by admin | May 10, 2022 | Ballroom Weddings, Downtown Detroit Wedding, Summer Weddings, Weddings
I was so excited way back in early 2020 when Matt and Nicole booked me for their Detroit Masonic Temple wedding! The Detroit Masonic Temple had been a dream venue for me. When the pandemic hit, they postponed (twice actually!) but they still were married in a small courthouse ceremony on the anniversary of their first date. So when their big wedding came around, I was so excited for their Detroit Masonic Temple wedding!
It was a very warm day in downtown Detroit – typical August. Everything was taking place at the Masonic Temple, except the couple really wanted to do a first look at a beloved bar – the Bronx Bar, just up the street in Midtown. I was totally on board as anything you can do to make the day more personal is amazing in my eyes.
I met the couple for getting ready (separately) at the Masonic Temple. I loved both of their details – Nicole gave Matt some really cool cufflinks – the Millennium Falcon. It’s always cute when you can personalize parts of the day – especially attire.
When these two had their courthouse ceremony, I asked Nicole if she was going to wear her original wedding dress. She chose not to, and once I saw the dress (a Jenna in White!) I totally understood. It was gorgeous and perfect for this venue!
I really did adore the Detroit Masonic Temple. It really shined in the portrait session and the ballroom there is truly gorgeous. Nicole really wanted to showcase the venue – they choose it for a reason- so we took all the portraits on site, except for the first look. We even got to take some twilight photos on the roof – which was a special treat as I guess there is a bird that hates humans living up there! Doesn’t have to be a perfect sunset to get some gorgeous shots.
I loved working with these two and am so happy they got to have their amazing day, just a little later than anticipated!
Are you planning a Detroit Masonic Temple wedding? Get in touch!
From the couple: “I was nervous about finding a photographer for our wedding as my now husband and I don’t necessarily love being in front of the camera, but as soon as I met Madalyn I knew we had found our perfect match. Madalyn was so much more than just a photographer. She helped keep me organized and provide direction in so many more aspects of the day than just the photos. She provided calm in stressful times and was also flexible beyond belief when it to came to scheduling, re-scheduling, and scheduling again due to our ever-changing timeline as an outcome of the pandemic. I would absolutely recommend Madalyn, and have done so to multiple of my friends already, and plan on returning for future photo sessions for our newborn and capturing family photos through the years to come.”
Vendors:
venue: The Masonic Temple
floral: Maple Lane Florist
gown: Jenna in White
hmu: Configure Beauty Detroit
invites: MintyPaperieShop
dj: TJ Monte Productions
by admin | Mar 22, 2022 | Ballroom Weddings, Downtown Detroit Wedding, Weddings
Emilee and Sheldon had the absolute perfect late July summer day for their Roostertail wedding in Detroit. The day started off in separate getting ready spaces; Emilee at the Element Hotel at the Metropolitan and Sheldon at a private office space overlooking the city. The excitement was in the air as I entered the bridal suite – Emilee and Sheldon had originally planned their day for July 2020 but had to postpone like so many others. The day was finally here!
When I met Emilee back in fall 2019, I knew this wedding day would be magical but also that I’d be working with such a sweet couple. Emilee is truly one of the nicest, happiest brides I’ve ever worked with! So go with the flow. I think Sheldon was my best dressed groom – his suit fit him absolutely perfectly and even had some personal touches – his initials embroidered on the sleeve and some beautiful personal cufflinks from his bride.
After everyone was dressed to perfection, we headed up to the Metropolitan rooftop at The Monarch Club for the first look. Overlooking Comerica Park and downtown, Sheldon and Emilee saw each other for the first time. We took some group photos on the rooftop and then headed over to Parker’s Alley for more. Family photos by the riverfront capped off our portrait session, with an appearance by the couple’s dog, Murphy. Always bring your dog, they’re totally welcome!
With all of the major portraits done, we headed to the Roostertail which is right on the Detroit waterfront. I had never been before and I was impressed with the views. A Roostertail wedding in Detroit isn’t complete without boats flying by on the water.
The ceremony, presided over by a family member, took place outdoors under the Roostertail’s pavillon right on the waterfront. Readings by the couples’ siblings made it a special, memorable ceremony.
