emerald green and black great oaks country club wedding by kari dawson

i do {weddings}

pops of pink and lush greenery pop against the emerald green for this black tie great oaks country club wedding in rochester

Emerald green and black summer Great Oaks Country Club wedding in Rochester, Michigan provided by Kari Dawson, top-rated Rochester wedding photographer and her team.

The wedding season of 2022 is giving me all of the Hollywood Glam vibes. Lucas and Samantha’s Great Oaks Country Club wedding in Rochester is no exception. Sam got ready in her childhood home with its tall ceilings and tons of natural light. I found myself gasping all day long as I saw their style and details come to life throughout the day. Starting with Samantha’s Jimmy Choo bridal shoes. I died over these shoes. With two kiddos (adult children of mine) getting married this year and next, I may or may not be on the hunt for my perfect pair.

The floral pajamas are so darling and as much as I love the pink trend and the dusty blue trend I am absolutely loving the lush greens. The bridesmaid dresses that Samantha chose for her maids are stunning and the perfect option for every height and body type; so flattering.

Let’s hear it for the boys…

The lovely Britt from Bamphoto was there to capture the memories of Lucas, his family and groomsman as they prepped for the day. These quiet moments as Lucas prepared for his wedding day are so special. You know I love a classic black tuxedo just as much as I love a unique twist. Both moms wore incredibly beautiful gold gowns with both dads in classic black tuxes putting the finishing touches on this classically styled wedding day.

Lucas + Sam…

Beyond the dresses, fancy shoes, lush florals, and dashing tuxedos though is a beautiful couple smitten with each other that just couldn’t wait to get to the altar. The wait at the church before you finally get to walk down the aisle and see each other for the first time is the most brutal part of the day. As their photographer, I had a birds eye view as their emotions shifted throughout their wedding ceremony. It was fun to watch Lucas’s shoulders finally begin to relax. Then seeing their smiles stretch across their faces until finally they began to whisper to each other followed by little giggles from Sam. I know there isn’t much I actually remember from my own ceremony, being in a very surreal bubble. So knowing they get to replay their ceremony in their minds through my photos will never grow old.

Let’s get this party started…

We had the best time together on the golf course with the full wedding party until slowing things down a little for some romantic portraits with Lucas and Samantha. Their energy bolted right back up when it was time for their grand entrance. Lucas and Samantha’s wedding day was extra special for me having friends and KDP couples in the room like Jan + Steven who were married when Lucas was just 17 years old along with Lauren and Andrew who were married last summer. Crazy how small the world really is. With the party officially kicked into high gear, this is the start of their happily ever after, surrounded by their nearest and dearest. Thank you, Lucas and Samantha for trusting me with your memories!

Wedding day vendors provided at the end of this post.