When two Michigan alums fall in love and plan a wedding on campus at the University of Michigan Museum of Art in Ann Arbor, you know it’s going to be a GOOD day! ?? There’s just something about being back at the place where I spent four of the best years of my life, with a couple who also went there and gets why this place is so special, that I love so much! Kevin and Danielle first met when Danielle was getting her Masters in Public Health and Kevin was getting his PhD in Engineering. When Danielle told her parents that she met someone special about a month after she started dating Kevin, her Dad emailed him an “application” to date his daughter full of hilarious and intimidating questions. Kevin replied to his email, answering all of his questions sarcastically and got an “application denied” email back! As Danielle’s dad was sharing this story during his Father of the Bride toast at their reception to a room full of laughter, he mentioned how even though Kevin failed that test, there was no one better to marry his daughter! And after being by their side all day on their wedding day, I could see just how right he was!
When Danielle and her bridesmaids were getting ready in the morning, Kevin had a sweet gift (a gorgeous, burgundy velvet heirloom Mrs. Box for her engagement ring and wedding band) and a card for his future bride delivered. After sniffling back tears once her wedding dress was on and she sat down to read it, Danielle joked that she was trying so hard not to cry so she wouldn’t ruin her makeup! Danielle got ready in the Michigan Union with it’s hallways of stunning tall windows with black panes and gorgeous vintage couches. I love old buildings and gorgeous architecture, so I convinced Danielle to get her dress on in a secluded hallway. Much to the bewilderment of those in the getting ready room, she trusted me enough to do it & I’m so glad she did! Her getting ready photos are some of my FAVORITES! I know I say everything looks like it’s straight out of Beauty & The Beast (aka one of the best Disney movies of all time), but her photos in the hallway of the Union definitely do! PSA for all brides out there – TRUST your photographer and the fact that you chose them for their vision and experience!! :)
One of my favorite moments of the day was their first look! If you want to know why I’m such a fan of first looks, all you have to do is a) read this or b) keep scrolling down to the photos of Kevin seeing Danielle for the first time! The way his face lit up with such a big smile was so special and I just love how happy and joyful they both look in that moment! After the first look, we took the bride and groom portraits of Kevin & Danielle! It was a windy day in Ann Arbor and I just love all of the movement in her dress and veil because of it! The weather was definitely working in our favor! After taking photos of Danielle and her beautiful bridesmaids (it was extra fun because I’m actually photographing one of her bridesmaid’s Lovett Hall wedding this coming March… Hi Chrystina!!!) and Kevin and his groomsmen, we headed inside to get these two married! Danielle walked down a flower lined aisle to Kevin and after saying their vows and exchanging rings, Kevin stomped on a plate to break it (a Jewish wedding tradition) and kissed his new wife! Their family and friends were given rose petals on the way out and they lined the steps on the Union and tossed them in the air as Kevin and Danielle exited the building! I love ceremony exits and the photographs that come from them are always so fun!
After toasts were given, dinner was served and the cake was cut, Kevin and Danielle’s guests packed the dance floor to dance the night away. Danielle is from California and Kevin is from Maryland, so almost all of their guests flew in from out of town to attend their wedding and it was one big party on the dance floor! It was packed all night long and the dance battles that broke out during the night were hilarious! One of my favorites was the one between Kevin & his dad! Make sure you scroll to the end to see that one! Grandma even made an appearance on the dance floor – breaking it down in her wheelchair and leading the conga line! It made me tear up behind my camera seeing just how happy and smiley she was getting to experience all of Kevin & Danielle’s wedding day!
Kevin & Danielle, thank you for welcoming me into your celebration for the day and allowing me to document the start of your marriage together! I have absolutely enjoyed getting the know the both of you over this last year, from wine at Vinology, to your engagement session in Ann Arbor, to all of your excited texts about your wedding day, it’s been a blast! Enjoy your honeymoon and I hope you love and treasure these photos forever! Much love, Jen. xx
Kevin & Danielle’s AMAZING vendor team:
Wedding Planner: Mitten Weddings
Photographer: Jennifer Boris Photography
Florals: University Flower Shop Ann Arbor
DJ: Dramatic Dimensions Entertainment
Bakery: Sweet Heather Anne
Bride’s attire: The Gown Shop Ann Arbor
Alterations: Heather’s Place Ann Arbor
Catering: Katherine’s Catering
Bridesmaids Dresses: Kennedy Blue
Groom and Groomsmen attire: Macy’s
Paper Goods: ElisaBellaWeddings
