Military Orthodox Wedding Kari Dawson Photography

i do {weddings}

military orthodox wedding . alex and annie {i do} . kari dawson photography

Navy military Orthodox wedding at Basilica of St Mary provided by Kari Dawson, top-rated Metro Detroit wedding photographer, and her team.

Their story…

Long before they began planning their military orthodox wedding, Annie met Alex in 2008 at a church conference. Alex was president of the teen group and convinced Annie to be his predecessor which brought them closer together. Annie was smitten. But it just wasn’t their time. They lost touch during their college years. But in 2015 Alex reached out to Annie and drove up to Michigan to say goodbye to Annie. You know, one last time before heading to Japan for a two-year placement in the Marine Corp. What they thought was going to be a final goodbye was actually hello. But even when Alex returned stateside they were still long distance. Over 11 years, trips to Japan, weekend visits, and FaceTime calls they are finally living their happily ever after together!!! ⁠⠀

Their Military Orthodox Wedding Ceremony…

Alex and Annie’s navy military Orthodox wedding ceremony is one of the most culturally rich services and wedding days I have ever been part of. I love not only the beauty of the orthodox crowns and candles but the faithful meaning behind them.

Their Style…

Alex is a Captain in the Marine Corp; maybe you noticed all that metal on his jacket. Their wedding was originally planned for May before Covid took over. But the navy color of the bridesmaids dresses worked just a beautifully late-August. The neutral florals tied it all together and kept the overall style from becoming too heavy. And you’ll notice below, I got really lucky in their gorgeous hotel room with that navy chair!

Theirs is a love story over a decade in the making. My heart almost exploded at the site of Alex overcome with emotions. To see the glances they stole through the ceremony of each other combined with the beaming smiles they wore all day. I am honored to have played a small roll in the start of their forever life together and to have been the author of these moments. Welcome to the Married Couple’s Club, Annie + Alex!!

Full list of wedding day vendors provided at the end of this post.