Jenna, sister of my former bride Talia, and every bit as delightful, made for a beautiful bride with her dashing groom Kyle. As it always is when photographing multiple weddings in the same family, it was so much fun to see everyone and catch up, and to be treated as one of the family. And, what a great family to be part of!!
There was a lovely, laid-back vibe to the day, which continued to our smoldering portrait session at The Lakes Golf & Country Club.
Have a look.
I know right off the bat that some of you – especially 10TV viewers – will recognize the adorable Shayla Reaves in these pictures, and how could you not?! Her beautiful face and infectious smile are unmistakable.
I, for one, am a loyal 10TV news fan, and have been for years. I cried when Heather Pick died and when Andrea said she was leaving. Welcomed into your home nightly, they become like friends. So when I received an e-mail from “Shayla Reaves” – I knew exactly who was contacting me. When I met her and Shawn, I was blown away by how warm and friendly they were and how funny they were together. And the wedding did not disappoint.
I don’t often say things like this in my blog posts because, to me, they sound forced and hokey and like every other photographer’s over-flowery prose, but I just have to say this: there was so much love in that room on that day from the guests and family for Shayla and Shawn that it was palpable. And, again, I have to say, how could there not be?? Shayla and Shawn are truly one of a kind.
As a primary shooter, I don’t often have many opportunities to shoot alongside another photographer in the “second” position. So, when my friend Ray of Ray Anthony Photography put out the call for a second shooter to help with a big Indian wedding up near Detroit, I thought, well, that’s pretty close and I’d love the chance to play second fiddle, so I messaged him right away and we were all set.
The wedding took place at The Henry, an amazingly luxurious hotel in Dearborn, outside of Detroit. Since I drove up the night before and had an early morning start with the groom, I decided to stay there. Oh my. The place was all marble and phenomenal artwork – truly a gorgeous hotel. And my bed was pretty darn comfy too.
So, in the morning, I started with a ceremony for the groom which culminated in lots of dancing as he rode the horse up to the entrance to the hotel to start the actual wedding ceremony. I’ve shot a couple Indian weddings but neither one had a horse, so I was very excited since I love animals. This horse was pretty and I would sneak little opportunities to pet his nose and talk to him.
After the ceremony was a long break during the day and then on to the evening festivities where I started up again with the bride getting ready for round 2. She was absolutely stunning and her outfits were beautiful and ornate.
Thank you, Ray, my friend, for inviting me to shoot this wedding with you! I look forward to other opportunities to work together!
