Where do I even begin with this wedding or this couple? I was looking forward to Ben and Arianna’s wedding from the moment I attended their beautiful engagement party on the Ovation Yacht. I wasn’t even booked as their wedding photographer at that point but the event was so classy and memorable, I knew their wedding would be too. Luckily we ended working together on their wedding at the Roostertail in Detroit, and their wedding was perfect. Ben and Arianna visited some of Detroit’s most beautiful locations and, more importantly, we able to be present in the moment to fully embrace and enjoy every aspect of their wedding day.
Our morning began with Ben getting ready at a local AirBnB alongside his brother and cousin. The early morning light cascading into the loft made for the perfect impromptu studio for Ben to get ready in. It wouldn’t be a proper groom prep if music wasn’t playing and inside jokes were being shared.
While Ben was finishing up his wedding day preparations, Arianna and her girlfriends were getting ready at Detroit’s Shinola Hotel. I have shot at the Shinola Hotel before and loved it for its modern decor, generous rooms, and large windows. Arianna’s suite had a private outdoor patio, which made it perfect for some champagne toasts and getting ready while all of Detroit watched.
After Arianna was fully ready, we drove to the Edsel and Elenor Ford House in Grosse Pointe for Ben and Arianna’s first look. Arianna was practically giddy to see her future husband on their wedding day.
Since Ben and Arianna were getting married in a church, they decided to spend a moment during their first look reciting their own vows to each other.
With their private moment coming to a close, it was time to explore the grounds of the estate and take some photos of just the two of them.
Following their time at the Edsel and Elenor Ford House, we headed over to Our Lady of Perpetual Help for their ceremony.
With wedding bands on their fingers and best friends next to them, it was time to celebrate Ben and Arianna’s marriage. Before their wedding at the Roostertail, we stopped at a few more locations in Detroit for some photos and memories with friends and family. Needless to say, everyone one in a great mood.
With just a few minutes to spare, I took Ben and Arianna to one of my favorite spots in Detroit. I love the city as a backdrop and we timed it just perfectly to incorporate some early golden hour light into the photos.
With guests patiently waiting, it was time to celebrate their wedding at the Roostertail. The night couldn’t have been better. A cool breeze kept guests comfortable while they dined and danced outside. And dance they did!
As the night fell upon us, Ben and Arianna’s wedding at the Roosetail really started to take shape. Guests partied the night away on their floating gazebo. The DJ mixed music so no one left the dance floor. Late night snacks were an ode to their cultures. No detail was overlooked.
Special mention to Douglas with Black Tie White Dress Productions who was awesome to work with. I can’t wait to see Ben and Arianna’s video.