaids dresses in dusty blue and purple in traverse city michigan with traverse bay behind them on kodak portra 800 film" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/julie-tyler-brengman/1908-brengman-brothers-winery-northern-michigan-wedding-summer-film-00346_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>Tyler's reactions to his bride walking down the isle brought a tear to my eye. Groom's showing their emotion is the one thing that always gets me on a wedding day. </p>
<p><img alt="groom crying at alter during catholic wedding ceremony in Northern Michigan" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/julie-tyler-brengman/1908-brengman-brothers-winery-northern-michigan-wedding-summer-film-00198_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<h3>More Northern Michigan Weddings</h3>
<p>To see more Northern Michigan wedding photography, click on the link below to see more blog posts for Michigan and destination weddings and couples. </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/category/destinationweddings/" target="_blank" title="https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/category/destinationweddings/">Michigan and Destination Weddings on Brian D Smith Photography Blog</a></span></p>
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<p><span>If you are inspired by what you read, I'd love to invite you to reach out about the photography services I offer. My guarantee is that you won't find a photographer that cares more about you and your story than I. I'm endlessly passionate about telling stories on film and pushing the boundaries of art in wedding and portrait photography. I'd be thrilled to work for you and document your story, wedding or business in Charleston South Carolina or any destination abroad.</span></p>
<p><span>If you'd like more info about this post, would just like to chat, or are ready to book, reach out to me by visiting my contact page here</span><span>!</span></p>
<h3><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/contactpage/">Contact Michigan Wedding Photographer Brian D Smith Photography</a></span></span></h3>Perfect Summer Weather for a Northern Michigan Wedding at The Homestead Glen Arbor2019-10-03T18:44:40+00:002024-03-28T18:18:28+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/perfect-summer-weather-for-a-northern-michigan-wedding-at-the-homestead-glen-arbor/<p>Mark and Elizabeth got married at The Homestead in Glen Arbor on a perfect Northern Michigan August day. In so many ways, they were my ideal clients. They were a joy to be around, expressed themselves to me and to eachother, and let me be my creative self. They put their trust in me, and that always makes for a beautiful reltationship that translates so well to photographs. It is such a priveledge to photograph weddings amongst the beauty of Northern Michigan and the cool people who hold this area with such sentimental value.</p>
<p>The Homestead is a beautiful property in Glen Arbor, nestled up on a hill and surrounded by trees. The ceremony space is hella charming. </p>
<p><img alt="the homestead michigan wedding venue summer glen arbor" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/bonaventura/1908-august-homestead-glen-arbor-michigan-summer-wedding-bonaventura-00293_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>All I can really say is that Elizabeth and Mark were cool as shit. Seriously, check them out...</p>
<p><img alt="homestead wedding northern michigan venue portrait bride groom black and white" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/bonaventura/1908-august-homestead-glen-arbor-michigan-summer-wedding-bonaventura-00194_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>The pictures should tell the story, so now I will let them do just that. </p>
<p></p>A Story of a Baby on a Single Roll of Black and White Film2019-10-03T13:29:58+00:002024-03-28T18:31:20+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/a-story-of-a-baby-on-a-single-roll-of-black-and-white-film/<p>Everyone and everything has a story. This is a short story about a baby and his Northern Michigan family told through a single roll of Kodak Tri-X black and white 35mm film. </p>Summer Family Sunset Beach Portraits in Frankfort Michigan2019-09-30T21:54:48+00:002024-03-28T18:24:05+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/summer-family-sunset-beach-portraits-in-frankfort-michigan/<p>The Kennedy family were visiting Northern Michigan, and when the entire family is together on such a rare occasion, what better way to remember the time together than with some family portraits? They contacted me and were totally open to location suggestions. Being a 20 minute drive from Frankfort Michigan, I knew very well of its beauty as the sun sets over the water. It's such a dynamic location, as well, with a beautiful mix of sand dunes, tall grass and lake front views. Plus, the beach gives the kids something to do and is a wonderful way to make the session fun. This family was a joy to work with, and it is certainly reflected in the pictures. </p>Private Lake Cottage Wedding in the Pines of Northern Michigan2019-09-30T16:42:12+00:002024-03-28T18:18:29+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/private-lake-cottage-wedding-in-the-pines-of-northern-michigan/<p>Esther and Mark were married in an intimate ceremony at their private, family home in Onaway Michigan. The property sits lakeside amongst Michigan's endless pines, and carries an intimacy and quiet beauty that only a Northern Michigan lakeside home can bring. I spend my summers living out of a small lake cottage in Bear Lake, so the vibe of this wedding was sentemental for myself. It represents what is important in life and marriage, at peace, happy and surrounded by those you love in a place that you love. </p>
<p>Special thanks to the crew that made it all happen. </p>
<h3>VENDORS</h3>
