Perry Hotel Wedding

As we were getting ready for Kelly and David’s Perry Hotel wedding, we were thrilled to be in our favorite place, Northern Michigan, and to reunite with a family we had worked with before. We had photographed Kelly’s twin sister Sarah’s wedding at the Country Club of Detroit the previous year, and it was a wonderful experience. We had a great time at their wedding and had grown fond of their family; it felt like meeting old friends again. When we arrived at the Perry Hotel, we were certain it would be a beautiful day. The sky was a brilliant blue and the sun was shining – the ideal weather for a July wedding!

When I first saw Kelly’s details, I was captivated and immediately wanted to create a lay-flat for her. The use of sky blue was executed flawlessly, from the invitations to the bridesmaids’ dresses and even their shared ring box. It was simply perfect.

When we first met Kelly, she entered the room with infectious energy and excitement. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she eagerly prepared to step into her elegant gown, signaling the official start of her special day. The atmosphere brimmed with joy and happiness in her hotel suite as her mother and sister lavished her with attention and shared in her excitement. Against the backdrop of Kelly’s pristine white dress, the contrast of her mother’s and sister’s beautiful blue gowns created a stunning visual, adding charm to the heartfelt moments shared between the close-knit group.

Before departing Kelly’s room, Brian snapped a quick photo from the balcony to ensure the view would be remembered. Just look at this picture-perfect backdrop for a wedding day! It’s hard to imagine a more picturesque setting. I might be a touch biased, given that this pier is where Brian proposed, but it truly is a stunning location!

We walked over to the library to meet David. As we entered, I couldn’t help but hear the laughter coming from the room. The atmosphere was very relaxed, with the focus on card playing. David sat quietly in his chair, playing a game of euchre with his buddies, and it felt like the perfect beginning to the day for him.

As we departed from the Perry Hotel, we made our way to capture the highly anticipated first-look moments. The anticipation was palpable as we prepared to reveal Kelly to her father, followed by her bridesmaids and, ultimately, David. Despite the lively city atmosphere, we found a serene and picturesque spot in front of the hotel for these emotional moments to unfold.

Each reveal was not just a moment, but a profound experience that left a lasting impression. Tears flowed as Kelly shared a quiet, heartfelt moment with her father, followed by joyous laughter with her bridesmaids, and finally, an overflow of pure happiness with David. These moments were truly special and I have to say, they are some of my personal favorites as I believe they perfectly encapsulate the depth of emotion experienced during these significant reveals.

As they locked eyes for the first time, David and Kelly’s faces lit up with joy and anticipation. Standing hand in hand, they poured their hearts out to each other as they recited their vows, each word carrying the weight of a promise and a dream. Their voices, almost a whisper, carried the sincerity and depth of their emotions as they privately shared this intimate moment amidst the swirling activity of the day.

As soon as we left the Petoskey pier, we stepped onto the “Salta,” David’s family’s impressive boat, for a delightful journey on the open waters. The boat’s sleek design and comfortable interior made it the perfect choice for the happy couple. Feeling at ease on the boat, Brian eagerly took charge and captured David and Kelly in their element, creating some unforgettable pictures.

Next, we gathered with the bridal party to capture some group photos in the heart of Petoskey. The atmosphere was absolutely delightful, and the anticipation was palpable as everyone eagerly awaited the heartwarming exchange of vows between their dear friends, David and Kelly.

After David and Kelly’s ceremony, we returned to their stunning reception venue at the Perry Hotel. It was a perfect evening for an outdoor wedding reception, and the Perry Hotel exceeded all expectations. From the beautifully maintained grounds to the flawless outdoor tent, equipped with all the luxuries of a traditional ballroom.

As the golden hour approached, the sun’s warm glow created a breathtaking backdrop as we gathered with David and Kelly to capture the beauty of the setting sun.

Strolling around the Perry Hotel, the magnificent hues of purple and orange painted the evening sky, creating a perfect conclusion to their night.