After receiving their guests, Emilee and Sheldon joined their cocktail hour in the Roostertail’s Palm River room, which had beautiful views of the city and waterfront. The Roostertail does a fabulous job with lighting – the room was absolutely gorgeous. A fun grand entrance led to beautiful toasts from the maid of honor and best man, both siblings. A final heartfelt speech from the father of the groom and the reception kicked off!
We didn’t get a perfect sunset, but the blue hour photos we took on the balcony overlooking the water and the Roostertail’s fountains were some of my favorites of the day. Something about the way the sky looks just after the sun goes down is just magic, sometimes more magical than a sunset.
A Roostertail wedding in Detroit wouldn’t be complete without photos on their long dock. We ended the night as I always like to do at a wedding – with some amazing nighttime shots to cap off the evening.
See more summer weddings here.
Vendors:
venue: The Roostertail
florals: Viviano’s
cake: Love and Buttercream
band: Bluewater King’s Band
dj: Michael’s Entertainment
video: Timothy Scott Films
HMU: Primp Beauty
gown: Luxe Bridal Rack
bridesmaids: Azazie
by admin | Jul 21, 2020 | Ballroom Weddings, Church Ceremonies, Weddings, Winter Weddings
How would you like to celebrate your anniversary once every four years? Dani and Matt were game! Their winter Inn at St. John’s wedding was a Leap Day wedding (February 29, 2020). Not only was it a gorgeous winter day (even with a little snow on the ground), but we got SUNSHINE! If you’ve ever photographed in February in Michigan, you know that sunshine can be hard to come by.
This winter Inn at St. John’s wedding was my final wedding before our state shut down for COVID. At the time, the virus wasn’t really on everyone’s mind. My how times have changed!
Maybe you remember their downtown Detroit engagement session last spring, but Dani and Matt are truly a perfect match. Dani is exuberant, outgoing, and bubbly, while Matt is more reserved, very sweet, and super steady. You can tell that Matt has a way of truly calming Dani’s energy; and I felt that on the wedding day. As Dani recalled on their reception, their meeting changed the course of her life in all the best ways.
After a first look in that magical Inn at St. John’s hallway, we took photos with Dani and Matt around the property, followed by a ceremony in the chapel. There really isn’t another chapel in the area like it! How beautiful! Dani looked stunning and Matt super dapper. I think Dani was made to be a bride. She told me that she thinks all the America’s Top Model watching paid off and I AGREE. STUNNING.
I love the classic and timeless look that they put together for their wedding. And peep the Millennium Falcon cufflinks…letting Matt’s personality shine through! They also went to Disney for their honeymoon, and definitely made sure to spend time at Galaxy’s Edge. Dan also surprised Matt with a huge Star Wars lego set. Probably the most unique wedding gift I’ve seen!
I couldn’t get over how kind everyone was to us all day long at this winter Inn at St. John’s wedding. The entire wedding party and all of the family was just wonderful to work with. We actually ran ahead of schedule because everyone was so cooperative and the Inn at St. John’s wedding staff was on top of things! Of course, everything was running perfectly smoothly with day of coordinator Cindy Decker, who I love to work with! Cindy is always on top of things and I highly recommend having her come coordinate your day so you don’t have to worry about a thing!
The more weddings I go to, the more I realize how much joy they have. There weren’t many tears shed (okay, a few by Dani…but her makeup held up amazingly — thanks Rosa!) because this was such a happy occasion of two families coming together to celebrate. No matter the wedding I’m at, the joy is contagious. I can’t help but leave with a smile on my face. It’s why I can’t stop doing this job.
Dani and Matt, it was a pleasure. I loved your day, loved your people, and loved working with you. I wish you both ALL THE BEST!
Vendors:
Assistant: Megan Faraj | Coordinator: Cindy Decker Weddings | Videographer: Bearded Wolf Productions | Florist: Flowers for Dreams | Cake: Cakes by Stephanie | Donuts: The Donut Bar | DJ: Forella Events | Hair: Melody Alyse | Makeup: Rosa Alcantara| Gown: White Arbor Bridal / Stella York | Bridesmaids: Birdy Grey | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Rings: Tiffany & Co / Tappers Jewelry | Men’s Attire: The Black Tux | Paper: Minted
by admin | May 27, 2020 | Ballroom Weddings, Fall Weddings, Outdoor Ceremony, Weddings
On a rainy October Friday, Cheyenne and Carlos were married at The Grecian Center. Remember their winter downtown Wyandotte engagement session?
