Wedding at Grosse Pointe Academy

A few months ago, I spent an afternoon photographing Jesse and Rachel’s engagement session. What was slotted for an hour or so engagement session turned into an afternoon. When I arrived home, Becky commented on my later arrival. My response was simple: “You are going to love them.” It is hard not to love Rachel and Jesse. They are as genuine as genuine can be. Just being in their presence, it becomes obvious how loving, supporting, and complementary they are to each other. I had to wait a few months to get my answer, but when I saw Becky wipe away a tear at their wedding at Grosse Pointe Academy, I knew she felt the same way.

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Rachel and Jesse had a beautiful outdoor wedding at Grosse Pointe Academy with a small group of friends and family in attendance. Rachel’s day started at the Henry Autograph Collection hotel in Dearborn before heading over to her wedding at the Grosse Pointe Academy.

As we arrived at the Grosse Pointe Academy, the finishing touches were being placed on the outdoor ceremony site. Meanwhile, Rachel’s dad was waiting nearby to see his daughter for the first time. As she opened the door, he couldn’t believe his eyes. The moment was beautiful.

While Rachel hid from her guests, we had a few minutes to capture some photos of Rachel in the bridal suite.

Next, it was Jesse’s turn to get ready.

With every wedding, there are portraits, moments, and emotions captured in an image that become timeless. I have a feeling this image of Jesse will be one of those images.

With the final details in place, Rachel and Jesse’s outdoor wedding at Grosse Pointe Academy was going to be beautiful! When they said they were getting married outdoors on the grounds, I did not imagine it being so tastefully decorated.

Watching Jesse see his bride for the first time was really touching. As she walked towards the altar, Jesse fought back emotions and looked at Rachel with pride.

Rachel and Jesse’s vows were heartfelt and personal. I would be lying if I said that Jesse was the only one wiping away tears at their ceremony.

This is always one of my favorite moments of the entire wedding day. The bride and groom have waited their whole relationship to be announced for the first time as husband and wife. As they walk down the aisle, it is the first moment of their married life and the first moment they can be themselves after a formal ceremony. The result is some of the most genuine emotions of excitement and happiness.

After the ceremony, we took a photo of everyone in attendance to commemorate their wedding at Grosse Pointe Academy.

After guests left, it was time to take some photos of just Jesse and Rachel on the grounds of the Grosse Pointe Academy.

The original plan was to have their reception at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. Due to Covid, the reception is put on hold until next year; however, we decided to head there anyway (with the venue’s approval) to photograph Rachel and Jesse on the grounds. Looking at these photos again, I feel like their session was effortless. The emotions displayed come naturally when Rachel and Jesse are together. I love it.

As we were wrapping up our shoot and saying our goodbyes, the most polite worker from the War Memorial approached us and asked us if we were interested in photographing in their library. Rachel and Jesse looked at Becky and myself and almost simultaneously, we said “yes!” We only had a few minutes since there was another wedding going on, but that was all we needed. The photos, like Rachel and Jesse, are perfect and timeless.