Graduate Hotel Wedding

Wednesday, July 10th, 2024

As we departed from Royal Oak on our journey to East Lansing for the wedding celebration of Emily and Perry at the Graduate Hotel, we were filled with anticipation about the prospect of immersing ourselves in a new city. Our excitement stemmed from the opportunity to not only document the diverse architecture and natural surroundings but also to experience the distinct charm of East Lansing. Upon reaching the Graduate Hotel, conveniently situated across from Michigan State University in the vibrant downtown area, we were struck by the unique and captivating ambiance of this boutique hotel.

We met with Emily first and promptly started capturing every delicate detail of her bridal ensemble. Her choice of bridal shoes, featuring an elegant heel embellished with a strikingly large bow, caught our attention right away. Emily’s gown was exquisite, seamlessly aligning with her footwear. The dress boasted intricate white lace, complemented by a soft blush underlayer, resulting in an overall look that was simply stunning.

The vibe in Emily’s room was very relaxed as everyone sat together, chatting, eating, and laughing. The casual and comfortable setting created an ideal environment for Emily to fully savor the moment and be completely present. So comfortable that Emily even allowed her stylist to cut her hair to ensure she had the best look for the day!

Bridal details are displayed on a bookshelf.
White wedding heels are displayed on a bookshelf with antique books behind them.
A white wedding dress hangs on a bookshelf at a Graduate Hotel wedding in East Lansing.
A bride gets her makeup done in a hotel room at the Graduate Hotel in East Lansing.
A bridesmaid hugs the bride from behind with a wall of picture frames behind them at her Graduate Hotel wedding.
A bride lounges in a dark green leather chair in the lobby of her Graduate Hotel wedding reception.
A bride puts on the finishing touches of her outfit before her Graduate Hotel wedding in East Lansing.
A bride puts on the finishing touches of her outfit before her Graduate Hotel wedding in East Lansing.
A close up of a bridal bouquet with pink and white peonies.

Emily’s first look with her dad and mom was lovely. It was a quiet moment, but one full of joy. You could see how proud and happy Emily’s parents were in that moment, and sharing it as a family was perfect.

A bride shares a first look with her dad in the lobby of a Graduate Hotel wedding.
A dad hugs his daughter, the bride, as her mom watches outside of her Graduate Hotel wedding.
A bride poses with style in front of a wall of picture frames at her Graduate Hotel wedding reception.
A bride poses, leaning on a leather chair, at her Graduate Hotel wedding reception.

As the time came to document Perry’s attire, it was nothing short of timeless. He adorned himself with a classic Timex watch, a silk bowtie, and suspenders, creating a look of perfection. Perry’s family played a role in helping him get ready for the day, enveloping the moment in heartfelt laughter and warm hugs. It was undeniably a genuine and touching moment for Perry.

A timex watch sits atop a bowtie.
A groom puts on his bowtie in the lobby of a Graduate Hotel wedding.
A groom adjusts his bowtie in the lobby of a Graduate Hotel wedding.
A portrait of three men standing in front of a wall of picture frames in the lobby of a Graduate Hotel wedding.
A groom leans on the bar in the Rock Bar on the top floor of a Graduate Hotel wedding.
A groom sits in a brown leather chair in the Rock Bar on the top floor of a Graduate Hotel wedding.
A groom lounges in a brown leather chair in the Rock Bar on the top floor of a Graduate Hotel wedding.

We departed from the Graduate Hotel and headed across the street to Michigan State University for Emily and Perry’s first look at the clock tower on campus. It was the perfect backdrop, combining both architectural beauty and natural landscape that resonated with both Emily and Perry.

Their first look was nothing short of perfect; the lighting was balanced and illuminated the moment beautifully. Emily had a wide smile on her face, and Perry shared in that smile too.

A bride smiles as she approaches her groom on the campus of Michigan State University wedding.
A groom reacts to seeing his bride for a first look at the Clock Tower on MSU's campus wedding.
A bride and groom share a first look in front of the clocktower on MSU's campus.
A bride and groom laugh while sharing a first look at the Clock Tower during a Michigan State University wedding.
A bride and groom smile while posing for photos at the Clock Tower during a Michigan State University wedding.
A bride and groom hug while posing for photos at the Clock Tower during a Michigan State University wedding.

After capturing their first look, we strolled around the picturesque Michigan State’s campus and paused at the impressive Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum. The building boasted a strikingly modern exterior with bold lines, creating a captivating backdrop for the couple. Below are a handful of my favorite shots from our time there, just before we made our way to the church for Perry and Emily’s heartfelt vow exchange.

Newlyweds stand outside of a Broad Art Museum wedding on MSU's campus.
Newlyweds walk outside of a Broad Art Museum wedding while holding hands on MSU's campus.
Newlyweds walk outside of a Broad Art Museum wedding while holding hands on MSU's campus.

When we arrived at the church, it was already full of guests anxiously awaiting the bride and groom. As soon as Emily entered the aisle with her dad, they both took their time, savoring the moment. At one point, Emily’s dad even stopped to fluff her dress before they proceeded down the aisle. It was beautiful to see them embrace the moment, not rushing, but enjoying and taking it all in.

