I was expecting Fall / Autumn colors for Mike and Jennifer's outdoor wedding at Fernwood Botanical Garden and this hideaway in Niles, Michigan did not disappoint. This nature preserve is a special place where people, plants, and nature come together. Several mini gardens are surrounded by a forest area with tall trees and many different paths leading to hidden areas such as a water wheel with a river and bridge. This was the perfect setting for Mike and Jennifer who were looking for earthy looking wedding photos featuring them surrounded by nature.

My assistant and I arrived early and started taking detail shots of the unique Fall wedding decorations that were set up in the outdoor tent area that would serve as the reception hall for family and guests.

Fall wedding decorations for an outdoor Autumn wedding.

A homemade, rustic looking wedding gift card box.

Soon the groom and his groomsmen arrived for photos. They took a stroll through the wooded area of Fernwood as we awaited for the bride's arrival and the much anticipated first look.

The groomsmen take a stroll through the woods of Fernwood Botanical Garden.

The groom is surrounded by yellow leaves for a photo at his Autumn wedding.

I have had some real touching first looks this wedding season, everywhere from Lake County Fairgrounds to Centennial Park and I'm happy to say that this streak continues with Jennifer and Mike. Just look at the grooms face as he sees his bride for the first time!!

An overjoyed groom reacts during the first look at Fernwood Botanical Garden.

We let the anticipation build as the bride slowly walked toward her soon to be husband as friends and family cheered them on.

The bride walks toward her soon to be husband in a beautiful green field surrounded by trees and Autumn leaves.

A beautiful bride reveals herself to her groom.

The bride and groom first look at the gorgeous pumpkin garden during their Fall wedding in Niles, Michigan.

We then walked deep into the forest area at Fernwood Botanical Garden taking bridal party shots along with portraits of our beautiful bride surrounded by the wonderful colors of the Fall season.

Beautiful bridal portrait taken in the Fall season with warm color.

I left the couple alone for awhile to soak in the beauty of the area while I took candid images of their moments together.

A candid photo of the bride brushing the grooms hair surrounded by wonderful greenery.

Soon it was time for the outdoor ceremony to begin and the groom got last minute advice from his mom. Okay, I admit it, I goaded her into giving him a lecture!! Either way, it was a fun shot. :)

The groom's mother gives some last minute advice to her son just before the wedding ceremony.

The bride and groom are surrounded by family for their first kiss captured from behind and showing their guests in the background.

The outdoor reception was held under an open air tent and featured earthy, homemade furniture for guests to lounge in while drinking wine and tasting delicious desserts.

A lounge area at an outdoor wedding reception.

Guests mingle and drink wine at an outdoor wedding reception in Niles, Michigan.

I hope you have enjoyed this sneak peek look at Mike and Jennifer's outdoor Fall wedding at Fernwood Botanical Garden in Niles, Michigan. Stay tuned to this Journal and give the Region Weddings Facebook Page a like for more photo updates.