A Magical Moment: Northern Indiana 2014 Summer Cover Shoot

The Vision

MichaelAngelos The Event Company is the creative force behind this romantic photo shoot in an historic barn venue in Berrien Springs. There’s no rule that barn/vineyard weddings need to be vintage styled and our team delivered on a high-end event mixing metals and hard surfaces with soft, natural elements.

 

 

 

The VenuE

This is the ultimate “bring the indoors out” venue with a fully-restored historic barn and a breathtaking patio overlooking vineyards, a pond, woods and a working farm. The farm has been operational going back to 1870 producing grapes, soybeans, maple syrup and honey.

 

 

 

The Centerpieces

It’s hard to summarize the varied, lavish pieces designed for the shoot. Let’s just say “over the top” with humongous white floral balls and dripping greens, large cement urns, a ghost wood branch hanging from the 150-year-old Catalpa tree and an asymmetrical centerpiece with lush greens, grapes, kale and hydrangea for the table. 

 

 

 

Hair & Makeup

Enhancing the model’s natural beauty with modern and romantic themes became the vision. For hair, a medium curl tendril placed casually to the side was complemented by a string of flowers cascading through the curls and braids. A metal silver chain woven through the hair gave it a modern edge. Warm brown shadows with rich plum accents were selected for makeup, enhancing Lindsay’s natural eye color and shape. Toned-down neutral rose blush and a semi-nude lip gloss rounded out the look.

 

 

 

The Bouquet

The dramatic bouquet featured extreme cascading lush green floral tones, complementing the pastoral setting of Hidden Vineyard. The bouquet florals included green hanging amaranthus, green and purple grapes (very fitting), kale, hanging greens and hydrangea.

 

 

 

The Dress

The spectacular Morilee gown by Madeline Gardner fit perfectly with the elegant yet relaxed theme. It is adorned with diamond beaded edges and features embroidered lace on a delicate chiffon. 

 

 

 

The Heritage Tree // A History

Imagine a farmer’s daughter marrying her sweetheart before he headed off to fight for the Union army during the Civil War. Her parents had planted a Catalpa tree on the farm in honor of the marriage and to remember her love as he fought in the famed Michigan Brigade. This is just a made-up story, but it could have happened!

 

Today, couples continue that tradition at what has been called “The Heritage Tree” at Hidden Vineyard Wedding Barn in Berrien Springs.

 

The tree is estimated to be about 150 years old, due to its girth, which measures at an incredible 206 inches. It is about 70 feet tall and has an average branch spread of 87 feet. Documented by the Michigan Big Tree Project, it is slightly smaller than the present national champion located in Lansing on the grounds of the capitol.

 

Kay Fenner, a member of the Hidden Vineyard LLC with husband, Greg, said the true majesty of the tree became apparent when a farmhouse on the property was removed. There are a number of smaller trees which surround it and probably protected it during inclement weather. She said it has become an apt metaphor for the couples that marry under the tree while their friends and family lovingly surround and protect them. 

 

While renovating the barn and property during the past year, Fenner said they discovered that during a very brief period in June, large clusters of orchid-like flowers appear on it. The bride and groom who are lucky enough to get photographs during that magical time will have quite a cherished memory. The blooms covering the ground also provide a spectacular sight. In the fall, the fruit appears in late summer and resembles huge string bean pods.

 

Carrying over the wedding theme, the leaves of the Catalpa tree are heart-shaped whorls of three at a node. Fenner noted that while most of the trees have a life span of only 40 yeas, this one has been around for much longer.