A few years ago, I photographed the wedding of Tom and Alexa. It was a ridiculously fun wedding filled with so many unscripted moments: a sweaty, bare chested marathon runner who hopped into groomsman formals, the father of the girl who caught the bouquet preventing the garder to be put on, and the icing of a few people throughout the day with Smirnoff Ice. Years later, it is still one of my favorite weddings, not because the photos, but because of the people. Fast forward four years and when Matt emailed me introducing himself as Tom’s brother, he had to say no more. I knew exactly who he was and wanted to shoot his wedding. I already had a taste of the fun and the crew and knew that his wedding would be much the same. When Matt, Nicole, and myself met for coffee to discuss the details of their wedding at Meadowbrook Hall, we spent the better part of an afternoon catching up, planning their wedding, and laughing over coffee. I was late for dinner that night but made two new friends in the process. Nicole and Matt’s wedding at Meadowbrook Hall was over a year away at that point, but I was already excited for their day. I knew not only would it be beautiful, but we would have a lot of fun in the process.
Our day started with Nicole and her bridesmaids getting ready at her childhood home.
As we began shooting, I noticed Nicole’s mom quietly reading a letter Nicole wrote her. One thing I learned about Nicole is she has a huge heart and is both thoughtful and sentimental. Her gifts to her mom and Maid of Honor show that as well.
With a few finishing touches, Nicole was almost ready to become a bride.
With Nicole’s hair and makeup finished, it was time to head over to Meadowbrook, where Nicole finished getting ready with the help of her mom.
As Nicole put on her finishing touches, Matt was also getting ready nextdoor with the help of his dad and brother.
A wedding at Meadowbrook Hall is iconic. The architecture is regal and the perfect backdrop for such an elegant event. Wanting to utilize the grounds to their fullest, Nicole shared a first look with her dad on the opposite site of the mansion. With no guests in sight, it was an opportunity for them to share a special moment.
Meanwhile, guests took their seats in the Pegasus Garden in anticipation of Nicole and Matthew’s wedding at Meadowbrook Hall.
Following their wedding at Meadowbrook Hall, Nicole and Matt snuck away for some photos before visiting nearby Van Hoosen Museum.
Feeling the fun vibe from their crew all morning, I hopped on the party bus as we traveled to one last stop before their wedding reception at Andiamo Showroom in Warren, MI.
During one of our planning calls, Nicole mentioned that Matt was more of the sentimental type. I understood and shared the story with Nicole that on my wedding day, I lost the bet that I would cry more than seven times throughout the day. I think I lost by the time Becky and I shared our first look. It was a great bet to lose as those heightened emotions secured those moments and memories deep within me. Throughout the day, but particularly during speeches, there was not a dry eye in the room of Matt and Nicole’s wedding. It was a special day for many reasons: a celebration of love, life, and those we love from beyond.
With the dance floor open, there was just one thing left to do…
Venue – Meadowbrook Hall
Venue – Andiamo Warren
Film – Timothy Scott Films
Music – Big Ben Entertainment
Floral – Charvat the Florist
Cake – Elegance in Sugar
Rentals – Modern Art Party Rentals
Transportation – RockStarz Limousine
Hair – Color in Stone
Makeup – Paul Mitchell The Salon
Dress – Nancy’s Bridal Formal Boutique
Tux – Men’s Warehouse
Honeymoon – Shamrock Travel
Accessories – Crowning Glory Bridal Accessories