by admin | May 23, 2019 | Ballroom Weddings, LGBTQ+ Couples, Outdoor Ceremony, Summer Weddings, Weddings
It’s taken me long enough, but I am finally sharing the beautiful August Brentwood Golf Club wedding of Tamara and Jaclyn. This was such a special day to be a part of and one of my favorites I’ve ever photographed because these two made the day completely their own. I don’t think I’ve ever seen people SO HAPPY to be there to celebrate a wedding. And boy did they celebrate!
This Brentwood Golf Club wedding was complete with champagne during the ceremony, handwritten vows, getting ready together, dances with their boys, and beautiful toasts from the couple’s sisters. Many people, both friends and family, made this day special for Tamara and Jaclyn. I love when loved ones are involved…it really gives a personal touch to the day. Samantha and Stephanie from Love in Bloom, Jaclyn’s cousins, lent their talents for event design and florals; Tamara’s brother made the wooden bowties worn by bridal VIPs; a close pastor friend married the couple. Even their dog, Orin, made an appearance. You may remember him from their engagement session last June!
There’s so much I could say about Tamara and Jaclyn’s kindness and belief in me through the entire wedding process. They appreciate good wine (you can see it all over their wedding), a good laugh, and are killer parents to their two boys. They are two fiery, unapologetic ladies, and I admire the type of passion they have for life and each other. I felt so honored that they chose me to tell their story. When a client turns to you and says, “I feel like we’re good friends now” at the end of a wedding, you know that you’re doing a great job.
by admin | Feb 8, 2019 | Intimate Weddings, LGBTQ+ Couples, Weddings
Every wedding I am a part of is special. But this one felt really special. Corey and Ryan were married at The Whitney in downtown Detroit on a cloudy July day, surrounded by about 20 of their closest family and friends. I think it was the intimacy of this ceremony and meal that made it so special to be a part of. These two are so genuine and kind, never making me feel like “hired help.”
In June, Corey and Ryan met me in Ann Arbor, where they live, for their engagement session. We had a magnificent time shooting, swapping stories, and having a great time exploring their favorite spots. After this, I was looking forward to their wedding!
If you’ve never been inside The Whitney, you really should go, even if it’s just for drinks at the Ghost Bar. The place is said to be somewhat haunted, but really it is a charming spot for a meal and a beautiful spot to be married. We were able to make use of the gardens for portraits as well. Let me be real — The Whitney is a dark and moody photographer’s dreams. I always tell clients that the locations they choose do impact the feel of their images (there’s just no way around it), but these two got the best of both worlds when they picked the DIA for portraits.
The ceremony took place on the grand staircase. Corey’s sister, Lisa, officiated. As everyone gathered, overlooking the landing from the balcony, there wasn’t a dry eye. I think of all the couples I shot this year, Corey and Ryan soaked up those first minutes of being married unlike anyone else, hugs and tears and all. Take a moment after you walk out together to recognize, hey, we DID IT! It’s the best, y’all.
After things were official, we walked down to the DIA for some portraits, and stopped along the way. Their “reception” was simple: a first dance, a cake cutting, and a meal shared together. It was really simple but you could tell that everyone there was just excited as the newlyweds.
Thanks to Corey and Ryan for trusting me with their wedding day! I loved every minute of working with you two.
by admin | Sep 5, 2018 | Intimate Weddings, LGBTQ+ Couples, Summer Weddings, Tent Weddings, Weddings
You may remember Lindsey and Ashley’s engagement session back from the early days of my business. They were one of the first couples to hire me and the third engagement shoot I ever did. How far I’ve come!
These two were married in Vegas in 2016. To celebrate two years together, they held a backyard Vegas-themed reception for family and friends in June. We had a GORGEOUS day for it. We started with getting ready photos, then did portraits at the Michigan Transit Museum (a favorite hidden gem of mine as you know) and got to the party, graciously held in Lindsey’s parent’s backyard.
I had SO MUCH FUN at this wedding. I can’t begin to tell you how it was one of those weddings that definitely didn’t feel like work to me. Also, how many wedding photographers can say that they’ve shot a wedding with a drag queen performance? NOT MANY. BUT I AM ONE OF THEM!
This wedding truly reflected Ashley and Lindsey and I was so glad they asked me to be a part of it. I’m 100% a proponent of weddings that aren’t necessarily traditional and that reflect the couple. There’s nothing wrong with tradition, but if it’s not for you, DON’T DO IT! You do you, boo.
Huge thanks to Lindsey, Ashley, and their wonderful wedding party for having me, for being amazingly fun to photograph and for inviting that brilliant drag queen.
