There is a massive difference between a wedding that is simply “styled” and a wedding that is truly alive.
Kim and Michael’s wedding celebration at the MSU Horticulture Gardens was a masterclass in the latter. Drawn to the lush grounds, open skies, and the organic romance of the outdoors, they didn’t just design a wedding; they cultivated an atmosphere. It was vibrant, whimsical, and grounded in the kind of presence that makes a wedding film feel like a timeless artifact.
The Setting: A Greenhouse Reception
For Kim and Michael, the vision was clear: a day that honored their love for the outdoors. The venue’s natural charm provided the perfect canvas, allowing them to host a unique reception inside a working greenhouse.
But the design—led by Page Wedding & Event Planning—didn’t just rely on the existing greenery. They brought the garden to life with colorful blooms and intentional details.
The showstopper was undoubtedly the floral arch by All Grand Events + Floral. This was an early non-negotiable for Kim, and it served a beautiful dual purpose. After framing their vows during the ceremony, it was moved behind the sweetheart table, becoming the breathtaking centerpiece of the reception. It is a detail Kim still adores every time she looks back at the footage—a vibrant frame for a vibrant love.
The Mindset: Presence Over Perfection
While the showstopping arch and the Justin Alexander gown were visually stunning, what truly made this wedding resonate on film was the couple’s mindset.
At Studio Schickel, we often say that the best footage happens when you stop posing and start living. Kim and Michael embodied this completely. They weren’t performing for the cameras; they were simply existing in their joy.
Kim shared a piece of advice that perfectly aligns with our brand philosophy, and it is something every future couple needs to hear:
“Focus on what truly matters to you and your partner. It’s easy to get caught up in the details, but your guests will remember the love and joy of the day more than anything else. Don’t stress over perfection, everything is not going to go the way you want it and that is completely okay. The day will go by incredibly fast… slow down, be present and enjoy every second!” — Kim, The Bride
Why “Don’t Stress Over Perfection” Matters for Your Film
Kim’s advice is the secret ingredient to a great wedding film.
When you let go of the need for “perfection,” you create space for connection. You create space for the wind to catch your veil, for the laughter to be loud and unscripted, and for the tears to fall without worrying about makeup.
As videographers, we aren’t looking for the “perfect” shot. We are hunting for the honest one. We want the texture of the day—the sound of the breeze in the gardens, the energy of the dance floor led by DJ Lorenzo, and the quiet moments of reflection. Because Kim and Michael chose to “slow down and be present,” their film isn’t just a record of how the day looked; it’s a time capsule of how it felt.
Curious How We Capture the “Honest” Shot? Kim and Michael were able to be fully present because they trusted our process. We specialize in a “connection-driven” documentary approach that allows you to exist in the moment while we encourage connection and handle the memories.
Read more about our Filmmaking Approach or, if you are ready to secure your date, click below.
Planning a Michigan wedding focused on presence? If you resonate with Kim’s advice and want a wedding film that captures the honest, unposed texture of your day, we should talk.
Rick, the creative visionary behind Studio Schickel, brings a unique blend of artistry and scientific precision to his wedding films. With years of experience in both wedding photography and clinical science, he's passionate about capturing the essence of your love story in a way that's both beautiful and timeless.
