English Inn Reception & St. Gerard Catholic Wedding Ceremony in Lansing, Michigan
St Gerard Catholic Church
St. Gerard Catholic Church is a tall brick church on quiet streets in Lansing, Michigan, with tall glass windows and a peaceful, traditional atmosphere. It served as the setting for Katie and Saif’s wedding ceremony, followed by a romantic reception at The English Inn.
It was truly a joy and honor to document their wedding day. From the quiet, intentional moments at St. Gerard to the warm celebration that followed, everything felt meaningful and sweet. The church offers several smaller rooms for getting ready, and we also found a tucked-away alcove that became the perfect spot for their first look since it was naturally sheltered from the wind and quiet enough for them to be present for one another. They both cried happy tears.
After their first look and private vows, they were united in a full Catholic Mass officiated by Father Bob, then had a brief moment alone before heading to The English Inn in a black Escalade arranged through Mid Michigan Limousine to relax a bit between the ceremony and ease into the celebration that followed.
The English Inn — Eaton Rapids, Michigan
The English Inn in Eaton Rapids, Michigan is a Tudor Revival historic estate known for its gardens, refined interiors, and romantic atmosphere. Medovue Hall in particular offers a bright, open reception space with an airy quality that suits a wedding perfectly. The chandeliers and wall sconces are gorgeous in both daylight and evening, while the market lights in the garden create a soft, glowing atmosphere once the sun begins to set. The entire property has a timeless character that photographs naturally everywhere. Another amazing perk for couples planning a wedding, The English Inn is also a bed and breakfast, so your guests can stay on-site and enjoy the party without any safety issues. This was particularly useful for families with young children. Arranging in-room child care just a step away from the action allowed the littlest bridal party members to get sleep, food, and downtime whenever they needed a break.
Because of the proximity to water, certain seasons can bring mosquitoes, so having a little bug spray on hand can be helpful for outdoor portraits. We shifted a few of our photos to higher ground near the back of the restaurant area, where the vines and rustic textures create an Old World feel. That space ended up being so much fun to create in! One of my favorite behind-the-scenes moments was Katie’s dress toss, aided by her sister Emily, who had a surprising instinct for movement and timing. One of my favorite things about this wedding was that everyone was simply enjoying the moment rather than performing it. Katie's smile lit up the room all evening long, and Saif's quiet appreciation of her joy was unmistakable in every glance they shared.
