Connor + Leeann completely understood my concept of becoming “friends” with my clients. A photographer/couple relationship is an important one, I hang out for some of the most intimate moments of your life, and because of that I want us to be comfortable in each other’s space. These guys were always awesome about my required face to face meetings and were sure to get a hold of me when they were visiting Michigan to get together in person. 

Being that the couple and a lot of their family + friends resided on the east coast, they wanted to show off the city of Detroit and chose some of the most beautiful venues to celebrate in. The ceremony was held at Old St. Mary’s Church right downtown, followed by a reception at the Colony Club just up the road. Everything about this day was relaxed and easy. Everyone just enjoyed being with one another and showing their love and support for this sweet couple. 

Connor + Leeann, I have a feeling that your life together is going to be much like your wedding day, beautiful and near effortless. Congratulations to you both.

When Adam + Estee first got in contact with me I wasn’t sure that I was going to be the best fit for their wedding. I did not have any experience with Othordox Jewish weddings, and already had two weddings booked the weekend they plan to get married. Thankfully they were persistent about working together, and their family took the time to teach me about the traditions and the process of the day. 

This was by far one of the most powerful and emotional unions that I have had the opportunity to witness. Much of the dialogue is in hebrew, which I understood none of, but the passion and energy from those that surrounded Adam + Estee was more than enough to cue me into what was happening. As an outsider I was observing a celebration, filled with dancing and singing. But when I looked closer there were tears streaming down the faces of friends, sisters. Instantly I was made aware of a deeper meaning. 

I cannot look through these images without my throat tightening and eyes growing damp. And I have to look at them a lot. To edit, to deliver, to sort through for a blog. I am a mess. I have also never delivered so many out of focus images to a client intentionally. But I found that they were some of my favorite pictures because they captured the beautiful chaos of constant movement. Of the sea of people crowding around the newlywed couple in congratulations. Of the jumping and the shouting, the non stop dancing.

The bond that Adam + Estee shared not only with each other, but with their families was incredible. I cannot believe that I doubted my ability of being a part of this day for even one second. It is a wedding that I will never ever forget. Congratulations Adam + Estee, thank you for your trust and confidence and sharing these beautiful moments with me. 

I had been looking forward to Will + Simone’s wedding day for some time. Partly because I would get to visit Mackinac Island, and mostly because they were just such an awesome couple. One of the first things Simone said to me when I asked her about her relationship with Will was “Our weirds match.” And they totally 100% did. These guys were amazingly beautiful and quirky and fit each other so perfectly. 

Will + Simone reside in Portland, Oregon, but due to some very strong family ties back in Michigan they held their celebration at Mission Pointe on Mackinac Island. Will is a brewer, and actually brewed all of the beer that was served to guests. Friends and family traveled from all over the states, and even all the way from Paris to join in this ridiculously fun affair. 

I always have my eyes on a couple throughout the wedding day and I often observed Simone taking it all in. She would take deep breathes and look all around her, sometimes her hand on her chest. Absorbing all of the love and energy that surrounded them both. The rain caused the outdoor ceremony to be moved inside, but I am not sure anyone noticed, a light continued to radiate around a cappella performances and individually written vows.

Towards the end of the evening the rain subsided and we raced back outside for a few more portraits. I hesitantly pointed to a field quite a distance away asking if we could trudge out there. Simone and Will both shrugged their shoulders and replied “Let’s go!” Only to take off at a full howling sprint across the lawn. HEART EXPLODING. 

Congratulations Will + Simone, it was such an honor to be a part of this day. I will never forget your wild spirits and beautiful love for one another.