Northville Hills Golf Club Wedding
Northville Hills Golf Club Wedding
About two years ago, I met John through one of the most rousing, hilarious, and memorable Best Man speeches I ever witnessed. Somehow, he effortlessly strung together embarrassing stories, compliments, and political humor that became a speech of legendary status. When he emailed me to let me know that he was recently engaged, he needed no introduction and I was sure that his wedding day was going to be equally fun, memorable, and hilarious. Not only were my expectations met, but exceeded. John and Marissa had a touching ceremony followed by a serene reception at the Northville Hills Golf Club.
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Marissa started her day getting pampered with her family and friends. How nice is it when your mom is also a hair stylist? My photography friends will understand my excitement with this next statement: for once hair and make up weren’t running late! (Ladies, if you are planning your wedding day, please note that hair and make up tend to run over on their time frequently. Plan accordingly.) Not only did her mom help her with her hair, but also transform her into a beautiful bride.
With Marissa all dressed, it was time to see her groom. John and Marissa elected to have a first look at the beautiful Detroit Institute of Arts.
For being a man of many, quick-witted words, John was truly left speechless when he saw Marissa. After their first look, I approached them as a couple and asked John, “Stunning, right?” He was still struggling to comprehend just how beautiful Marissa looked. With the first look behind us, we stayed on the grounds of the DIA and took more photos before meeting up with the bridal party.
Since John and Marissa were getting married in a church, they decided to write and read letters to each other before their ceremony. I LOVE it (and encourage) couples to do something like this. One of my favorite memories and mementoes from my own wedding were the letters Becky and I wrote to each other.
After a round of photos and fun with the bridal party, it was time to get married.
John and Marissa officially hold the record for the fastest walk down the aisle after saying “I do.” I blinked and they were 3/4ths the way down the aisle! Still, I snagged one of my favorite shots in all weddings – the aisle shot. It is one of the few times the couple isn’t posed, is fully present, and is overcome with this amazing emotional and euphoric feeling. They just got married!
After the ceremony, John and Marissa had their Northville Hills Golf Club wedding reception. The grounds were beautiful and offered serene backdrops for this perfect couple.
I am going to go out on a limb here and guess that their Grand Entrance dance was John’s idea. He really seemed to own the dance.
When the Best Man, whose was roasted by John at his wedding, stands up and opens his speech with, “Okay, so is everyone ready for this?” you know it is going to be a good speech. Note the book titled “John’s Greatest Hits,” which included a story of John throwing a brick at Matt’s head among other great decisions and embarrassing stories. The roast was good, light hearted, and ended with the truly, John’s greatest decision, which was to marry Marissa.
With the dance floor open, it was time to party.
I love this sequence of dance photos, especially the last image which is the groomsman apologizing after almost getting carried away and scaring any young children in attendance.
I think every crew has a song that when it comes on, it brings the best out of them. In this case, it was John Denver’s, “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” John later told me, “I don’t get it…none of us even have ties to West Virginia but we all go nuts for that song.” Sometimes John, you don’t need to get it. Just sing your heart out and make some memories.
With their Northville Hills Golf Club wedding winding down, we stepped outside for one last photo to remember the night by.
John, Marissa…thank you and best wishes to you both. Your Northville Hills Golf Club wedding was beautiful.
