If you're searching for a unique and personal wedding venue, look no further. I was recently given the opportunity to photograph a ceremony at the Family Camp in Baldwin, Michigan. This venue is not your typical wedding location. In fact, it's a family-owned property that has been passed down through three generations, and it was transformed into the perfect outdoor wedding venue by the couple themselves.

The couple worked tirelessly for a year to make their day perfect. They cut trees, fashioned benches, cleared brush, and even sprayed non-toxic mosquito spray to ensure that their guests were comfortable. The result was a venue that was infused with a sense of homey warmth and personal charm that is hard to find in commercial venues.

The property houses two cabins, which added a rustic touch to the event. The reception took place in a pole-barn, offering a perfect blend of indoor comfort and outdoor beauty. The couple’s creativity was evident in every detail, from the homemade benches to the location itself.

The brilliance of this idea cannot be stressed enough. If you can't find the perfect venue, why not create your own? It could be a backyard, a beach, a national forest, or in this case, a beloved family property. The possibilities are endless when you think outside the box.

Looking back at the photographs, I can see the love and dedication the couple poured into creating their perfect wedding venue. The light filtering through the trees, the intimate setting of the cabins, the warmth of the pole-barn reception - all these elements combined to create a truly magical day.

So, if you're stuck on where to host your wedding, let this serve as an inspiration. Don’t be afraid to pool resources, get creative, and make your own perfect venue. After all, your wedding is about celebrating love and togetherness, and what better way to do that than in a place that holds special meaning for you?

Full wedding here > Family Camp Wedding, Baldwin Michigan