Sarah and John are the sweetest couple and from talking with them about their beautiful wedding day, so are their closest friends and family! I learned so much more that went on behind the scenes and I loved hearing the stories of how their friends and family came together to create a day even more magical than what Sarah and John planned. It was a day that was a labor and celebration of love. But first, I am getting ahead of myself, I have to thank Brenda Leanne who was the associate photographer for this wedding. She is incredible and Sarah and John loved her, too! The day began with Sarah and John getting ready for the day. Their details looked so pretty. The ring with the bluestone is actually a family heirloom, which makes it even more special. Sarah got ready with her bridesmaids and mom. She looked stunning in her wedding dress and I love the embroidery and beading details on the sleeves. Her wedding dress was purchased from The Bride's Project in Ann Arbor, which is a bridal shop run by volunteers where each wedding dress purchase benefits families impacted by cancer at the Cancer Support Community in the Ann Arbor area. I thought this was such a touching way to help others and a cool organization I hadn't heard of before. Sarah shared a first look with her dad before heading out to meet John. The couple chose to have their first look at the Cranbrook Institute of Science, where Sarah currently works and John used to work. It is a special place for them and so beautiful in the fall! While waiting for Sarah, John found a praying mantis in the shrubbery. It is said that a praying mantis is a sign of good luck and success, not a bad symbol to have on your wedding day. The wedding party joined them to explore the beautiful grounds while capturing some photos, Sarah and John even ran into a few friends from work!
It was time to make their way to Sylvan Table for the ceremony and reception. While Sarah didn't know it at the time, her sister's boyfriend had been busy all day handmaking a plywood platform for her to walk down the aisle on and for her and John to stand on for the ceremony. He even finished it with astroturf to match the grass and purchased rugs coordinating with their wedding colors. Sarah said the night before it rained a lot so the grass was like a sponge and he completely saved the day! How amazing is that?! Their ceremony piece with the green shutters was made using reclaimed materials, including pieces of wood from Sarah's loft in college that her dad assembled together and her mom painted. When they say it takes a village, Sarah and John are sure blessed with an amazing one! Sarah made her way with her dad by her side from the second floor of the restaurant to meet her groom at the altar outside. She said the guests dining inside clapped and cheered like out of a movie. A family friend officiated their ceremony and after exchanging vows, Sarah and John headed straight for the charcuterie spread. When I asked what they were looking forward to most about their day, they said they were most excited about the food and spending the day with those they loved. Their cake was by Sweet Heather Anne which was two flavors, spiced cake with a maple buttercream as one flavor and a custom peanut butter buttercream with local strawberry jam for the second. It looks delicious and Sarah mentioned she loved the handmade staghorn sumac detail. Brenda made sure to get the traditional and candid family photos they wanted, how awesome is Sarah's grandpa in his red jacket?! Sarah and John didn't plan on having a dance floor, just eating and mingling but Brenda made it happen by shifting some tables and everyone loved it! I am so happy for you Sarah and John! Wishing you many years of celebrating your love together and enjoying it with those closest to you!
All my love,
