A Candlelit Winter Wedding at Planterra Conservatory
There’s something so tender about a day that feels like home. And that’s exactly what Abby and Jake’s wedding day at the stunning Planterra Conservatory. Inside this lush greenhouse, their wedding day blended sunlight that peaked through the clouds, hundreds of flickering candles, and the most heartfelt moments with the people who love them most.
Despite the snow-covered Michigan landscape just outside, stepping inside Planterra felt like entering another season entirely — warm, glowing, and alive with greenery. It created the perfect backdrop for an intimate winter wedding day that felt both elevated and deeply personal.
A Winter Wedding at Planterra Conservatory
Planterra Conservatory is one of Michigan’s most beautiful wedding venues, offering a botanical garden atmosphere for weddings between the months of September-May. For couples planning a winter wedding in Michigan, the conservatory provides natural light, lush greenery, and a cozy indoor environment without sacrificing the feeling of an outdoor celebration.
Abby and Jake fully embraced what makes this venue special. Their vision centered around warmth and ambiance — allowing candlelight, natural textures, and organic design elements to complement the greenhouse setting rather than compete with it.
As a Michigan-based wedding photographer, Planterra Conservatory is one of my favorite venues to photograph. With their availability falling outside the traditional high season, my availability during this time is often a bit more flexible. If you’re dreaming of a candlelit conservatory wedding, I’d love to connect with you and chat about your plans.
Capturing the Day on Film and Digital
This wedding was documented using both digital photography and medium format film, specifically for details and portraits. By adding film, it preserves the nostalgic and timeless feeling Abby and Jake envisioned for their gallery.
The film images you’ll see from throughout the day were photographed using a Pentax 645n, Fujifilm GA645, and Holga 120, each adding its own texture and softness to the story.
Film naturally slows the creative process, allowing moments to unfold organically and emphasizing emotion over perfection. The combination of film and digital imagery creates a gallery that feels both refined and deeply nostalgic — preserving not just memories, but atmosphere.
A Candlelit Sunset Ceremony
With the sun just going down, guests gathered for an intimate ceremony surrounded by warm candlelight. Abby had always envisioned a ceremony filled with ambiance, and seeing the space illuminated as day turned into evening was truly unforgettable.
The timing allowed the natural light to slowly fade while candles began to glow brighter, creating a romantic and emotional atmosphere that felt almost cinematic. Every glance, every smile, and every quiet tear felt amplified within the intimate setting.
It was a ceremony centered not on spectacle, but on meaning, which was a true honor to photograph.
Playing with Light for Portraits
Because Abby and Jake chose not to do a first look, their couples portraits and bridal party photos took place after sunset. We leaned into a combination of ambient light, constant light and flash to maintain the warm, romantic atmosphere of the conservatory, while also giving off the fun, vibey party feel when appropriate.
By blending the venue’s natural glow with our lighting techniques, we were able to preserve the candlelit ambiance they envisioned while creating timeless portraits that feel cohesive with the rest of their gallery. It allowed their images to remain soft, emotional, and true to the feeling of the evening as it unfolded.
Ambiant Candlelit Reception at Planterra Conservatory
Following the ceremony, the conservatory transformed into an ambiance-filled reception designed entirely around candlelight. Tables flickered with warmth as guests settled in for an evening of celebration, connection, and storytelling.
The speeches were especially memorable. Lots of laughter, tears, nostalgia, and the kind of emotion that reminds you just how deeply a couple is loved by their community.
Planning your wedding at Planterra Conservatory?
If you’re planning your own Planterra Conservatory wedding and are looking for a Michigan wedding photographer, I’d love to connect with you. Specializing in refined celebrations such as this, I’d love to capture your day.
If you’re curious to learn more about who I am and how I approach documenting a wedding day, you can read more here. And if you feel like we might be a good fit, I’d love to connect — you can inquire here and share all about your plans.
Mikayla Scheibe Photography | Michigan Wedding Film Photographer
Vendors
Venue and florals: Planterra Conservatory
Photography: Mikayla Scheibe Photography
Videography: RDS Films
Entertainment: Pro DJ Servies
Hair: Shannon Bishop Hair
Makeup: Ash Beauty
Gown: Harpor and Ivory
