Stephanie and Jeff’s fall Abele Greenhouse wedding in Saginaw, Michigan felt so personal from the very start. Between Stephanie getting ready at Brownstone Haus in Frankenmuth, special heirloom details included throughout the day, and a greenhouse reception filled with great energy and incredible lighting, each part of their day truly reflected who they are.

From hand-painted table numbers by Stephanie herself and custom Dungeons & Dragons touches to an aerial silk performer and a surprise dress transformation during the first dance, this wedding mixed meaningful family history with an atmosphere that felt genuinely fun to be part of.

And like all of the weddings I photograph, this day was captured on a mix of digital and film, which you’ll see throughout this blog.

Outdoor wedding party photos outside of Abele Greenhouse in Saginaw, Michigan.

GETTING READY & A FIRST LOOK AT BROWNSTONE HAUS

Jeff spent the morning of their Abele Greenhouse wedding getting ready at his parents’ home alongside his closest friends and family. It was a relaxed start, and his mom helped him style his long hair while the rest of the group spent the morning talking, getting ready, and even playing piano together before heading to meet Stephanie for their first look.

Meanwhile, Stephanie got ready at Brownstone Haus, a beautifully restored 1916 American foursquare home in downtown Saginaw. It’s often used for intimate gatherings and micro weddings, but Stephanie only used the space for getting ready. It really added so much character to the beginning of the day, and I especially loved its historic architecture and natural light.

Stephanie spent the morning surrounded by special details, including heirloom jewelry pieces, a vintage pin, and a necklace gifted by her father that day. During their first look outside the Brownstone Haus, Stephanie’s friends peeked out from the upper window to watch the moment unfold.

And during Stephanie’s portraits with the bridesmaids, a ladybug landed on her dress before everyone headed to the greenhouse for the ceremony and reception. It’s commonly seen as a symbol of good luck, protection, and long, happy marriages, so it felt especially fitting for the start of their wedding day.

Exterior shot of Brownstone Haus in Frankenmuth, Michigan.

Black and white film photo of bouquets sitting in vases prior to the wedding.

Bride wearing a necklace gifted to her by her father.

Black and white photo of the brides mother helping her into her dress,

Close up shot of the bride smiling with two bridesmaids outside of Brownstone Haus in Frankenmuth, Michigan.

Black and white photo of a bride and groom smiling after their first look outside of Brownstone Haus in Frankenmuth, Michigan.

Brides friends peeking out the second story window at Brownstone Haus in Frankenmuth during the first look.

Bride, Groom, & Bridal party portraits

Before their Abele Greenhouse ceremony, we spent time walking the greenhouse property for portraits. When we arrived, the greenhouse had a custom sign welcoming and congratulating Stephanie and Jeff. We photographed throughout the property and in front of the greenhouse itself, really taking advantage of the greenery and beautiful light around the venue.

I had photographed their engagement session not long before the wedding, and they wanted Wes Anderson-inspired portraits with straight-faced expressions looking directly into the camera. We recreated a few of those portraits again on the wedding day, which felt so fun to incorporate.

Film photo of a bride and groom kissing in front of Abele Greenhouse in Saginaw, Michigan.

Close up photo of the wedding party surrounding the bride and groom during portraits.

AN Abele’s Greenhouse Wedding Ceremony

Stephanie and Jeff’s Abele Greenhouse wedding was held inside the greenhouse and surrounded by rows of greenery, hanging ferns, and flowers grown directly by the greenhouse itself. Everything suited the day perfectly. They also had a great uncle officiate the ceremony which made it feel even more personal, especially within a venue that already carried so much intention behind it. As a family-owned business, Abele Greenhouse really created an atmosphere that felt welcoming and cared for.

Film photo of a bride and groom holding hands at the altar during their Abele Greenhouse wedding ceremony in Saginaw, Michigan.

COCKTAIL HOUR AT ABELE GREENHOUSE

After the ceremony, guests gathered throughout the greenhouse while Stephanie and Jeff spent time mingling with everyone. I loved that the space felt interactive from the moment guests arrived. They incorporated thoughtful details throughout cocktail hour, including a vintage-style letter box for anniversary notes, custom Dungeons & Dragons-inspired drink signage where guests could roll dice to determine their cocktail selection, and other small details that encouraged people to slow down and engage with the experience around them. They even had an an aerial silk performer. It felt personal and very reflective of who they are together.

Aerial silk artist performing during a greenhouse wedding reception.

Guest writing a note to the bride and groom during cocktail hour.

An Energetic Abele Greenhouse Wedding Reception

Because Stephanie and Jeff chose to do a first look and complete portraits before the ceremony, they were able to move right into the reception. It was energetic from the start, and they had the most thoughtful and personal details. Stephanie hand-painted each table number herself, and their friends gifted them custom Dungeons & Dragons dice.

There were also heirloom details incorporated throughout the reception that felt so meaningful. The silverware displayed on their dessert table had been passed down from Stephanie’s grandparents, and the vase used at their sweetheart table was another family heirloom. As someone who cares deeply about documenting photographs that become part of a family’s history, those kinds of details always matter to me just as much as the larger moments unfolding throughout the day.

One of the most unforgettable parts of the reception was the massive dessert display stretching nearly thirty feet long with individual desserts lining the greenhouse tables. Later in the evening, Stephanie surprised Jeff by removing the overskirt of her dress during their first dance. He didn’t know her dress was a split dress and so he was taken by surprise. Afterwards, Jeff and his groomsmen changed into custom Velour tracksuits for the reception. The entire night felt personal and genuinely fun, and it was such an honor to capture Stephanie and Jeff’s special day.

Black and white photo of a bride and groom cutting into their wedding cake.

Bride and groom eating their wedding cake.

Exterior shot of a lively Abele Greenhouse wedding reception in Saginaw, Michigan.

Film photo of the bride and groom dancing.

Film photo of the bride dancing with her father.

Groomsmen dancing in colorful Velour Tracksuits

Bride dancing during Abele Greenhouse wedding reception in Saginaw, Michigan.

CONSIDERING AN ABELE GREENHOUSE WEDDING?

If you’re planning a greenhouse wedding in Michigan, Abele Greenhouse is such a great venue to consider. The family-owned greenhouse has served the Saginaw community for more than 50 years, and you can feel the care behind it the moment you arrive. Weddings at Abele Greenhouse include weekend venue access, tables and chairs, two bars, an on-site host, and space for up to 200 guests. Stephanie and Jeff’s wedding was only the second wedding ever hosted there, with the owners’ daughter being the very first.

As a Detroit wedding photographer, I’m always drawn to venues with history, character, and spaces that feel genuinely cared for. My approach to wedding photography is centered around preserving the atmosphere of the day honestly and intentionally while giving couples imagery that will still feel meaningful decades from now. I would love to document another Abele Greenhouse wedding or more greenhouse weddings throughout Michigan in the future.

Inquire Here

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALAINA

SEE MORE WEDDINGS & RESOURCES