Understated Elegant Church Wedding, Albion, MI: Shannon + Thomas
I was sitting at my desk, back in March, and working my way through my Monday when I received an email in the afternoon from my college friend, Shannon. As I read the email for a moment I thought, "Oh my gosh! Did I miss her getting engaged on Facebook?!?", but as I read farther Shannon explained that her and Thomas weren't even officially engaged (the ring hadn't arrived yet!) BUT that they were starting to plan their wedding and were curious about my availability between July and September!
For a moment I think I just kept saying, "Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!", and then quickly opened up my calendar. As a wedding photographer most of my Fridays and Saturdays book up quickly starting in the early summer through late fall so I was ecstatic to find a few of my free dates lined up with Shannon and Thomas'! And can I say for one second - How amazing Shannon and Thomas are for asking ME my availability first BEFORE THEY SET THE DATE!! It is crazy and so humbling that they felt so connected to me and my style that they would decide to get married on a day when I was available because they couldn't see anyone else capturing their special day! (I am blushing just writing those words and I just LOVE you both so much, Shannon and Thomas!)
I first met Shannon while we were both attending Adrian College and we ended up becoming close through various activities for our sorority! Shannon is one of those people who you can't help but love and her smile and attitude about life are breathtaking! Currently Shannon lives in Virginia and that's also where she met and became best friends with Thomas! They both fell in love, started planning the wedding, and got engaged! (Ha!)
I truly cherish and love everything about Shannon and Thomas' elegant wedding day. Shannon's wedding dress had a detailed beaded bodice and Thomas wore a striking black tux. All of their details were subtle, and allowed all of those in attendance to focus on Shannon and Thomas' love for each other, their families, and God! Throughout the day tears were plentiful, but so was laughter!
Shannon and Thomas I want to say again how honored I feel to have been your wedding photographer and feel blessed to capture your love and your first day as husband and wife! It was all so beautiful! I wish you both a lifetime of happiness and wonderful adventures together!
Love Always,
Courtney
I loved photographing Shannon's amazing dress! The structure of the dress and the light hitting it made it all so regale and elegant!
The back of the dress was just as beautiful as the front with the beaded pickup and train!
Thomas prepared for the day with the help of his best man!
As Shannon started to step into her wedding dress a smile spread across her face and never left!
Shannon's mom was so sweet and helped her with the little details like her earrings and veil!
I always tell my brides that the moment when their bridesmaids start to help them put on their shoes you are in a real life Disney princess moment because it can seem silly having other people put your shoes on for you!
Hiding behind that graceful portrait is this wild and crazy lady which we all know and love!
Thomas also got ready with his father and the other groomsmen and I loved this moment of Thomas giving his dad a helping hand with his tie!
Shannon you are so beautiful!!
Although Shannon and Thomas decided to forgo a first look until she walked down the aisle, Shannon still liked the idea of holding a first look with her dad before the ceremony!
Shannon climbed the stairs up to the ceremony with the help of her flower girl and niece Eva carrying her train!
The most anticipated moment of the day was here as Shannon and her dad walked down the aisle to meet Thomas! And come on, I mean, have you ever seen a happier looking bride?!?!
Woooooo! The "We just got married!" faces!
After the ceremony, Shannon and Thomas wanted to be sure we captured the romantic portraits of them in natural light if the time allowed and thanks to a well prepared timeline we did!
I could physically see the love between two people unfold right before my eyes and camera!
Shannon and Thomas were so cute as they danced and twirled around! I love how Shannon's laugh and smile lights up Thomas' face!
Thomas is looking right at Shannon in this moment and I can't really say what he's thinking as he looks on at his new wife . . . but from his expression it can only be thoughts of joy and hope!
As I captured more and more portraits of Shannon and Thomas, I had to give them less and less direction as they both effortlessly fell into each others embrace. They forgot I was there to be honest. :)
Reception Time - Let's Party!
This moment! Shannon and Thomas shared their first dance and at this moment Shannon hears the words of the song and begins to cry. This moment with a slow, soft tear running down her cheek is one of my favorites from the night!
Stealing a quick little kiss before the blessing.
I love this moment too as Shannon leads and Thomas follows. It was an interesting observation I made throughout the day where at different points Shannon or Thomas would be leading the other forward. I thought there was a beautiful sentiment in that thought and how their marriage will be.
One of the very last shots we captured (thank you Scott!) of Shannon and all of us Chi Omega sorority girls! (There's me, second from the right!)
Many (many) thanks to the talented team who were apart of creating this beautiful wedding:
Ceremony Venue: St. Paul Lutheran Church in Albion, MI
Wedding Dress Designer: Winnie Couture
Bridal Salon: Church Street Bridal
Cake: Sugar Dust
Photographer: Courtney Carolyn Photography
(Also a special shout out to my amazing assistant, Scott! Your help and patience are always a blessing to me!)
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 . . .
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