by admin | Feb 24, 2022 | Intimate Weddings, Outdoor Ceremony, Spring Weddings, Weddings
The pandemic changed a lot of plans, including those of Taylor and Rachel. They reached out in early 2021 to see if I’d photograph their intimate spring backyard wedding. They had to postpone their big day but didn’t want to prolong their marriage any longer. I, of course, said yes! It was the last wedding I photographed before Myles was born and honestly the perfect day to go out on.
When I first spoke to Taylor and Rachel, it felt like I was talking to two friends. They are super down to earth people with pithy senses of humor and great style. They got ready in the house they purchased together and said their vows right on their back deck. They were incredibly lucky with the weather for a spring backyard wedding – sunny and warm for March!
Their closest family were present for the vows, Taylor’s sister Paige married them. Others tuned in via Zoom. It was a very pandemic wedding, but honestly, I think a small spring backyard wedding felt perfect for them. They laughed, they cried, they smiled, it was grand. I know it wasn’t what they planned but something just felt very right about it. I thought that about a lot of pandemic weddings. We really got back to basics…back to the meat of what weddings are truly about. How special it was to witness their commitment to each other literally in their home surrounded by those dearest to them. I don’t take these things lightly at all.
These two happen to live on a golf course which made portraits easy, we literally stepped out of their backyard. Their beagle Scout joined us for a few photos – she is adorable. You know I welcome all dogs at weddings.
Vendors:
floral: Blumz
HMU: Salon Bliss
invite: Zazzle
by admin | Aug 20, 2019 | Intimate Weddings, Spring Weddings, Weddings
I have a soft spot in my heart for intimate weddings. There is something about a couple choosing to forgo the huge party and just have their closest family surround them on their wedding day. Bill and Lauren’s Detroit Foundation Hotel wedding this past spring was one of the best wedding days I’ve ever been a part of. Don’t get me wrong, I love a traditional wedding, but there is something so special and almost sacred about a small wedding. I was the fifteenth person there, and what an honor it was to photograph this day for them.
Bill and Lauren are just so sweet. They are naturals in front of the camera (remember their Gallup Park engagement session last fall? super good), and they really balance each other. I can tell you a lot about how they interact with each other because I have spent now over 5 hours just photographing them. When you don’t have a wedding party, you get to traverse the city and get a TON of portraits of the two of you. Though it was a warmer May day, we had beautiful weather…you can’t hate when it’s sunshiny on your wedding day. We started with a first look at the Detroit Foundation Hotel in front of those stunning red doors, and made our way to some of the best city spots, ending in a portrait session inside the hotel to cool off. I loved being able to use both inside and outside for portraits!
The pair were married in a ceremony officiated by Lauren’s brother in a private room where they also held their dinner. I loved the personal touches of this ceremony: they had advice from their families and personal vows. I LOVE personal vows. I advocate for them because I think it’s the best way to enter a marriage, by making promises unique to your love and your relationship. It really puts the whole event into perspective.
What I love about Bill and Lauren is that they are just a balanced pair. Lauren is so bubbly, so kind and genuine. And so dang beautiful, amirite? Like lorddddddddd. And Bill is the guy who came prepared with water for their portrait session, and put his vows in a ziplock bag in his suit so they wouldn’t be ruined. I think they bring out the best in each other, truthfully. They are world travelers and their favors came with stories from all over the world. I can’t imagine what other types of adventures are in store for them.
florals: willa rose floral | venue: detroit foundation hotel / apparatus room
by admin | Aug 8, 2019 | Outdoor Ceremony, Spring Weddings, Tent Weddings, Weddings
This year, I kicked off my “wedding season” (May to October in Michigan) with Lindsey and Clay’s Waldenwoods wedding. Though it was a bit chilly for a late spring day, it didn’t stop these two and their friends/family from celebrating them.
Lindsey and Clay spent most of their engagement apart while Clay was stationed overseas. Five days after their wedding, they packed up and moved to Georgia where they will be stationed for the time being. What a whirlwind! I admire them for having a long distance relationship (especially while wedding planning) and for viewing living so far away from family and friends as an adventure! We met up at Christmastime while Clay was home for an engagement session at Campus Martias.
This Waldenwoods wedding took place in the tent, with lots of whites, cremes, golds, and greens. They opted for a dusty, neutral color pallette. Lindsey and Clay were married outdoors despite the chilly weather. But the rain held off all day long! I loved shooting at Waldenwoods because everything was right on site and so beautiful!
I think the most special moment at this wedding was a special surprise song that Lindsey’s grandfather wrote and recorded for her. It was a beautiful moment to witness as they danced together before the party started. And my, could this group party! Such a fun dance floor!
I had such a great time at this Waldenwoods wedding and would love to go back! Having your wedding at Waldenwoods? Contact me today!
