I don’t even know where to start with this wedding! I’ve known Kristina (or Krissy as I still call her ;)) since the 2nd grade when we attended the same catholic grade school. We quickly became best friends and were inseperable growing up. Despite going to different high schools, rival colleges and living in different states for a bit, we never lost touch or stopped being friends. She’s my oldest & dearest friend and it’s pretty incredible that we have 24 years of friendship behind us. I was so excited for her when she started dating Pat and even more so when she told me that Pat proposed and she said yes! I was elated when she asked me to photograph her wedding and honored that I got to be the one to capture the day for her. The morning of her wedding started off at the Troy Marriott where all of the girls were getting ready. Everyone was excited, but calm and relaxed, as Kristina finished up her hair and make-up. The girls all wore the cutest floral off the shoulder rompers that Kristina got them while they sipped champagne and watched their friend get ready to marry the love of her life. Kristina’s mom helped her into her stunning lace dress from The White Dress and her Maid of Honor, Courtney, stepped in to help fasten the buttons that ran up the back of it. The train on the dress was so beautiful and added some drama to her bridal portraits! Pat got ready at his parents house before heading over to Shrine of the Little Flower to wait for Kristina at the end of the aisle.
Right before Kristina’s dad walked her down the aisle, I saw Pat’s mom move out of the corner of my eye. She grabbed her son’s hand, full of emotion, as he waited for his bride and the photo I snapped of them in that moment is one of my favorites from the entire day. The cool thing about Shrine of the Little Flower is that it’s in the round and offered so many cool perspective’s of their ceremony. After they said their vows, exchanged rings and were pronounced husband and wife, we headed over to the Detroit Institute of Arts for portraits, which is one of my favorite spots in the city for bridal party photos!! It was freezing outside and we had about 45 minutes of daylight left, but everyone brought their A game and we were able to get a ton of portraits done in that timeframe, a not a single member of the wedding party complained that they were cold!! That’s some dedication to Kristina and Pat right there!! We headed across the street and finished up portraits inside the Detroit Public Library, which was decked out for Christmas already, before heading over to the Troy Marriott for the reception.
After Kristina & Pat made their grand entrance, everyone joined them on the dance floor for about 10 minutes of traditional Chaldean dancing. After a few minutes, Kristina & Pat were lifted into the air and it was so fun to watch! I’ve never seen a more packed dance floor! They transitioned into their first dance, and her dance background came out as Pat twirled her all over the floor. After beautiful speeches by the Maid of Honor & Best Man, the party started and everyone headed back out to the floor to dance the night away!!
Kristina & Pat, thank you for trusting me to capture your special day! I wish you both a lifetime of love & happiness and can’t wait to see where life takes the two of you! Much love, Jen. xx.
