Penna’s of Sterling Wedding

Thursday, December 29th, 2022

Megan and Antonio got married at Holy Family Catholic Church in Detroit and had a Penna’s of Sterling wedding reception.

When I saw Megan’s engaged announcement, I was so happy for her. I remembered her fondly as a warm, friendly, and kind-hearted person whose presence and personality demanded an audience. You couldn’t help but to not love Megan. In the words of Brennan Huff, “Did we just become best friends?” Yep!

I knew the man she ended up with would have to be the same. When I met Antonio at their engagement session and saw how much their personalities complimented each other, not only was I happy for them both, but I was already looking forward to celebrating with them on their wedding day.

Their wedding started off with Antonio getting ready at his parents’ house, with four generations of family present. Gino, Antonio’s dad, warned us that it could get a little loud and chaotic. I looked over at Becky, whose eyes flashed a sign of being startled or worried. I chimed in, letting Gino know that my mom is 100% Italian so we are used to it. I told him I fully anticipated getting kissed on each cheek like family. Sadly, grandma wasn’t up for it.

A Tag Heuer watch and ring are staged on a green marble table for a wedding gift.

The groom receives help getting dressed from his dad on his wedding day.

A portrait of three generations of Italians.

Any wedding day moment that evokes emotions is instantly one of my favorite moments. Both Megan and Antonio wrote each other letters. Antonio was first to read his and made it through the first sentence before his emotions took over. It was a special and heartfelt moment.

A groom reacts to reading a letter from his wife on his wedding day.

Next, it was Megan’s turn to get ready. After we rang the doorbell, we waiting patiently outside. After several moments, Becky and I looked at each other, wondering if they heard us over the boisterous laughter we could hear inside. It was a preview of what the day would bring.

A bride and bridesmaids pour some Korbel champagne.

A bride gets help putting her necklace on from her mom on her wedding day.

A bride reads a letter from her husband on her wedding day.

With Megan and her bridesmaids dressed and ready to go, it was time to head to the ceremony. Megan and Antonio married at Holy Family Catholic Church in downtown Detroit. Their ceremony was made extra special as the priest presided over Antonio’s brother’s wedding and later, his son’s baptism.

Mom and son walk down the aisle at Holy Family Catholic Church in Detroit.

A bride is escorted down the aisle at Holy Family Catholic Church in Detroit.

A bride hugs her father at the altar of Holy Family Catholic Church in Detroit.

The father of the bride unites the hands of the bride and groom on their wedding day.

The bride and groom stand at the front of the church aisle on their wedding day.

A priest gives a wedding homily at Holy Family Catholic Church in Detroit.

A bride and groom exchange vows at Holy Family Catholic Church in Detroit.

A bride and groom celebrate and smile as they walk down the aisle of Holy Family Catholic Church.

After the ceremony, stopped by two of my favorite spots in Detroit for some photos. First was the Detroit Public Library. We photographed their engagement session here and I loved the results.

A couple almost kiss on their wedding day on the steps of the Detroit Public Library.

A groom hugs his bride from behind on their wedding day on the steps of the Detroit Public Library.

A bride holds onto the arm of her groom from behind on their wedding day on the steps of the Detroit Public Library.

A couple embraces and kisses on their wedding day at the Detroit Public Library.

Her hands on his chest, a couple embraces on the grounds of the Detroit Public Library for their wedding photos.

A bride looks over her shoulder, back towards her husband at the Detroit Public Library for their wedding photos.

On our way to their Penna’s of Sterling wedding reception, we stopped by Cadillac Place. The large facade was the perfect backdrop for their bridal party.

Groomsmen pose together at Cadillac Place

Groomsmen walk in a line at Cadillac Place in Detroit, MI.

Bridesmaids pose in a line at Cadillac Place in Detroit, MI.

A large bridal party poses in front of Cadillac Place in Detroit, MI.

Once we arrived at their Penna’s of Sterling wedding reception, we spent a few minutes in the venue alone, photographing them against the colorful backdrop.

A couple poses in front of floral arrangements at their Penna's of Sterling wedding reception.

A couple poses seated amid floral arrangements at their Penna's of Sterling wedding reception.

Shot through a candle arrangement, the bride and groom hold each other at their Penna's of Sterling wedding reception.

A groom kisses the shoulder of his bride in front of a floral arrangement at their Penna's of Sterling wedding reception.

A bride and groom pose in front of a floral arrangement at their Penna's of Sterling wedding reception.

Penna's of Sterling wedding reception candle arrangement.

As guest took their seats, Megan and Antonio were ready to make an entrance.

Bride and groom enter to sparklers at their Penna's of Sterling wedding reception.

Bride and groom cut their cake at their Penna's of Sterling wedding reception

Bride and groom kiss after cutting their cake at their Penna's of Sterling wedding reception

The best man gives a speech at a Penna's of Sterling wedding reception.

The best man toats at a Penna's of Sterling wedding reception.

Two bridesmaids give a speech at a Penna's of Sterling wedding reception.

The father of the bride gives a speech at a Penna's of Sterling wedding reception.

After dessert was served, it was time to start the dances. Antonio shared a dance with his mom before Megan danced with her dad and stepdad.

The bride watches at the groom and his mom dance at a Penna's of Sterling wedding reception.

The bride and her father dance under a chandelier at a Penna's of Sterling wedding reception.

With the parents dances completed, there was only one dance left before the dance floor opened. It didn’t take long before the dance floor was packed and fun was being had.