Fort Street Presbyterian Church Wedding

Lindsay and Kyle had a Fort Street Presbyterian Church wedding in Detroit.  I had shot there once before for a wedding I did a few years ago and fell in love with the grandeur of history of the church.  When Lindsay and Kyle told me about the details of their day – a Fort Street Presbyterian Church wedding followed by a Inn at St. John’s reception – I couldn’t help but be excited.  I knew, between the venues and the couple, it was going to be a beautiful and memorable day.

Everyone had been waiting for this day for a long time.  Lindsay and Kyle were high school sweethearts and had been dating for eight years.  Over that period of time, the families had become incredibly close.  So close, in fact, that the parents asked if they could have a photo together without the bride a groom!  With a closeness and support system like that, the wedding takes on an extra level of meaning and significance.  It isn’t just two people starting a life together; it are two families becoming one.

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It was an unseasonably warm day in May when Lindsay and Kyle got married.  We started off their day at the Fort Street Presbyterian Church in Detroit.  The large, open bridal room, flooded with natural light, was the perfect spot for Lindsay to get ready. I beat Lindsay and her bridesmaids there and began working.  I love starting my wedding day mornings off quiet and slow with detail shots.  I was inspired by the windows and architecture of the windows and decided to use them as the backdrop of her details and her prep.

With a little help from her mom and Matron of Honor, Lindsay became a bride.

I love how regal and proper this shot is!

Again, with windows like this, how can you not be inspired?

Once Lindsay was ready, she asked if she could do a first look with her dad.  First looks have the potential to be very special, emotional, and memorable.  Even though everyone wants to see it, I always encourage brides to have a first look alone with the person.  The moment is about them and their relationship.  This moment should be too.  With an empty room, Lindsay and her dad shared a touching moment.

Next, it is wedding time!

A Fort Street Presbyterian Church wedding can be incredibly tough to shoot!  Even though the church is gorgeous, it is also incredible dark with tall ceilings.  You have to be able to discretely modify and control the light in order to get the images just right.  For example, I requested that the doors be closed behind the bride so the ambient light from outside would not be backlighting her.  Next, I placed a flash in the balcony with a grid on it to narrow or concentrate the light beam and aimed it down the aisle for the processional.  There was about a 10 foot sweet spot where the light was perfect.  All processional images would need to be taken in that spot.  Judging by the images below, I would say it worked.

After they signed their marriage license, it was time for their grand exit as husband and wife.

Lindsay looked angelic in her dress.  I wanted to give her a fitting image to capture her beauty.

Before heading to the Inn at St. John’s for the reception, we stopped at the Detroit Institute of Arts for some bridal party formals.

I think they thought it was a little weird I was under the veil with them as they kissed.  Oh well, the shot is awesome!

After the DIA, we made it to the Inn and had just enough time for a quick portrait session with Lindsay and Kyle.

I didn’t have to worry about a thing at this wedding because I had the opportunity to work with Loren from LDT Events. She is awesome!  From the email communication leading up to the wedding to her ready to greet the bridal party and take over when we arrived at the reception, everything went smoothly with her and  her team in charge.

I wasn’t expecting to see tears out of Kyle, as he and his groomsmen were quite jovial throughout the day.  However, this speech and this wedding was a long time in the making.  They weren’t just words being spoken, they were relationships being forever welded.

 

Congratulations Lindsay and Kyle!  Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your Fort Street Presbyterian Church wedding.  Best wishes as you embark on this next journey in your relationship.