Sep 7, 2022

Metro Detroit Wedding at Blodgett Wedding Barn | Lori & Justin

Updated: Dec 9, 2022

Lori and Justin's beautiful wedding day takes us to Blodgett Wedding Barn in Metro Detroit. I met Lori when we worked together on a stylized wedding photoshoot in Detroit a couple of years ago. Lori is a wedding dress designer and has her own shop, LeeAnne's Luxury Bridal Boutique, in Detroit. We've kept in touch and it was an honor to be there on her and Justin's big day!

At Blodgett Wedding Barn, the bridal suite was buzzing with excitement. Lori's bridesmaids, mom, and mother-in-law all helped her get ready for the day. Lori looked stunning in her custom wedding dress. As a dress designer, it was no surprise Lori wore one of the most uniquely crafted gowns I've seen. She designed her dress to feature a corset bodice with long flowing layers and delicate floral applique details. Lori looked as though she stepped off the pages of a fairytale, or a bridal magazine. She also loves some sparkle, which she incorporated elegantly into her hairpiece and jewelry for a touch of glitz to go with her glamour. Lori even designed the bridesmaid's dresses as well as her mother's dress. They were all stunning!

Justin enjoyed a relaxed morning with his groomsmen within earshot of all the excitement from the girl's room. The bride and groom sent letters and gifts to each other to open on their wedding day. Justin gifted Lori a beautiful bracelet and Lori gave Justin a gold watch. They chose not to see each other for a first look, but instead shared a first touch by holding hands prior to the ceremony.

Under the sunny blue sky and a rustic wooden arch, Justin was excited to finally see his bride. Just before Lori and her dad walked down the aisle, they had a moment in the barn together where there were some happy tears shared. It was so sweet to witness and it's these little moments not everyone sees that become some of my favorite memories to capture. Their ceremony was heartwarming and they incorporated the tradition to jump the broom before making their way back down the aisle together as the new Mr. and Mrs. Riley.

After the ceremony, they were joined by their wedding party to explore the scenic grounds. Lori loved the red barn, which really complimented the color of the groomsmen's bowties and bridesmaid's dresses. Meanwhile, guests enjoyed appetizers and drinks during a strolling cocktail hour. Inside the barn, tables were decorated with candles and greenery beneath white drapery and Edison bulb string lights. It was a picturesque scene of rustic romance at its finest. The Blodgett Wedding Barn incorporates the rustic charm from the 1800s when the barn was built but includes modern amenities. One thing I love about old barns is when the wood has natural holes from years of weathering. The light is able to peek through these little pockets in the boards and creates a sparkle effect around the room. It looks as if you had a disco ball glittering in the sun and brings a fun warmth to the room.

When Lori and Justin joined their guests, they shared their first married dance together to U Move, I Move by John Legend and Jhené Aiko. Lori was also serenaded by her sorority sisters singing their traditional song in a beautiful display of true sisterhood. Before dinner, Lori's sister and Justin's brother both shared emotional speeches that were so thoughtful and special. Lori's stepdad led the room with grace and everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner together. Of course, Lori had a second dress to change into that she designed which was just as beautiful as the first. After dinner, Lori shared a dance with her dad that was fun and sweet and Justin shared a lovely dance with his mom, too. The party officially got started on the dance floor with an anniversary dance where the longest married couple was 45 years! Being a designer, it's no surprise there was no detail missed on Lori and Justin's special day. I loved seeing their friends and family gathering to support them in their next chapter together.

Congratulations, Lori and Justin! I am so happy for you and wish you many years of happy memories!

All my love,