Hana & Steven August 16, 2025
Hana & Steven: A Moonlit Journey to Frutig Farms
Hana & Steven’s engagement photo.
Why They Chose Frutig Farms
According to Hana and Steven:
Neither one of us wanted anything that felt “stuffy,” like a banquet hall or a country club. We were looking for an outdoor rustic venue and visited a few barns before we finally chose Frutig Farms.
It’s nice because it’s a barn venue that’s actually in Ann Arbor and it also comes with coordination and support included.
Some barns we went to, you have to bring everything in, even the flatware for dinner. Or the opposite– some venues don’t give you any choice at all, and it feels like they just use the same formula for every wedding, and that was too restrictive for us. Frutig struck a nice balance between both.
I’ve had friends attend weddings at Frutig Farms, and one of them told me it was “the best venue in Ann Arbor,” so we knew we had to come see for ourselves
Wedding Details
Guest count - 180
Caterer - Frita Batidos (Wedding Expo vendor)
Late Night Snack - Pizza House
Cake - Sweet Heather Anne Cake Studio
Dessert - Blank Slate Creamery (ice cream sandwiches)
Floral - Flowers and Such (Wedding Expo vendor)
Photography - Meghan Melia
DJ - Michael’s Entertainment
Live Music for Ceremony + Cocktail Hour - Today’s Brass Quintet (Wedding Expo vendor)
Hotels - Holiday Inn Express Ann Arbor West (Wedding Expo Vendor); The Kensington Hotel; Hampton Inn Ann Arbor West
Invitations & Stationery - The Printed Event
Makeup - The Makeup Loft
Dress - Becker’s Bridal
Tailoring & Alterations - Heather’s Place
Dance Lessons - Dorian Deaver
Real Wedding Story:
From a moving mishap to a moonlit proposal on Crystal Lake, Hana and Steven’s love story is as charming and heartfelt as they come. As they prepare to say “I do” at Frutig Farms, we sat down with the couple to dive into their journey– how they met, fell in love, and found the perfect place to celebrate their next chapter.
A Modern Match With Old-Fashioned Chemistry
Hana and Steven met on the dating app “Hinge” while juggling busy lives in different cities. Steven was in his third year of med school, and Hana had just returned to Michigan from Chicago to begin a new job in jewelry retail. Long-distance didn’t stop them. They took turns visiting one another, often commuting between Northville and Toledo.
One of their early bonding moments happened during Hana’s move, when a critical piece of furniture– the footboard to her bed– mysteriously went missing. On one of their first visits, Steven managed to find it tucked inside the headboard. For Hana, that tiny act of problem-solving and care made a lasting impression.
“That footboard discovery sealed the deal,” she laughed.
Their relationship blossomed as they explored the Midwest together, went on bike rides, played Scrabble (Hana won), and spent time at her family’s cottage in northern Michigan.
The Proposal: Crystal Lake Under a Full Moon
Steven had big ideas for the proposal, initially considering a scenic lighthouse. But after a hectic September that included a move, illness, and a triathlon, he opted for a more spontaneous moment. On the shores of Crystal Lake under a glowing full moon, he proposed.
Though Hana had suspected a proposal was coming (her mom accidentally spilled the beans about Steven asking for their blessing), she was still surprised by the timing.
“We were up north for an Iron Man race, and I had the flu the week before, so I definitely wasn’t expecting it that night,” she said.
The intimate moment, tucked into the rhythm of real life, felt perfect.
Finding the Right Venue: What Drew Them to Frutig Farms
The couple considered several locations for their big day, including venues up north near Hana’s family cottage. But logistics and guest accessibility made a destination wedding less practical. They ultimately focused on venues closer to home, with rustic charm and enough structure to help them plan efficiently.
Frutig Farms stood out for its warmth and balance. Unlike venues that were either too DIY or too rigid, Frutig offered just the right amount of planning support. Hana appreciated having a curated list of trusted vendors, while Steven, juggling his medical residency, was relieved that they didn’t need to reinvent the wheel.
The authenticity of the barn also mattered.
“Some places felt like industrial warehouses and not really barns,” Hana said. “But Frutig Farms is the real deal– authentic wood beams, stone, a creek, and actual history.”
The natural setting paired with hands-on support from the Frutig team made it feel both professional and personal.
Planning While Life Keeps Moving
Like many couples, Hana and Steven learned quickly how complex wedding planning can be– especially when balancing demanding schedules. Steven’s medical rotations meant long days and limited time to help. Hana took the lead early, organizing vendor outreach and keeping track of every detail in an organized binder.
Scheduling their planning session with Kaitlin, the Frutig Farms’ wedding planner, helped them clarify their wedding day timeline. This step was a game changer. It empowered them to communicate more confidently with vendors, answer family questions, and reduce decision fatigue.
“The schedule helped everything else fall into place,” Hana said.
They appreciated how Frutig’s team offered guidance while still letting them make their day their own. From choosing ice cream sandwiches from Ann Arbor’s Blank Slate to planning a low-stress prep schedule, the couple found ways to stay grounded and true to their priorities.
Reflections & Advice for Future Frutig Couples
Now well into their planning journey, Hana and Steven have valuable advice for other couples considering Frutig Farms.
Hana and Steven’s biggest takeaways:
Get the big stuff done first— book the venue, lock in your top vendors, and set a general timeline. Then, focus on what excites you most. For Hana, that meant starting with florals. For Steven, it was about stepping back and letting go of perfectionism due to his demanding residency.
They also learned the importance of involving family early, especially when multiple households are contributing ideas. Dividing responsibilities clearly at the beginning could have saved stress later.
And when it comes to vendor shopping, trust your gut.
“I kept wanting to try more tastings and compare more options,” Hana shared, “but my mom reminded me—if you already know who you want, stop complicating it.”
Steven added that the Frutig Expo was incredibly helpful, even though he couldn’t attend. Hana met key vendors there, including Flowers & Such and their caterer, Frita Batidos. “It was efficient and meaningful to talk with vendors who already knew the space.”
From Planning to Celebration– And Beyond
As their big day approaches, Hana and Steven are excited not just for the wedding, but for what Frutig Farms represents to them now. It’s more than a venue– it’s part of their story.
From helping find a footboard to planning a wedding with family spread across states, this couple’s journey is full of partnership, laughter, and thoughtful choices. And while Steven might still be chasing a rematch in Scrabble, there’s no doubt they’ve already won big in love.
Key Lessons for Wedding Planning at Frutig Farms
Set the foundation early. Book the venue and major vendors as soon as you can— prime dates fill quickly.
Clarify roles and responsibilities. Whether it's parents, siblings, or friends helping out, define everyone's role early to avoid confusion.
Get a timeline as soon as possible. Even a rough outline will guide your vendor conversations and calm the chaos.
Trust your gut and stay focused. Once you've found something (or someone) you like— book it. Don’t waste planning time second-guessing.
Use Frutig’s resources. From the Wedding Expo to planning sessions with Kaitlin, lean into the support offered.
Plan Your Wedding with Frutig Farms
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s as stress-free as it is beautiful, Frutig Farms is ready to bring your vision to life. With full weekend access, expert vendor connections, and a team dedicated to making your day amazing, you’ll experience the best of what a rustic, elegant wedding venue has to offer.