McGregor Conference + Cliff Bells Detroit Wedding

Cliff Bells Detroit Wedding

Kathleen warned me, “It is going to be a fun wedding.”  Her warning was more like an understatement.  Not only from a fun aspect, but from a beauty and memorable aspect as well.  Kathleen and Aaron had a Cliff Bells Detroit wedding reception, which was preceded by their ceremony and an afternoon of friends and laughter at the McGregor Memorial Conference Center.

Photographing their wedding was a dream.  No detail was overlooked.  I started my morning photographing the details.  The dress was gorgeous and classic.  Kathleen’s simple but elegant accessories complimented her style, while her hair was perfectly towed the line between a 1920s throwback and a fashion-forward bride.  The day came together like a puzzle, with each piece adding to the overall picture.  By the time we got to the reception, the puzzle was almost complete.

Before their Cliff Bells Detroit wedding reception, Aaron and Kathleen shared a first look outside of the McGregor Memorial Conference Center.  I got to spend the morning with Kathleen and her excitement was palpable.  Aaron, upon seeing Kathleen, was equally excited.

As simple as it is, this is one of my favorite images from their wedding day.  I view wedding images as art.  To include art alongside of the bride and groom was a rare opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.

I love photographing on Wayne State’s campus.  There are so many beautiful places to shoot, all within walking distance.  WSU is one of Detroit’s overlooked gems.

A dress that beautiful and intricate needs to be highlighted. I think the back of the dress can be one of the most attractive statements of a bride.  When I saw Kathleen’s, I knew it needed its own photo.

After their first look, we headed to one of their favorite breweries in Detroit – The Eastern Market Brewing Company.  The back alley was the perfect location for some classic Detroit portraits.

After some libations, we went back to the McGregor Memorial Conference Center for a few more pictures and to begin the ceremony.

How excited was Kathleen to get married?

And just like that, they were married.

Everyone was excited and happy for the couple…

…even Grandma!

After the ceremony, we headed over to Cliff Bells, where I had the opportunity to photograph in an empty jazz club.  It was so cool to be creative in a space with so much history and where so many other talented artists have come before me.

Speaking of artists, Kathleen serenaded her guests, carrying on a tradition in her family.

As dinner wrapped up, it was time to dance.  After Kathleen and Aaron shared their first dance, both Kathleen and Aarons shared a first dance with their mothers.

Some tears may have been shed.

Late into the night, I pulled Kathleen and Aaron outside for one last image.

The day unfolded perfectly, with each puzzle piece – locations, decor, theme, music – fitting perfectly together to create a beautiful wedding picture.  Still, there was one piece missing – that piece was the one thing that only Aaron and Kathleen could bring, and that is, each other.

Best wishes to the new Mr. & Mrs. Simms!