Anna & Reggie’s Birchview outdoor wedding this summer was So-MUCH-FUN! Guys, the field, the barn, the colors, the smiles, the everything made their day exactly the way they wanted it to be.

Vendors who made this day happen…

Caterer: Forte Belanger

Bar: Slingin’ Sisters Event Bartending

Venue: Birchview Outdoor Wedding & Event Center

Tables & Chairs: Detroit Chiavari

Music/DJ: Bee Entertainment

Hair: Breanne Williams

Makeup: Amber James, Artistry by Amber

Floral: Floral Designs by Lori

Maria Makes It Official

Katie & Curtis’s Downtown Detroit Colony Club wedding was a traditional classic and proves just why weddings are so special. From Katie’s getting ready moments with her mother and grandmother to Curtis’s time with his friends and family, they were showered with love before walking down the aisle and seeing each other for the first time.

Katie along with her mother, grandmother and bridesmaid spent the morning at her mothers home. Curtis and his groomsmen spent the morning at the Westin Book Cadillac in downtown Detroit. From there we made our way to the Colony Club where they were able to relax and freshen up before the ceremony. Family and friends arrived with smiles, and a whole lot of love. Katie & Curtis are truly loved by many and it absolutely showed.

When it came time for Katie to walk down the aisle and Curtis to see her for the first time, his smile was contagious! The tearful walk then meeting her soon-to-be husband at the end of the aisle put everyone in tears of happiness.

When it came time to celebrate, celebrate is exact what they did!! They danced into the night and luckily we managed to escape to capture a few evening shots at the Fox Theatre just steps away. Rounding out this stunning classic Detroit wedding.

I hope you enjoy these highlights as much as I did capturing them!

Vendors who made this happen…

Photographer – Sarah Kossuch

Second Photographer – Jennifer Buehrer

Third Photographer – Chelsea Brown

Hotel – Westin Book Cadillac

Venue – Colony Club Detroit

DJ – Pro DJ Services

Cake – Sorellas Custom Cakes – Livonia

Florals – Viviano – St. Clair Shores

Wedding Dress – Sposa Bella Couture – Birmingham

Tuxedos – Brighton Tuxedo Shop – Brighton

Limousine / Shuttle – Allstar – Shuttle Service

A-List Limousine – Limo Service

Invitation – Pretty Petal Papers – Invitations

Hair – Visions Spa and Salon – Novi / Novi One Salon – Novi

Makeup – Configure Beauty Detroit

xoxoxo

Sarah

Ashley & Jeremy were married this past weekend at the Peninsula Room Jolly Pumpkin in Traverse City and what a way to close the summer out!

After 5.5 years together, they tied the knot combining their family together as one! In addition, they just so happen to live in our subdivision which has blessed us with not just neighbors but friends. We love where we live guys! The moment I met them I knew I had to photograph their wedding when that time came, and I’m so blessed I did!

Instead of the traditional bridal party, they had all five of their children stand up! I just love that!! And I’ll be honest, the most memorable part of the evening was having all five of them introduce Jeremy and Ashley for their first dance as husband and wife. xoxo

From the tearful morning to scrubbing’ the ground on the dance floor, here’s a few highlights from their day!

=)

Aria & Joseph’s Hindu infused Gem Theatre Detroit wedding was nothing short of amazing. From the colors, the details, their personalities and even the love surrounding them made the day magnificent.

Aria & Joseph began getting ready at the Shinola Hotel in downtown Detroit. Steps outside in Parker’s Alley they decided to have a first look and, you guys…look at the reactions! That is a moment everyone around can feel the love, it was just beautiful.

It wasn’t long after we departed to the Gem where they would celebrate the rest of their day. Aria & Joseph chose to have a Christian ceremony first followed by a Hindu ceremony directly after. Being present to document these moments really make me feel humble. I enjoy seeing the different traditions and how intimate these moments are for each family member. For that I’m thankful.

