Posts Tagged ‘Detroit wedding photographer’
Brittny and Corey’s wedding was my first in Michigan this Spring. It was as fun of a wedding as I can remember and, because Michigan’s weather is always unpredictable this time of year, it couldn’t have been a more beautiful day! We began the day at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel in downtown Detroit where the wedding party were getting ready. I finally met up with Corey at Ss. Peter and Paul Jesuit Church, the location for the ceremony. Even before the ceremony, both Brittny and Corey were relaxed and happy. They were also surrounded by terrific family and friends. After the ceremony, we had a couple of hours to have some fun, so we all jumped in the party bus and drove down to Slo’s Barbeque for some hanging out time, followed by a cruise over to Belle Isle for some photos on the riverfront. The reception began early that evening at the fabulous Colony Club. We arrived early enough for the wedding party to join the cocktail hour, before Brittny and Corey made their dramatic grand entrance into the grand ballroom. It has been a couple of years since I last photographed a wedding at this venue, but I must say, it is one of metro Detroit’s gems! It is absolutely beautiful and perfect for an elegant wedding reception! Enjoy some of my favorite photos of the day below! I will have a highlight slide show up and running in a couple of weeks right here on the blog as well!
Timeless photograph of a bride with her father
April 20, 2011
I am just about to see an end to the slow season for weddings as we approach May and June, but I wanted to put up a post for those who follow my work – just in case you thought I disappeared!
Every once in a while, I come across a photo that I captured from a wedding a few years back (in this case, 09/2008), that I had forgotten about. In my last post, I spoke about the various elements that I believe make a good documentary photo and how I strive to find those elements in each of my photographs. I also spoke of a forth element, saying “It’s difficult to describe what makes up the fourth element, but it is that “something” that draws you into the photo, a story that is either conveyed concretely or, perhaps, not so concretely, but lingers as a mystery that causes you to stop, stare, and wonder.” The following photograph is an image, that in my humble opinion, is one that possesses the forth element. Again, it is difficult for me to describe why, but the word “timeless” is what is in my thoughts when I look at it.
Kelly’s Detroit Yacht Club wedding was beautiful and she was a beautiful bride. I remember being struck by the closeness of her family. Because she and her father are silhouetted by the window light, you would never know the identity of the bride unless she told you or showed you her wedding photos. I think that might be one of the reasons this image takes on a life of it’s own. It could be any bride with her father. These final moments before her father would walk her down the aisle almost provide the feeling that there is no other moment more precious than this: the anxious bride with the man who provided and protected her all these years to bring her to this very time of handing her off to the one who would replace him as the man of her life: her groom. I am especially sensitive to father/daughter relationships because I have two daughters. One is married and I could not photograph her wedding because I was afraid I would be too emotional. So an image like this speaks to me directly.
The funny thing is that I had forgotten about this photograph. I don’t think I have ever showcased it on my blog or in a photo contest. To me, this just proves my point all the more: a photo that has this forth element is “timeless.” It maintains its beauty or significance over time and represents something deep about the human spirit. It’s appeal is like a fine wine that matures with time. Do you agree?
Jennifer and Harry are a special couple to me. They will always be remembered for the unique experience we endured together last May when I met them for an engagement portrait session out at Kensington Park near Milford, MI. We met despite the signs of oncoming rain, but we thought we could get the session done before any chance of getting wet. Boy, were we wrong! Not only did it begin raining, but it down-poured! We were at least a half mile from our cars and all we could do is hug the trees for shelter! We were all soaked to the bone! Soaked and with the rain still coming down hard, I still captured a few memorable photos that never would have been captured had we given up before getting started. Those photos are some of my favorite e-session photos ever!
A few months later, and I photographed them again. Only this time was there beautiful wedding day! It was so terrific to see this couple in their wedding attire, dry and beautiful! The wedding was held at two of Detroit’s most treasured historical jewels: The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church and The Detroit Athletic Club. Their flowers were provide by the super talented Bellisario Florist, their beautiful cake was made by the DAC, the guests were entertained by DJ Mike Dembs from Mike Staff Productions, and their dining room linens provided by Linen Hero.
Enjoy some of my favorites of the day below and scroll down to the bottom to view their highlight slideshow of the day set to music.
