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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!