Jodi & Taylor May 25, 2025
Taylor & Jodi
Why They Chose Frutig Farms
According to Jodi and Taylor:
Elegant and laid-back: we wanted a personalized but relaxed experience for ourselves and our guests.
Out-of-state planning: communication was seamless! The Frutig team was responsive and conducted our planning sessions virtually so we were always in the loop, even from Nashville.
Local vendors with experience at the venue: this made the planning process smoother and less stressful because we could trust our vendors.
The venue’s layout, location, and vibe: it was a perfect place to host our guests who were coming from all over (close to hotels, close to the airport, and we could do everything in one spot).
Wedding Details
Guest count - 250
Caterer, Desserts, and Cake - Cutting Edge Cuisine (Wedding Expo vendor)
Ice Cream Truck - Hello! Ice Cream (Wedding Expo vendor)
Tasty Treats - Goldie’s Mandel Bread (mandel bread is a delightful combination of chocolate chips, cinnamon, and sugar made in to bite size pieces)
Tableware - BlueSky Event Rentals (Wedding Expo vendor)
Floral - Red Poppy Floral
Photography - Abby Rose Photography
Video - Blue Racer Productions
Live Painting - (yeah, you read that right) The Michigan Wedding Painter
Wedding Planner - Red Coat Ladies
DJ - LuFru Entertainment (Wedding Expo vendor)
Live Music - Deus Sax
Hotels - The Bell Tower and Holiday Inn Express West Ann Arbor (Wedding Expo vendor)
Transportation - Getaway Tours & Charters
Invitations & Stationery - The Write Stuff
Hair & Makeup - Configure Beauty Detroit
Wedding Dress - Beloved Bridal
Online Dance Lessons - First Dance Charlotte (great for out of state couples)
Custom-Quilted Chuppah Cover - Amy Sackman
Interfaith Marriage Contract - Ketubah.com
Wedding Website - The Knot
Classy & Comfortable
When Jodi and Taylor started planning their wedding from out of state, they knew they needed a venue that would feel warm, beautiful, and easy to work with, especially from hundreds of miles away.
Without even visiting in person, they booked Frutig Farms in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Why?
Because it just felt right.
“This was actually the only venue we looked at,” said Jodi. “My mom toured Frutig Farms for us and sent us photos. Once we saw them, we were like, yep, that’s it. We didn’t even consider another place.”
Elegant Meets Laid-Back: A Space That Reflects Who They Are
The couple described themselves as “classy and comfortable,” and Frutig Farms turned out to be the perfect fit.
The natural beauty of the barn, the glow of the chandeliers, and the casual charm of the donkeys (yes, Fiona and Shrek!) made it the ideal balance between upscale and relaxed.
“We wanted something that could be dressed up, but didn’t feel stiff or formal,” Jodi explained. “Frutig Farms gave us that balance. It’s cozy but elegant.”
Taylor added, “It just fits us. It’s got a down-to-earth feel, but it still looks beautiful.”
Planning from Afar? Frutig Makes It Easy
Living in Nashville and managing a long engagement while juggling Jodi’s medical school schedule meant that planning a Michigan wedding could have been overwhelming.
But Frutig Farms’ responsive team (especially Kaitlin, the Frutig Farm’s wedding coordinator) made the entire process seamless.
“Kaitlin has been phenomenal,” said Jodi. “We’ve done walkthroughs over FaceTime, coordinated from two states away, and never felt like we were missing anything.”
They also praised the venue’s thoughtful layout, ideal for big wedding parties.
“Having space to get ready in the barn itself has been a lifesaver,” Jodi shared. “We’ve got 10 bridesmaids, so the space really matters!”
Trusting Local Vendors with a Big Vision
Jodi and Taylor focused on working with local Ann Arbor wedding vendors, many of whom have partnered with Frutig Farms before.
This made planning smoother and more collaborative.
Taylor noted, “Many of these vendors had worked at Frutig before. They knew the flow and the space, and that made our lives so much easier.”
Two Cultures, One Beautiful Celebration
As an interfaith couple blending small-town Christian traditions with large-scale Jewish celebrations, Jodi and Taylor wanted a space that could honor both backgrounds.
Frutig Farms offered a welcoming, flexible space for this meaningful union.
“We’ll have a rabbi and a reverend officiating,” Taylor said. “It’s really two worlds coming together, and Frutig Farms felt like the right place for that.”
From their hand-quilted chuppah cover made with ancestral wedding photos, to their customized ketubah they’ve curated a celebration that honors both their roots and their shared future.
Wedding Wisdom: Trust & Enjoy the Moment
When asked what advice they’d give to other engaged couples, Jodi and Taylor didn’t hesitate:
“Trust your vendors. Let them do what they’re amazing at… photographers will get the shots, DJs will read the room, so just step back a little and let it flow.”
“Enjoy the moment. The day goes by fast. Be present, and let the stress go.”
And one more gem from Jodi? “Hire a Red Coat Lady!”
Key Takeaways from Jodi & Taylor’s Planning Experience
Frutig Farms is both elegant and laid-back, ideal for couples wanting a personalized but relaxed celebration.
Out-of-state planning was seamless, thanks to Frutig’s responsive team and virtual walkthroughs.
Local vendors with experience at the venue made the planning process smoother and less stressful.
The venue’s layout, location, and vibe made it a perfect place to host a diverse group of guests from Michigan and beyond.
Ready to Plan Your Wedding?
Whether you’re planning from across the country or just down the road, Frutig Farms offers a warm, flexible, and stunning space for your special day.
With responsive support, trusted vendor relationships, and rustic-meets-elegant charm, you’ll feel at home from the very first call.
Schedule your tour today and start planning your own “classy and comfortable” wedding at one of Michigan’s top barn venues.