Nautical Inspired Yacht Wedding, St. Clair Shores, MI | Carole + Mark
From the moment I met with Carole + Mark I knew their wedding day was going to be amazing because they were going to have so many classic details, but also because they weren't afraid to be themselves and have a celebration that was uniquely them! Carole and Mark love to boat and being out on the water has been a big part of their 16-year relationship and, honestly, if you live in Michigan it's hard not to love being out on the lake. They decided to hold a lakefront ceremony at the Jefferson Beach Marina, before all their guests boarded a luxury yacht for the reception, and the night would end with Carole and Mark dancing under the stars and the glowing lights of Detroit's skyline and the Ambassador Bridge!! On top of all of this, Carole and Mark are one of the sweetest couples that I have had the opportunity to work with and all day they were either crying happy tears, being romantic, or laughing hysterically - my kind of people for sure!!
Carole spent the morning preparing for her wedding day with her sisters and at the home she and Mark share together. I love when brides decide to get ready at home because I think there is always something so very personal about the getting ready photos in such a familiar place! Carole had so many beautiful details, but she also had one detail that stood out to me. As I photographed their wedding rings, Carole brought in her mother's wedding rings because even though her mom couldn't be there in person, Carole wanted to have a piece of her mom with her on her wedding day. ** Que the tears.**
Carole and Mark shared an amazing first look followed by a waterfront ceremony surrounded by their closest family and friends. Carole and Mark walked down the aisle together and they had one unique aspect to their entrance; a selfie. Now normally as a wedding photographer, I am not the biggest fan of cell phones at weddings (read why here!), but when I learned that Carole and Mark love to take selfies together on all their trips and adventures (it's literally, like, their thing), I was totally on board with their wedding aisle selfie! I love it when my couple's decided to include personal things into their wedding day because it's THEIR day!! And I believe everyone should celebrate how they want to!!
Everyone then boarded the Infinity Yacht and danced the night away under the city lights of Detroit! There were so many emotional moments throughout the whole day, from a silent, happy tear falling as Carole and Mark shared their first kiss as Mr. and Mrs. to giant belly laughs during the wedding toasts! It was magical!
Love,
Courtney
I hope you enjoy some of my favorites from Carole + Mark's Wedding Day!
Many (many) thanks to the talented team of wedding vendors who were apart of creating this beautiful wedding:
Ceremony Venue: Jefferson Beach Marina in St. Clair Shores, MI
Reception Venue: The Infinity Yacht by Ovation Yacht Charters
Wedding Dress from: Bella Rose Bridal
Florist: Emerald City Designs
Cake: Love and Buttercream
Groom's Attire: Macy's
Invitations: Write Impressions
Photographer: Courtney Carolyn Photography
(Also a special shout out to my amazing assistant, Scott! Your help and patience are always a blessing to me!)
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