I remember the call fondly; Sarah’s gentle voice and warm demeanor felt like I was reconnecting with an old friend. An old friend that somehow, I just met. As she described their wedding at Shinola Hotel, it sounded perfect: smaller, intimate, tasteful, and relaxed. No public ceremony, no bridal party, no official first dance. The focus wasn’t the pomp and circumstance. The focus was on what they truly cared about – each other and their families. Everything else was just a detail.
Their wedding was a reflection of their values; values that I too shared. Documenting Molly and Sarah’s love wasn’t just taking pretty pictures or photographing another gig. It was more personal and much bigger than that: My best friend is gay. My college roommates were gay. My neighbors are gay. My cousin is gay. Some of my students are LGBTQ members. Cherished people in my life are part of the LGBTQ community and finally I got to demonstrate my support by photographing a same-sex wedding. To me, it wasn’t just a wedding, but an honor to be a part of their day.
~
Sarah and Molly met on the water in college. Seeing that they both rowed, we thought it was only appropriate to incorporate the water in their wedding photos. Molly still coaches rowing and got us access to the docks at the Belle Isle Boat House along the Detroit River.
There were still a few rowing sculls near the docks, which served as a perfect little spot for Molly and Sarah to sneak away for a few pics.
Before leaving Belle Isle, we stopped by the southern shore for a view of Detroit.
Molly and Sarah were celebrating their marriage with a beautiful reception at Shinola Hotel. On our way back from Belle Isle, we stopped by Parker’s Alley, adjacent to the Shinola Hotel, for a few photos.
As their wedding at Shinola Hotel drew closer, we headed upstairs for a few more pics before family and guests arrived.
After a lovely cocktail hour, guests were treated to a delicious dinner and a few hilarious toasts.
Following dinner, the dance floor was open. Guests did not hesitate to join in the fun.
As the evening went on, Molly and Sarah snuck away for one last picture to remember the night by.
Music: Christopher London DJ Services
Venue: Shinola Hotel