Despite the rain, they were still able to be married outdoors thanks to the large awning over the ceremony space. And yes, it rained and stopped (typical for October weather) and we made it work. All was well! What’s very special about a Grecian Center wedding is the beautiful garden, which was still colorful despite it being mid-October.Â
Cheyenne, who is incredible and did HER OWN makeup and hair for her wedding, was the maid of honor in my very first wedding. In fact, Sarah, my very first bride (and old cowoker) was the maid of honor in this wedding! I love being able to work with friends of old couples.Â
Something to know about Cheyenne and Carlos is that they love music. They both have great voices! My favorite part of the wedding day was a surprise Carlos had planned for Cheyenne, where he sang to her. The best part? She joined in! I haven’t been to many weddings where the couple provided part of the entertainment. It was truly a sweet moment and one that made the day even more special.Â
This Grecian Center wedding was all about the party. I don’t think the dance floor cleared at all! Cheyenne and Carlos’ friends and family were boogying down all night long!
by admin | Apr 28, 2020 | Ballroom Weddings, Weddings, Winter Weddings
Winter weddings are honestly under-rated. I really wanted to have one — they’re just such warm events! Sarah and Brandon’s Lafayette Grande wedding took place a few days after Christmas, so the holiday vibes were present. I think that’s probably one of the best parts about getting married around the holidays — there’s always extra decorations everywhere and you don’t have to provide them!
This Lafeyette Grande wedding wasn’t holiday-themed. In fact, Sarah and Brandon infused aspects of their personalities and relationship into the day. From the Game of Thrones and Harry Potter table numbers to the many books to sign at the guest book table to the beautiful personal vows they shared…they really made the wedding day their own.
Perhaps you remember from their University of Michigan engagement session, Sarah and Brandon met as freshmen at the University of Michigan. During their engagement session, we even visited the dorm they met in (a small 70-something person building). Their friendship (and love) blossomed as the years went on, as roommates in the later years, and through graduate school and moves to Florida and now Wisconsin. Ten years later, they tied the knot at the Lafeyette Grand in the Grande Ballroom.
Things I loved about this wedding: Sarah’s dress (that pattern…so good), Brandon’s custom suit, the mismatched wedding party attire, the simplicity yet beauty of the florals (perfect for winter), and how much Sarah and Brandon seemed to enjoy the day. The Lafayette Grande was perfect for a winter wedding because it’s so beautiful inside. Super easy for photos! I can’t wait to be back this fall.
I really enjoyed working alongside Sarah, Brandon, and their closest friends and family. Sarah was one of the most organized and thoughtful brides I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. It was such an honor to capture this day for these two!
From the bride: “Madalyn was probably the best photographer we could have asked for, it was like having a friend instead of a vendor do our photos. Her photos obviously speak for themselves but she was so incredibly organized and professional throughout the entire process, she got us our timeline and I was able to use that to build the rest of our day of schedule around it. She communicated early and often and always made sure she got the list of required photos we wanted so we didn’t miss anything. Since she also hadn’t photographed at our venue before, she set up her own meeting with the venue before the wedding to get a tour and walkthrough so it wasn’t a surprise on the day of the wedding. She was assertive when she needed to be to wrangle our families for photos but otherwise was extremely flexible in getting shots if the plans changed! Especially since our wedding was late in the winter and we decided against a first look, she made sure to have a lighting assistant on hand to help coordinate additional flash and we got some great evening photos, and the second shooter who helped out had some awesome ideas for important shots too! Also, she got us engagement photo sneak peeks within 24 hours and got us our wedding sneak peeks (40+ photos!) within 48 hours of our wedding. Madalyn used the engagement photo session to get to know us and she just does a great job of capturing candid and genuine emotion and just made the entire planning experience and day of photos so comfortable and fun. So excited to get the rest of our photos! Thanks Madalyn!”
Vendors:
Venue: The Lafayette Grande | Florals: The Flower Kitten | HMU: Beauty by Sara | DJ: T&M Entertainment | Baked Goods: Mannino’s Bakery | Expresso Cart: Java Java | Dress: Amelishan Bridal | Alterations: Cinch Tailoring | Groom’s Suit: NL Suits | Photobooth: Prestige Entertainment | Officiant: Down the Aisle Ceremonies | Macarons: Inny Macaron
by admin | Apr 7, 2020 | Ballroom Weddings, Church Ceremonies, Fall Weddings, Weddings
