Ally & Lynn June 7, 2025
Lynn and Ally
Why They Chose Frutig Farms
According to Ally and Lynn:
Seamless All-in-One Experience: we loved that Frutig Farms offered ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception spaces all in one location with a natural, easy flow. We didn’t need to move guests from place to place.
Reduced Planning Stress: we didn’t tour a ton of venues, but the ones we did tour required full DIY setup and teardown. At the Valley, Frutig Farm’s staff handled all the logistics so we could relax and focus on enjoying the day.
Ideal Location for Guests: we had family coming from both mid-Michigan and Southeast Michigan, so Ann Arbor was the perfect central meeting point for everyone.
Authentic Rustic Charm: I (Ally) had always wanted a real barn wedding, and Frutig Farms offered the genuine, earthy feel I wanted, without sacrificing convenience or quality.
Wedding Details
Guest count - 150
Wedding Caterer - Zingerman’s Roadhouse (Wedding Expo vendor)
Desserts - Nothing Bundt Cakes
Tableware - BlueSky Event Rentals (Wedding Expo vendor)
Floral - Mandel’s Greenhouse
Photography & Video - Fairy Tale Productions
Live Music - Mike Leslie Music (Wedding Expo vendor)
Hotel - The Graduate
Invitations & Stationery - Zola
Hair - Orbit Hair Design
Makeup - Miranda Collins
Wedding Dress - The Wedding Shoppe
Wedding Rings - Brooke & Co. Fine Jewelers
Suits - Men’s Warehouse
Wedding Website - Zola
From Dive Bars to Dream Barns: Ally & Lynn’s Journey to “I Do” at Frutig Farms
When Ally and Lynn first met on a dating app and clicked instantly at a dive bar in Ferndale, they had no idea their journey would lead them to Frutig Farms (one of Southeast Michigan’s most beloved barn wedding venues). Their love story is full of humor, heart, and practical planning.
Their experience offers a ton of inspiration for engaged couples who want a beautiful, stress-free wedding day.
A Venue That "Just Made Sense"
As soon as the couple got engaged on a quiet winter walk in Port Austin, MI, Ally dove headfirst into wedding planning.
While their engagement spot held sentimental value, planning a wedding up north came with major logistical challenges.
“The barns up there were beautiful,” Ally explained, “but we’d have to handle everything ourselves, like the set-up, teardown, and managing all the vendors. It was just too much.”
That’s when Frutig Farms came into the picture. After a tour of the barn and grounds, they were committed.
“Frutig had everything we wanted. It’s not just a venue, it’s a full-on experience. The space flows naturally from ceremony to cocktail hour to dinner, and the team has their process down to a science.” Lynn added, “We didn’t want to stress about moving chairs or setting up centerpieces. Frutig made it easy. That peace of mind was huge for us.”
All About the Vibe
Ally always envisioned a rustic, earthy barn wedding, and Frutig Farms’ authentic charm fit the bill.
“It’s a real barn, not a wedding factory. The feel is genuine. It’s beautiful and warm, and exactly what I imagined.”
Even better, the venue’s Ann Arbor location turned out to be the perfect middle ground for their families traveling from mid-Michigan and Shelby Township.
Stress-Free Vendor Planning
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but Frutig Farms helped lighten the load with their trusted vendor list and annual Wedding Expo.
“That list was a lifesaver,” Ally said. “We get decision fatigue easily, and having a curated list helped us make confident choices fast.”
Among their standout vendors, they especially enjoyed the food from Zingerman’s Roadhouse.
Wedding Planning Wisdom
Their biggest lessons? Book early and stay flexible.
“Vendors get booked up fast,” said Lynn. “Especially bands. I didn’t realize how far out some people plan. If you know who you want, get on their calendar early.”
And Ally’s advice?
“Nothing is as big of a deal as it feels in the moment. Once you have your person, your venue, and your food, it’s going to be a great day. The rest will fall into place.”
Why Frutig Farms Was the Right Choice
At the end of the day, Frutig Farms stood out because of the complete experience it offered.
“There’s room to breathe here,” Ally shared. “From the beautiful ceremony lawn to the cozy barn, there’s a natural rhythm to the day. You’re not moving guests from church to hall. Everything flows. It feels easy and warm, and that’s what we wanted.”
Plus, the Frutig team made a lasting impression.
“Ed was a great tour guide. He was super informative and friendly. You could tell they really care about their couples.”
Key Takeaways from Ally & Lynn’s Planning Journey
Choose a venue that makes it easy. Frutig Farms handled logistics that would’ve been overwhelming elsewhere.
Use venue-vetted vendors. The trusted Frutig Farms vendor list saved time and reduced stress.
Book vendors early. Especially for music and accommodations. Things fill up quickly!
Prioritize flow. Having ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all on-site creates a smoother guest experience.
Stay flexible and keep perspective. Like Ally said, “the little stuff won’t matter. Focus on what’s most important.”
Ready to Plan Your Own Dream Day?
If you’re searching for a wedding venue in Southeast Michigan that combines rustic charm, thoughtful design, and seamless service, then Frutig Farms might be your perfect match.
Whether you're picturing a barn wedding with live music or a laid-back party with bundt cakes and fairy lights, our team is here to make your day unforgettable.
Book your tour today and see how easy and magical your wedding can be.