A Michigan wedding blending traditional elegance with modern touches

With a vision of a modern celebration with a touch of classic style, Kate went about planning her wedding to Nick at the GROSSE POINTE WAR MEMORIAL in Michigan. They took the traditional elegance of a wedding ceremony and reception and gave it a contemporary look and feel and holding it on the shores of Lake St Clair where they grew up made it extra special. Michigan wedding photographer SHANELL PHOTOGRAPHY captured their beautiful day.

HOW DID YOU MEET? We grew up together in the same neighborhood and grew apart but became close friends again after college, we started dating soon after and the rest is history!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROPOSAL: Nick proposed in Ireland at the Cliffs of Moher. We were there on vacation and I didn’t think it would happen there. I was so surprised and we had the best day celebrating on the remainder of the vacation.

TELL US ABOUT FINDING YOUR WEDDING DRESS: I knew I wanted a high neck dress with lace. I was drawn to the modern / boho looks. When we went to The Gown Shop in Ann Arbor, it was the first dress I tried on and I knew I found my dress. I loved everything about it from the intricate lace details to the long train, I knew it was the right dress for me.

DID YOU HAVE ANY DIY ELEMENTS? We created our photo wall with the neon sign, marble table numbers, card box, signage, menu’s and place cards.

DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING FLOWERS: Organic, boho whilst also a little modern. I wanted to veer away from traditional wedding flowers with large and airy organic looking flowers.

FAVOURITE DETAIL OF THE DAY: The entire ceremony and photo wall (our guests loved it!)

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OUT TO A COUPLE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING? Stay true to who you are as a couple and add personal touches wherever you can. Your wedding should be a reflection of you.

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? The first look for sure. I was so nervous all morning and everything changed when I finally got to see Nick for the first time.

ANY OTHER DETAILS THAT HELP TELL THE STORY OF YOUR DAY? Overall, it was just a beautiful day that not only captured our love and who we are as a couple, but the beauty of a Michigan summer.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR HONEYMOON: We spent two weeks in Italy for our Honeymoon. We started in Rome, then went to the Amalfi Coast where we stayed in Sorrento and Positano, from there we went to Florence and Tuscany and ended our trip in Venice. It was an incredible honeymoon full of excellent food, wine views and memories that we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives.

Thanks to Michigan wedding photographer SHANELL PHOTOGRAPHY for sharing this beautiful wedding with us. Shanell prefers an authentic, timeless style of imagery. "I like to think of my style as romantic, yet fun and real. I love emotion and connections, and that is what I strive to capture through my lens. Everyone has a love story, whether it be your wedding day or welcoming a new bundle of joy to your family. I view each wedding and portrait session as a chance to capture the love story at hand and it makes my heart so happy to be able to do so." Shanell is a valued member of our VENDOR GUIDE and you can see more of her portfolio here, and you should also check out this Sweet woodland elopement inspired by LIly of the Valley.