Planterra Wedding

A few weeks ago, Becky and I locked ourselves in our office and planned a business retreat where we looked at the wedding season ahead of us. As we were discussing some goals, Becky casually asked, “when is our next wedding?” I scrolled down the calendar and I looked up smiling, “Three weeks! Planterra wedding with Mariel-Christine and Marc.”

Truth be told, I get grumpy when I am not shooting. Seeing their wedding on our calendar just three weeks away felt like a kid counting down to Christmas. A moment later, I found myself firing off an email to Mariel-Christine, checking in and seeing what they needed from us to ensure their wedding was perfect. Together, we had some work to do: when Mariel-Christine and Marc booked us, it was originally to hold the date as they sorted out some of the details. Now, with just three weeks away, we needed to confirm all of the details. Luckily, Mariel-Christine was on it! She attached a perfectly-designed wedding day timeline that would serve as the backdrop for a thoughtful, intimate, and memorable wedding.

Mariel-Christine and Marc’s wedding started at the chic Kingsley Hotel in Bloomfield Hills, where they shared their vows privately with each other. We were fortunate enough to document this touching moment between the two of them before heading off to their Planterra wedding in West Bloomfield.

When we arrived at Planterra, almost everything was set up to perfection. Staff was putting the finishing touches on some of the details, while we all anxiously waited for the sun to set and the candles to be lit. Then, the true beauty of a Planterra wedding is on full display.

After a relaxing lunch, it was time for the bridal party to step in front of the camera. First, the groomsmen.

Meanwhile, Mariel-Christine was changing into her dress. Her bridesmaids anxiously awaited the big reveal. Everyone thought she looked ravishing.

As family started to trickle in, we continued to snap a few images of the bride and groom in the beautiful space.

Everyone was happy to see people they knew. Guests’ conversations echoed throughout the ceremony space, only being broken by squeals of excitement and bouts of laughter.

Finally, it was time for the ceremony. In a touching detail, Mariel-Christine’s mom officiated the wedding while her dad read a touching story from her childhood. The whole ceremony felt like an intimate acknowledgement of the lives, the love for them, and their love for each other.

As guests enjoyed cocktail hour, family joined Mariel-Christine and Marc for some photos.

One of the personal details of their wedding day was an heirloom of Mariel-Christine’s family: her grandpa’s classic Checker.

As the sun began to set, the candles were lit and beginning to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Mariel-Christine’s dad gave a rousing toast to the couple, filled with funny stories, heartfelt compliments, and plenty of love and support.

As guests finished their dinner, they were invited to the dancefloor by the Blue Water Kings.

As guests danced and heated up the dancefloor, Mariel-Christine and Marc snuck away for one last set of photos in the Checker.