If there’s one thing to say about weddings, it’s that no matter how much you plan, something unexpected is bound to happen. And that’s exactly what makes them memorable—well, that and a good photographer and videographer! Recently, I had the joy of capturing one such wedding at Shepherd’s Hollow Golf Club in Clarkston, Michigan, a venue known for its breathtaking views and enchanting surroundings. But this wedding? It was full of delightful surprises that still make me laugh when I think about it.

The Day Begins – With a Minor Detour

The day started off like any other perfect Michigan wedding day. The sun was shining, the sky was clear, and the scent of pine trees filled the air at Shepherd’s Hollow. I arrived early to capture the getting-ready shots—bridesmaids with their matching robes, champagne flutes in hand, and a few nervous giggles escaping here and there. The bride was calm, almost suspiciously calm, as she sat for her final touches of makeup.

Now, here’s where things took a turn. As the bride put on her dress, we noticed that one of the bridesmaids—let’s call her Emma—had gone missing. We’re talking MIA, nowhere to be found! After a frantic search, Emma was located… in the parking lot. Apparently, she had gone out to grab a quick coffee and decided to have her own little picnic and lost track of time. Maybe save the drinks for a bit later in the day 😉

The First Look – And the First Laugh

As photographers and videographers, we live for those emotional first-look moments—the groom turning around, tears in his eyes, gazing at his bride. Well, this one had a twist. The couple had planned their first look outside, with the gorgeous pine trees as a backdrop. As the groom stood there waiting, a loud thud echoed through the woods. We turned just in time to see a golf ball smack off the hood of a car leaving a rather noticeable dent, and then roll up this close to the groom’s feet. The bride (still hidden, thank goodness) started laughing so hard she almost cried, as she also witnessed the whole thing. It took a few minutes for everyone to regain composure, but when the groom finally saw his bride, the pure joy on their faces was worth every stray golf ball Shepherd’s Hollow threw at us.

The Reception – Dancing, Drinks, and… Cake Trouble

If there’s one thing Michigan weddings are known for, it’s the party afterward. The reception at Shepherd’s Hollow was in full swing—string lights twinkling, music blasting, and the bar line never getting shorter. The dance floor was packed, with everyone from grandma to the ring bearer showing off their best moves.

But the real star of the show? The cake-cutting. The bride and groom had chosen a stunning, multi-tiered masterpiece. It was picture-perfect—until the moment of truth. As they went to cut the cake, the groom misjudged just how solid that fondant was. The knife didn’t cut through as smoothly as he’d hoped, resulting in a small, yet dramatic topple of the top tier onto the floor.

Everyone gasped—until the couple burst out laughing. The moment went from tense to hilarious in seconds, and with a quick save by the caterer, cake was served (minus a little frosting).

Capturing It All

In the end, this wedding at Shepherd’s Hollow wasn’t perfect by textbook standards, but that’s exactly what made it so memorable. From Emma’s great coffee detour to the runaway veil, these moments weren’t just funny—they were the kind of real-life memories that couples look back on and cherish forever.

So if you’re planning your own wedding, remember this: expect the unexpected. And if you want those unscripted moments captured just right, make sure to hire a wedding photographer and videographer who knows how to roll with whatever the day brings—whether that’s stray golf balls, strong winds, or even a confetti explosion.

After all, it’s not the perfect moments that make your wedding day special; it’s the perfectly imperfect ones. And trust me, we’ll be there to catch them all.