As a Detroit luxury wedding photographer, I have the joy of documenting love stories across Michigan – from my home base in Grand Rapids to the elegant venues of Bloomfield Hills and beyond. When Hailey and Brendan reached out after their unforgettable engagement session at Silver Lake Sand Dunes in 2025, I knew their October wedding day would be something truly special.
We started the day in downtown Detroit outside the stunning Shinola Hotel, where Hailey and Brendan shared an intimate first look that had me reaching for my 35mm film camera to capture the raw emotion. The way Brendan’s face lit up when he turned around to see his bride is exactly why I love documentary-style wedding photography – those genuine, unscripted moments that you simply can’t pose.
After their private moment, we wandered the streets of Detroit with their bridal party for relaxed, candid portraits that perfectly reflected their laid-back vibe. Hailey looked absolutely stunning with hair by Paige Duda (@hairbypaige_duda) and makeup by Katherine Green Makeup, while Brendan and his groomsmen looked sharp in suits from State and Liberty.
The ceremony and reception at Wabeek Club in Bloomfield Hills were nothing short of breathtaking, with incredible florals by Tiffany Florists that brought warmth to the elegant October setting. As a Detroit luxury wedding photographer who shoots on both digital and film, I loved capturing the golden autumn light filtering through the club’s beautiful spaces. Hailey’s gorgeous gown from The Wedding Shoppe photographed like a dream in every frame.
This wedding reminded me why I’m so passionate about candid, documentary-style photography – it’s about preserving the real moments, the stolen glances, the tears of joy, and the uncontrollable laughter. Shooting on 35mm film alongside my digital work added that timeless, romantic quality that perfectly suited Hailey and Brendan’s love story, creating heirloom images they’ll treasure for generations.
If you’re a couple in Grand Rapids, Detroit, Ann Arbor, or anywhere in Michigan looking for a luxury wedding photographer who prioritizes authentic storytelling over stiff poses, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s create something beautiful together – head to cassidylynnephoto.com to get in touch and start planning your unforgettable wedding day.
