Michigan Wedding |

Posts Tagged ‘Michigan wedding’

04.30.11 – Brittny and Corey – Colony Club (Detroit, MI)

May 12, 2011

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!

Tags: Colony Club, Detroit wedding photographer, Detroit wedding photography, Fifth and Main Productions, Michigan wedding, Michigan wedding photographer, Michigan wedding photography, Mike Staff Productions, Ss Peter and Paul Church, Westin Book Cadillac
Posted in Weddings - 2011 | No Comments »

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?

Tags: Detroit wedding photographer, detroit yacht club, documentary wedding photography, Michigan wedding, Michigan wedding photographer, wedding photojournalism
Posted in Other Photography, Weddings - 2008 | No Comments »

01.07.2011 – Emma and Evan – Weber’s Inn (Ann Arbor, MI)

February 6, 2011

I had not met Emma and Evan in person prior to their wedding day. We were contacted by Evan’s mother, Rose, who had been referred to me by a local vendor. My wife received the call and after hearing her name, asked if her daughter was a figure skater. Sure enough, Evan’s sister Brianne was a wonderful figure skater we had known almost ten years ago in Holland, Michigan. My own daughter, who was just beginning to take a serious interest in skating at the time, was a big fan of Brianne and was one of her early inspirations in her young skating career. So, it is definitely a small world!

It’s not very often that I get to photograph a January wedding in Michigan! Most bride and grooms prefer Michigan’s warmer months, though I have had my fare share of December weddings over the years. Emma and Evan’s wedding was the first Friday of the New Year. Exactly one week prior – New Year’s Eve – a wedding you can see in my blog post, the weather was fairly balmy! The temperature hit the 50′s and we had a little rain! Unusual for this time of year! Well, Emma and Evan’s big day was Michigan was not unusual for January! Not only did the mercury not quite reach the freezing mark on the thermometer, but the snow decided to fall as well! In it’s own, kind-of-Michigan way, it was quite beautiful!

I began photographing Emma getting ready at Weber’s Inn in Ann Arbor. We had planned in advance to photograph a few portraits of the couple at the historic University of Michigan Law Quad and a couple of wedding party photos in front of the State Street Theater, before arriving at First Baptist Church for the ceremony, another historic icon of the Ann Arbor area. After a beautiful and emotional ceremony, we were shuttled back by limousine to Weber’s to celebrate the couple’s reception. From beginning to end, it was a beautiful wedding, filled with love, laughter and emotion! Enjoy some of my favorites of the day above and below. Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post to view a highlight slide show set to music!

Tags: Ann Arbor wedding, Ann Arbor Wedding Photographer, Ann Arbor Wedding Photography, First Baptist Church Ann Arbor, Michigan wedding, Michigan wedding photographer, Michigan wedding photography, Weber's Inn
Posted in Slideshows, Weddings - 2011 | 3 Comments »

12.04.10 – Elizabeth and David – Townsend Hotel (Birmingham, MI)

December 28, 2010

I first met Elizabeth and her mother at my Birmingham Showroom about eighteen months before their wedding date. Because they commissioned us so early, we were able to photograph their engagement party in December of 2009, as well as an engagement portrait session this past summer. It has been wonderful seeing Elizabeth and David through the year prior to their wedding day! So when the day finally came this past December, it was as if we were a part of the fabric of the story leading up to the day!

I began that Saturday morning in a familiar location that many of our brides like to start: The Townsend Hotel in downtown Birmingham. Elizabeth’s suite was filled with family, hanging out to support Elizabeth. She slowly began getting ready as her bridesmaids arrived and, before you knew it, it was time to leave for the church. The ceremony took place at the Grosse Pointe Academy Chapel, about a fifty minute drive from Birmingham in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. This is where I would finally see David for the first time, behind the alter, waiting with his groomsmen and the priest. The chapel is historic. It is beautiful and ornate. The ceremony was Roman Catholic and the happy couple was escorted for their recessional by a bag pipper.

After a few portraits outside of the Chapel, we drove back to the Townsend Hotel for the beginning of the celebratory reception, where the couple was enthusiastically greeted by their guests. This December wedding couldn’t have been a more perfect day! The weather was sunny and unseasonably warm. Elizabeth and David, their families, wedding party and guests were terrific, providing me with ample opportunity to find wonderful wedding day moments!

Enjoy the some of my highlight photos posted here in the blog, as well as scrolling to the bottom of the post to view their complete wedding day highlight slideshow! Enjoy!

Tags: Grosse Pointe Academy Chapel, Michigan wedding, Michigan wedding photographer, Michigan wedding photography, The Townsend Hotel
Posted in Slideshows, Weddings - 2010 | No Comments »

10.02.10 – Abigail and Clay – Cranbrook House and Gardens (Bloomfield Hills, MI)

November 23, 2010

When I was first commissioned to photograph Abigail Klarr and Clay Bebee’s wedding, they secured my services at my starting package which allowed for six hours of photography. We knew that this was going to be modified once the picture was more clear of what would be needed as the wedding celebration became more defined. Knowing that Carolyn Hefner of The China Closet would be coordinating these events, it definitely had the potential of becoming one of my biggest weddings of the year!

