Man, I have been blessed with some pretty amazing couples this year.  Meet Julie + Jake!  Their love is fun and real and deep.  I was lucky enough to see all of the different sides of their love on their wedding day and it really filled my heart and soul up.  Julie is an art director and poured her heart into every.single.detail of their day.  From the invitations she designed, to the vintage Christmas ornament centerpieces, and the authentic vintage photo props – everything she collected and put together really made her Gatsby Holiday Soirée come to life!

 

As December weddings go, it was a cold one.  But honestly, it could not have been more perfect.  I met Julie at Chaps Lofts downtown where her and her girls shared some laughs and some happy tears before we left to meet Jake and the boys for their First Look.  As Julie descended the staircase, Jake had all of the love in the world in his eyes and the moment was pure magic!  We ran around town to some of their favorite spots and headed back to the Masonic Temple for their ceremony.

The rest of the night was just a blur of laughs, cheers-ing and dancing – a celebration that would make Jay Gatsby proud!  J & J, thank you so much for being you and for welcoming me into your lives for the day.  It was such an amazing day – Cheers to you both!  xo, e

 

Julie, Art Director

Jake, Business Development Manager

12.10.2016

Masonic Temple | Detroit, Michigan

 

Your Wedding in three words: 1920s Christmas Affair

 

Julie’s favorite memory of the day:

So much of the day was memorable, it’s hard to choose a favorite moment! I loved walking down the aisle and seeing the faces of everyone that has supported us throughout our relationship and seeing the emotion in Jake’s eyes as he watched my dad and I walk towards him. There was also a moment on the dance floor that was incredible. Towards the end of the night the DJ played Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey and every single guest was totally rocking out. As we got more into the song our guests formed a large circle around Jake and I. We were both grinning from ear to ear and jumping around in celebration with everyone that we love. At the end of the song we motioned for our guests to come join us in the center or the circle and everyone came jumping in with such amazing energy. It’s hard to describe how marvelous the moment was, but it is surely one that neither Jake or I will ever forget.

 

Jake’s favorite memory of the day:

The best wedding memory is tough because it is really hard to pick just one. Everyone was just so excited and I was feeding off of the excitement all day long. The first memory that comes to mind for me is the moment when the gorgeous woman, who would become my wife in a few short minutes, came through the doors as they opened. You can even see the moment in the wedding photos where I go from excited to pure bliss. The rush of emotions that came over me at that second are something I think about a lot and it’s something that has changed me as a man going forward.

 

Wedding planning advice for newly engaged couples:

Planning a wedding can be incredibly stressful, but try to keep perspective on the reason you’re having a wedding in the first place. The wedding is fun, but the marriage itself is REALLY FUN. Also, take time on your wedding day to live in the moment, take in the sounds, the smells and the feelings you have. The day goes by quickly but those moments will live on forever.

Honeymoon location: Colombia

 

– The Jams –

 

Grand Entrance: One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful

First Dance: Thomas Rhett – Die a Happy Man

Father/Daughter: Ben E. King – Stand by Me

Mother/Son: Mariah Carey – Always Be My Baby

Cake Cutting: Michael Bublé – How Sweet It Is

 

Ceremony & Reception: The Masonic Temple Detroit | Detroit, Michigan