Lansing Wedding Photographer / J+ L at DIA

August in Detroit, Michigan might be the best of the best as a photographer. Although this day was surprisingly hot, it was also delightfully sunny and free of traffic on my 1.5 hour travel from Lansing to the D— shout out to my second shooter, Chelsae, for actually driving (@chelsaegracephoto – view her site). We stated off at the famous Shinola Detroit Hotel where our bride and her girlies were all sort of quietly bustling, physically busy but energetically so relaxed. Jenna folded up in front of a small mirror next to the to get ready as bridesmaids bustled around snacking and putting their dresses on. Nearby sat a handwritten note from her husband to be that simply read: “I love you, Jenna. Forever and ever. Lee” with a hand drawn heart. Swoon. At their fairytale venue, the Detroit Institute of Arts, Lee nervously wrote his vows while I snapped a few photos, leaving him some space. At the ceremony, their guests surrounded them in a circle as they made vows to each other, expressing a deep respect and admiration for one another as lovers, parents, friends and humans. Afterward, Jenna snuck off to change into her reception dress and Lee joined her for a quiet moment in the elevator before their stunning reception entrance.

Listen, the dinner at this wedding- and I can not state this directly enough- was so delicious I fear nothing will ever top it.

They spent the remainder of their day surrounded by their closest loved ones, cutting the cake, having some drinks, dancing and sharing heartfelt words and soooo many hugs. The guests brought the heat with the outfits. I was legitimately impressed. Something I adored about this day was the intentionality Jenna and Lee approached their day with. Their day was about them enjoying their party, and that’s it. The happiest day of their lives, and that’s it. Nothing could mess with it. That’s my kind of day!