Aria & Joseph wen into their first dance as you would expect any couple following dinner but they had a surprise up their sleeves….take a look to see how that went down!

xoxoxo
Sarah

Vendors

Hotel : Shinola Hotel Detroit

Ceremony / Reception Location : Gem Theatre

Videography : Heart + Soul

DJ : DJDC Productions

Florals : The Flower Alley

Meredith and Daniel were married this spring at the Shinola Hotel in Downtown Detroit Michigan. Due to Covid they opted to reschedule from 2021 and I’m so happy they did! It was well worth the wait!

What I loved about their day was that not only did they keep the Detroit theme alive, but they also incorporated their tradition of a Vietnamese ceremony. Not only did they have that, but they also had a traditional ceremony. 

When I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised that Meredith and Daniel had two separate beautiful suites that also shared the same terrace. Because of that, we were able to make the most of their day using this private space.I personally was jaw dropped because Meredith’s color choices very much my branding style and theme. That never ever happens you guys! Like I’m not kidding I wanted their lounging outfits asap! I love those colors so much it’s all throughout my home. I even have a white jeep with cognac leather, and black interior … shameless fun fact.

Meredith and Daniel started with the traditional Vietnamese ceremony before changing and continuing with a traditional ceremony.

I love documenting days that showcase each couple, and their day was just that. Through every image you can feel their smiles, it’s contagious!!

With that, here’s a glimpse in their day followed by all of the wonderful vendors who made this happen!

Vendors

Shinola Hotel – marycatherine@shinolahospitality.com, ShinolaHotel.com

Jason Willis (Videographer) – info@jasonwillisweddings.com, jasonwillisweddings.com

University Flower Shop – events@uniflowershop.com, https://www.uniflowershop.com/

Prestige Entertainment – mfrazier@prestigeentertainment1.com, prestigeweddings.com

Detroit Flower Wall (Green Wall) – flowerwalldetroit@gmail.com, detroitflowerwall.com

Detroit Glam – Hair & Makeup – carson@detroitglam.com, https://www.detroitglam.com/

Modern Social – Photo Booth – events@modernsocialdetroit.com, https://www.modernsocialdetroit.com/

=) xoxo, Sarah

Guys, like, is this real life right now? When I rolled in for Danielle and David’s Downtown Rochester Michigan engagement session, my mind was blown – not only are they beautiful on the outside, but also on the in.

I always start off in the standard poses to get couples to feel comfortable in their skin, outfit and of course with ME! It’s not the most comfortable feeling being documented. Believe me, I know. However, I try to make it as painless as possible.

Moving on Danielle mentioned to me that they are big cigar smokers and in fact, that was their first date! So because of that they really wanted to end the session having a cigar because it was meaningful to them. I mean….WHAT? I was like HELL YES!! Every ounce of our time together felt like I had this long lost friend. I dig a bride with an awesome sense of humor and funny one liners, HA!

I knew this was the perfect blog to post now that I am finally seeing smiling faces again <3

xoxoxo

Sarah

Hair & makeup was done by Amber Frampton Instagram @allurebyamber_

Annie & Joe’s intimate wedding is just one of many weddings who faced challenges in 2020.

The wedding industry was shattered much like the dreams of couples who long for the day to have a big event, an event that is to be the best day of their lives. Annie & Joe faced challenges like others but their story is a bit different which is why I’m coming out of the blogging woodwork and sharing them first.

As you know weddings were mostly rescheduled due to the Covid pandemic. Everyone from venues to vendors were lost as to what this meant for them. Annie & Joe faced those challenges and in addition, a family health matter. Because of that, Annie & Joe pulled off with the help of seriously one of the best teams around, a backyard wedding in a matter of a couple of weeks. I’m not kidding.

Annie & Joe were scheduled to have a big beautiful wedding at the Gem Theatre in Detroit and while that may not have worked out I cannot begin to tell you, I think it was a blessing in disguise. This was probably the most emotional, beautiful and incredible wedding I’ve had the honor or documenting.

The team at Best Day Ever put together a stunning backyard intimate wedding with just very close family. The entire day was jaw dropping. Guys I even have goosebumps as I’m typing this, seriously. It was truly an intimate wedding with lots of love, laughter, tears and everything in between. While they married at the Lutheran Church of The Redeemer, the backyard wedding was held at Annie’s parents home.

Below is a peek into their day from Covid, gathering restrictions, loved ones, and a loss … they managed to overcome what 2020 threw their way.

