An Artist’s Wedding

“There is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.”

– Vincent Van Gogh

Every photographer has their “ah – ha” moment in their career when the stars aline, they realize they have finally figured out their ideal clientele and suddenly not just anyone can fulfill their creative dreams. Matt and Andi were those clients for me.

Back in August of 2022, just a year and a half into shooting weddings, Matt reached out to me about capturing their wedding day at the Detroit Institute of the Arts (DIA). Both Matt and myself attended college together for Graphic Design and Visual Communication, and I always admired his own artistic eye as we studied together. When I saw his inquiry come through, I knew we would create magic.

Detroit based, Matt grew up frequenting the Detroit Institute of the Arts with his family. So when it came time to plan their wedding day, they knew they had to book a venue meaningful to the family. Every part of their day was intentional from the custom designed DIA wedding stationary, to the florals, heart felt speeches, live musicians, first look, their vendors, and of course the art.

Being surrounded by art while creating artful photographs is when I feel most alive, but don’t get me wrong, it takes the right vendor to work in these type of environments. Art museums hold some of the most precious, but also fragile pieces in history, and rightfully need to be handled with care. Vendors are always required to provide Certificates of Insurance (COI) as well as meet other qualifications based off each museum. At the DIA the DJ/Musicians must have a decibel reader to keep noise at a safe level for the art. Florists are only able to use a specific list of approved species because the pollen can ruin masterpieces. As for photographers, no flash, tripods, or any lighting features are allowed in the museum, which means you have to be very confident in not only shooting low light but also post editing that kind of environment.

In fact that is a huge reason not only Matt and Andi, but many of my couples since have booked me for their special day, because not just anyone can read and capture light in the same way.

It was surreal being able to capture the bride and groom with jaw dropping masterpieces after museum hours. There is nothing like having the space to yourself.

The day before the wedding, I went to the Detroit Institute of the Arts to scout out where the best natural light is, where the couple’s favorite paintings were, and make my game plan. I walked into one specific gallery with the Cotopaxi by Frederic Edwin Church on display and knew it was going to be “the shot” I needed. There was a small bench centered with the painting setting the scene for them to have a moment of silence to sit and actually enjoy the artwork together on their busy wedding day.

The day came, the moment and the shot were stunning, but the part that still gives me goosebumps came to light AFTER I delivered their gallery. After researching the artwork, it was discovered that the Stephens family is actually related to the artist! This painting was not on their list of requests, it just spoke to me, and this is why its so important to location scout and trust your gut when something sparks in you. That’s your own unique magic as a photographer and artist!

Shooting wedding party portraits on the iconic outdoor staircase (featured in Harper’s Bazaar), the most grand couple’s entrance I’ve witnessed, the elegant ceremony, and the electric dance floor were some of my favorite moments of the day.

If are a lover of the arts and need a photographer who is as passionate about remembering your legacy as you are, inquire here to feel like the masterpiece you are!