John and I were thrilled to be a part of Kristin E. and John C.'s late summer wedding at the historic Cranbrook House and Gardens in Bloomfield Hills.
As the bride and groom wanted to spent as much time as possible with each other and their guests, they opted to see each other privately beforehand. I am personally a big fan of this idea, as it is such an emotional moment and provides a space to speak one's heart and mind, as well as clear the nerves! From their private meeting we jumped into bridal party and family pictures. We had enough downtime for a breather~ Kristin joined her girls. John C., a huge Tigers fan, gave each guy a monogramed baseball bat, and the guys got to play a little ball on the perfectly landscaped grounds. (My) John had a blast with this (as a Tiger's beat photographer for the Detroit News)!
The weather was surprising mild and created the perfect backdrop for their outdoor ceremony. Officiated by a family friend, this has to be the shortest ceremony (at the couple's request) either of us have yet to witness! Then it was on to the cocktail hour in the fountain garden- lovely hors d'oeuvres and champagne all around!
Toasts were done in the garden by best man Clay and bridesmaids Sally and Dawn, as the reception tables were set across several rooms and Kristin and John opted for an open seating concept. Guests had many choices from the dinner buffet as well- from the elegant brides choice of grilled meats, veg and salad, to the grooms selection of detroit-style coney bar! Neither Kristin or John like cake, so they served a plethora of pies and a sundae station. Who says you have to conventional in a national landmark? :D Guests meandered the public spaces of the mansion and grounds, enjoying wonderful food and conversation amidst priceless antiques and art, and out under the stars.
Dancing took place under the tent surrounded by a wall of twinkling candles and sparklers waiting to be lit. We left the party with an hour or so remaining, still humming from the beauty of it all. Cheers Kristin and John!! We wish you and your family all the Best!!
As the bride and groom wanted to spent as much time as possible with each other and their guests, they opted to see each other privately beforehand. I am personally a big fan of this idea, as it is such an emotional moment and provides a space to speak one's heart and mind, as well as clear the nerves! From their private meeting we jumped into bridal party and family pictures. We had enough downtime for a breather~ Kristin joined her girls. John C., a huge Tigers fan, gave each guy a monogramed baseball bat, and the guys got to play a little ball on the perfectly landscaped grounds. (My) John had a blast with this (as a Tiger's beat photographer for the Detroit News)!
The weather was surprising mild and created the perfect backdrop for their outdoor ceremony. Officiated by a family friend, this has to be the shortest ceremony (at the couple's request) either of us have yet to witness! Then it was on to the cocktail hour in the fountain garden- lovely hors d'oeuvres and champagne all around!
Toasts were done in the garden by best man Clay and bridesmaids Sally and Dawn, as the reception tables were set across several rooms and Kristin and John opted for an open seating concept. Guests had many choices from the dinner buffet as well- from the elegant brides choice of grilled meats, veg and salad, to the grooms selection of detroit-style coney bar! Neither Kristin or John like cake, so they served a plethora of pies and a sundae station. Who says you have to conventional in a national landmark? :D Guests meandered the public spaces of the mansion and grounds, enjoying wonderful food and conversation amidst priceless antiques and art, and out under the stars.
Dancing took place under the tent surrounded by a wall of twinkling candles and sparklers waiting to be lit. We left the party with an hour or so remaining, still humming from the beauty of it all. Cheers Kristin and John!! We wish you and your family all the Best!!
