War Memorial Wedding

Ten years ago, I photographed Alexandra’s senior photos. Even then, she was a mature, well-spoken young lady who was a natural in front of the camera. Fast forward nine years and it was my absolute delight when Alexandra reached out to me asking if I would photograph her Grosse Pointe War Memorial wedding. I don’t know who was more excited at the idea, Alexandra or myself. Either way, we started planning and counting down the days to Alexandra and Alan’s dream wedding.

I have photographed several War Memorial wedding s and loved every moment of them. The War Memorial has beautiful and unique backdrops that offer opportunities for quiet, timeless, and intimate moments for the bride and groom. Alexandra’s day started off with her getting ready with the help of her mom and bridesmaids.

After Alexandra was fully dready, she shared a first look with her dad.

Next, it was Alan’s turn to get ready. While Alexandra got ready up stairs in the bridal suite, I thought the library was a fitting room for Alan to put on his finishing touches.

With both Alexandra and Alan ready and eager to see each other, it was time for their first look. Both of them couldn’t stop smiling long after they saw each other.

One of the things that stood out with Alexandra and Alan’s wedding day was how relaxed and present they were with each moment. While part of this is their personalities, another influence was their timeline. They gave themselves the gift of time on their wedding day – to take photos, be flexible, and simply just be in each other’s presence. I really believe it shows in the photos and made the whole day more relaxed and memorable for them.

As various locations were getting set up for their War Memorial wedding, we utilized the front entrance of the building. I love the look, lighting, and lines of the location.

As the lighting changed, we moved inside and photographed Alexandra and Alan in the library.

I love the feel these images give.

With our time alone winding down, we headed over to the Grosse Pointe Academy for a few more quiet moments.

Once we returned to the War Memorial, Alexandra and Alan’s bridal party was waiting and ready to be with their friends.

While we wrapped up the bridal party photos, guests were gathering outside and taking their seats. It was almost time for Alexandra and Alan’s War Memorial wedding.

Even though Alan already spent the day with Alexandra, it was touching to see him get choked up seeing his bride walk down the aisle.

I have said it many times over the years, one of my favorite parts of the wedding is the walk down the aisle once the couple is officially husband and wife. The emotions are high and the formally it over, allowing the couples to express themselves and celebrate in their own way.

Parents and the bridal party had their own celebration for Alexandra and Alex in the nearby garden moments after they walked down the aisle. Everyone was excited for them.

As guests found their seats, it was time for their War Memorial wedding reception to begin.

DJ Christopher London did a great job of keeping the dance floor packed all night.