Wedding at the Detroit Athletic Club

Katie + Kevin’s Wedding at the Detroit Athletic Club

When I first met Katie and Kevin, I met the whole crew!  Katie, Kevin, their parents, and myself were crowded around a small coffee table at the DAC, looking at albums, talking about their wedding, and discussing how I would be able to help.  I felt like there were three stories going on at the table at once: parents had questions about the album, others had questions for me, and then subtly and quietly without anyone really noticing, Katie and Kevin figuratively snuck off and were just pleasantly content being with each other, totally present, loving each other and the phase in life they were in.  It was really interesting because if you picked up on it, it was an insight into them, their relationship, and what their wedding day would be.  It was a special moment to behold as it made obvious why their relationship was so special: all they really needed or cared about was each other.

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Katie and Kevin had the most beautiful wedding at the Detroit Athletic Club.  The DAC is one of Detroit’s oldest and most revered wedding venues.  I am always excited when couples book their wedding there; not only does the DAC set the standard for customer service and experience, but it certainly doesn’t lack locations to create beautiful images.

Kevin’s suit was custom made by one of Detroit’s, if not the midwest’s, finest tailors, Joshua Gold.  Located in Royal Oak, Joshua actually gave me a tour of his store and explained the painstaking details and immense options that go into creating one of his pieces.  I had the serendipitous pleasure of meeting Joshua even before I knew Kevin was getting his suit made there.  Gentleman, if you are looking for your own heirloom or keepsake from your wedding day, I suggest you visit Joshua.  Not only will you make some amazing memories, you will look good while doing it.

Before Kevin got to see Katie for the first time, some stories, salutations, and shots were in order.

Next, it was Katie’s turn to be primped and prepped.

Katie and Kevin had their first look at the DAC’s famous staircase.  You could feel the excitement from both of them.

Before venturing away from their wedding at the Detroit Athletic Club, I wanted found a gorgeous little nook that needed to be photographed.

I love the stoic, grandiose pose of George alongside the equally strong and confident pose of Katie.

It isn’t often that I get to ride on a party bus due to the logistics of the day; however, I was glad I got to ride on theirs.  So. Much. Fun.

Before returning to their Detroit Athletic Club wedding, we stopped at the Detroit Institute of Arts for some formal photos.  It was easy to get everyone to smile when they were having that much fun.

This series of photos gives a glimpse of exactly what I felt on the day of their consultation.  Simply holding Katie in his arms was all the prompt they needed to be fully engaged and candid with each other.  You can’t ask for much more as a photographer.  So easy to work with and so genuine too.

Katie was so elegant and stunning, it was tough to not want to photograph her at every location we went.

These photos make me laugh.  Was it Jay-Z?  Usher?  ’90s and 2000s pop that made everyone join in and sing at the top of their voices?  I will give you a hint…”and I proudly stand up next to you/and defend Her still today/’cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land/God Bless the U.S.A.”  When the bridal party can rock out to God Bless the U.S.A., you know the reception is going to be crazy fun.

Once back at the DAC, Mark Ephraim led the signing of the Ketubah.  If you are looking for an officiant, for any denomination or secular service, Mark is amazing.  Warm-hearted and a long-time veteran of the wedding industry, Mark always hosts beautiful ceremony and instills personalized words of wisdom into each service.

Next, it was time for their wedding at the Detroit Athletic Club

After the ceremony, we snuck away to snap some photos on the rooftop of the DAC.  Couples, it is so important to find some alone time on your wedding day to just be present with your new spouse and take it in.

With cocktail hour happening downstairs, I was able to sneak into the reception area and photograph some of their beautiful details.

With dinner over, there was only two things left to do, party…

…and hora!

Everyone got in on the fun.

With the night winding down, I wanted to leave Katie and Kevin with one last set of images to remember their wedding at the Detroit Athletic Club.

Best wishes you two!  I hope your wedding was everything you wished for and more!

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Throwing a great wedding is a team effort.  Many vendors take part in making it all happen.  As I blog more, my goal is to start providing you with more of the vendors in case you are inspired by what you see.  One of the vendors who helped out behind-the-scenes was Nicola Wilson from Simply Brilliant Events.  Knowing she was there to help run, organize, and manage the event space while I worked with the couple and bridal party was such a relief!