Sweetest Heart of Mary Wedding

Tuesday, January 18th, 2022

They say you want to end the year with a bang. I can easily say bringing in the new year with Alana and Tim’s Sweetest Heart of Mary wedding was the perfect way to end 2021. The wedding was beautiful and perfect. Every thematic detail of this wedding was thought of and executed to a T. I will be fondly reminiscing about their wedding for years to come. For me, this wasn’t just a wedding but a reunion. Many of the guests and bridal party members were friends, former clients, and even family. I wasn’t just happy to see Alana and Tim get married; I felt invested. I have known Alana for a number of years and have volunteered photographing the BRAvo! fundraiser event that she and her mom help host through McLaren Health Care. Over the years, they have raised over a million dollars to help fight breast cancer by make mammograms more accessible or free along with a variety of other acts to support the cause. When I first met Tim at a BRAvo event, I thought to myself, “Hmm…this guy must be special because Alana doesn’t bring guests with her to this event.” Judging by the way they interacted that night, it was obvious he was special and that he would be attending many more events in the future. A few years later, I was scrolling through Instagram when I saw a video of a girl squealing and jumping up and down as a gentleman was proposing on a beach. I laughed with joy, only to have a moment of realization, “Wait a second! I know her!” It was Alana! I watched that video no less than a dozen times, sharing in her joy. Good people deserve happy endings and there aren’t many people better than these two. When Alana called me to discuss photographing her wedding, I knew there was nowhere else I would be on New Year’s Eve.

~

Alana got ready in a gorgeous suite at Motor City Casino and Hotel with the help of her mom, girlfriends, and niece. Alana and her mom are very close. In a beautiful gesture, Alana’s mom wasn’t just her best friend on her wedding day, but also her Matron of Honor. More and more, the couples I work with have weddings that reflect their relationship and their values, even if they break with “tradition” and I am in complete support. Make the wedding your own! After all, that is why everyone attends – because of you!

After Alana was ready, Tim had a letter waiting for her. I love little, sentimental touches like this on the wedding day. Letters like this are part of your love story.

After Alana was dressed, she shared a first look with her bridesmaids before heading to her Sweetest Heart of Mary wedding ceremony.

While Alana was hiding, Tim was quietly and patiently getting ready to see her. He too had a letter to read. How special to read the words of your spouse moments before seeing her.

Within a few minutes, their Sweetest Heart of Mary wedding ceremony was underway. Alana’s brother, Matt, walked her down the aisle. Tim, seeing his bride for the first time, teared up.

After their Sweetest Heart of Mary wedding ceremony, we used the iconic altar as a backdrop for some family formals and artistic images.

Next, we headed into Detroit to photograph Tim, Alana, and their bridal party. It was all smiles and all fun the entire time. We visited some of the most iconic locations of the city, including the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), Parker’s Alley, and the rooftop of the Detroit Opera House.

As evening set in, it was time to head to their reception held at Mirage Banquet Hall in Clinton Township. The room was decorated beautifully, setting the mood for a festive night. Tim and Alana got into the room a few minutes before everyone else, allowing us to snap a few more photos.