John and Traci met through a mutual friend, Traci’s neighbor. They began dating almost exactly two years before they got married. From the beginning, their friends knew they were a great fit for each other. Soft spoken, grateful, and family oriented are just a few of the adjectives that could describe both John and Traci. John is whip smart and prefers to be mentally engaged rather than bored, reading a lot, researching often, and gaming whenever he can. John’s thoughtful and careful. I’ve known him for about three years now and often had that thought that smug happily married people often have regarding their single friends, “why hasn’t anyone snatched him up yet?” John is a catch, but back when we met he just hadn’t met a woman worthy of his love yet. Traci is his perfect match in so many ways. She’s able to keep up with his intellect and she also has a big heart, she drew him out of his shell a little bit so that they both now shine brighter because of each other.

The entire wedding day I observed them staring lovingly at each other when they thought nobody was watching. John had his eyes glued to his bride almost the entire day, while Traci simply beamed with happiness. As I’ve been editing the photos this week, over and over I’ve been struck by how happy and content the couple, their family, and all their friends look in the images. I feel like there was a special glow around this wedding. It somehow seemed more mature, more grounded, and more deeply meaningful than the weddings I’m used to. I wish I knew what the special sauce was, but I’d have to say it’s just John and Traci… two people madly in love.

They trusted a couple consummate professionals to help make their day great. I’d like to give credit to the people and places that helped make this wedding so fantastic:

DJ: Cloud Nine Special Events Bloomfield Hills, MI
Limo: Millennium Limousines Farmington Hills, MI
Hair/ Makeup/ Nails: Visions Spa Salon Novi, MI
Ceremony Venue: Burgh Historical Park, Southfield MI
Reception Venue/Caterer: Great Lakes Culinary Center, Southfield MI
Flowers: Costco Wholesale
Cake: Milford Baking Company, Milford MI

We set things up so that John and Traci could see each other for the first time at the same time. They stood back to back and then turned for their First Look.

Katie obviously loves and respects her mom and I just love this photo of her with Traci. This is a candid moment between poses where she’s just smiling at her mama. Love it!!

Traci, you are gorgeous! You absolutely GLOWED all day!

Get a load of Traci’s engagement ring! Isn’t it breathtaking?

Traci values her family and more than any bride I’ve ever encountered really strongly emphasized the importance of family portraits. She wanted to capture as many images with her loved ones as possible. I love this priority on her part, it showed a deep special love for her family.

While the guests arrived and got settled, the couple enjoyed some AC in the historic chapel in the center of the garden. Then it was time for the big moment!

The reception was only a few minutes down the road at The Great Lakes Culinary Center, a fully equipped professional mega kitchen and event space, where you can test commercial kitchen equipment, or take a cooking class, or… have a wedding reception! This industrial space is perfect for a chic modern wedding.

After the couple cut the cake, dinner was served to the guests family style. Large platters of food were delievered to the table so that guests had a full tasting menu of items to choose from. I personally opted for steak and roasted seasonal veggies, but there was also lasagna, chicken, and risotto to chose from. The food was all melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

This wedding was the first time I ever got to hear a child give a toast to a parent. I’ve heard it the other way around before, but never a daughter to a mother. It was so moving and beautiful to hear how Katie has been inspired by her mother and how she and her brothers now share in their mother’s happiness. All the feels!

Traci surprised her brother by asking him to dance with her for the “father/daughter” dance. He was completely taken off guard but obviously immensely honored.

John and Winnie danced to “Kind & Generous” by Natalie Merchant. I have never heard that song chosen for a dance before, but it was a thoughtful choice with very sweet sentiment.

Then it was time for open dancing. The guests were ready!

I was outside chatting with John and Traci after they signed their marriage licence when a guest came bursting outside to track down the couple, because the DJs were breakdancing to Thriller. It was incredible! I’m so glad they came to get us, so I didn’t miss seeing this…

John and Traci, thanks for trusting me to document this day for you. It was so beautiful and I was honored to be there with you. I wish you many happy anniversaries. Congratuations!!