i do {weddings}

a magical winter planterra garden wedding in michigan

A winter Planterra garden wedding in Michigan by Kari Dawson, a Detroit wedding photographer for shy couples that want to look natural and their best.

Why Planterra…

Say Yes to the Dress. Albina saw an episode of Say Yes to the Dress that featured Planterra. And that is how the planning for their Planterra garden wedding came together.

How they met…

Albina and Shane met online, the way most modern relationships begin, or is it? These two actually connected through gaming. As Shane’s father would say “he subscribed to her.” Albina is from Boston and Shane is from right here in Metro Detroit. The two decided to pull the trigger, so to speak, and meet in person at a gaming convention. Shane’s family may have thought it a little odd that he would hop on a plane to meet a girl in person at a gaming convention out of town. But he did just that and the rest, as they say, is history. Shane has since moved to Boston where they share a place and two cats. Albina has since taken up disc golf which was the cutest detail that anchored their wedding decor. You’ll see as you scroll.

Get ready together…

Sometimes I wonder why we hold onto old traditions that no longer serve us. We have come a long way with the inception of a ‘first look.’ But forcing yourselves to be apart on the most important date you’ll share so far is kind of maddening for some. When the day got the best of Albina and even my ‘Kari Godmother’ nerves of steal and ability to calm any storm just wouldn’t do, we called for the only person who would. Albina and Shane opted not to do a first look so we didn’t ruin the surprise for either of them. We slipped into the background and busied ourselves with details so the pair of them could have a private moment through the hotel room door.

It’s the quiet moments for me…

I would spend the rest of the afternoon and evening watching these two connect and interact. Because they live out of town I did not have a chance to meet or work with them prior to the wedding day. And let me tell you, after seven years together, these two are as smitten and in love as ever. They never wandered too far from each other. And when the rest of the room was busy with their meals and conversation Albina slid her body against Shane’s and he enveloped her into his arms at their sweetheart table. Giving her a little kiss on the side of her face and whispering in her ear.

A wedding logo…

Back to disc golf. They each have animals that they identify with and hold a history in their relationship so they chose them to act as a logo so to speak for their Planterra garden wedding day. They did a cute disc golf toss together after the ceremony. Each holding their own custom adored frisbee displaying the turtle and the bear. Back inside each guest was given a coaster adorned with the logo. Even the inside of Shane’s ring was engraved with each. There were many out of town guests so Albina and Shane provided goodie bags to each traveler in their hotel room at check in. Talk about a goodie bag full of the best of the best. Every product you can think of that is Michigan made was in those bags! Such a fun way to say thank you for traveling, share a little bit of Michigan with your guests, and served as having snacks and drinks on hand.

Let’s dance…

After the cake was cut, toasts were given, and dinner was over we all made our way to the dance floor. I swear, intimate weddings have a better time than bigger weddings! Albina and their guests danced like it was the last night of their lives. You only get one day, just a few hours really with all your favorite people, we should all treat it like it’s our last. Shane and Albina, thank you so much for trusting me with your memories. It has been a joy to be on this journey with you both. Welcome to the married couples club!