I was very much looking forward to this wedding because the bride was my beautiful cousin Robin and of course it would be my first Detroit area wedding! I flew in from LA a few days prior to the wedding and had a blast hanging out with Robin, Pete and the cast of wedding party members. For the very first time I had my toes bedazzled at the singing manicurist’s nail shop. Really an experience everyone should have on their bucket list!
Although in the days prior to the wedding a fall chill had hit the air, the actual wedding day dawned sunny and temps were expected to be in the high 70s, which in my opinion is just perfect for an outdoor ceremony in the Midwest! I met up with the girls at the hair salon early in the morning and we had lots of laughs and silly antics. After everyone was sufficiently coiffed, we zipped over to Glen Oaks Country Club for the rest of the preparations. While Robin was getting her make-up done, the rest of us took turns heading downstairs to peak at the room as it was turned into a wedding reception and oohed and aaahed at the lush flowers. I only got reprimanded once for touching the girls’ bouquets but seriously it was all in the name of photos! Robin’s sister and MOH thoughtfully arranged for a quick lunch for the crew and then everyone helped Robin into her dress. I love the actual moment of transformation from a bride getting ready into a bride ready to get married! I am still in awe of Robin’s tasteful alterations to her dress with the straps that matched her ruched bodice and the lovely flower belt. Once Robin was ready, I headed outside to locate Pete and the guys and arranged the positioning for the First Glance.
I kept my emotions in check as Robin made her way down the garden path and I procrastinated letting Pete turn around to see her because I was loving his expressions and the emotion. But no worries, when I finally let him turn around to see hi beautiful bride – he let some emotions fly and that just one of many reasons why I love the wedding day! EMOTION!!! So here is where I say Thank You, Pete, for being an emotional groom and allowing for some amazing photographs of those moments. After a short time with Robin and Pete we headed into wedding party and family photos and got every single one out of the way prior to the ceremony! This makes for a smooth flowing day once we get all those groupings checked off the list.
The intimate and touching ceremony was set in the garden at Glen Oaks and attended by Robin and Pete’s closest friends and family. With the blue skies, a lush garden, the gently setting sun and comfortable September afternoon temperature – the day really was perfect! After we all cheered on their new union, guests headed inside the clubhouse for cocktails and mingling and then of course, on to the party in celebration of Robin and Pete!!! One of the highlights of the evening, besides the heartfelt toasts by their siblings, was the 24′ desert table that needed it’s own room! I’m drooling just remembering all the delicious sweets, cakes and fruit on display.
Congrats you two! Thanks for being such wonderful hosts and allowing me to play a special role in your day! Now come visit us in California!
This raw emotion is the stuff photojournalists dream of!
A tired bride, typical for the end of the night!