Thank you to all of the vendors who made this unforgettable day possible, you are the best!

Vendors

Best day Ever – Jen House Design

Two Unique Caterer

Love and Buttercream

Rick Lieder Band

And a big special thank you to Chelsea Brown my second for teaming up with me and documenting this special day. xo


With much love and a beautiful 2021,

Sarah xo

Hey guys, Happy Wednesday!

I started a little series titled “What Questions Should You Ask Your Wedding Photographer?“. I did that because I know this is the time for bookings and couples are overwhelmed, and really just need some guidance. I hope that if anything this is at least somewhat helpful for you.

So with that let me go over a big question that’s discussed quite a bit that might be helpful to you. When I go over this it’s a huge eye opener for couples so I figured hey, I’ll share it on the blog!

The pros and cons on first looks. This is a big section I cover in my phone call with you. I will start to go over what you think the timeline is going to look like (tentatively of course). My first question is “what time is your ceremony?” then it’ll be “when is your cocktail hour?” These are two huge factors in really considering a first look. Here’s why, if you have a ceremony at 4:00p (lasting roughly 30 minutes), and your cocktail hour is directly after at 4:30p, you will need to time for your formals (20-30 mins – and these can take much much longer due to the nature of trying to locate family members if they’ve wandered off.), then we have to capture your bridal party together (15-20 minutes with cooperation!) then the two of you. Leaving a little bit of time for us to set up lighting etc… for your announcements. That is tight and can be stressful. At that point I do suggest a first look which is where you see each other before the ceremony. I do that because at that time we are able to capture the bride and groom, the bridal party, the bridesmaids, and groomsmen all before the ceremony. This is much less stressful on you and in addition allows you to attend the last half hour of cocktail hour.

There are times where I suggest ” no, you really do not need a first look”. I would suggest that when/if you are looking at a 1-2p ceremony with 2-4 hours in-between before cocktail hour begins. If you’re looking at a timeline like this you have no need to opt for a first look!

When I make these suggestions there’s no right or wrong! If you just don’t want a first look, you really want your groom to see you for the first time walking down the aisle, that WILL happen. If your ceremony goes directly into cocktail hour we will do what we can to make it work. We may have less time but we can pull you out after dinner, or utilize time before the ceremony the best we can. This is why organizing a timeline is so beneficial for everyone.

Take a peek at my timeline sample, it’s really helpful for anyone to get an idea of how a day unfolds (first look or not).

SAMPLE FIRST LOOK/NO FIRST LOOK TIMELINES

I hope this was helpful for you or anyone!

xoxoxoxo

Sarah

Meghan & Iain had a stunning Dearborn Inn Michigan Wedding and I was beyond blessed to have been there to document their day!

Beginning the day I met Meghan at the hotel and, you guys, it’s so meaningful when you have a connection with your couples which was super awesome to have with Meghan. As we began, we had a lot of excitement, and it was a little bit different then usual. You see, Meghan had a BIG surprise for Iain. Little did Iain know after finishing getting ready there was a beautiful vintage car from Motor City Vintage Rentals waiting right outside. He had absolutely NO IDEA! This was extremely special because of Iain’s love and appreciation for vintage cars. Luckily for them and us we were able to spend moments with him, his family, his groomsmen and even Meghan capturing the beauty.

From there we headed straight to Saints Peter and Paul Jesuit Church where the ceremony was held. I was really pleasantly surprised at how beautiful the lighting, the ambience and even the emotions from the family were. These are moments that are special and for me are a lot of fun to capture.

Moving from the ceremony I loved how Meghan & Iain planned this, we went to the DIA to document the bridal party as well as the two of them but, we also went to the Detroit Shipping Company! Meghan & Iain had it set up where they had their own private cocktail hour with close friends and family before heading back to the reception! How cool is that?! I have to say that’s a first for me but such a good idea for anyone currently planning a wedding. The weather was a hot summer day, perfect, sunny, filled with friends, family and lots of laughter.

From there were went back to the Dearborn Inn to finish off the evening and the rest is history!

Thank you Meghan & Iain for having me there to document YOUR beautiful story.

Here’s a peek into their day!

xoxoxoxo

Sarah