a vibrant classic colony club summer wedding in detroit
A vibrant classic Colony Club wedding in downtown Detroit Michigan provided by Kari Dawson, top-rated Detroit wedding photographer, and her team.
Their story…
They met sophomore year through a mutual friend. Junior year, Joe kissed her. Sarah took a week to decide what to do with that. Then she decided.
They’ve been inseparable since.
The proposal…
Joe told only her parents. He didn’t need an audience… just the right moment and the right place.
They had the cottage to themselves that fall weekend. He unpacked wine and her favorite foods. They made breakfast together Saturday morning. They found a new trail and hiked it.
Before they reached the end, Joe got down on one knee.
She said yes. And then kept saying it.
The rest of the afternoon was phone calls and celebrating and the particular joy of telling people something they’ve been waiting to hear.
Their connection…
Eight years of dating. Some of it long distance. A couple of years engaged. And they still look at each other like the whole thing just started.
That’s what I was watching for on their wedding day. And it was everywhere. In the way they moved through the room together. In the glances that didn’t need words. In the humor they share that belongs only to them.
These two are unabashedly themselves with each other. The comfort is real. The commitment is visible. The joy isn’t performed. It just fills the air around them.
It’s a privilege to photograph a couple who have genuinely married their best friend.
Sarah and Joe, thank you for trusting us with your day. For letting us stand close enough to see all of it. You leave a lasting impression, and we adore you both.
Wedding day vendors provided at the end of this post.
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Wedding Day Vendors
Photographer: Kari Dawson
Venue: Colony Club
Florals: Freesia Collective
Cake Artist: Cakes by Stephanie
Music: Pro DJ Services
Hair Artist: Becoming Bridal
Makeup Artist: Juia Hogan
Bride’s Dress: Mimi’s Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: Birdy Grey
Menswear: Brighton Tux Shop
Ceremony Music: Rondo String Quartet
Karli has been Kari’s creative partner for five years. Before every wedding, we visualize you as a couple, your venue, and your day, so we walk in prepared for a calm, intentional experience.
Kari is the creative director, and since she’s only human and can’t be everywhere at once, Karli closes the gaps. She shoots alongside Kari, keeps the day on schedule, carries your bouquet, fixes your veil, and is a real-life cheering squad.
That’s not even the best part. She’s also Kari’s daughter, which means we communicate without words. She anticipates what Kari needs before she asks, and together we’ve built a wedding-day rhythm you'll notice.
One leads, one closes the gaps, and nothing gets missed.
meet KARI + KARLI
share a cherished story from your time together. Could be how you met, a travel story, a date night, or anything else that comes to mind.
contact us directly kari@karidawson.com
when it comes to photography style, what drew you into our work?
photography investment
wedding date + location
how did you hear about us?
email address + phone number
who is getting married?
tell us if you're hoping for full or multi day coverage, what is the most important part of your day, and what you're hoping for in your photos?
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