A Perfect Summer Wedding at Mitchell Grove | Tyler & Haley
Tyler and Haley's wedding at Mitchell Grove was just about as perfect as a Humboldt County summer wedding can be. With towering redwoods surrounding the property, beautiful natural scenery, and an apple orchard that becomes especially magical in the evening light, Mitchell Grove was such a beautiful setting for their wedding day. The weather was perfect, with temperatures comfortably in the 70s, and the entire day had this calm, happy energy that never seemed to fade. There was no rushing or unnecessary stress—just everyone soaking in every part of the day, enjoying the people around them, and letting the moments unfold naturally.
The morning started quietly with everyone getting ready. There was so much joy in the room, but also a peacefulness that I don't always get to see on wedding mornings. Everyone seemed genuinely excited to be there, and it set the tone for the entire day.
For their first look, Tyler and Haley chose a quiet grove beneath the towering redwoods at Mitchell Grove. Surrounded by these massive, beautiful trees, they saw each other for the first time and then shared private vows together. It was incredibly heartfelt, and there were plenty of tears. Having that private moment beneath the redwoods gave them a chance to slow down and really take in what was happening before the rest of the day began.
Afterward, we snuck away for some portraits of just the two of them among the redwoods before the ceremony. It gave us a little breathing room to slow down and capture some beautiful images without feeling like we were racing against the timeline.
Their ceremony was short, beautiful, and incredibly meaningful. Afterward, we gathered everyone together for family portraits before Tyler and Haley did something I absolutely love seeing couples do—they joined their guests for cocktail hour. They got to actually be present with the people who had come to celebrate them instead of disappearing for a long stretch of portraits.
As cocktail hour came to an end and guests began finding their seats, we slipped away one more time. This time, we headed into the apple orchard for golden hour portraits.
The light was perfect.
Sun filtered through the branches of the orchard, creating beautiful dappled pockets of light around them. It was quiet, warm, and peaceful, and gave Tyler and Haley a few minutes together before heading back into the reception. I love these little pauses throughout a wedding day. They're often when couples finally get a chance to breathe, look at each other, and realize, "We're actually married."
Then it was time to head back to the party.
The grand entrance kicked off the reception, followed by dinner and some of the funniest and sweetest toasts I've ever heard. There was so much laughter, but also so much genuine love behind the stories their friends and family shared. It was obvious how deeply Tyler and Haley are loved and how much their people were genuinely excited to celebrate them.
After the toasts came cake cutting, and then the dance floor opened up.
From there, the rest of the evening was exactly what a wedding reception should be—full of laughter, dancing, hugs, and people who were completely present in the moment.
Tyler and Haley's wedding was beautiful, but what made it so special wasn't just the towering redwoods at Mitchell Grove, the peaceful apple orchard, or the perfect summer weather. It was the way the entire day felt: calm, joyful, intentional, and full of people who genuinely wanted to be there. They had time to slow down, enjoy their guests, sneak away for beautiful portraits, and actually experience their wedding day—and those are some of my favorite weddings to photograph.
Wedding Vendors
Venue: Mitchell Grove
Photography: Bethany Joy Photography
Videography: ML Studio
Bridesmaid Dresses: Birdie Grey
Tuxedos: Promises Bridal
Jeweler: DeVons
Officiant: Scott Hunt
Makeup: Luxury Looks Studios
Hair: Jada Baca
Florals: Buttermilk Floral
Catering: Humboldt Catering Company