Clay’s family is from Texas and Abigail’s family had many out of town guests as well. The Klarr’s made sure that everyone coming to town would have a wonderful time! First on the list of events was a Thursday welcoming “Hoedown!” Friday followed with three fun and celebratory events as well: a morning “hunt” for the men, a bridal luncheon for the women, and the Rehearsal Dinner in the evening. We provided photography for each of these, thanks to my main associate photographer David Yarnall who attended three of the four events. The wedding day itself needed three photographers for twelve hours! I brought along my good friend, Los Angeles-based photographer Asgeir Bollason of Asgeir Fotographica, who filled in as my second shooter for the wedding day. What started out as six hours of wedding day coverage, evolved to three days of events! The Klarr and Bebee families are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet and, boy, do they all know how to party!

If you check out the wedding I photographed on 10.01.10, the day before this wedding, you will see why we Michigander’s love our Fall season. However, Michigan in the autumn is unpredictable regarding the weather, and, well, you just don’t know what you’re going to get day to day. On Abigail and Clay’s wedding, a day later, it rained all day! You will see the umbrellas in the photos below, but I can assure you: the ground may have been damp, but the celebration was far from dampened! As far as I am concerned, the misty weather just added character to a beautiful day for a beautiful couple. It could not have been as successful had some of Michigan’s finest wedding vendors not been hired. They include:

Deyo Studio for face and body
Bob Hardwick and His Orchestra
The Townsend Hotel
Christ Church of Cranbrook – wedding ceremony
Cranbrook House and Gardens – wedding day reception
Cartoleria – custom invitations, programs and place settings
Special Events Rental
Bellisario Florists
Hunter’s Creek Club of Metamora

Check out some of my favorite images from the wedding day. Scroll to the bottom of this post to see the complete highlight slideshow set to music.

Tags: Bellisario Florist, Christ Church Cranbrook, Cranbrook House and Gardens, Michigan wedding, Michigan wedding photographer, Michigan wedding photography, The China Closet, The Townsend Hotel
Posted in Slideshows, Weddings - 2010 | No Comments »

08.28.10 – Kathryn and Casey – Orchard Lake Country Club (Orchard Lake, MI)

October 19, 2010

Kathryn and Casey’s wedding was one of those weddings that was not only about a bride and a groom, it was about their families and their friends who were there in love and support of this happy couple. The day was so much fun to photograph for me because of the excitement that was in the air the minute my assistant and I started photographing. As soon as I began concentrating on finding moments to capture, I knew I was in for a great day of photography! For me, it’s much more than point and shoot my camera. As my clients soon find out, I am like a stalker, looking for the perfect composition, the perfect light, the perfect moment. Sometimes I am two feet away, the next second I am lurking around the corner or laying on the floor! Anything for a perfect photo! From the beautiful Kathryn and her supportive family and bridesmaids, to Casey, his family and his groomsmen, to the fabulous settings of the Townsend Hotel, Christ Church Cranbrook and Orchard Lake Country Club, the moments were all around me! Not to mention, it was a perfect August day! Check out the great moments above and below. Also, please scroll down to the bottom of this post to find the highlight slideshow set to music.

The day could not have been as perfect as it was without the following talented Metro Detroit area vendors:

Bridal Couture (for bride’s dress)
Affairs To Remember (linens and chairs)
Entertainment Express Inc Limousine and Coach Service,
Katie McClelland (Day of the wedding coordinator)
Newsmaker Band
Personal Touch Productions (video)
Shutterbooth
Todd’s Room (makeup)
Vanity Hair

Tags: Affairs to Remember, Christ Church Cranbrook, Entertainment Express Inc Limousine and Coach Service, Katie McClelland, Michigan wedding, Michigan wedding photograper, Michigan wedding photography, Newsmaker Band, Orchard Lake Country Club, Personal Touch Productions, Shutterbooth, Todd's Room, Townsend Hotel, Vanity Hair, wedding photojournalism
Posted in Slideshows, Weddings - 2010 | No Comments »

08.15.10 – Sam and John – Shenandoah Country Club (West Bloomfield, MI)

October 14, 2010

I had been looking forward to Samantha and John’s wedding, from the moment I said good-bye to them in Boston back in May. They flew me out for the weekend to photograph their engagement session, spend a few days to get to know them, and sight see around Boston and the coastal town of Rockport. That weekend allowed me the opportunity to see them as a couple, as lovers, as friends and as special human beings! I knew that they were destined for a very special wedding just a few months away! The wedding day finally came and it was as fantastic as I had imagined!

