Mark is tall.  Like, six-and-a-half-feet tall.  Liz?  Not so much.  His frame dwarfs her already petite one.  The space between them is large, measured in feet.  But what the numbers don’t show is what that space is filled with.  Love, trust, laughter, fun, and a deep appreciation for the other half -whether it be large or small.  It’s an appreciation that is demonstrated in consideration for the other’s dreams and needs and respect for the incredible individual that they have found themselves sandwiched to.  I suspect that having that much space just means that they have that much more room for the things that make their relationship sing.  And sing it does.

They chose Labor Day weekend to make their relationship official.  A time with more space, more room, for fun, celebration and joy.  A ceremony at the gorgeous St. Joseph Catholic Church and a beautiful party to follow at Pine Knob Mansion, all just outside of Detroit, Michigan – where there is a little more space, a little more room.

If you are an avid blog reader, you might recognize the groomsman below.  He’s been in three of the weddings I’ve shot  - a member of a group of friends that keeps taking me to far flung locations for their weddings.  It’s been such a fun collection of celebrations, and hopefully one day we get to cap it off with his own.  (Thanks for the referrals Andrew!)

I said St. Joseph’s Catholic Church was gorgeous, didn’t I?

Mark and Liz served communion to their guests themselves.  This was brilliant.  One, it made the ritual so special.  And two, it gave them a chance to greet each and every person there to support them.

Liz’s little brother was a groomsman too, and the contrast between him, and his full-grown counterparts was a lot of fun.

Pine Knob Mansion is beyond breathtaking.  An intimate stone house set amongst vast and stunning grounds that are among the highest elevation in the area, providing an incredible view, and even better light.  You feel so far away from the city – it’s so peaceful.

Ceremony Venue: St. Joseph Catholic Church

Reception Venue: Pine Knob Mansion

Florist: Flowers by Heidi

Cake: Amy Yu (friend of the couple)

Band: Trilogy

Makeup: Rachael from Salon Legato

Bride’s Gown: Jasmine Linens: Emilie and Lauren’s Linen

Mark & Liz asked guests to take a handful of buttons and put them into one of several different jars – labeled for favorite charities that they would donate accordingly to.  Such a fun and interactive activity for everyone.

This, this is the best story from their day possibly.  Mark called me one day and said “So, I’ve been learning to play the Ukelele”.  And, I thought to myself, well of course you have – why wouldn’t a man your size learn the smallest instrument possible?  After toasts, Mark got up to give a thank-you speech and then pulled that tiny guitar from below the table and broke into song, with his groomsmen backing him up.  And then, to Liz’s great surprise, the whole room joined in with egg shakers to flesh out the song.  It was a beautiful and fun surprise and so, so, Liz and Mark.

Rain was threatening, but the timing turned out to be just right to get the first dances outside on the patio.  I don’t know that I’ve seen a more gorgeous and magical setting for these moments.

Mark & Liz – It has been such a joy to get to know you both in the last year.  I count myself lucky to have witnessed not only your wedding day, but your demonstration of practicing love thru so many other acts in our time together.  Yours is an example to follow, to aspire to.  The years ahead hold so much to fill that space between you with, strengthening your bond.  Congratulations, and thank you for asking me to capture the start.