Warren, Michigan Wedding | Sam and Ryan

 

Sam and Ryan were married on a beautiful summer day in Warren, Michigan.  I started with Sam getting ready with her bridesmaids at the hotel.

 

Their was some nice light coming through the window of the room so I took the opportunity to create this beautifully moody portrait of Sam before I left to meet up with Ryan and the guys.

 

I wanted to try something different with Ryan so I started with a silhouette before doing a more traditional portrait.

 

After photographing the groom I headed over to Renaissance Unity church for the ceremony.  But first, I photographed Sam getting into her wedding dress with some help from her mom and sister.

 

Sam with her father, who was sporting an excellent top hat:

 

Once Sam was finished getting ready we did a few elegant bridal portraits to show how beautiful she looked on her wedding day.

 

I love the dramatic feel of this image and how it captures the anticipation as Sam and her dad wait for their cue to come down the aisle.  

 

The first kiss, and the newlyweds! 

 

The wedding party:

 

Sam with her girls:

 

Sisters!

 

Ryan and the guys:

 

While I was photographing Sam outdoors, her dad snapped a few shots with his phone… I think mine turned out better though, lol.

 

After photographing the family photos we spent a few minutes doing portraits of the bride and groom and then it was off to the reception.

 

These girls were having what appeared to be a thumb war in the corner of the reception hall:

 

The bride and groom make their entrance:

 

Cringing, followed by laughter is one of the hallmarks of a good best man speech:

 

We stepped out just before sunset to get a few more portraits of Ryan and Sam with the beautiful golden hour lighting:

 

The first dance was lovely and Ryan sang to Sam as they danced:

 

Next came Sam and her dad and Ryan and his mom:

 

Later in the night Ryan and the guys stepped outside to celebrate with some cigars:

 

Things got wild on the dance floor as the night went on:

 

Ryan’s brother Jake with a helpful thought:

 

Before the night was over I grabbed Sam and Ryan for a couple more quick portraits.  With some control of the lighting and use of flash I was able to create these images.  I love the impact and emotion that dramatic lighting can bring to a photograph!