Welcome to Olivia & Michael’s Wedding Story.
The sun streamed across the wooden pews of the St. John Paul II Liturgical Center, warming the space on this chilly November morning in Orchard Lake. The light made the chapel’s stained glass glow as Olivia arrived, bridesmaids in tow, to get ready for the ceremony. I had the pleasure of not only photographing her, but also her custom-designed invitation suite.
After securing her veil, she passed me a gift and card for her husband-to-be, Michael. Once finished watching him open his gift and read her note, I spent a moment photographing the groomsmen, feeling the anticipation in the air before the ceremony.
Once every guest was seated, and Michael was standing at the altar, Olivia and her father walked gracefully down the aisle with the sun illuminating her veil. Michael’s eyes lit up as soon as he saw his bride, and they shared a beautiful ceremony mass before being pronounced husband and wife.
We snapped family photos inside and headed outdoors into the fading sunset for the bridge and groom, and wedding party portraits while the party bus waited for us to climb aboard.
The party has begun!
Welcomed by the cheers of their family and friends, the new Mr. and Mrs. made their grand entrance into the Atrium at St. John’s Resort in Plymouth. They stopped to admire and enjoy their handmade swan pavlova cake, an homage to their families, before stepping onto the dance floor surrounded by their guests.
St. John’s Resort is one of my favorite venues for couples who want both grandeur and a sense of cozy warmth in their space. Olivia and Michael’s wedding is proof that a wedding can feel like it belongs in a magazine while still being deeply personal.
They shared sentimental dances with their parents; Olivia with her father, and Michael with his mother. These are the dances that always make me tear up. After dancing and dinner, Olivia changed into her reception dress for a final round of editorial-style bridal portraits for the newlyweds.
And just like that, the evening came to a close.
If you’re planning your wedding and envision a gallery just like this, filled with all the grand moments and the small intimate ones too, I’d love to help document your day.