Stony Creek Wedding

Monday, July 31st, 2023

Collin and Kasey held an outdoor Stony Creek wedding ceremony followed by a reception at the Italian American Cultural Society.

If you have been a longtime reader of the blog (first, thank you!) you know that I frequently say that the best and most unexpected part of being a wedding photographer is simply the people you meet; however, there are so many incredible aspects to the job. We get a front row, all-access pass to the most emotional and important day in the lives of a couple. We create personalized art that will be cherished for years, if not, generations. We help visualize, plan, and execute the wedding of their dreams. We get to give ourselves, in this incredibly personal way, to our couples by the art we create. In short, the experiences we share with couples on their wedding day forms bonds, deep bonds, that are one of life’s greatest blessings. Nearly two weeks have passed since Collin and Kasey’s Stony Creek wedding, and I can’t stop thinking about their wedding and feel excited for them.

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Kasey started her day getting ready at her grandma’s house. As I opened the door, it felt like I walked into Santa’s workshop – everyone was busy with tasks, having conversations, and there was a definite energy and excitement in the room. While Kasey was getting the finishing touches done on her hair and makeup, I took a few photos of her details.

With Kasey’s hair and makeup done, it was time for her to step into her dress with the help of her mom. One thing I immediately noticed was how warm and welcoming Kasey’s smile was; it enhanced every photo. Luckily, it didn’t take much to make Kasey smile as it seemed she was glowing all day.

Once Kasey was done getting ready, she shared a first look with her dad before heading to Van Hoosen to share a first look with Collin.

Next, it was Collin’s turn to see his bride. They both were all smiles seeing their best friend and life partner.

After giving them a few minutes to soak it all in, we walked around Van Hoosen and created some beautiful photos.

A bride and groom laugh during their wedding at Van Hoosen in Rochester, MI.
A bride and groom laugh during their wedding at Van Hoosen in Rochester, MI.
A bride smiles while holding a bouquet during her wedding at Van Hoosen in Rochester, MI.
A bride and groom sit on a rock for a photo at Van Hoosen in Rochester, MI.
A bride and groom sit on a rock for a photo at Van Hoosen in Rochester, MI.
A bride and groom sit on a rock for a photo at Van Hoosen in Rochester, MI.
A bride and groom sit on a rock for a photo at Van Hoosen in Rochester, MI.
A bride and groom sit on a rock for a photo at Van Hoosen in Rochester, MI.
A bride and groom kiss among the trees at their Stony Creek wedding.
A bride and groom pose on a walking trail at their Stony Creek wedding.

With our time at Van Hoosen coming to a close, we left for their Stony Creek wedding at, what are commonly referred to as “The Pines.” I remember the first time I saw The Pines, I was location scouting for a winter engagement session many, many moons ago. I immediately thought that would be a beautiful spot for a wedding ceremony! Lucky for me, Collin and Kasey thought so too! Nearly ten years and many photo shoots at The Pines later, I finally got to photograph a ceremony there.

A bride looks and smiles at her guests at her Stony Creek wedding in Shelby Township, MI.

What makes a Stony Creek wedding at the Pines so unique and special is the peace and serenity the location brings.

A Stony Creek wedding ceremony in the Pines.
A Stony Creek wedding ceremony in the Pines.
A bride and groom exchange vows and rings at their Stony Creek wedding in The Pines.
The bride and groom kiss at their Stony Creek wedding in The Pines.
The bride and groom kiss at their Stony Creek wedding in The Pines.
The bride and groom celebrate at their Stony Creek wedding in The Pines.
The bride and groom smile as they walk down the aisle at their Stony Creek wedding in The Pines.
The bride and groom smile as they walk down the aisle at their Stony Creek wedding in The Pines.
The bride and groom kiss at the end of the aisle at their Stony Creek wedding in The Pines.

After their Stony Creek wedding ceremony, we stuck around for a few more formal photos before heading to the Italian American Cultural Center for their reception.

Bridesmaids pose for a photo at a Stony Creek wedding in Shelby Township, MI
Groomsmen pose for a photo at a Stony Creek wedding in Shelby Township, MI
The bridal party poses for a formal photo along a stone wall at a Stony Creek wedding in Shelby Township, MI.
Family formals at a Stony Creek wedding.
Family formals at a Stony Creek wedding.
Family formals at a Stony Creek wedding.

As guests took their seats, it was time to invite in the bridal party and the bride and groom.

As guest enjoyed their dinner, we snuck outside for a few golden hour photos before the sunset.

The bride and groom embrace near a lake during golden hour at a wedding reception at the Italian American Cultural Society.
The bride and groom embrace near a lake during golden hour at a wedding reception at the Italian American Cultural Society.
The bride and groom steal a moment during golden hour at a wedding reception at the Italian American Cultural Society.
The bride and groom share a first dance at a wedding reception at the Italian American Cultural Society.
The bride and groom share a first dance at a wedding reception at the Italian American Cultural Society.
The bride and groom dance while looking at the bride's slow dancing parents at a wedding reception at the Italian American Cultural Society.
The bride and groom dance surrounded by guests at a wedding reception at the Italian American Cultural Society.
Guests dance at a wedding reception at the Italian American Cultural Society.

Venue: Italian American Cultural Center

Venue: Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township

Hair & Make Up: Caidy Marie Beauty

Dress: Piera’s Bridal

Tuxes: Wesner Tuxedo

Cake: Christine’s Bakery

Video: Happiness Again