<p>Photography: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://briandsmithphotography.com/" target="_blank" title="http://briandsmithphotography.com/">Brian D Smith Photography</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/briandsmithphotography/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/briandsmithphotography/">https://www.instagram.com/briandsmithphotography/</a></span></p>
<p>Event Planning and Design: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.therevelrose.com/" target="_blank" title="https://www.therevelrose.com/">The Revel Rose</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/therevelrose/">https://www.instagram.com/therevelrose/</a></span></p>
<p>Floral Design: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://eventsbythedaysdesign.com/" target="_blank" title="http://eventsbythedaysdesign.com/">The Days Design</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thedaysdesign/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/thedaysdesign/">https://www.instagram.com/thedaysdesign/</a></span></p>
<p>Rentals and Linens: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://taylorrentalpetoskey.com/" target="_blank" title="https://taylorrentalpetoskey.com/">Taylor Rental Center Petoskey</a></span> / <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/taylorrentalcenterpetoskey/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/taylorrentalcenterpetoskey/">https://www.instagram.com/taylorrentalcenterpetoskey/</a></span></p>
<p>Catering:<a href="https://islandthymecatering.com/" target="_blank" title="https://islandthymecatering.com/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> Island Thyme Catering</span> </a>/ <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/islandthymecatering/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/islandthymecatering/">https://www.instagram.com/islandthymecatering/</a></span></p>Family Portraits at Northern Michigan's Point Betsie Lighthouse2019-08-23T19:55:38+00:002024-03-28T18:24:06+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/point-betsie-northern-michigan-family-portraits-sunset/<p>Northern Michigan has no shortage of beautiful locations for family portraits. When Kate reached out to me about photographing her family at Point Betsie Lighthouse, I couldn't say yes quick enough. It's one of my favorite locations, situated just off Michigan's famous M22 loop. Just 30 minutes from my family cottage, it's a place I have visited many times. This was my first time photographing a family at the location and I'm thrilled with the results! For more information about the Point Betsie Lighthouse, check out the information below. </p>
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<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.pointbetsie.org/" target="_blank" title="https://www.pointbetsie.org/">Point Betsie Lighthouse</a></span></p>
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<p>The location features stunning ocean views, and a gorgeous red roof barn with a historic lighthouse attached. Sandy beaches and gorgeous sun reflecting off the water make this one of Northern Michigan's most scenic locations, perfect for capturing family memories. </p>
<p><img alt="point betsie family black and white candid photographer northern michigan portraits" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/blog/1908-point-betsie-lighthouse-michigan-family-portraits-beach-38_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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<p></p>September Wedding on Northern Michigan's Mackinac Island2019-03-13T21:05:55+00:002024-03-28T18:28:57+00:00adminhttps://briandsmithphotography.com/blog/author/admin/https://briandsmithphotography.com/stories/mission-point-mackinac-island-fall-wedding/<p>Aside from a trip when I was too young to remember, I had never been to Mackinac Island in all of my years of calling Northern Michigan a second home. In the summer of 2017, I finally decided to take a trip up there and was left in a beautiful time warp. It's a bit of a strange sight as you first step off the boat. You are greeted with an old timey village, no automobiles and strange sense of bewilderment as you realize that this small island is inhabited by a fair bit of permanent residents. There are so many hidden gems on the island - beautiful, pristine coastline and some amazing cliffside hiking trails. I left the evening of the day I arrived and drove back to my cottage in Bear Lake. </p>
<p><img alt="mackinac-island-northern-michigan-film-kodak-p400-portra-september-fall" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/carrie-scott-mackinac/bonacorsi-mackinac-island-summer-wedding-091418-200_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>The following year, I had an inquiry for a wedding in September 2018. I was thrilled. I was excited to not only have a destination wedding, but also on such a charming and remote island. The wedding ceremony and reception were held at the beautiful Mission Point Resort. Carrie and Scott welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like family. They tied the knot and celebrated with their beautiful little girl on, honestly, the nicest weather day of the entire summer. I couldn't believe how beautiful the weather was. When you are staring out at miles of pristine, northern Michgian coastline on a sunny, 80 degree day, you can't help but be joyful. Congratulations Carrie, Scott and your adorable little one, and thank you so much for befriending me and letting me document your marriage. </p>
<p><img alt="mission-point-mackinac-island-baby-wedding-child-dress-white" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/carrie-scott-mackinac/bonacorsi-mackinac-island-summer-wedding-091418-183_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
<p>Images shot on a mixture of digital and Kodak Portra 400 and 800 film - 35mm and medium format</p>
<p><img alt="mackinac island mission point wedding bride groom portra 800 film fuji gf670" src="https://briandsmithphotography.com/static/media/uploads/blog/stories/carrie-scott-mackinac/bonacorsi-mackinac-island-summer-wedding-091418-588_web.jpg" width="600"/></p>
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