Stephanie and Taylor’s Pine Knob Mansion wedding in Clarkston, Michigan was everything I love about documenting love stories. It was timeless, full of color, effortlessly editorial, and maybe even a little film-inspired. Their day was a beautiful reminder that when you let go of expectations and just lean into the moment, the magic unfolds naturally. And trust me—these two absolutely leaned in.

Stephanie and Taylor are the definition of go-with-the-flow. It made their whole wedding day feel easy, joyful, and so them! I had the best time documenting all the candid in-between moments, the big emotions, and the quiet glances that said everything. Narrowing down which images to include in this post was nearly impossible.

If you’re dreaming up your own Pine Knob Mansion wedding, keep scrolling, because this one’s packed with inspiration and a whole lot of love. Plus, you’ll see why this Michigan venue is truly something special!

The Details, Getting Ready, Emotional First Looks & Portraits

The day kicked off with Stephanie and Taylor getting ready with their people separately. The vibe was relaxed and meaningful—helping each other with final touches, soaking it all in before heading to the venue. Her bridesmaids waited outside for a first look of their own, and their reactions said it all. Each of them wore a different color dress, and the mix of tones was so fun and so colorful.

Since Stephanie and Taylor chose to do a first look, we were able to move right into portraits and all the wedding party photos before their Carriage House ceremony. Not only did it give them a quiet moment to be together, but it also helped the day feel more laid-back and gave them time to enjoy the rest of the evening with their people. Taylor’s reaction when he saw Stephanie for the first time was one of my favorite moments. It was completely genuine and overflowing with joy.

These two also had such a fun group for their wedding party. Their people really showed up for them in the best way. They hyped them up at every chance, brought the best energy, and truly made the day what it was. And Pine Knob Mansion wedding venue had no shortage of spots for portraits. The gardens, the trees, the classic architecture—it all came together in a way that felt effortlessly elegant and timeless without being too buttoned-up. Just a really gorgeous place to be on a wedding day.

Pine Knob Mansion Wedding Ceremony at The Carriage House, Cocktail Hour, & a few more portraits

Stephanie and Taylor’s ceremony took place under the covered pavilion at the Carriage House, and it was beautiful! Guests gathered beneath a canopy of string lights and greenery, with light pouring in from the open sides and the backdrop of the grounds behind them. The curved floral installation at the altar added the perfect pop of color, pulling together the whole look of the day.

One of the most touching parts of the ceremony was Taylor’s reaction when he saw Stephanie walking down the aisle. You could see the emotions hit this man all at once—eyes full and the biggest smile. It was one of those moments that just stops time for a second. And honestly, this is why I love what I do!

What makes this space such a gem for a Pine Knob Mansion wedding is how versatile and inviting it is. You get the feeling of an outdoor ceremony without having to stress about the weather, and the setup keeps things feeling close and connected. It’s peaceful, romantic, and such a beautiful setting!

Pine Knob Mansion Wedding Reception

Stephanie and Taylor’s Pine Knob Mansion wedding reception brought all the energy! The space felt effortlessly classy with modern table settings, beautiful florals, and just the right amount of romantic glow from the candlelight. The personal touches like temporary tattoos to custom face fans gave guests a fun way to jump right into the party!

And while the whole night was packed with dancing, laughs, and champagne toasts, there’s no question that “Pink Pony Club” was the unofficial song of the night. Overall Stephanie and Taylors wedding was just as much fun as it was beautiful!

Some Favorites on Film From Stephanie & Taylor’s Wedding Day

A few of Stephanie and Taylor’s Pine Knob Mansion wedding photos were taken on film, and they add such a beautiful layer to their gallery. If you’re into that classic, true-to-life look, most of my wedding packages come with film! And I always have the option to add on by the roll. It’s the perfect complement to digital coverage and brings a whole different kind of magic to your photos!

Planning Your Pine Knob Mansion Wedding? Let’s Get in Touch!

Pine Knob Mansion is truly one of the best wedding venues in Metro Detroit if you’re dreaming of a day that feels elegant without being over-the-top. Between the stunning grounds, timeless architecture, and how seamless everything flows on-site—it’s easy to see why couples fall in love with it. Whether you’re planning something intimate or a bigger celebration, it’s one of those places that just gets it right.

If you’re looking for documentary-style wedding photography with a touch of editorial flair, and want someone in your corner who genuinely cares about your experience from start to finish—I’d love to get to know you! You can learn more about me here, and if you think we’d vibe well, go ahead and inquire with me to start the conversation.

And if you want to keep the inspiration going, check out more real weddings on the blog!

Marissa Dillon Photography | Detroit Wedding Photographer

Vendors:

Venue: @pineknobmansionandgolf | Photographer: @marissadillonphoto | Second: @marisakimmelphotos | Cake: @homebakeryroch | Makeup: @charmed.mi @haleybensonbeauty | Hair: @goldenglam__ | Dress: @weddingshoppemi | Florals: @fleurandbloom | Videographer: @dfrancesfilms