Meghan + Dan | a Detroit Institute of Arts wedding | Erin Schmidt Photography | Detroit Wedding Photographers and Newborn, Family Photographer in Metro Detroit Michigan

Oh my gosh, this wedding. I have to start by saying, I LOVE Meghan and Dan! From when we met, I felt like we were old friends and that is seriously the best. They love Detroit, Chicago and Kanye (a few of my favorite things) and know how to have fun! Their love is effortless and beautiful and it’s just so amazing to witness. When we met in Chicago for their engagement session last year, I knew their Detroit Institute of Arts wedding was going to be on another level & it was so much more.

Ok, let me start by saying it was HOT. I mean, I’m used to the summer heat, but when the iPad overheats then you know it’s hot. But we had wind, which makes this photographer super happy :) I love shooting in wind. It creates effortless beauty and movement and adds even more romance (and sometimes hair in the lip gloss ;) ). One thing I will never forget from the day is Dan’s gift to Meghan and her beautiful and emotional reaction. Meghan & Dan wanted to adopt another dog to have a friend for their beloved dog, Diesel and the adoption didn’t work out at the time. Dan’s gift to Meghan was the promise of the adoption of the exact dog Meghan wanted and gave her a stuffed animal that looked like the dog in the meantime. Meghan is the perfect dog Mom and her reaction was unforgettable. Following that, we headed to the Belle Isle garden, Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory for a very personal ceremony. Their hand written vows were everything and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house. Dan had another surprise for Meghan, he made sure Diesel was there watching at the reception too. She wasn’t able to see him until she got to the alter and she was blown away! Yes, it was hot, but there was so much beauty and emotion, I don’t think any of the guests noticed once the ceremony began. Afterward, we ran around Downtown Detroit, visiting some of their favorite spots and ended with a stunning and fun reception. Meghan + Dan: Thank you – your wedding was so much fun and you were both always so sweet. I am so, so happy for the both of you – Cheers! xo, e

Meghan, Neurosurgical/Trauma RN

Daniel, Project Lead DTE

Their wedding in three words: Memorable, fun, HOT

Meghan’s favorite memory of the day:

Our dog being at the ceremony. I was so sad that I wasn’t going to be able to see him on my big day. Dan had arranged for him to come to the ceremony without me knowing. He even dressed him up in a little tux.

Dan’s favorite memory of the day:

Reciting our hand written vows to each other

Wedding planning advice for newly engaged couples:

Prioritize what really matters. For us it was having family there, food, and venues. Also time management was key on the day of! Our best investment was our wedding planner/day-of coordinator. If we were to do it over again we would have gotten them sooner and paid them much much more.

Honeymoon location: Greece (Athens, Mykonos, Santorini)

– The Jams –

Grand Entrance: Mercy – Kanye West

First Dance: Drop in the Ocean – Ron Pope

Men in Meghan’s life dance: Brown eyed girl (acoustic) – Joe Hulett

Mother/Son: First time ever I saw your face – Roberta Flack

Cake Cutting: Better Together – Jack Johnson

Additional Notes from Meghan & Dan: Just like to add how amazing our photographer was! She battled out the heat and my Peruvian family (Think big fat greek wedding but spanish). We couldn’t be happier and was so glad to have her be part of our day