Greystone Golf Club Wedding

Friday, July 29th, 2022

Justin and Sarah had a beautiful Greystone Golf Club wedding that will always be one of my favorites.

Where do I even begin? Let me start by saying this: for me personally, this wedding will always be special and memorable because of how close to home it was. Justin has been a long-time friend and anyone who know us both can see why: we are two peas in a pod. We both love business, economics, and are a tad on the analytical/Type A side (full sarcasm inserted). That last one may come as a surprise since you may think that being a photographer is all about creativity, but if you saw how I analyzed my work for the first 10 years or knew how many minute calculations go into a wedding day, it would make more sense.

Speaking from experience, I knew it would take someone special to understand and compliment someone with these traits. That someone special was Sarah. From the moment Justin met Sarah, you saw her calming presence in his life. It was the missing piece. They helped each other in ways that only they could do as individuals. Everyone who knew them and saw them together were hopeful that this would be it. Finally, on the last night of their vacation, Justin proposed to Sarah while watching the sunset into the Atlantic. I remember scrolling through Instagram and doing a double take. Wait, what?! OMG! Justin and Sarah are engaged! I quickly shot him a text. My man! Niiiice! Enjoy the ride and call me when you get a chance. No rush. The phone rang a few minutes later. I couldn’t be happier for them both.

A few months later, I was touring the grounds for their Greystone Golf Club wedding, scouting locations for their big day when Justin asked if I would also be one of his groomsmen. I was truly honored and for a second, scared. How am I going to stand up in the wedding AND shoot the wedding? Lucky for me, I have the best partner, my wife Becky, who stepped up to help. She photographed the ceremony and a few other key moments of the day, allowing me to proudly stand alongside Sarah and Justin. In the end, it was one of the most special weddings I have ever been a part of.

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Sarah and Justin had a perfect Greystone Golf Club wedding. Everything took place on the grounds, from Sarah’s prep to the final shot of the night. The day started off with Sarah getting ready with her girlfriends. As soon as we entered into the reception area, laughter filled the hallway from the bridal suite. It was the first sign it was going to be a fun-filled day.

wedding rings balancing on an invite reading Sarah and Justin
Diamond solitaire ring balanced between two sparking shoes.
Three wedding rings balancing on a hand written note that reads "I love you."
A bride and her mom hold hands at Greystone Golf Club in Washington Township, MI.

As Sarah wrapped up getting ready, it was time for Justin to get ready. His brothers and dad helped him put on the finishing touches.

A groom wearing a blue suit is flanked by his dad and brothers at his Greystone Golf Club wedding
A groom donning a blue suit and white tie leans against a brick pillar at a Greystone Golf Club wedding.

In a special and private moment that helped set the stage for their first look, Sarah and Justin read vows that they wrote to each other. Publically, they would share vows led by the officiant, but they wanted to also share vows deeply and privately to each other. Sarah’s moved Justin to tears.

Black and white photo of a groom wiping away his tears as he reads a letter from his wife.
A bride smiles as she reads a letter from her groom before their Greystone Golf Club wedding.

Next, it was time for their first look.

A bride and groom kiss during their first look at their greystone Golf Club wedding in Washington, MI.

I have mentioned before in proposal posts that one of the toughest emotions to capture is the one where someone’s whole world is in their arms. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it is a classic.

Justin closes his eyes and hugs Sarah during their Greystone Golf Club wedding.
Sarah reacts to seeing Justin for the first time at their Greystone Golf Club wedding.
Sarah and Justin kiss on their wedding day, standing in front of a field of wild grass.

With the first look over, we stayed in the same location for Sarah and Justin’s Greystone Golf Club wedding photos.

A bride and groom stand together, arms around each other, for a formal portrait on their wedding day.
Sarah and Justin kiss near a field of grass and a tree on their wedding day.
A groom stands with his legs crossed looking at his wife on their wedding day.
Justin kissed the side of Sarah's head and he hugs her at on their wedding day.
Standing in tall grass, a bride and groom kiss with a tree in the background at Greystone Golf Club.
Sarah leads Sarah on a walk while she holds her dress in a photo by Brian Weitzel Photography.
A classic bridal portrait by Brian Weitzel Photography in Detroit, MI.

While we wrapped up their photos, the bridal party was waiting nearby to take their photos.

Next, it was the time we were all waiting for – the ceremony!

A bride and her father walk towards the ceremony are of a Greystone Golf Club wedding.
The bride and groom survey the crowd with bridesmaids in the background during their Greystone Golf Club wedding.
Justin and Sarah exchange rings by the lake at their Greystone Golf Club wedding in Washington, MI.
Justin and Sarah kiss by the lake at their Greystone Golf Club wedding in Washington, MI.
Justin and Sarah share a first kiss at their Greystone Golf Club wedding ceremony in Washington, MI.

Following the ceremony, family gathered for a few photos before joining cocktail hour, where everyone was happy to see familiar faces.

One of the things that you will pick up on immediately upon meeting Sarah is her huge heart. She is honestly an angel that walks among us. It only makes sense that she became an elementary school teacher. Even her second graders had a place in her Greystone Golf Club wedding.

After dinner, we snuck out for a few photos during golden hour. More and more of my clients are taking a few minutes to themselves during this time to soak it all in before the party starts.

A bride and groom in a field of wildflowers and tall grass in Washington, MI during golden hour.
A bride and groom kiss in a field of wildflowers and tall grass during golden hour by Brian Weitzel Photography.
A bride and groom look outward in a field of wildflowers and tall grass during golden hour by Brian Weitzel Photography.
A bride hugs the arm of a groom and rests her head on his shoulder while standing on a walkway.

Once we returned to the reception, it was time for the first dance. It didn’t take long after that for guests to flood the dance floor once it opened.

We couldn’t help but get a photo with this amazing couple that we are lucky enough to call friends before we call them clients. Best wishes you two. We sincerely love you both.

Venue: Greystone Golf Club

Film: Bella Reel Films

Photo Booth, DJ: Special Moments Entertainment

Florist: Love Story Events

Cake: Weakness for Sweets

Beauty: Paul Mitchell The Salon – Rochester

Dress: Martina Liana at Bella Bridal Gallery

Bridesmaids Gowns: Azazie

Tuxedo: Men’s Warehouse