Timeless Fall Wedding at The Dearborn Inn | Shelley and Brendan

Weddings

Shelley and Brendan’s timeless fall wedding at the Dearborn Inn Marriott Hotel in Michigan was a stunning celebration for 300 people. It may have been fall in October but if it weren’t for the fall-inspired rust red bridesmaids dresses, the weather would have fooled you to think this was a summer wedding. These two lucked out with a beautiful, sunny Michigan wedding day. From start to finish, their wedding was filled with personal, sweet, and caring touches and moments. Shelley and Brendan were ready to have a good time, they let the day be what it may and enjoyed every second of it. You can tell from how much laughing and smiling took place throughout the day and the way they looked at each other. 

Shelley and Brendan had known each other through mutual friends since high school. Brendan will tell you that he first saw Shelley and fell in love with her at their mutual friend’s family grad party. However, it wasn’t until after college when Shelley was finally single again, when Brendan asked her to come hang out with him and their friends after a cheerleading competition she was coaching. And this time, the timing was right. 

Shelley and Brendan stuck to Catholic tradition and chose to wait to see one another at the church altar for their wedding. So we started the day with each of them getting ready at the Dearborn Inn.  There were so many sweet moments, from the notes Brendan and Shelley exchanged in the morning, to Shelley’s first look with her dad and the gifts they each gave their parents. One of Shelley’s bridesmaids had even hand-bedazzled her favorite champagne to enjoy in mimosas while getting ready. 

We staggered Shelley and her bridesmaids and her family with Brendan and his groomsmen and family for photos. This way, they didn’t see one another but by getting many of the wedding party photos and family photos in before the ceremony, it helped with the flow of their wedding day timeline and gave us more time before the reception for photos of Shelley and Brendan. When everyone was ready, we made our way to St. Michael The Archangel in Livonia, Michigan for their ceremony!

The ceremony was beautiful and I’ll never forget Brendan’s reaction to seeing Shelley for the first time at the altar. With two photographers, we were able to capture multiple perspectives of their day and more guests throughout their large reception. Shelley is a teacher and cheerleading coach and many of them attended the ceremony, so of course, some group photos at the altar were in order. Back at the Dearborn Inn, we got the full wedding party together before Shelley and Brendan enjoyed some time with just the two of them while their guests enjoyed cocktail hour. 

The ballroom of the hotel was stunning, covered with while florals and glowing candlelight. Shelley even incorporated drawings and notes from some of her students in the wedding decor. And a mariachi band got the party started for the rest of the evening! Shelley and Brendan cut the cake immediately after their entrance and then sat down for speeches. The Dearborn Inn served a delicious plated dinner and their special dances got the night going. Their amazing Detroit wedding band, Collision Six was such a hit and kept the dance floor going all night long. The music and energy was so good. It was the perfect way to round out Shelley and Brendan’s timeless fall wedding at The Dearborn Inn. 

After photographing Shelley’s brother Brad’s wedding at the JW Marriott Hotel in Grand Rapids, it was such a treat to work with their families again. By the end of the night, everyone felt like family and I couldn’t ask for more as a wedding photographer. And as a family, Shelley and Brendan’s wedding and then Elaine and Brad’s wedding, are a perfect comparison of what a first-look (seeing one another before the ceremony) means for the wedding day timeline. If you’re on the fence about doing a first-look, check out this blog with sample wedding day timelines, both with and without a first-look, to see what makes more sense for you!

Dream Team