Katie and Blad had a gorgeous rooftop wedding at the Detroit Opera House.
I sat and waited, looking around the cafe for someone who matched the vague mental image I had of a person I had yet to meet. I fondly remembered the warm, welcoming, and disarming demeanor of Katie during our initial phone call; now I got to meet her for the first time. After making eye contact, a smile crossed her face. “Brian? Hi, I’m Katie” she said, extending her hand out. “This is my fiance Blad.” I felt like I was seeing an old friend after a long absence.
That same feeling hit me the morning of Katie and Blad’s wedding. Walking into the room where the groomsmen were getting ready and seeing a smiling and jovial Blad, I knew we were in for a day filled with some photogenic moments. Blad got ready in newly renovated lobby of the Atheneum Hotel. The white marble only added to the classiness of Blad’s custom tuxedo.
While Blad put on his finishing touches, Katie was patiently waiting in her room. Once Blad returned to his room, it was Katie’s turn to get ready.
Within minutes of being in her presence, Katie was already having fun and giving me plenty of candid moments to capture. Her laugh and presence is unmistakable. It’s not just a smile but a joy that she brings into every room.
Once Katie was ready, she shared a first look with her dad.
Next, it was time for Katie’s first look with Blad on top of the Detroit Opera House. She was all msiles as she approached her groom.
Blad was equally excited and emotional to see his bride.
After their first look, we walked the city of Detroit and stopped at some of their favorite spots. First stop: Parker’s Alley.
It didn’t take much to make Katie and Blad smile and enjoy the moment. They just need to be around each other.
I love all of the candid, fun moments between these two.
One of katie and Blad’s “musts” on their wedding day was to visit Vincente’s, a Cuban restaurant in downtown Detroit. Blad is Cuban himself and asked Katie to meet him here for their first date. In their vows, Katie described driving over an hour through a snow storm to meet Blad at Vincente’s. It marked the beginning of their relationship; now it marks the beginning of their marriage.
After Vincente’s, we walked over to Woodward to capture a little urban feel.
Next, it was time to meet up with their bridal party…
…and their dog!
With about an hour before their ceremony, we stepped into the gorgeous Detroit Opera House for some photos. The lobby drips elegance and is the perfect place to capture more of the environment. Their wedding at the Detroit Opera House would take place on the rooftop, overlooking the Detroit skyline.
Next, it was time for their wedding at the Detroit Opera House rooftop. Blad led the ceremony by escorting Katie’s mom to her seat.
Blad’s reaction to seeing Katie at the altar was pure emotion.
There were several moments throughout the ceremony where Blad and even some guests were found teary eyed.
One of my favorite moments of the wedding day is the bride and groom walking down the aisle after being announced as husband and wife. It is an emotional and exciting time when couples, for the first time, get to fully express themselves outside of the formalities of a ceremony. Katie and Blad’s reaction did not disappoint.
After the ceremony, I suggested they spend a few minutes just letting it all soak in. Private or alone time is pretty hard to come by on a wedding day. When I saw the opportunity for them to sneak away for a minute, I encouraged them to take advantage of it.
Ater an enjoyable cocktail hour on the rooftop, guests made their way downstairs and took their seats for Katie and Blad’s grand entrance. The rest of the night flowed smoothly as guests showered Katie and Blad with love and support.
As the evening wound down, we headed upstairs for one last shot to capture the mood of the evening. Staying true to the rest of their day, Katie and Blad were all smiles and laughter as they shared a celebratory moment.
Floral: Emerald City Designs