On a frosty October morning, the bridal party settled in for hair and makeup at Twin Gables in Sturgis, Michigan. I arrived shortly after the girls to begin photographing the dress, details, and lovely bridal prep. My second photographer, Hailey was the guys’ photographer so the bride and groom could stay separate all morning.
I love the way the fall sunlight comes in behind the dress on the stairs! Hailey and I worked in tandem on this scene, going back and forth between details and externals to preserve the feeling of this morning forever. The delicate morning frost is such a perfect October vibe.
Guys being guys, they were done with all their details first, and even had time for a few quick portraits on the lawn before heading to the church!
Then it was time for the girls to do their finishing touches and head out! The sweet bridesmaids all had tears when they saw how gorgeous their friend looked! Shout out to the hair and makeup team – Leah Nicole Bridal for these beautiful hairstyles and Veronica M, the makeup artist!
St Joseph Catholic Church in Kalamazoo is such an ornate and lovely place of worship! Adriana and Tyler were married here on October 29th, 2022 on a sunny afternoon! It was a lovely ceremony. More tears (that’s a good thing at weddings!) and rich in family support, contemplative worship, meaningful liturgy, and long-standing traditions.
Adriana brought flowers to Mary, and a live Mariachi Band led the psalms between readings in Spanish. The priest was kind and genuine. The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is a transformative event in the Catholic faith – this religion counts it as one of seven sacred life events possible during the human experience – so it’s an honor to be invited to create art of these moments. (Spoiler, sometimes we are not allowed. I’ve been in churches with some heavy restrictions.
After the ceremony, we headed back to Twin Gables for fun bridal party portraits and the main reception event. Shout out here to the wonderful florist, Kasha Marie!
The inside of Twin Gables reception area is a dream! The romantic draped fabric, the luxe black Chiavari chairs, paired with stunning floral arrangements, and a gorgeous polished floor give the whole space an inviting, rich, warm atmosphere. Adrianna and Tyler were introduced as Husband and Wife, and after speeches, they had their formal first dance. (Cue more occasion-appropriate tears for both events!)
We closed the night with some fun after-dark portraits! This wedding taught us so many new (to us) Mexican wedding traditions! Have you seen Li Vibora de La Mar (the Mexican Sea Snake Dance)? It was so entertaining! The bride and groom hold the veil up high while the guests hold hands and dance through, around, and between them. The guests are aiming to jostle the wedding couple enough to get one of them to drop without breaking their line, and the bride and groom are attempting to outlast them. Tyler eventually did get knocked down and carried away, but secretly, I think he “let them” win. He was then carried to his laughing bride in an epic conclusion of fun! Congratulations Adriana and Tyler! This is a wedding to remember and we have every confidence your marriage will be equally perfect!
