Sweetest Heart of Mary Wedding Ceremony

Sunday, October 29th, 2023

As I write this, I am four weddings away from wrapping up 2023. My house smells like a blend of roasted pumpkin seeds and juniper fir candles. Becky has Serendipity, one of her favorite Christmas movies on in the background, as she jumps between setting up a Christmas tree and and roasting pumpkin seeds. The cold autumn air may have encouraged her to rush the holiday spirit a bit, but who cares? If it makes you happy, go for it. Me, weddings make me happy. Editing makes me happy. Real emotions captured in real moments makes me happy. That is why Lauren and Jake’s wedding was so memorable. It was heartwarming, seeing both Lauren and Jake fully embrace the day, each other, and their future. Planning the wedding, Lauren and Jake experienced a few speed bumps with their original venue undergoing renovations. Just a few months away from their big day, they were practically back to square one. Luckily, it all worked out: they had a beautiful wedding ceremony at Detroit’s iconic Sweetest Heart of Mary followed by a packed reception at Walnut Creek Golf Club in South Lyon, Michigan. Having worked with Lauren on planning, I was so happy for both her and Jake to just be present and enjoy every aspect of their day.

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Lauren got ready at her parents’ house in Plymouth before heading to downtown Detroit. Her mom and sister, Kelly, helped her get ready before sharing a first look with her dad. The morning vibe was quite relaxed and set the tone for the rest of the day.

Once Lauren was ready, we headed to the Sweetest Heart of Mary in Detroit, where Jake was relaxing and conversing outside with his family and groomsmen. With the help of his dad, he put on the finishing touches before waiting for Lauren at the altar.

The Sweetest Heart of Mary is arguably Detroit’s most beautiful church. It is easy to see why. It perfectly blends elegance and grandiosity.

Sweetest Heart of Mary Church in Detroit.

A balcony view of a bride walking down the aisle of her wedding at Detroit's Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church.

A bride and groom sit in front of the altar of Detroit's Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church on their wedding day.

A bride and groom exchange rings at the altar of Detroit's Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church on their wedding day.

A bride and groom kiss at the altar of Detroit's Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church on their wedding day.

A bride and groom walk down the center aisle of Detroit's Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church on their wedding day.

A bride and groom kiss in the center aisle of Detroit's Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church on their wedding day.

In over 15 years of shooting weddings, I have never seen a couple laugh as they sign the marriage license. I can’t remember what was said, but I love Jake’s reaction.

A wedding family formal at the Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church.

A wedding formal of the bride and groom at the Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church.

With an altar as beautiful as the Sweetest Heart of Mary’s, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to highlight Lauren’s beauty and elegance.

A bride poses while holding her veil in the center aisle of Detroit's Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church.

Following their ceremony, we stayed downtown for a bit and photographed Lauren, Jake, and the bridal party at the Detroit Public Library before heading to Walnut Creek for their reception.

Bridesmaids poses like a Vanity Fair magazine cover during their Detroit wedding by Brian Weitzel Photography.

A bridal party poses like a Vanity Fair magazine cover during their Detroit wedding by Brian Weitzel Photography.

A couple kiss in front of the Detroit Public Library on their wedding day.

A bride holds the arm of the groom on the steps of the Detroit Public Library. a

A groom looks upon his bride as they sit on the steps of the Detroit Public Library on their wedding day.

A bride and groom hold hands and walk on front porch of the Detroit Public Library on their wedding day.

A bride and groom pose on the front porch of the Detroit Public Library on their wedding day.

A bride and groom embrace and kiss on the front porch of the Detroit Public Library on their wedding day.

A bride and groom embrace and laugh on the front porch of the Detroit Public Library on their wedding day.

A bride and groom hold hands and walk across the grass at the Detroit Public Library on their wedding day.

A black and white photo of a bride and groom at the Detroit Public Library.

We arrived at Walnut Creek Golf Club with some time before guests arrived. Lauren and Jake used the time for a few more photos on the course before joining guests for cocktail hour.