Meadowbrook Hall and Villa Penna summer wedding provided by Kari Dawson, top-rated Southeastern Michigan wedding photographer, and her team.
Getting Ready…
As I watched Cristina come down the steps of her parent’s home with her veil in place and holding up her wedding dress. Just beaming ear to ear; I couldn’t help but wonder if she or her mom ever imagined this day when they all shared the house together. Cristina got ready for her wedding day in her teenage home. Equipped with a gorgeous vanity and the full set of the Stephanie Myers Twilight series. (Team Edward) A little silver trinket box with her name engraved on it. And a crib. Because, well, daughter’s move out and get married and grandchildren take over eventually. It made me wonder if one day I’ll be standing in one of my daughter’s bedrooms that they currently occupy and drape a veil over her head. Or slip on her wedding day shoes. I’m sure everyone realizes by now I am a sentimental junkie.
First Look…
I found Jason on the bridge leading to Meadowbrook Hall anxiously awaiting the arrival of his bride for their first look. I always warn my couples that those final moments are the toughest ones of the day. The immense level of emotion and anticipation you feel just before you see each other builds all day and finally, when you do see each other, all is right with the world again. If you’re curious about a first look; don’t be. The butterflies don’t vanish. You still have a marriage ceremony to come. Tears are shed during a first look and tears are shed just as frequently during the ceremony as well. We had so much fun during their portraits before kicking off the ceremony.
I love that they filled their day with family with a ringbearer, flower girl, and junior bridesmaids and everyone in their wedding party was a sibling, cousin, family member.
The Party…
When delicious food, and lots of it, and cocktails are among your list of top factors in planning a wedding you choose Villa Penna. It’s a good thing our meal is one of the final things we do before we are finished shooting for the day because I almost had to be rolled out of there myself. Besides an amazing dinner, I had a blast throughout the entire day with Cristina and Jason. The two of them are so warm and welcoming. They are SO easy together.
I loved meeting their friends and family that made up the wedding party that I just met, just as much as I adored seeing the ones I already had the pleasure of working with. You might remember one of my previous groom’s, Christopher and wife, Kimberly. And I bet you’ll spot the photo of Chrissy and Gino later on. I love, love, working with familiar faces just as much as I love meeting new people and creating new connections.
