A Classic Wedding at Pine Lake Country Club | Claire and Travis
As a Michigan-based wedding photographer, I can’t ask for much more than perfect weather, a waterfront location, and an easy-going, fun-loving couple that’s so in love and not afraid to show it. Claire and Travis’ classic wedding at Pine Lake Country Club in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan was exactly that.
Claire and Travis met through mutual friends. Claire’s best friend and her husband each swore they had a match and set Claire and Travis up, and they were right! They had their first date at a Detroit Piston’s basketball game just two months before the world shut down for the covid pandemic. It may not have been the most ideal way to start a relationship, but they made it work by getting creative in how they learned about each other. They’d write letters and send them through the mail, play virtual games and have Netflix movie watching nights together over video chat.
After 2 years of dating, Travis proposed to Claire on the beach in Holland, Michigan, a place they’ve visited often and enjoyed a lot of time together.
Getting to know Claire and Travis was a fun process. When we first met over video chat, I knew they were a super sweet and fun couple. But when we finally met in person for their Maybury State Park engagement session, I got to see how truly goofy, fun and carefree they are. Not to mention totally and easily in love.
And since meeting them and hearing more about their story, I’m so impressed with their relationship. For being each in their early 20s, Claire and Travis have built an incredibly mature, strong, and communication-driven relationship. At the same time, I think we could all learn from their fresh and creative approach to dating! Claire told me about how they love going out for happy hour or taking walks outside, but also how they love coming up with creative DIY dates! For example, a semi-formal night at home as an excuse to get dressed up, or having a craft night. I think it’s so fun! And that energy and genuine excitement to simply be in the presence of the other person was obvious on their wedding day.
Claire and Travis held their ceremony and reception at Pine Lake Country club, beautifully situated along Pine Lake and it was the most perfect, partly-sunny early fall day. They each got ready at the club before doing a first-touch. Early on in planning, they decided they didn’t want to do a first-look, but Claire knew she’d be too nervous and anxious if she didn’t get to at least talk to Travis before the ceremony. It was amazing watching the jitters instantly melt off of each of them after they held hands and said “hi” during their first touch. They just needed to have the other person and know they were doing this day together to feel the pressure and nerves come off.
Their outdoor ceremony was sweet and I loved seeing their families’ glowing faces as they watched Claire and Travis exchange vows. We followed the ceremony with a handful of family photos before Claire and Travis spent some time for photos with their wedding party and then just the two of them. While their guests got to enjoy their signature cocktails at happy hour, Claire and Travis enjoyed a celebratory shot together before making their grand entrance. So fun!
I loved the warmth and romantic glow of their white and gold reception decor with florals from Adorn. The entire wedding party sat together at one large table which I always love for photos. They couple can see their friends and everyone’s reactions to the speeches and events around making for great candid moments. After their grand entrance, guests enjoyed several speeches before dinner.
While guests finished up their meals, we snuck Claire and Travis out for a few more photos with a sunset that was peaking ever so slightly through the clouds. Now married and drinks flowing, these two were loving life at this point, and were down for anything. And they really enjoyed the time to step away from their guests and take some time to themselves and soak it all in. All of us, including me, my team and Brandon from Big Win Media (video) were having a great time laughing along and enjoying the evening with Claire and Travis. Their energy is seriously infectious.
Back inside, the newlyweds cut their cake, dance together for the first time as the new Mr. and Mrs. and as soon as Claire tossed the bouquet, the dance floor was on! Everyone from toddlers to Claire and Travis’ grandparents hit the dance floor. And later in the evening, Claire and her best friend, who grew up dancing together, put on a quick show for everyone of a dance they choreographed together. After changing back into her wedding dress from B. Ella Bridal, Claire and Travis spent the rest of the evening on the dance floor!
Getting to be a part of Claire and Travis’ day was a total treat. They planned a classic and timeless wedding that their guests so clearly all enjoyed at Pine Lake Country Club. It was a fun day that was true to them and the perfect way to celebrate their love story.
The Dream Team:
- Photography: Emily Kyle Photography | @emilykylephoto
- Videographer: Big Win Media | @bigwin.media
- Stationary: The Knot
- Florist: Adorn | @adornfineflowers
- Dress Shop: B. Ella Bridal | @b_ella_bridal
- Veil: B. Ella Bridal | @b_ella_bridal
- Rings: Orin Jewelers | @orinjewelers
- Bridesmaids Dresses: Birdy Grey | @birdygrey
- Groom’s Suit: Joseph A. Bank | @josabank
- Groomsmen’s Suits: Joseph A. Bank | @josabank
- Ceremony Venue: Pine Lake Country Club | @plcclife
- Reception Venue: Pine Lake Country Club | @plcclife
- Baker/Cake: Pine Lake Country Club | @plcclife
- Caterer: Pine Lake Country Club | @plcclife
- Entertainment/DJ: Mike Staff Entertainment | @mikestaffproductions
