Kirk in the Hills Wedding

Tuesday, July 11th, 2023

Weddings like Caryn and Bill’s are some of my favorite weddings: small, intimate with elegant touches, and deeply meaningful. Less of a focus on the details and a heightened emphasis on life, love, and each other. A few weeks before their Kirk in the Hills wedding, I received a phone call from a fast talking, energetic bride. Caryn spoke with such enthusiasm and candor, I knew we would become easy friends. When she started to describe her wedding, it sounded like she was describing my dream wedding: 30 guests, a beautiful church, and a nice meal. The simplicity of the day allows for the bride and groom to just be present, in the moment and in each other.

While Caryn and Bill knew they would have a Kirk in the Hills wedding ceremony, they had a few details yet to be determined. Working with Caryn to better understand what was important to them, I had the pleasure of also helping design their day. We decided to start their day with a first look and a few photos at their house. Together, they have been putting the finishing touches on it to make it a home. What more meaningful of a place to use as a backdrop than the location of their favorite spot.

After a few photos at their home, Beau from Motor City Vintage Rentals arrived to take Caryn and Bill to their Kirk in the Hills wedding. We arrived before the guests, allowing us to take some additional pics on their beautiful 20 acre campus.

A bride looks outside a window prior to her Kirk in the Hills wedding.
A poses before their Kirk in the Hills wedding.
A couple poses in the landscaping before their Kirk in the Hills wedding.
A couple embraces on the back lawn before their Kirk in the Hills wedding.

What I learned about Bill is he is a quiet and humble man. Well accomplished and respected in his field, he has a kind and gentle heart. He didn’t show unfettered emotions often, but when he did, it was by Caryn’s side. That is why images like this are my favorite.

A couple sits on a wall before their Kirk in the Hills wedding.
A couple sits on a wall before their Kirk in the Hills wedding.

As guests took their seats, it was time for their Kirk in the Hills wedding.

A couple walks down the aisle at the beginning of their Kirk in the Hills wedding.
Kirk in the Hills interior.
A couple exchanges rings at a Kirk in the Hills wedding.
A couple exchanges rings at a Kirk in the Hills wedding.
A couple marries at a Kirk in the Hills wedding.
A bride and groom share a first kiss at their Kirk in the Hills wedding.
A bride and groom walk down the aisle at their Kirk in the Hills wedding.
A bride and groom pose in front of a 1940 Packard from Motor City Vintage Rentals at their Kirk in the Hills wedding.
A bride and groom pose in front of a 1940 Packard from Motor City Vintage Rentals at their Kirk in the Hills wedding.

After the ceremony, guests were invited to dinner at the Rugby Grille in the beautiful Townsend Hotel in downtown Birmingham.

Guests chat in the lobby of the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, MI.
A groom offers a speech at the Rugby Grille in the Townsend Hotel.
A bride offers a toast at the Rugby Grille in the Townsend Hotel.
A bride offers a speech at the Rugby Grille in the Townsend Hotel.