Groom waits to see his bride at an All Saints Episcopal Church wedding ceremony in East Lansing.
A bride leans into her dad before walking down the aisle at her All Saints Episcopal Church wedding ceremony in East Lansing.
A bride and her dad walk down the aisle at her All Saints Episcopal Church wedding ceremony in East Lansing.
Shot from behind, a bride and her dad walk down the aisle at her All Saints Episcopal Church wedding ceremony in East Lansing.
A bride and her are greeted at the end the aisle by the groom at their All Saints Episcopal Church wedding ceremony in East Lansing.
A dad kisses the forehead of his daughter, the bride, at All Saints Episcopal Church wedding ceremony in East Lansing.
A bride and groom smile during an  All Saints Episcopal Church wedding ceremony in East Lansing.
Bride and Groom Graduate Hotel wedding
Bride and Groom Graduate Hotel wedding
A bride and groom hold hands at the front of the church during an All Saints Episcopal Church wedding ceremony in East Lansing.
Bride and Groom  cry Graduate Hotel wedding
A bride and groom exchange vows during an All Saints Episcopal Church wedding ceremony in East Lansing.
Bride and Groom  exchange rings Graduate Hotel wedding
A bride and groom share a first kiss at the front of the church during an All Saints Episcopal Church wedding ceremony in East Lansing.
A bride and groom laugh after being married during an All Saints Episcopal Church wedding ceremony in East Lansing.
A bride and groom smile and walk down the aisle at the end of an All Saints Episcopal Church wedding ceremony in East Lansing.

After the ceremony, Emily, Perry, and the bridal party stopped by the Beal Botanical Gardens before heading to their Graduate Hotel wedding reception. Fun fact: the first wedding Brian ever shot was on MSU’s campus and he did it with a borrowed camera and a broken hand!

Bridesmaids laugh in the Beal Botanical Gardens during wedding photos.
A bridal party wearing shades of blue pose in the Beal Botanical Gardens during wedding photos.
A bride and groom embrace under a tree in the Beal Botanical Gardens on MSU's campus on their wedding day.
A bride and groom embrace in the Beal Botanical Gardens on MSU's campus on their wedding day.
A bride and groom embrace in the Beal Botanical Gardens on MSU's campus on their wedding day.

We returned to the Graduate Hotel for the wedding reception. Emily and Perry were able to join their cocktail hour, which allowed us to capture their guests and the details within their reception space. A highlight of the event was the guest book, which involved taking polaroids of each guest—a lovely and personal touch.

Following the cocktail hour, Emily and Perry made a grand entrance into their reception, brimming with excitement. With glasses of champagne in hand, they eagerly awaited the heartfelt words from their loved ones.

Graduate Hotel Wedding reception details
A wedding cake is on display at a Graduate Hotel Wedding reception in East Lansing.
A bride and groom smile during toasts at their Graduate Hotel Wedding reception.
A bride and groom look at each other and laugh during toasts at their Graduate Hotel Wedding reception.
A bride and groom react with laughter during toasts at their Graduate Hotel Wedding reception in East Lansing.
A dad raises his glass during a toast at a Graduate Hotel Wedding reception.
A bride and groom listen to toasts during their Graduate Hotel Wedding reception.
The best man gives a toast in the Graduate Hotel Wedding reception ballroom.
A black and white photo of the bride and groom clinking glasses during toasts at their Graduate Hotel wedding reception in East Lansing.
Guests reacts to speeches during wedding toasts.
The bride and groom share a message of thanks during their Graduate Hotel wedding reception.

During their formal dances, you could feel the excitement in the room. Perry and Emily’s first dance as a married couple was filled with smiles and laughter. Both Emily and Perry’s dances with their parents were lively, allowing for playful and personality-filled photos!

A bride and groom share a first dance at their Graduate Hotel Wedding reception in East Lansing.
A bride and groom share a first dance at their Graduate Hotel Wedding reception in East Lansing.
A bride and groom share a first dance at their Graduate Hotel Wedding reception in East Lansing.
A bride hugs her groom at the end of their first dance at their Graduate Hotel Wedding reception in East Lansing.
A dad dances with his daughter at her Graduate Hotel Wedding reception in East Lansing, Michigan.
A mother-son dance at a Graduate Hotel Wedding reception on MSU's campus.
A mother-son dance at a Graduate Hotel Wedding reception on MSU's campus.
The bride sits on the side of the dance floor and watches her husband dance with his mom at a Graduate Hotel Wedding reception on MSU's campus.
A mother-son dance takes place at a Graduate Hotel Wedding reception in East Lansing, MI.
A packed dance floor at a Graduate Hotel Wedding reception in East Lansing, Michigan.
Graduate Hotel Wedding reception

We took Emily and Perry aside to take a few photos before the end of the night. The Graduate Hotel has some beautiful little spaces within the building, allowing us to capture some quiet moments for the two of them.

A bride and groom cozy up in the library of their Graduate Hotel wedding reception.
A bride and groom sit on the steps at the end of their Graduate Hotel wedding reception.
A groom embraces and kisses the cheek of his bride on the staircase of their Graduate Hotel wedding reception in East Lansing, MI.
A couple kisses on the staircase with a light behind them at their Graduate Hotel wedding reception in East Lansing, Michigan.

Emily and Perry were easy to work with and open to any suggestions we had when it came to getting a photo. At the end of the day, it felt like we were working with old friends. We were all smiles as we set up the last image of the night on the main staircase at the Graduate Hotel, sealing their night with one last kiss!