Elegant White and Rose Gold Greek Wedding, Sterling Heights, MI: Alexis + Alan
On the morning of Alan and Alexis' wedding day the sun was shinning brightly (and melting us all) and they were both surrounded by the most important thing in life; family. Family is everything to this sweet and caring couple and I felt so honored to have been welcomed in as an honorary member! As I began capturing Alan interacting with his groomsmen and his brothers I could tell how much hope and love that they all have for him and Alexis!
Alexis' story is one that really touched my heart and throughout the day I felt a prickling of tears coming on (and I try not to get emotional because I have to capture it all!). When we were first getting to know each other back at their amazing engagement session, Alexis talked about how important and how very excited she was to marry Alan. She said she felt so blessed and cherishes him and all her family because she has known loss. At the age of 13, Alexis' mother passed away and from then on it was just her and her dad against the world. It is unfathomable to me how one copes with such a loss and after hearing all of this in my heart of hearts I feel that Alan and Alexis have a very very special person looking over them and their marriage!
As Alexis stepped into her beautiful wedding gown that fit her perfectly, her Aunt and her closest friends helped her prepare to walk down the aisle. One part of the wedding day that I love is the first look and traditionally a first look is when the bride and groom see each other before walking down the aisle! The first look is always a private time for the couple and is amazing for evoking those emotional reactions! As an alternative to this, Alexis decided that one of the most anticipated moments of the wedding day was not only seeing Alan, but also seeing her dad for the first time and decided to share a first look with her dad! The moment was so honest and beautiful so you'll have to scroll to see how everything unfolded below!!
After the Greek ceremony (a first for me!), we headed out to the reception at Sycamore Hills to capture Alexis and Alan with their wedding party and for some romantic portraits of the new Mr. & Mrs. Even though we were all sweating and dying in the humid air, Alexis looked absolutely stunning and Alan couldn't keep his eyes off of her! Traditional Greek dancing, heartfelt toasts, and the merriment of all continued long into the evening. Alan and Alexis shared a dance right before I left where they seemed to be in their own little world, and yet I couldn't help but notice all the family circled around them with tears in their eyes.
Lexy and Alan, I want to say again how very honored I was to be your wedding photographer and how much joy and love I have for you both! I wish you nothing but love, happiness, and amazing adventures together!
Love Always,
Courtney
Alexis' wedding shoes by Badgley Mischka matched perfectly with her wedding dress!
Alan looked so dapper with his bow tie (which is always a classic choice) and his custom engraved cufflinks!
I really loved how all of the white, gold, and rose gold details came together throughout the day!
Before she stepped into her dress, Alexis spent the morning getting ready with her bridesmaids in her and Alan's new home.
Alan and Alexis' home is mostly empty and ready for them to move in, but on the morning of the wedding Alan took it upon himself to set up and decorate one of the bedrooms for Alexis to get ready in! (How awesome is that right!?)
I simply LOVE this shot of Alexis with all her closest friends!
The gold poka dots on the invitations are so cute!
Alexis gifted this really cute Kate Spade clutch to all of the bridesmaids that are perfect for celebrating!
Now the moment you've been scrolling for . . . Alexis shares a first look with her dad!
Alexis also prepared a card and a memory book for her dad - how sweet! (and I'm saying to myself, "I will not cry!")
A very special request - Alexis with a picture of her mom on her wedding day.
It's time to get married!
Alan could not stop smiling as Alexis was lead up the aisle by her dad!
Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Kern!!
Isn't Alexis just STUNNING!?
I could take pictures with these two all day long! We had to use our time wisely in order to be sure they could enjoy the reception, and Alan & Alexis made sure to plan these portraits in the dreamy and glowy natural light right before sunset!
One traditional Greek element Alexis and Alan decided to include in their wedding was gifting Jordan Almonds to their guests!
They also had cake which was carrot cake specifically because that was what Alexis' parents ate at their wedding! (The BEST carrot cake I've ever tasted!!)
So many wonderful words were spoken to Alexis and Alan during toasts and I had all the feels!
In between all the emotional moments, laughter was non-stop, and especially during Alan's brother's toast to the couple!
Alan's dad also spoke some really beautiful words of love, hope, and happiness during his dinner blessing.
Let's party!!
Alan also has a special bond with his family and when it was his and his mom's turn out on the dance floor, he couldn't hold back the tears!
All the traditional Greek dancing was so much fun and provided a ton of amazing candid moments!
Many (many) thanks to the talented team who were apart of creating this beautiful wedding:
Ceremony Venue: St. John's Greek Orthodox Church in Sterling Heights, MI
Reception Venue: Sycamore Hills Golf Club in Macomb, MI
Bridal Salon: Piera's Bridal
Wedding Dress Designer: Pronovias Mildred
Bride's Shoes: Thora by Badgley Mischka
Bridesmaids Purses: Kate Spade
Florist: CM2 Design (family friend)
DJ / Entertainment: DJ Crashers
Cake: J. Alexander's
Bridesmaids Dresses: Sorella Vita from Piera's Bridal
Photographer: Courtney Carolyn Photography
See Alexis and Alan's Engagement Session Here >>>
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 (or sweet tea) 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 . . .
Join the Conversation!
I love to read your comments! Thank you so much for participating in my community. If you would like to share what you've read, use the social links below.