On Friday, October 4, Zack and Samantha joyfully celebrated their St. Aloysius wedding, surrounded by loved ones and friends. The day began in vibrant downtown Detroit, where we captured Zack and Samantha’s prep and individual portraits, setting the perfect tone for the festivities ahead.
Zack and his groomsmen gathered outside for portraits, the warm sunlight filtering through the trees and enhancing the lively atmosphere. This large group of friends, primarily from Western Michigan University, filled the day with laughter and camaraderie, creating memorable moments that translated beautifully into photographs. Their playful interactions added a sense of joy and lightheartedness, capturing Zack’s personality and the bond he shares with his groomsmen. These portraits reflected the spirit of the day—love, friendship, and celebration.
We met Samantha at the Westin Hotel, where she was preparing for the day. She wasn’t stressed; instead, she chatted with her friends and was excited to start the day’s events. When I hugged and congratulated her on the occasion, I knew we would have a fantastic time working together. Her infectious personality and genuine nature were so uplifting.
Samantha’s preparation photos are absolutely breathtaking! The soft, natural lighting accentuated her flawless complexion, making her skin glow. Her stunning dress twinkled in the sunlight, each detail sparkling in the warm rays. Her mother and sister were essential in preparing her for this important day, carefully arranging her veil and helping her with the finishing touches. Their laughter and excitement created a beautiful backdrop for these cherished moments, perfectly capturing the essence of this special occasion.
It was time for Samantha and her father, Sam, to have their first look. They share a very close bond, so calling this moment emotional would be an understatement. Thankfully, Sam had extra tissues in his pocket, preparing for the wave of emotions that would come with seeing his firstborn in her wedding dress.
Samantha and Zack were ready to share their first look outside St. Aloysius Church. It was a quiet moment for them, filled with smiles and laughter. Afterward, we set off into the city, capturing various portraits of them together before we met up with their full bridal party.
After our time in Detroit, we returned to St. Aloysius for the ceremony. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation and joy. Zack stood at the altar with a broad smile, eagerly awaiting Samantha’s entrance. Each step she took filled the room with an undeniable warmth. During the ceremony, there was a tender moment when Sam proudly gave Samantha away, placing two kisses on Zack’s cheek. This moment perfectly captured the love and support surrounding them. Overall, it was a beautiful St. Aloysius wedding filled with heartfelt emotions.
The reception took place at the beautiful Andiamo venue, known for its decor and delicious food. As the doors opened, the couple made a spectacular entrance, their faces beaming joyfully! Guests erupted in cheers, setting the tone for a celebratory evening.
Samantha’s sister kicked off the speeches with a warm and funny tribute, followed by Zack’s brother, who shared touching memories that brought smiles to everyone’s faces. Finally, Samantha’s dad took the microphone, delivering a heartfelt message that resonated deeply with the guests. After the speeches, the energy shifted to the dance floor, which started with formal dances and then opened up to everyone to celebrate together.
Samantha and Zack were having a wonderful time on the dance floor, fully immersed in the celebration! Who would have thought they would be catching an evening flight to Greece the next day? I hope you both managed to rest and enjoy your beautiful honeymoon!