by admin | Jun 9, 2021 | Couples, Downtown Detroit Wedding, Weddings
With covid impacting so many couples, it’s been a year with less weddings, but not necessarily less portraits. Shallana and Randy were married in a private, small ceremony over the summer and asked if I could take some Detroit Institute of Arts wedding portraits to celebrate their marriage. I said, of course!
I love photographing these two! Their Stony Creek engagement session was so beautiful and I’ve seen them a few times at my mini sessions with their pups.
Detroit Institute of Arts wedding portraits hold a special place in my heart because this location is where we took our wedding photos. Something about the classic look of the marble just always makes everyone look incredible. We used the back and front of the building, went across the street to the Detroit Public Library (another favorite of mine) and then stopped at the McGregor Conference Center on Wayne State University’s campus which has some amazing architecture that I’ve always wanted to use.
These two are too chic – don’t we love that burgundy suit? I’m so glad the trend is these non-black and grey suits, makes things so much more exciting! And Shallana’s dress is just to die for. So gorgeous. I wish them all the happiness in the world – they deserve it!
You can always do a session to celebrate an anniversary or just because. There’s nothing wrong with documenting your relationship right now – not just for a big event. Plus portrait sessions are much more laid back than weddings. More time to really relax and have fun in front of the camera!
by admin | Feb 18, 2021 | Church Ceremonies, Downtown Detroit Wedding, Summer Weddings, Weddings
July is always a beautiful time for a wedding, but perfect for the Divine Child wedding of Leah and Dan. After making the difficult decision to cancel their reception, they decided that getting married on their original date with their closest family was perfect for them. Their Divine Child wedding in Dearborn was followed by some incredible Downtown Detroit wedding photos on literally the most beautiful July day. I don’t think we could have asked for more.
Despite not having the “traditional” wedding structure, Leah and Dan still wanted major aspects of their day captured, so we started with getting ready photos of them separately (Dan at the couple’s home and Leah at her parents’). I got to work alongside videographer Diffuse Media which was such a treat for me! These two did not opt for a first look but wrote each other letters which they read after getting dressed. They were absolutely beautiful to hear. Letters are one of my favorite ways to make a wedding day special without a first look.
Should I Do A First Look at My Wedding?→
The Church of the Divine Child in Dearborn is a gorgeous church to be married in, and I was lucky enough to capture a Divine Child wedding twice in 2020! After a beautiful mass, we headed downtown to the Detroit riverfront for some downtown Detroit wedding photos. Then we made sure to end at Woodward Avenue and Parker’s Alley for a few urban shots. I just love the images of the Renaissance Center in the backdrop – too gorgeous! I’m lucky for clients who listen to my location suggestions and let me take the reins to make gorgeous images.
Though COVID threw these two some curveballs, as Leah said, the important thing to them was to be married. And they did just that and had such a beautiful day, even if it wasn’t the Masonic Temple large reception they envisioned.
by admin | Jun 2, 2020 | Downtown Detroit Wedding, Intimate Weddings, Weddings, Winter Weddings
Before COVID-19 shook all of our lives, Suzanne and Kyle were married in an intimate living room elopement. Right in their living room, their immediate families gathered as they declared that they would spend their lives together in marriage.
When Suzanne originally called me about photographing her wedding, she mentioned that the reason they chose an intimate living room elopement was that her grandparents were married in their living room as well. Kyle and her wanted something simple, but memorable, and both didn’t want to be the center of attention on a big wedding day.
Before the ceremony, we took a moment for a first look, again right in the living room. The pair wanted a private moment to breathe before the ceremony. It was, of course, an emotional one.
After the ceremony, we headed to the Fisher Building for family photos and portraits of the couple. I love the Fisher Building and its architecture. It’s one of the few places in Detroit where you can photograph inside without a fee.
We also were able to make a quick stop at the Cass Ave viaduct for some perfect golden hour photos with Suz and Kyle. I love love love winter sunsets. Don’t think a winter wedding can’t be beautiful. It absolutely IS. A wedding is beautiful in every single season. We also just happened to get the most beautiful February day!
After sharing some time together, Suzanne and Kyle greeted guests and family at The Hungarian Rhapsody restaurant for a dinner reception. The only traditional thing they did was cut the cake (and it was delicious by the way…Suz made sure I wrapped some up to take home).
When it comes to your wedding, you do you. For Suzanne and Kyle, this meant forgoing a big wedding to spend the day as they’d like it. This doesn’t mean the wedding is less special or meaningful. This is exactly what they envisioned and wanted for their day. Read more on how to make intimate weddings special on my blog.
by admin | Feb 10, 2020 | Downtown Detroit Wedding, Fall Weddings, Weddings
Last year I was lucky enough to capture the Michigan receptions of not one, but TWO couples who had eloped earlier in the year. Allison and Brian were married in the Grand Tetons but had a Michigan reception at Stonycroft Golf Club where Allison’s parents are members (the other couple was Malcolm and Abby in case you forgot!). Allison and Brian no longer live in Michigan, but they really wanted some Downtown Detroit wedding photos, so we went downtown together for portraits.
