Elegant Lavender and Champagne Gold Wedding, Troy, MI: Jennifer + Patrick
In the past couple of weeks, the importance of family has become paramount to me. Both of my parents recently were hospitalized, at the same time, for potential life-threatening illnesses, and every day I am EVEN MORE thankful for the blessing of my family. This is one reason, amongst so many others, why I loved spending Jenny and Pat's wedding day with them; it was all about family and being together!
Jenny and Pat even became engaged surround by Jenny's family! I remember Pat reflecting on the proposal story when we all first sat down to discuss their wedding photography. He said that after about six years of dating, their entire family was anticipating the proposal! Weddings were already on their minds, at this time, because of Jenny's sister, Elizabeth, who was preparing for her wedding day! On one particular wedding planning afternoon, Pat recalled that he and Jenny went to her sister's house, and this was the day Pat had decided to propose. . . !! Between the flurry of activities, Pat couldn't seem to get a private moment alone with Jenny - he knew she didn't like the idea of a public proposal. Then, in the family living room, in front of Jenny's sister, his soon-to-be brother-in-law, and Jenny's mother, Pat muted the TV and then got down on one knee!
Pat laughed saying that after about three words into his speech, Jenny's mom and everyone started to get so excited and loud! The outcry leads him to get his words a bit flustered until Jenny, in the quiet, beautiful way in which she brings peace to Pat, leaned in to hug him. Through helping him stay upright, Jenny said, "yes!" and then they broke out the champagne!
Jenny and Pat's wedding day in Troy, MI was so beautiful, with all the details of lavender and gold, and I could not get enough of all the funny and heartfelt moments throughout the day! Despite it being one of THE hottest and most humid days this summer, Jenny and Pat just rolled with it, and their attitudes made it amazing for me to work with them!
Jenny and Pat - I feel so honored and thankful to have been your wedding photographer and to capture these timeless moments for you! I am so excited for you both as you begin this next, great adventure together! I wish you happiness, laughter, and amazing new chapters yet to come together!
Love Always,
Courtney
I adored all of Jenny's bridal details! Everything was so classic, and I loved the combination of lavender and gold together!
Jenny and all the bridesmaids prepared for the day together at Jenny's family home! But before Jenny and the ladies got into their dresses . . . there was first champagne! :) Aren't these matching bridesmaids shirts adorable!?
There was so much joy and anticipation in the air as Jenny stepped into her wedding dress with the help of her mom and sister!
Jenny - You are one BEAUTIFUL bride from the inside, out!
Family and friends then gathered at the church for the Catholic ceremony.
I love the look on Pat's face as he sees his wife-to-be walking toward him down the aisle! So sweet!
Traditionally, wedding ceremonies last about 30 minutes, but with the longer Catholic ceremony, there is always ample amount of time for organic, candid moments to happen and to be captured! I not only focus on the bride and groom, but also on their guests! I loved the expression on Pat's father and mother's faces as they watch their son give his marriage vows!
Pat mentioned that one of his most anticipated moments of the day was the first kiss and being able to openly kiss, the normally PDA-shy, Jenny all he wanted! Ha!
The new Mr. and Mrs!!
As Jenny signs her new name on the marriage license, Pat can't contain his smile!
We then geared up for Jenny and Pat's portraits which were held in the beautiful light and in the front yard of Jenny's family home! And can we talk about these flowers!? So amazing and gorgeous by the talented Grand Jour Events team!!
Now, I am a little bias since purple is my favorite color, BUT I think these ladies rocked their lavender bridesmaids dresses!
There were so many fun, candid moments between Jenny and Pat that made my little photographer heart melt. Like this one = pure joy!
Jenny's wedding dress by Allure was gorgeous with the elegant, high neck, partially open back, and lace details!
This one's for you Pat! Just you and your lovely wife sharing a kiss for all time!
Jenny and Pat also decided to hold some of the family portraits right at their house as well!
I recommend shooting family portraits outdoors if possible so that they resemble more natural and relaxed family portraits, especially if the ceremony location is dark!
The light was just perfect for all these different portraits!
After being officially married, Jenny's next most anticipated moment of the day was to relax and to get the party started at the reception!
Another special element that Jenny and Pat included in their day, and one that I always personally love, was a table full of wedding day photographs from their parents, grandparents, and family tree!
There was so much laughter as Jenny's father gave his toast to his daughter and new son-in-law!
Another opportunity for me to capture wonderful candid moments of the guests is during the formal dances! I always try to focus on the people watching the dance floor to capture their genuine emotions!
Here, in one frame, we see Jenny dancing with her dad, while her grandmother watches the moment in the background!
I loved this moment too as Pat and his mother danced and as his sisters and father laugh with happiness in the background!
Congratulations again Jenny and Pat!!!
Many (many) thanks to the talented team who were apart of creating this beautiful wedding:
Ceremony Venue: St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Troy, MI
Reception Venue: St. Josaphat Banquet Centre, Warren, MI
Day of Coordinator: Tammara Kane of Grand Jour Events
Florist: Grand Jour Events
Cake: Militello's Bakery
Wedding Dress Designer: Allure, from Perfect Fit
Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Adrianna Pappell, from Carson's
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Jos. A. Banks
Favors: Homemade Jam by Groom's mom
Videographer: Mike Staff Productions, Inc.
DJ Entertainment: Mike Staff Productions, Inc.
Photobooth: The Detroit Photobooth Company
Make-up Artist: La Facciabella
Hair Artist: Angela Kiryakos
Invitations: Vivian Elle Invitations
Photographer: Courtney Carolyn Photography
(Also a special shout out to my amazing assistant, Scott! Your help and patience are always a blessing to me!)
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Meet Courtney
Welcome to the CCP Blog! I'm Courtney Carolyn a wedding photographer based just outside of Detroit, Michigan. I hope you grab a cup of coffee and enjoy viewing my latest work, reading up on resources for brides, and getting a little peek into my life! I'm so excited you stopped by! Read more . . .
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