Location: Grosse Pointe War Memorial, Michigan, United States
Setting: Ballroom
Wedding season: Late summer
The number of guests: 225
How long did the couple plan the event: 2 years
Wedding theme/style: Classic, elegant.
Sarah and Brandon’s love story is a sweet tale of childhood friends turned life partners. Their journey, which began in grade school and continued through high school, took a serendipitous turn in 2017. Despite attending Michigan State University at different times and living in separate states, destiny brought them together on a memorable June night, when they reconnected through a friend.
Their long-distance relationship blossomed with shared interests, from attending Detroit Tigers games to indulging in music and travel. In August 2021, they traveled to Vail, CO for Sarah’s college roommate’s wedding then spent some time hiking in Boulder, where Brandon proposed on the most perfect hot, sunny Monday afternoon.
They wanted their wedding to feel both elegant and relatable. Their family and friends were so crucial to their success as individuals and as a couple and it was important to them both that everyone enjoy the event.
They chose St. Paul on the Lake Church for the ceremony and the Grosse Pointe War Memorial as it’s both a beautiful venue right on the water, as well as a tribute to all four grandfathers who were war veterans. Additionally, they chose August 26th because it’s National Dog Day, and wanted to incorporate their dog Rooney into the event as much as possible.
Sarah’s wedding day began with excitement and elegance. Sarah wore an Ines Di Santo gown for the ceremony and reception entry that was light, airy, and ethereal. She wore her strawberry red/blonde hair half up with loose curls and bright natural makeup. Instead of a veil, Sarah chose for her “something blue” to be a large satin bow worn in her hair.
Brandon spend the morning with his friends. They dressed in a soft summer cornflower blue suit, paired with a rounded old English vest and a black bow tie, creating a classic yet modern look. The black Coach loafers, which the couple gifted to the groomsmen, added a personal touch to the their final look.
Sarah, accompanied by her brother as the ‘Man of Honor,’ walked down the aisle to ‘Maestro from The Holiday’ by Hans Zimmer. The inclusion of family in key roles highlighted the deep familial bonds and the couple’s shared history.
Their dog Rooney joined them to process out of the church ceremony and it can be seen how happy he is on the photos by Abul.
The images radiate the joy and elegance of a classic American wedding. The photographer captured the bride’s beauty in every photo with remarkable skill. Each frame artfully encapsulates the beautiful moments and emotions of the day, leaving everyone who views them smiling and immersed in the celebration’s magic.
After the ceremony, the couple and their guests gathered for a photo session in front of the church, capturing the joyous moments, before proceeding to the reception venue to continue the celebration.
The reception was a reflection of Sarah and Brandon’s personalities and love story. From the unique seating chart with names on dog-shaped cards to the non-traditional choice of ice cream cake and cannolis, every element added a personal touch. The soft floral arrangements and the stunning illusion arch set a romantic mood for the evening.
Sarah and Brandon shared a special photo session with their wedding party, followed by an intimate shoot just for the two of them. The photos are very romantic and elegant, perfectly capturing the couple’s love against the stunning backdrop of the venue. With lush lawns and a wide staircase providing a picturesque setting, these images are sure to be cherished as timeless memories.
The evening was filled with joy, dance, and celebration. The couple’s first dance was a magical moment, leading into a night filled with laughter, dancing, and kisses. The sparkles added a fairy-tale notes to Sarah and Brandon’s perfect day.
Advice from the couple:
• You are the only people who have the exact idea in mind of what you expect to happen, so if things don’t go ‘perfectly’ you’re the only people who know that. Everyone else will have no idea and will enjoy themselves regardless. Something will inevitably not go as perfectly as you would have liked but it will all truly work out so don’t stress.
• Don’t invite people you feel obligated to invite. At the end of the day, this is about your love for each other and celebrating with all those who are important to you and truly know you and the groom. It should be a day filled with fun and laughter.
PHOTOGRAPHER Abul | SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER Esther Makau | VIDEOGRAPHER Bella Reel Films | PLANNER Alexa Starnes | VENUE Grosse Pointe War Memorial, St. Paul on the Lake Church | FLORAL STEM Event Design | MUA Danielle Paquin Beauty | DJ Ultimate Sounds Entertainment | PHOTO BOOTH ShutterBooth | CAKE Terri’s Cakes Detroit | | TRANSPORT Brentwood DET
