A Bohemian Craft Beer Style Shoot

There’s no better way to bring passion and interest to your craft than incorporating something you love. For Karsen of Karsen Photography, that love was beer! “I wanted to get a group together and pull together something inspiring in the down months of our industry!” Karsen says. “It was the end of winter and everyone needed a pick me up to get into high spirits for the upcoming wedding season. We wanted something different and something people don’t see all over being published. So, our idea was to incorporate Michigan’s beer industry! I am a huge beer drinker myself and love going to breweries and trying beers. I felt this was going to be our unique flair people would love.”

There’s no doubt that Michigan’s local craft beer industry is an element that would usher in a unique quality. Another draw? The gorgeous Michigan countryside. Together, these inspired the team’s vision: a “luxurious elopement ceremony that inspires artistic elegance for a bride and groom's special day” using local, talented vendors.
 

​Karsen says of the overall look and feel, "Fine art florals and details make this shoot elegant and timeless. The table was dressed with a vintage lace runner, antique silverware, florals and craft beer bottles from local breweries. Gracefully hand-drawn menu and place cards decorate each place setting. The colors for this shoot were inspired by the bright orange and yellow daffodils that can be seen growing in the wild in this area.”

 

Faced with nailing down a date and a brewery venue proved tough. However, the team ultimately decided on a quaint Northville farm—a space that far exceeded their expectations and felt like an actual wedding. When the team faced another hurdle, a canceled model, the ideal pair of friends fell into their laps. "It ended up being perfect because the bride and groom grew up together and were very comfortable getting that close."

 

From the wide open spaces to the rustic, outdoor elements, the peaceful farm in the “middle of nowhere” proved to be the perfect backdrop for the couple and the decor. “I loved that the flowers we had went with the red barn doors and beer barrels that we had for decorations,” Karsen says. Using beer barrels for tables was, in fact, Karsen’s favorite decor item as it was a perfect nod to the craft beer theme.

 

As for the dress, Karsen crafted her own dream ensemble when she couldn’t find what she wanted! “I bought the skirt off ASOS and I got the top from Amazon,” she explains. While the dress more than fit the rustic, natural backdrop, Karsen originally aimed for something that would be elegant, timeless and fit into any setting. She also opted for ivory and lace as they would better complement the lace runner and the groom’s gray suit. As for the rest of the bride's look, her hair was natural and her makeup was kept to a minimum. “She has such gorgeous hair, I told her to do nothing to it just let it air dry and come to the shoot,” Karsen says. “She had only mascara and a little lipstick on. We wanted her as natural as possible. And to be honest, that girl doesn't need anything to look gorgeous!”

 

A “boho brewery” wedding bouquet wouldn't be complete without hops! In addition to the clever nod to beer, the team’s “wish list” of florals also included Coffee Break Rose, orange Cymbidium, Billy Balls, white garden roses, white Ranunculus, blush stock, white Hydrangea, Queen Anne's lace and more!

 

 

 

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