Henry Ford Museum Wedding – Jacqueline and Brandon

 

This dynamic duo of fun and goofiness were so much fun to photograph on their big wedding day. Jacqueline is such a unique twist of a classic beauty and her she wears her heart literally on her sleeve (it’s a tattoo).

We used just about every part of the Henry Ford complex for their wedding; the museum, the chapel and the Eagle Tavern for their wedding reception. From the Model T ride to the merry-go-round, I think we almost did planes, trains and automobiles!

 

 

Getting Ready Photos ~

The wedding party got dressed on separate floors at a nearby hotel in Dearborn, Michigan for this wedding. After the women finished getting ready, Jacqueline had a first look with her sister who promptly burst into tears. Having recently lost their Mother, this was a joyful day tinged with sorrow.

Meanwhile, upstairs Brandon was loving his time with his silly and supportive guys. This dude is hilarious. It’s rare to find someone so genuine who just lets everything roll right off him the way Brandon does. I’m going to clone him.

 

First Look ~

Partly because of the timing and wanting to take photos of all Henry Ford has to offer, Jacqueline and Brandon chose to have a “First Look”. They also wanted to be able to enjoy time together and relax for most of their wedding day.

First looks are often done in the clock tower. The Henry Ford Museum wedding staff suggests this and it’s a lovely spot for wedding photos, but really tough for a first look.

Jacqueline had an emotional first look with her Dad before heading up the stairs for her third first look with Brandon.

 

 

Fun Formal Henry Ford Museum Wedding Photos ~

We had the time in the wedding day schedule to take some photos around the museum which was amazingly uncrowded that day. I love it when the wedding party asks me to photograph their ideas. They are enthusiastic about doing them and often if it works, they look so happy. If it’s an epic fail, they look happy!

 

 

 

Henry Ford Model T Time ~

Couples often want to rent a Model T as part of the wedding package for Henry Ford Museum weddings.  Greenfield Village is huge and this is oddly the fastest and easiest way to get around. It’s also super cool!

Jacqueline had a couple of spots picked out for wedding photos and we were able to play for an hour to celebrate our surroundings.

 

Let’s Make It Official ~

We greeted immediate family and the wedding party back at the Martha-Mary Wedding chapel in Greenfield Village for some quick family photos before the ceremony started.

Lots of tears during the ceremony. Contrary to all the movies and TV shows about weddings, 9 times out of 10 it’s the men who cry at their weddings. Seriously!

At the end of weddings at the Martha-Mary Chapel weddings, they have the couple ring a bell which sometimes makes for interesting photos.

 

 

Round and Round We Go ~

After their joyous wedding ceremony, Brandon and Jacqueline led their guests to the antique carousel in Greenfield Village for cocktail hour. Personally, mixing mixed drinks and merry-go-rounds sounds like it might end up in disaster, but they were great. I got about one 2 or 3 minute ride to get photos of them going around and around. I tested my technique out on a parent, then photographed the couple. Getting the motion of the ride, but keeping them tack sharp is tough!

 

 

Eat, Drink and Be Merry ~

Letting loose at the reception is part of my favorite parts of weddings. While Jacqueline’s father looked at the memorial display for her mother, most of the gang just had a blast. I loved their crazy dancing with the strung up lights on the dance floor. At the end of the night I took Brandon and Jacqueline out for some fresh air and to play in front of the chapel.

As you can see, the Henry Ford Museum wedding complex means there are many, many photogenic options to choose from. The hardest thing about photographing weddings at the Henry Ford is finding enough time!