So this blog post actually started nine years ago, when Juan’s younger sister, Irene, came to live with me (she was a foreign exchange student from Spain at the time)….I wasn’t even a photographer then….but actually, the start of my photography happened in Spain the first time I visited her
Last January I went to visit her again for three lovely weeks. In that time I got to know the family even better, got to meet the newest members, and had the pleasure of photographing the babies. Little did I know that would turn into an email from Ali, her soon to be sister-in-law.
Ali was born & raised in Michigan, and while she Juan were both living in Knoxville, TN, they met, fell in love, and then arrived at this beautiful day – their wedding day. So while I would have LOVED to photograph their wedding in Spain, I just (sigh) had to settle for the amazing Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, MI.
The day started at Todd’s Room where Scott worked to bring Ali into her full bridal beauty! As Dan & I ran over to Cranbrook to check out the gorgeous gardens and amazing scenery, Ali joined us to slip into a beautiful lace dress (perfect Spanish style!) and get ready to meet her dashing groom. Everything was perfect, including her gorgeous flowers by Tiffany Florist.
Ironically, though I consider him “extended family” – I had not officially met Juan! What a great moment to finally meet the last member of the family, right before he saw his lovely bride for the first time.
Sharing those special moments with family were only made better as members of the families arrived, greeting each other with joy & excitement on behalf of Juan & Ali.
Their ceremony was precious – combining elements of Spanish tradition with not only American flavor, but things that captured the essence of this beautiful couple.
While we only had a few minutes to tour the grounds after the wedding (or so it felt to me – I could have stayed their for hours), it wasn’t a tough thing to end up at the reception venue – Heathers Club of Bloomfield Hills.
As “family” I helped them celebrate the night away, dancing, toasting, and yelling “Viva” with the rest of the family.
Juan & Ali are now enjoying a lovely honeymoon in Paris, and will be celebrating again next week with more family at Juan’s parents’ home in Cercedilla, Spain. While I won’t be joining them there physically, I will still be celebrating this gorgeous wedding from afar!
Ali & Juan – Salut, y besitos!
