Trends come and go, but the right ones can elevate your wedding gallery from beautiful to extraordinary. When you’re planning your Michigan wedding, it isn’t just about what looks good in person; it’s also about what photographs well. As a wedding photographer, my job is to capture the spirit of your day in images you’ll cherish forever, so I’m constantly watching how new styles, themes, and creative details affect the final gallery.
This year, Michigan couples are leaning into bold design, intimate gatherings, and deeply personal details. The result? Weddings that feel authentic, unique, and incredibly photogenic.
Florals are one of the most visually impactful elements at any wedding. This year, couples across Michigan are moving away from minimalism and embracing bold, full arrangements. Think:
Hanging floral installations over the head table.
Ceremony arches dripping with greenery and blooms.
Oversized bouquets with unexpected textures.
Not only do these designs wow your guests, but they also add layers, depth, and color that make every photo pop. As your photographer, I use florals to frame portraits, add interest to flat lays, and create editorial-style moments throughout the day.
Pro Tip: If you’re working with a Michigan florist, ask about seasonal blooms for both beauty and budget. Dahlias in late summer, peonies in spring, or even wildflowers for a rustic Northern Michigan vibe all translate beautifully in photos.
Intimate weddings are no longer a pandemic trend, they’re here to stay. Michigan couples are choosing guest lists under 50 and splurging on design, cuisine, and experience. The result? Weddings that are highly personalized and deeply photogenic.
Smaller guest counts mean more freedom with venues. A tucked-away winery in Traverse City, a private estate on Lake Huron, or a cozy brewery in Bay City all allow for unique details you can’t always pull off in a large ballroom.
Photography thrives in this environment. Without a packed timeline or crowded guest list, I can focus on candid moments, artistic compositions, and portraits that reflect your connection.
Michigan couples are weaving sustainability into their weddings in thoughtful ways. Locally sourced menus, eco-friendly décor, and even upcycled wedding gowns are showing up everywhere. Not only is this trend better for the planet, it creates an organic aesthetic that photographs beautifully.
Farm-to-table meals in the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Rentals instead of single-use décor.
Locally crafted favors like maple syrup or wine.
When details reflect your values and environment, they add meaning to your gallery. Candids of your guests sipping Michigan wine or enjoying a locally inspired charcuterie board are more than just photos, they tell the story of where and how you celebrated.
Gone are the days of bright white banquet hall lighting. This year, Michigan weddings are embracing warm, moody tones with string lights, candles, lanterns, and uplighting. These elements create atmosphere, romance, and dimension that is perfect for wedding photography.
For example, candlelit dinners look timeless in black and white, while golden uplighting brings warmth to your reception images. As a photographer, I balance natural and artificial light to capture the ambiance exactly as you experienced it.
One of the strongest photography trends is less about décor and more about approach. Couples in Michigan are moving away from stiff poses and toward documentary-style storytelling. That means candid laughter, quiet tears, spontaneous dance floor moments; all the raw emotion that makes your wedding yours.
This shift plays perfectly into my style at Arielle Roth Photography. I capture the in-between moments: your dad practicing his speech, your best friend fixing your veil, the quick hand squeezes when you think no one is watching. These unscripted details are what make your gallery timeless.
After years of neutrals dominating weddings, bold color palettes are making a comeback. Michigan weddings this year are full of jewel tones, citrus hues, and mismatched bridesmaid dresses. These choices create galleries that feel vibrant and alive.
Not sure how to incorporate color without going overboard? Try:
Bright linens at your reception tables.
Statement shoes or accessories.
Bold floral choices paired with classic attire.
Photos love contrast. A royal blue tux against fall foliage in Ann Arbor or a sunset-orange bouquet at a Bay City waterfront venue will never look dated.
Couples are turning weddings into full experiences, especially when guests are traveling. Michigan’s abundance of lakes, vineyards, and charming towns make it easy to create a wedding weekend filled with activities.
Welcome bonfires, brewery tours, or brunch the morning after aren’t just fun, they also add storytelling opportunities for your wedding gallery. I love capturing the anticipation of your rehearsal dinner, the relaxed vibe of a lake day, and the joy of gathering your favorite people beyond just one evening.
Bridal style is getting bolder, and Michigan couples are embracing it. Sleek gowns with dramatic sleeves, colorful suits, and even bridal capes are stealing the spotlight. These fashion choices make your portraits stand out and bring an editorial vibe to your gallery.
Accessories are also trending big, think pearl details, oversized bows, and unique veils. And grooms aren’t left out: custom suits with bold linings or unexpected textures photograph beautifully.
Michigan weather is unpredictable. Couples this year are choosing venues that provide the best of both worlds: stunning outdoor ceremony spaces with indoor backup options. Vineyards, barns, and lakefront properties are especially popular.
As your photographer, I always scout both locations. Golden-hour portraits at Dow Gardens in Midland or waterfront vows in Bay City shine in outdoor settings, but knowing we can move inside without losing aesthetic is key for stress-free photos.
Finally, couples are personalizing their ceremonies like never before. Handwritten vows, unity rituals, or including pets in the processional all create unforgettable moments.
These personal touches aren’t just meaningful, they’re photogenic. The look on your partner’s face as you read your vows, your dog trotting down the aisle, or a cultural tradition shared with guests all become emotional highlights in your gallery.
Michigan weddings in 2025 are bold, personal, and designed to photograph beautifully. Whether you’re planning a micro-wedding in Bay City, a vineyard celebration in Traverse City, or a colorful ballroom reception in Detroit, these trends ensure your day looks just as magical on camera as it feels in person.
At Arielle Roth Photography, I don’t just document weddings, I tell your story. These trends give me the tools and inspiration to create galleries full of emotion, personality, and artistry.