Detroit Zoo Wedding

Monday, September 2nd, 2024

This celebration was years in the making and there was no way I was going to miss it! It was December 2021 when Jess and Lily reached out, needing some professional headshots for their budding string duo business. If you recall, it was a weird time when after being in lock down, we were now allowed to start living life “normally.” When Jess and Lily entered the studio, it was what my heart needed. I had so much fun talking with them, getting to know them, and photographing them. Their portfolio from that session are still some of my favorite studio work. What I thought would be a quick session lasted hours and ended with two promises: I was going to photograph their wedding and we would work together again. Luckily, both came true! When a client of mine was looking to add a little something romantic to his proposal, Jess and Lily helped by providing their talents. When Jess and Lily decided to celebrate their covid-era wedding, we connected again to take photos at some of their favorite places around town, including some Detroit Zoo wedding photos, Detroit Orchestra Hall, and the Detroit Public Library. We started their Detroit Zoo wedding photos at their favorite spot in the Zoo, the aviary exhibit. I absolutely loved how their white wedding dresses pop against the greenery of the exhibit. All of the nooks and crannies of the space were perfect for creating an intimate feel.

Two brides, wearing white wedding dresses, embrace at their Detroit Zoo Wedding.
Two brides laugh during their Detroit Zoo Wedding in the aviary exhibit.
Two brides embrace at their Detroit Zoo Wedding
Details of the hands of brides at their Detroit Zoo Wedding.
Two brides embrace at the aviary exhibit at their Detroit Zoo Wedding
Two brides embrace at their Detroit Zoo Wedding
An LGBTQ Detroit Zoo Wedding with two brides wearing white wedding dresses.
Two brides embrace at their Detroit Zoo Wedding

Next, we stopped by Detroit Orchestra Hall, where Jess and Lily took center stage with their instruments. I had only photographed here once before and was taken by the beauty of the venue.

DSO brides with their instruments on stage
DSO brides with their instruments on stage
DSO brides with their flowers on stage
DSO brides with their flowers on stage

One of the things I picked up on pretty quick with Lily and Jess is the moments when no one is watching is when their full personalities are on display. Luckily, I am quick with my camera!

DSO brides with their flowers on stage celebrate their love
DSO brides embrace embrace in hallway outside of orchestra hall
DSO brides embrace embrace in hallway outside of orchestra hal
DSO brides embrace embrace in hallway outside of orchestra hall
Brides celebrate outside of the Detroit Public Library

After we wrapped up our shoot at Detroit Orchestra Hall, we met with their families on the steps of the Detroit Public Library. With a little help from some champagne, we were ready to celebrate.

Brides celebrate with champagne outside of the Detroit Public Library
Brides celebrate and kiss with champagne outside of the Detroit Public Library
Brides celebrate with champagne outside of the Detroit Public Library
Bridal portrait outside of Detroit Public Library
Bridal portrait outside of Detroit Public Library
Bridal portrait with flowers outside of Detroit Public Library
Bridal portrait by tree outside of the Detroit Public Library
Up close portrait of two brides outside of the Detroit Public Library
Brides relax on wall outside of the Detroit Public Library.
Brides walk outside of Detroit Public Library hand in hand
Brides close eyes and embrace outside of the Detroit Public Library
Brides close eyes outside of the Detroit Public Library
Brides embrace, laugh and smile outside out the Detroit Public Library
Brides hold hands and walk away at Detroit Public Library
Brides hold hands and walk away at Detroit Public Library