We stopped at some of my favorite spots for downtown Detroit wedding photos, including the Belt Z Lot, Ford Field, and the Warehouse District. It was fun to just hang out with a bride and groom one-on-one, which hardly happens on a typical wedding day.
After some family photos, Ali and Brian got to enjoy their reception with the typical trimmings, including a beautiful first dance, cake cutting, and toasts! I had a fabulous time with them and know that they will cherish the images from Detroit!
by admin | Aug 7, 2019 | Church Ceremonies, Downtown Detroit Wedding, Loft Weddings, Weddings, Winter Weddings
Before 2019 gets away from me, I wanted to finish sharing the last of my 2018 images! Kaitlyn and Jacob were married on December 29, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Royal Oak and celebrated their reception at the Waterview Loft in downtown Detroit. This Waterview Loft wedding was complete with beautiful event design and a hopping party!
I think my favorite part of this wedding was that Kaitlyn and Jacob were able to visit the spot of their very first date, Ale Mary’s, after their ceremony. When I met Kaitlyn for the first time a year before their wedding, she had told me all about this very long first date and hinted that she kind of knew that this one was special. Ale Mary’s holds a special place in their relationship, so what a treat to be able to go back to where it all began on the first day of a new chapter.
After Ale Mary’s, we headed to downtown Detroit for photos and to catch the last glimpses of light on the Detroit River as the reception began. There’s nothing like a downtown Detroit wedding, I’ll tell you that!
From the bride: “Madalyn was an absolute dream, and I will never stop recommending her. She did our engagement and wedding and the entire planning process made me feel so at ease and excited at the same time. Not to mention, she sent us the cutest little package with treats and a handmade card for help to plan the wedding photos. The personal touches and individualized attention is beyond what you would ever get from the big guys. The candid authenticity of her photos is so dreamy, but she was also able to capture the more posed shots that I wanted as well. Madalyn, you’re amazing, Jake and I are customers for life!”
vendors
floral/event design: emerald city designs | cake: sweet heather anne | dj: pro dj services | hair: bridal beauty couture | makeup: blushed hair & make-up | gown: maggie sottero | paper: HSR graphics
by admin | Jan 25, 2019 | Downtown Detroit Wedding, Outdoor Ceremony, Summer Weddings, Weddings
I say it a lot, but I do love a wedding that is different. That’s nothing against traditional weddings. I photograph those and love them too. But I think anytime you can make your wedding your own and do things your way, that’s always the right thing to do. This was the case with Alisha and Joshua and their Belle Isle Fountain wedding.
When I first met Alisha back in the fall of 2017, nearly a year before her wedding, I knew we would get along well. We had a great conversation about bucking traditions, feminism, etc. I walked away knowing I really wanted to be a part of their wedding. When you come home from a meeting like that, you just cross your fingers that you’ll get an email saying, let’s do this! And I did.
This past May, Alisha and Josh welcomed a baby girl, Lydia. I was lucky enough to capture their newborn photos.
For their wedding, when I arrived, everyone was setting up chairs at the Belle Isle Fountain. Organically, it all came together and Alisha rode in on a Harley Davison with Josh’s father, meeting her father at the steps to walk down the aisle. After a ceremony and vows, the pair rode off on the Harley together, all the way to the Redford Marquee.
When I was getting married, I scoured the Metro Detroit area for wedding venues of all sorts. Anything that wasn’t your typical banquet hall was considered. I’d never heard of the Redford Marquee until Alisha had told me about it. It’s used as a farmer’s market, but also for events. It was quite lovely for a summer wedding!
The place was decorated beautifully by their families. Look at the lettering on the signs…Alisha’s sister did that! So good! After a pig roast dinner, there was dancing and fun, and even a thunderstorm to complete the day.
From the bride: “Madalyn was our newborn photographer and wedding photographer, and I appreciated her down to earth personality and artistic style. For our newborn photos, she helped me clear the space to take pictures and gave me a ton of slack since I was recovering from a really bad C section infection. She was never rushed, was so sweet and personable with my daughter, and didn’t fuss at the mess! 🙂 The photos came out beautiful, not pretentious, looking exactly as we do. Her personality comes through her pictures- a genuine, artistic grace and familiarity, like she was a family friend. This ease transferred to our wedding as well. Ill be honest, I didn’t notice her very much! She snuck around and took all of the best shots somehow, though. 🙂 As far as her professionalism and ease of service, her website, forms and contract, and photo gallery were all easy to navigate and use. She was transparent as well as affordable. We will definitely be using her in the future!”
