Winter at Planterra: a same sex black tie wedding story

i do {weddings}

a classic black-tie winter wedding at Planterra under the stars

Winter at Planterra: A classic black-tie wedding at Planterra Conservatory in West Bloomfield, MI by Detroit wedding photograher Kari Dawson.

A winter wedding at Planterra…

The morning of Thomas and Devin’s wedding at Planterra I couldn’t wait to get to their hotel and finally meet them both in person. Devin and I chatted a few times, in the months leading up to their wedding day, and the conversation was always so fun and easy. That left both of us feeling like we had known each other for years. My team and I had the best time working on their lay flats and getting them buttoned up into their tuxedos. It wasn’t long before their lovely sisters and closest friends trickled in for their final touches. Devin and Thomas gifted each of their groomsmen custom-engraved cuff links. And their sisters received pearls placed into a setting on a necklace. But these were not ordinary pearls; they had been shucked by Thomas and Devin themselves on their recent trip to Hawaii.

Their story…

In the fall of 2018, Thomas was enrolled in medical school at Michigan State University with his curriculum in Midland. Devin, a Northwood University grad, still had friends and roots in Midland where he chose to stay when work called him to the area. A mutual friend of them both suggested they meet. What started as an evening over malbec and french fries at a local wine bar would soon unfold into many weekend visits to see each other. A romance blossomed. They would continue to uncover the many paths and coincidences that would have eventually led to their meeting one way or another. In 2019 Devin began dropping hints about getting married. They found themselves together at an establishment that hung a sign that read ‘things I shouldn’t wait to say’ with twenty blank spaces for patrons to fill in with chalk. Devin added ‘Tom Porter marry me’ but it wasn’t until the summer of 2022 that Devin made things official by proposing on Belle Isle.

Thomas + Devin…

Spending the day with these two was a true delight. Every hand-selected detail came together perfectly. The food and the staff at Planterra were chef’s kiss. And the entertainment was unique and beyond talented keeping the dance floor packed. Thank you, Devin and Thomas, for inviting me into your special day and trusting me with these precious memories. You can tell a lot about a couple by the company they keep and our experience with you both and those who love you was nothing short of warm, friendly, charming, welcoming, and full of humor. But nothing compares to the way you two look at each other. May this be the time you love each other the least. Hugs – Kari

Wedding day vendors are provided at the end of this post.