Y’all- are you ready for some EPIC photos of Katie and Sean’s BOMB-ASS wedding in the heart of Detroit, Michigan? Their wedding at the Colony Club in Downtown Detroit was classy and so much fun, a perfect representation of who Katie and Sean are as a couple!
When I first met Katie and Sean, we did their engagement session at the capitol building in Lansing, MI. That session was FUNNNN! It was raining almost the entire time, but that made for a nice moody atmosphere and that fits Katie and Sean’s style perfectly.
During our discovery call, Katie and Sean told me they had their very first date at a coffee shop. We had planned to do some photos in a coffee shop during their session, but we couldn’t find any that were open past 6pm! However- that didn’t stop us! We got creative with it and found a local distillery that happened to feature espresso martinis (shout out to American Fifth Spirits for being amazing and allowing us to photograph in their bar)! Katie and Sean enjoyed some martinis during their session and it made for some really cute photos. PLUS- and this is ALWAYS a goal I have at my sessions- they made a wonderful memory that went beyond just the photos.
When Katie and Sean booked with me, we all knew that I would be sending my amazing associate team to capture their wedding. Kara, one of my closest photography friends, acted as the photographer for their wedding. She met Katie and Sean at their engagement session and the four of us had a blast. So I knew that on their wedding day, the soon-to-be-Bells would be in very capable hands. I am so blessed to have wonderful friends in the photography industry, and it helps me really show up for my couples even if I can’t be at the wedding myself! I will let these amazing photos, shot by Kara and edited by me, speak for themselves!
WE LOVE A SUPPORTIVE BRIDAL PARTY YASSS!
The Colony Club in downtown Detroit is absolutely stunning. It has a real gravity to it, and it cannot be beat for it’s classic and timeless look. Plus it really helped them rock the aesthetic they were going for. Just wait until you see the photos of the interior!
SEAN! Look at this man. He is adorable and so handsome all at the same time. Plus that green suit? High class, my friend. High class.
I love me a good flat lay, and Kara never disappoints! She always nails the design and this was no exception. It also helps that Katie and Sean had some awesome details to photograph. Love it!
This is one of my favorite photos from Katie and Sean’s wedding! Shout out to Kara for the excellent composition and placement! This is right in front of the Colony Club and it just proves that a creative eye can add so much to a photograph!
The guys said their have location for photos was, of course, COMERICA PARK! I mean, how could we not? It was pretty close to the venue and it is such a classic Detroit location. And honestly, who wouldn’t want a huge stone tiger gracing the backdrop of their photos?
Let’s hear it for the florals too! Alex Nazar of Alex Nazar Floral Design is a vendor friend of mine and I freaking love working with her. I actually used Alex for my own wedding in 2021! I think she is one of the best wedding florists in Michigan and I think these gorgeous bouquets speak for themselves.
One thing I love is a nice, warm aesthetic to an interior venue. Older buildings can be pretty dark and dreary, but the Colony Club has such a warm, inviting feel to it. And it has all of that without sacrificing the beauty and uniqueness of its history.
It is truly a skill to be able to photograph an indoor space with a window right behind it and be able to see details in both the window highlight AND the space you are photographing. THIS is why you choose a photographer that knows their stuff and has experience. Whenever I choose associate shooters, this is the kind of thing I focus on when looking at their example galleries of work. Being able to use a flash effectively is necessary for a lot of venues. I love the look of natural light, but there are times when knowing how to use all of the tools in your toolbox can make a huge difference!
STOP IT RIGHT NOW- how cute are Katie’s parents!?
And just like that, they’re hitched!
Bridal party portraits can be super fun, or they can be really boring. Guess which one we choose!? YOU GOT IT BABY- we have fun! This is also something that is super important to me and my associates when we photograph a wedding. Because listen, at the end of the day, your wedding is WAY more than a set of photos. You are spending your day committing your life to another person, and that is freaking beautiful. I think it is super important to create an experience for my couples that is about more than just shuffling them through poses for their photos. We are going to do some prompts and probably some poses, but we are also going to joke, goof around, have fun, try something off-the-wall, and just be genuine! That way when you are looking back at these photographs in 10, 20, 30 years, you will remember more than just standing in place smiling; you will remember the joy and laughter that made your wedding day so much fun!
It’s the moments between the poses that do it for me- just look at these genuine smiles, the ridiculous faces and laughter- that’s the real stuff!
But of course, an epic editorial group shot is never out of style. Just look at this crowd- like they were born to grace a magazine cover. And also, how epic do these stairs look? The Detroit Institute of Arts museum just added so much to these photos. I think that’s one of the coolest things about shooting in Detroit- the interesting architecture and history around every corner.
Again, these florals are stunning and what a statement! Alex Nazar is amazing at what she does! Plus, the decor in general created such a high-class, Great Gatsby era aesthetic. So good.
All of Katie and Sean’s guests received a coffee blend as a favor in a nod to their first date and the beginning of their love story! The carefully curated coffee favors were a delightful way to share a piece of their story with their loved ones. How cool is that!
An epic entrance for an epic couple!
Aw! Just look at Sean smiling at his bride.
This was our first time working with DJDC Productions and they kept the dance floor hopping! Plus they got style! Who wouldn’t love these guys?
If I can say anything about Katie and Sean, it’s that they are genuine, down-to-earth, and so much fun. I love it when I can really connect with my couples and these two are some of my favorites ever! They have big hearts and even bigger love for each other and that’s the kind of love I love to capture.
Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Bell, here’s to you! Cheers my friends!
Two Birds Media loved working with:
Florals | Alex Nazar Floral Design
Entertainment | DJDC Productions
Venue | The Colony Club
Associate Photographer | Kara Hanes Photography
Associate Videographer | Kayla Marie Videography
Engagement Photo Location | American Fifth Spirits