Kristine and Jason’s wedding took place at two of Detroit’s most beautiful architectural landmarks: The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and the Detroit Athletic Club. I had been looking forward to this wedding for a while because I found Jason to be as enthusiastic about photography as myself and was excited to photograph their wedding with my new Canon cameras. The day began for me photographing Kristine and her bridesmaids in a suite at the D.A.C. You can see some of these getting ready photos below and how beautiful Kristine looked. Driving ahead of the women to the church, we were able to capture Jason and his groomsmen for last minute moments of their preparation for the ceremony. The Cathedral is a spectacular church. It is a photographer’s dream because of the ornate, grand architectural beauty. After the ceremony, we were able to stop with the entire bridal party at the nearby Detroit Institute of Arts for a few outdoor portraits. The rest of the evening’s celebration took place at the D.A.C. A couple of the terrific benefits for a couple getting married there is their professional serving the head table in unison (see above), their fabulous cuisine (unique to Michigan because the food is in front the guest minutes after it leaves the oven, and having access to the roof of the building for some great portraits with the downtown Detroit skyline in the background. I love being up there just after sunset. The end of the evening was spent partying on the dance floor with Kristine and Jason and their guests. Below are some of my favorite images of the day. Scroll down to the bottom to see their entire highlight slideshow set to music.
09.19.09 – Rosemarie and Sam – Henry Ford Musuem, Dearborn, MI
October 8, 2009I met Rose and Sam about sixteen months before their wedding and have had the pleasure of getting to know them during this period of time. We were able to photograph their fantastic engagement party and a separate e-session in downtown Royal Oak. It was then that I met their lovable and precious dog Rocco. You can see him for yourself in some of the highlight photos below! It wouldn’t be right if Rocco didn’t get to give his beloved Rose a kiss before she walked the aisle! The wedding ceremony took place at the Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church in downtown Detroit. From the ceremony, we headed to Hart Plaza for some fun, romantic photos (check out the skate boarder shot – it’s a classic!). After spending some time downtown, we met the couple at Greenfield Village and followed them as they enjoyed a horse-drawn carriage ride. The grand finale for this wonderful couple took place at the beautifully decorated, Henry Ford Museum, where they celebrated their reception. This beautiful, and much anticipated wedding, was planned by the one and only, Carolyn Hefner of the China Closet. The day could not have been more perfect without Carolyn’s oversight! There was also an all-star cast of vendors to help make this day beyond spectacular: Christina Dodge, the event coordinator of the Henry Ford Musuem, Ralph Bellisario of Bellisario Florist provided the floral arrangements and decor, Cartoleria, of Birmingham, provided the custom invitations and printing services, Michelle Bommarito designed the cake, the Simone Vitale Band provided the entertainment, Ryan Koral of Epic Motion had a staff of five filmmakers providing video coverage, and I had a staff of nine, including my Orange County, California partner, Michael Erdkamp of Memories By Michael Photography, who flew out to work as my second. Enjoy just a few of the many highlights below. Keep checking in on my blog for the fantastic wedding day highlight slide show. It will be here in a few weeks.
I started the day’s coverage, photographing Maureen and Eric’s wedding day at the location of their ceremony: The Academy of the Sacred Heart in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. After the beautiful nuptials and wedding portraits on the alter, the wedding party proceeded to Oakland Hills Country Club for the reception celebration of this terrific couple. Maureen and Eric were surrounded by a fun and happy crowd of good friends and loving families. We only spent a few moments overlooking the historic 18th hole of the famed golf course for additional portraits, so that the couple could begin enjoying what would become a fantastic reception. Maureen’s uncle, the iconic Motor City DJ, Ken Calvert, was Master of Ceremony for the evening. The band, Newsmaker, one of my Detroit area favorites, kept the party going all night long. One of their trademarks is to hand off the mic to guests for solos, singing to Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.” See the photo below of Maureen and her father giving it their all. Another terrific surprise, provided by the couple’s wedding party, was the appearance of the mascot “Sparty” from nearby Michigan State University. He came running out and caught the couple in complete surprise. You can see their reaction below! From beginning to end, this was a wonderful day. I loved that the couple allowed me to be me – not a lot of posed images – just meaningful, artistic, emotional photojournalism. I will have a beautiful slideshow of the wedding day posted on this blog in about a month or so.
