An Exquisite Wedding at the Historic Lafayette Grande
This one was extra sentimental for me....
Each wedding I shoot takes on a special experience, even for me as a photographer. Being invited into a couple's love story is something I take very seriously and I consider it a huge privilege to be a part of it. While every wedding is precious to me, there are some that carry extra sentimentality for me, usually from having a long relationship with the couple. This was one of those weddings.
I first met Kayla when she was entering the 6th grade. At that time, I was a youth pastor at the church she and her family just started attending. We had a welcoming party for all of our new students entering youth group and I very specifically remember meeting her as a sweet little 6th grader. I journeyed with her as her youth pastor from 6th-12th grade, teaching her Sunday School, going on youth retreats, and eventually watching her graduate. I formed a close relationship with Kayla and her family, which made today even more special than usual...
I arrived at the AirBNB they had booked as their getting ready location and it made my heart so happy as I was greeted by Kayla and her family. They sure a warm and wonderful group of people that instantly made me feel like part of the family. I felt tears come to my eyes as Kayla and her dad, Tom, shared a first look. Tom (or Trainer Tom as I like to call him) is a personal trainer that I have worked with over the years. It was a beautiful moment as father and daughter embraced and tears filled all of our eyes.
After getting ready and sharing some special moments, we relocated to the Lafayette Grande in Pontiac, Michigan. It is a gorgeous historic venue, known for it's iconic spiral staircase (be sure to check out the incredible photo we captured there!).
Kayla and Cam chose the most elegant of all their banquet halls, the Crystal Ballroom. The Crystal Ballroom is reminiscent of an age of grand parties and everything distinguished with its multiple crystal chandeliers, gold accents, opulent architecture, wooden floors, tiered seating, and grand theater stage. It was there that Kayla and Cam chose to have their wedding ceremony, and bind their lives together as husband and wife.
After "I do's" were said and pictures taken, one of the things that struck me most about this celebration was the bond of this family. Both families are so close to Kayla and to Cam; and together, they celebrated now as ONE family. And so many members were highlighted. Maria, the flower girl, OWNED the dance floor. Aunt Karen celebrated a birthday and even though it was Kayla and Cam's wedding day, they still got her a cake and candle and made sure to sing to her. Cam and his mother performed a dance and rap for their guests. Old photos were recreated with Aunt Sandy and her daughter. And EVERYONE partied all night long on that dance floor!
Reach out and book me for your upcoming wedding, senior session, family portraits or whatever event you may need photos for!
