Brad and Shaina’s summer wedding day at Stoney Creek Metropark was the perfect celebration for this outdoorsy and fun loving couple!
Shaina and the women had their hair and makeup team come to her and Brad’s brand new home in Shelby Township. Getting ready in the newlyweds’s home was such a meaningful way to start the wedding day!
I always recommend leaving a few extra minutes for getting ready portraits so that the bride can put on her dress in a peaceful and stress free setting. While Shaina’s mom helped button the back, I snapped a few portraits of their special mother daughter bond. Soon after, we departed to meet Brad for groom portraits!
Brad arrived to Stoney Creek Metropark in his suit and tie and we photographed his finishing touches. Soon after, it was time for the couple’s first look!
Like every couple who chooses to share a first look, Brad and Shaina exchanged hugs and tears as they saw each other for the first time on wedding day! Brad admired Shaina’s dress while they caught up on each other’s morning and shared how each of them was feeling. During this time, I always stay back and use a zoom lens to give the couple a few minutes of privacy while emotions are high!
After their first look, the bridal party arrived and we had a blast capturing all the group photos! The sage green Shaina chose for the women’s dresses complemented the stately stone structure and all the floral bouquets so perfectly. After bridal party and couples portraits, we made our way towards the lake to get these two married!
Brad and Shaina’s ceremony site was in front of a gazebo near the edge of the lake. With the sun placement being off to the side and slightly at their backs, the scenery was absolutely breathtaking!
Even though Brad and Shaina grew up fifteen minutes from each other, the two didn’t cross paths until pharmacy school at the University of Michigan. Shaina’s mentor officiated the ceremony, and shared that she had advised Shaina her not to date within in her class. Yet, within the first semester, Brad caught Shaina’s eye and she couldn’t ignore it. From there, the rest was history!
After the ceremony, Brad and Shaina greeted their guests during cocktail hour. A huge benefit to completing all the photos before the ceremony is that bride and groom actually get to attend their cocktail hour and enjoy the specialty drinks and hors d’oeuvres that they’ve put so much time and energy into!
After heartfelt speeches filled with tears and laughter, the newlyweds opened up the dancefloor. From there, it was filled with the bridal party, little ones, and family and friends.
From our first introductory call, I knew Brad and Shaina were kind, thoughtful, classy, and absolutely crazy about each other. It was such an honor to photograph their day and I am so excited to see everything they accomplish as husband and wife!
| Photography: Taylor Ingles Venue: Stony Creek Metropark Florals: Viviano Wedding Dress Shop: A’doraBelle Bridal Wedding Dress Brand: Ashley & Justin Bride Beauty: Hair Designers Salon & Spa Gelato Cart: Randazzo Catering: A Moveable Feast DJ: EZ Entertainment Tux / Suits: Generation Tux Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie |
