It was something out of a fairytale...
When local photographer extraordinaire, Shelby Faye Photography, announced tickets went live for a styled shoot at the historic Mather Inn in Ishpeming Michigan, I was instantly intrigued. I had never attended a styled shoot before and did not know what to expect, and hesitated for a few weeks before my husband encouraged me to just "go for it".
And so I did.
And I have 0 regrets.
The Mather Inn is something out of a history book. The architecture. The beauty. Now under new ownership, the Mather Inn is set to be the next best and hottest local wedding venue. From the moment I set in foot inside, it made me want to re-do my own wedding and book this venue. Hint, hint: future brides and grooms-run, don't walk when going to book this place. It's drop-dead gorgeous if you are going for high-end historical ballroom vibes.
It wasn't until after I left the event that I learned that The Mather Inn served as housing for the cast of the classic 1959 movie Anatomy of a Murder, and was the place where Duke Ellington composed the movie's score and was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1976 (sourced by Wikipedia). I absolutely love that movie and Jimmy Stewart's films in general.
So, on 4/1/2023, I packed up my camera gear and drove down to Ishpeming and the camera magic began.
I am very, very much an introverted person, but when you are around your tribe, your group of people, the girl (me) behind the camera unwinds and gets swept up in the beauty of a camera and my storytelling side comes out.
Let's take a photographic stroll down and enjoy the beauty of wedding photography....
From the detail shots, to the gowns to the models, Shelby was incredible at setting the day up from start to finish.
Above:
Aspen from @aspenleighphotos (Insta handle), also a fellow local photographer, was on-site as one of our incredible solo bride models. Her smile is contagious and we were blessed to have her with us!
Below:
Maddie-from Maddie the Wedding Bartender, was on site to create this incredible Speakeasy Theme, as well as showcase her talents as a bartender and server. She did an amazing job and if you are searching for someone to manage the drinks at your wedding, she's your girl,
Couple #1.
Our first set of couple models were with Maddi and they were the cutest. I chose to edit this set in black and white as it embodied the spirit of times long gone by and I was blown away by the results.
@tiatrudgeon
The Cinderella Gown
There was so other way to descibe this gown. Shelby had brought along this gown for Katherine (insta handle @matherinekarsh) to model for us, and WOW. Talk about a photography dream! Hellooooooo!
Maybe I like this dress so much because me and the hubs have been on a Once Upon A Time marathon lately, idk. But it was awesome.
Couple #2.
Mary and Kyle (@coppercountrymary & @kylesitkins), joined us as our next model couple and they were a dream to work with as well. The ballroom vibes made for stellar images that I still sit back from my editing computer and be like.....wooowwwwwwwwwwwwww.
In closing,
There is so much I could post more about-pictures, words, feelings. But every time I have stepped out of my comfort zone, I have walked away feeling blessed and my cup filled to overflowing. I was reminded of what an incredible community of creatives I am walking amongst and I truly cannot wait to see where my photography journey takes me.
If you are shopping for wedding vendors, feel free to follow their social media handles on Instagram!
Host: @shelbyfayephotography
Venue: @_themather
Florist: @samarafloralco
Jewelry: @cassandralynnebridal
Guest Book & Vow Books: @coppercloudcreativeco
Bartender: @uppermibartending
Wedding Invitation & Menus: @shelbyfayephotography
Blue Dress: @shelbyfayephotography
Hair/Makeup: @freshcoastbeauty
White Dresses: @madisonsbridal
Black Tux & Groom's Shoes: @madisonsbridal
Bridal Gowns: @madisonsbridal
Event Decorator: @twoservewithlove
Models: @matherinekarsh
@tiatrudgeon
@coppercountrymary & @kylesitkins
@aspenleighphotos