Getting Ready at Home

Just like my previous post, I’m finally getting around to showcasing my work from Kelsey and Rob’s wedding I worked under SamiJo Photography. This was such a stunning affair to have been a part of and I’m so happy to have been their photographer!

This day started with me hanging out with the groom & his guys at his parent’s beautiful home in Washington Township. The groomsmen were so fun to be with and made sure I had plenty of water to drink on such a hot day. We spent the first part of our day watching and cheering on the Michigan game while getting ready. I don’t remember how the game turned out, but I do remember how the guys all cheered and had fun.

The groom’s family, like mine, is Italian and the hospitality I received while in their home and throughout the day was so incredibly kind and thoughtful. They were incredibly attentive and trusting of all of us vendors which made for a relaxing wedding day.

Ceremony in Almont

Once the guys were ready, we traveled to their ceremony and reception location in Almont. Kelsey and Rob held their wedding at Kelsey’s parents home in the country. The girls were getting ready inside, so we made sure to hide Rob until it was time for the ceremony. They did not want to do a first look and opted to see each for the first time that day while walking down the aisle.

Kelsey and Rob really provided the best experience for their guests. As soon as you walked into the space, you were greeted with a champagne wall and seating chart. Guests had the opportunity to do something totally unique as part of the “guestbook”. They could paint on a canvas that Kelsey and Rob planned to hang in their home. I thought it was a special way to have their guests included in their day. Kelsey and Rob then had their guests pick up cones of flower petals to throw once their ceremony was over. They held a short and unique ceremony- they did not provide chairs for their guests and instead walked through an aisle of their guests.

Portraits with a Bel Air

Kelsey and Rob had one of their guests bring their vintage Chevrolet Bel Air as a photo prop for both themselves and their guests. The Bel Air was absolutely flawless and the perfect touch to their portraits. We even were able to do a champagne pop with the vintage car in the background. One of Kelsey and Rob’s portraits was recently featured in an online magazine- Junebug Weddings featured my photo as part of an article they wrote and I am honored to have been a part of it! It’s been an honor to have been interviewed and published a couple times by them as well!

Reception in the Tent

Kelsey and Rob held their reception in a huge tent in their parents’ backyard. It was decorated with beautiful greenery and the color scheme was kept simple with black, white, and green. I followed Kelsey and Rob around from a distance during cocktail hour watching and capturing all the candid moments with their guests. We tucked them away towards the end for a grand entrance with their wedding party. And a grand entrance it was! We dove right into speeches and dinner right after their entrance (with their dog who wouldn’t leave Kelsey’s side).

Dinner was a grand affair and was so delicious. There was truly a whole spread of different foods that we couldn’t not try a little bit of everything. Once it was finished, the dessert spread was laid out and guests were able to grab that and a cappuccino. We loved all the authentic Italian cookies and desserts that were there. Kelsey and Rob did not have a traditional wedding cake and opted for the dessert bar instead. The cappuccino bar was amazing- authentic Italian cappuccino.

Kelsey and Rob shared their first dance in the tent under the starry night sky. It was so sweet when their dog tried to join them! Kelsey’s dance with her father was equally as sweet and they were having so much fun on the dance floor together. My favorite moment though was Rob dancing with his mother- the entire Italian side of the family got up to watch them and film them next to me. They were so happy to be a part of the day and watching them have so much fun just watching Rob and his mom was sweet.

The rest of the night was a huge party. Every guest was out on that dance floor living it up with Kelsey and Rob. They danced to more classic hits rather than today’s party hits and it was a hoot watching the groomsmen break it down. I was able to sneak away with Kelsey and Rob for just a few minutes to get some late night, flash inspired portraits. It gave us a minute to take a breather from the crowd and get some final pictures of Kelsey in her gown before she changed into comfy (but cute) sweats. A food truck showed up to serve hotdogs as a late night snack- something everyone absolutely loved. And I once again stole Kelsey and Rob for a quick “Lady and the Tramp” style portrait with a hotdog. We were all laughing so hard because it was awkward but it was such a fun moment that I know they’ll look back on and laugh at.

Vendors From The Day

I was the second photographer working under SamiJo Photography. You can check out more of my work here or connect with me!

Motor City Hot Dogs is the food truck that provided the late night snack for Kelsey and Rob’s day.

The Rustic Tap Mobile Bar provided bartending services for the night.

Pamela’s Catering provided a delicious buffet dinner for Kelsey and Rob’s day.

Their venue was once again a private residence- Kelsey’s parents were such gracious hosts on the wedding day and the tent set up was absolutely stunning.