San Morello Wedding

Thursday, October 5th, 2023

Noel and Jacoby invited their immediate family to join them in a private and intimate celebration at their San Morello wedding.

My initial conversation with Noel about her wedding day was surprisingly brief. I normally schedule about an hour for the initial wedding consultation, but Noel’s call seemed to last just a few minutes. She was laid back but knew what she wanted. She told me that the day was going to be relaxed and intimate. Everything would take place within one city block and ahandful of family members would be in attendance. No bridal party, no party bus, no first dance. Just good food, good company, and (hopefully) a good photographer to capture all of the memories. After photographing a number of these more private weddings, I knew Noel and Jacoby were going to love it. Ok, maybe I am projecting my thoughts a little bit – I knew I was going to love it! The day has less stress, more flow, and the couple seems to just be more present in every moment. In short, the day is perfect.

Both Jacoby and Noel got ready at the beautiful Shinola Hotel. Jacoby was calm and relaxed as he got ready.

A groom gets ready at Shinola hotel for his San Morello wedding later that day.
A groom gets ready in front of a window at the Shinola Hotel in Detroit before his San Morello wedding.
A bride sits on a bed with her wedding dress in the background at the Shinola Hotel before her San Morello wedding later that day.

Noel got ready with the help of her mom. Her two sisters were also present, filling the room with fun and laughter.

A bride gets ready with the help of her mom in front of a window at the Shinola Hotel before her San Morello wedding later that day.

One of the things I noticed about Noel was just the mention of Jacoby would make her light up.

A bride poses in front of a window at the Shinola Hotel before her San Morello wedding later that day.

With both Noel and Jacoby ready, it was time for their first look. They decided to see each other right outside of their San Morello wedding spot in Parker’s Alley.

A bride and groom kiss on their wedding day in Parker's Alley.
A bride and groom pose on their wedding day in Parker's Alley.
A bride smiles while holding her bouquet in Parker's Alley.

After taking some photos in Parker’s Alley, we headed up to the Detroit Opera House rooftop for a few photos with the Detroit skyline in the background.

A groom poses, leaning on a railing, with a blurred out Detroit skyline in the background.
A bride and groom pose with a Detroit skyscraper in the background on their wedding day.
A bride poses with a Detroit skyscraper in the background on her wedding day.
A bride and groom look at each other on top of the Detroit Opera House parking garage with the Detroit skyline in the background.
A bride and groom kiss on a Detroit rooftop with the skyline in the background.
A bride and groom pose on top of a Detroit rooftop during golden hour.
A bride and groom pose on top of a Detroit rooftop during golden hour.

Next, it was time for their San Morello wedding.

A customized menu from a San Morello wedding.
Wedding rings sit on top of monogramed Shinola journals.
A bride reads her vows at a San Morello wedding.
A bride reads her vows at a San Morello wedding.
A bride wipes away tears during her San Morello wedding.
A bride and groom exchange vows during their San Morello wedding.
A bride and groom exchange vows during their San Morello wedding.

There was not a dry eye during their ceremony. I too found myself tearing up during the vows and feeling so blessed to be witnessing this special moment in their lives.

A bride and groom exchange rings during their San Morello wedding.
A bride and groom exchange rings during their San Morello wedding.
A bride and groom kiss after being married during their San Morello wedding.
A bride and groom kiss after being married during their San Morello wedding.
The mother of the bride gives a speech at a San Morello wedding.
A bride and groom look towards a mom during a toast at a San Morello wedding.
Parents read a toast at their daughter's San Morello wedding.

As their family settled in for dinner, Noel and Jacoby snuck away for a quick walk down Woodward. There was a genuine and palpable excitement between the two of them. As Noel and Jacoby celebrated and strutted down Woodward, Noel shouted “We just got married!” I think that happiness and excitement will be with them throughout their marriage.

A newlywed couple walks down Woodward Ave after celebrating their San Morello wedding.
A newlywed couple stops and kisses on Woodward Ave after celebrating their San Morello wedding.
A newlywed couple walks down Woodward Ave after celebrating their San Morello wedding.