The day began with my meeting Sam at The Townsend Hotel for her getting ready photos. You need to see the getting ready photos below! I am convinced that building a friendship with Sam gave her the confidence and trust in me so that I could wander and find these unique moments. I absolutely love the results! We then headed over to St. Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church in Troy, Michigan, where we met up with John for the first time of the day. He was already dressed and ready to go, so the photo coverage centered around him preparing for the ceremony and greeting guests as they arrived. After a very celebratory and emotional nuptial ceremony, the couple, their families and guests moved onward to Shenandoah Country Club in West Bloomfield for the reception. You will see, from my favorite photos below and the wedding highlight slideshow at the bottom of this post, how lively, fun and energetic the celebration was. Samantha even made sure that I didn’t leave without joining the fun on the dance floor. This is one wedding I will remember for a long time!

The All Star cast of vendors included some of Detroit’s very best, including Carolyn Hefner of The China Closet for planning the day, Ralph Bellisario of Bellisario Florist, Mel Ball and Colours provided their top-notch American music, the band Happiness provided the festive Chaldean music, and Two Penny Productions were there for video.

Tags: Bellisario Florist, Chaldean wedding, Mel Ball and Colours Band, Michigan wedding, Michigan wedding photographer, Michigan wedding photography, Shenandoah Country Club, St. Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church, The China Closet, Two Penny Video Productions
Posted in Slideshows, Weddings - 2010 | No Comments »

07.24.10 – Annette and Robert – Pine Knob Mansion (Clarkston, MI)

September 4, 2010

I first met Annette and Robert only three or four months before their wedding date. They had hired the world class artist of floral designs, Ralph Bellisario, my dear friend, of Bellisario Florists. Ralph sent them my way to photograph their spectacular, upcoming wedding at the pristine and historic Pine Knob Mansion in Clarkston, Michigan. Upon meeting them at the my showroom in Birmingham, I knew they would be a great couple to photograph. Annette with her beautiful smile and gorgeous hair, was obviously going to be a beautiful bride. Robert, so obviously in love with Annette, was beaming with ideas for their engagement shoot, so I knew that I had a romantic on my hands and that he would have all kinds of surprises on their wedding day! Well, he did not disappoint! The day started with Robert surprising Annette with a helicopter picking her up at her home to fly her and her family to Pine Knob! Not only was the Pine Knob Mansion beautiful, but the grounds were equally stunning. The ceremony took place in a superbly decorated gazebo overlooking the beautiful valley below. The floral arrangements inside and out were to die for! Robert delivered a stirring and emotional speech to Annette and, after sunset, surprised his guests with a fireworks display. After the fireworks came to an end, that party was just getting started. Annette changed into a sexy, black party dress, and she, Robert and their guests danced the night away to the talented and versatile band: Skyline and the Backstreet Horns. Check out some of my favorite photos from the day below. Remember to scroll to the bottom to see the entire slideshow set to music.

Tags: Bellisario Florist, Michigan wedding, Michigan wedding photographer, Michigan wedding photography, Pine Knob Mansion, Skyline and the Backstreet Horns, wedding photojournalist
Posted in Slideshows, Weddings - 2010 | No Comments »

TheKnot.Com’s Ten Most Outrageous Wedding Photos

June 21, 2010

A photo of mine was selected by www.theknot.com as one of their Top Ten Most Outrageous Wedding Photos. This very cool diamond ring ice sculpture image was captured at an October, 2009 wedding I photographed of Ranae and TJ’s reception at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, Michigan. The photo is below and you can click here to see the write-up on the knot.com.

Tags: Birmingham Wedding, Ice Sculpture, Michigan wedding, Ranae & TJ, the Knot.com, Townsend Hotel
Posted in Weddings - 2009 | No Comments »

05.22.10 – Aarti and Atul – The Dearborn Inn (Dearborn, Michigan)

June 17, 2010

We photographed Aarti and Atul’s spectacular wedding entirely at the beautiful Dearborn Inn. It was as colorful and beautiful of a wedding as you will ever see! I am so grateful that this couple – who come from a long list of friends whose weddings I’ve photographed – selected me to be their wedding photographer! I was assisted by my second photographer, David Yarnall. You can see some of my favorite moments below as well of the highlight slideshow of almost 200 hundred photos at the bottom of this post. Aarti and Atul had a terrific list of vendors, who all contributed to making this day a huge success:
Decorator/Florist by MPE Events, Inc., Videography by Fifth and Main Productions, Catering by Rangoli, Hair/Makeup by Brides on Location, LLC, Shutterbooth by Shutterbooth, Inc., Deejay by Jay Chana DJ Services, Elephant by Ivory Haven Farms, Mehendi by Mehendi Art and Desserts by Sweet Creations. Enjoy my faves and the slideshow: