I’ve been soaking up time with my family and reveling in the moments I’m able to enjoy with them. I suppose I am used to living away from family – having grown up hours away from grandparents, aunts + uncles and cousins – but now more than ever I enjoy being there for the small everyday activities. They are moments that are strung together and side by side they make up what we know as life, and I like being there for it. Eating dinner together, borrowing cups of powdered sugar to make cookies, staying up to play Scrabble and the list goes on. Yesterday it included taking my niece Julia ice skating for the first time. We went to the very same place Matt and I had a few of our engagement pictures taken four years ago, and it was fun to think about how much had happened between then and now. I put Matt in charge of documenting the fun while my sister and I helped Julia around the rink at least 10 times. We encouraged her, sang songs, and got tips from coach Matt as she experienced the slippery sensation of moving on ice. While it wasn’t without some lack of confidence, she loved it and I’m sure by next year she will be skating on her own.

While Christmas in Michigan has been wonderful, it has not been without tragedy. In contrast to the small daily moments are the large life changing ones, which have come on two occasions this year. A car accident involving a member of my family (they are doing okay) and a death in Matt’s family has made the holidays challenging. However, as family comes together in both incidences I am reminded of what it means to be a family in the first place, and once again enjoy those small moments we get to share.

In her childhood home, Liz stood radiantly in her wedding dress while Sylvia beamed as only an older sister could and helped her with the finishing touches. It’s funny how time passes and yet moves infinitely slow. As they stood in the living room, it didn’t seem so long ago that they were kids. The day had finally arrived – although they had grown up a long time ago – to leave behind their childhood and send Liz off to the chapel to get married. The moments that awaited when they walked out the door would speed by… but they are slowed down and remembered through the images captured from the day.

Liz found her eco-friendly Adele Wechsler gown at the bridal salon Rizik’s in DC. The style is sunray and it had the most beautiful bow in the back…

It was hard to imagine life before they were together. Everything was so natural, so complimentary that it didn’t take long for them to fall for each other. As engineers working in different departments of the same company, it was through work that they first met. While similarities brought them together, they soon found in each other the differences needed for a successful relationship.

The wedding party arrived at the Grosse Pointe Academy, and began a careful dance of moving in and out of rooms and spaces in order to not see each other. Each party took turns outside as I photographed them before being tucked away when the guests arrived and hidden out of sight. Just over ten years earlier, Liz had been at the very same building, closing the book on her elementary and middle school years at the Academy. She knew she wanted to come back some day for her wedding, and today was that day. Matt was a calm, collected groom that I can attribute to his unwavering feelings for Liz.

Liz was absolutely stunning and with plenty of time to photograph her I took some of my favorite bridal pictures.

Soon guests were arriving and the chapel began to fill up. Sitting in such a beautiful space, there was so much to take in before the ceremony was started.

After being pronounced husband and wife, Liz and Matt exited the chapel ready to start a new chapter of their lives. We went outside for pictures and the light was just perfect!

The guests were busy getting the party started and the flower girl and ring bearer stole the show. Why do I feel like he is twice his age?

With navy and pink set the stage and gave a beautiful color palette for the reception.

The night was a success and with the Sun Messengers playing the dance floor was never empty.

Congratulations again Liz + Matt and thank you soo much for inviting me to document everything. I felt like such a welcome part of the day and loved being a part of your wedding!

wedding dress: Adele Wechsler bridesmaids: Ann Taylor flowers: Viviano jewelry: Helzberg Diamonds catering: Thibault & Moore Catering cake: Josef’s Pastry Shop ceremony: Grosse Pointe Academy Chapel reception: Grosse Pointe Academy lawn

The stars aligned. It was a perfectly sunny and bright day, the kind of day you dream about for your own wedding, and guests traveled from near and far to celebrate with Liz and Matt. After much organization their wedding had arrived and it was beautiful. I was happy to spend a weekend away in Michigan not only photographing the wedding but seeing my family for a few short and busy days. It wasn’t long enough, of course, but it will have to do until Christmas.

Even though I was only away for a few days I came home and felt like I hadn’t been in my office for weeks. I couldn’t remember the last time I had cleaned things up and a layer of dust and a few cobwebs reminded me it was time to get things in order. Before I could start doing any productive work I had to do some cleaning. Anyone else the same way? A clean and uncluttered desk just makes me feel more productive. So, here I am sitting at my cleaned off desk ready to tackle the long list of things ahead of me which I can’t wait to share with you! Exciting things come to MDP.

I’m excited to be back to posting after a several day hiatus and to start things of with Chris + Beth’s Michigan wedding. Thanks for being patient! This wedding is extra special because I’ve known Beth (and her family) for a really long time, so I was honored to be able to document the day. I actually wasn’t the only member of my family involved, as my sister played the piano and my parents helped out with the backyard reception they hosted. From my perspective, it really was one of those weddings where people came together to not only celebrate but to do what they could to make the day happen. Chris and Beth are two people that give so much to others that their wedding was a chance for people to give back to them, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Here is a look at the details of the day, starting with the flowers:

Beth’s gorgeous bouquet was created by her good friend and florist Rebecca, who traveled from Oklahoma City and assembled everything once she arrived in Detroit! I don’t really know my flowers but I love the variety she included – there was so much texture and depth.

The most important part – the ceremony – took place with a completely full sanctuary. I’m not sure what the final numbers were but there had to be at least 300/350 people if not more. There’s something about a good ceremony. It makes everyone who attends think about their own relationships – with their husband or wife, family, friends, and of course God.

Afterwards everyone was invited to a dessert reception at the church, and as you can see the cakes were fabulous (and tasted as good as they looked). I was even more impressed with the decorations they put up, since some lights, fabric, and paper lanterns completely transformed the room into a more elegant reception space.

There were a lot of cute kids (many nieces and nephews of Chris + Beth) at the wedding, and I love the card Lily gave them above.

…and who doesn’t love cake – or talking into a fan?

After a quick birdseed send off Chris and Beth drove off for some pictures before joining the reception. The completely restored car they drove in gave us a pop of color to use in the pictures.

They are so in love! There’s nothing like photographing someone on their wedding day.

After pictures we joined the reception that took place at Beth’s parents home. It was set up for a relaxed yet elegant event with small round tables placed in the front and back yards. Dinner was catered by Just Delicious, and there were amazing hor d’oeuvres that lasted throughout the evening. Table decorations consisted of several small milk vases with low flower arrangements and old family photos placed inside glass jars.

As much as the reception was enjoyable for adults it was also made for kids. In fact, I would rate it as the best reception I’ve seen for kids. There was room to have fun and play (you can see pin the bowtie/rose on the groom/bride above) and the highlight was a pinata that was broken open at the end of the night. An ice cream cart served out your choice of flavor, and the night ended with sparklers!

It was perfect! I hope you enjoyed seeing part of their day and possibly got a little inspiration if you’re planning your own. Thanks again Chris + Beth for letting me document everything – and don’t forget to leave them a comment to help them earn an enlargement. Head over to their gallery to see the full set of images and enjoy!

There’s nothing like a wedding around a holiday. They combine for a great weekend and getaway for family and friends and this weekend was no exception. Yesterday Chris and Beth were married back in my hometown in Michigan and had beautiful church wedding followed by a fun at home reception. It was an event celebrated by many and I think they had the largest wedding I’ve ever photographed… was it 350 guests? It was also the first wedding in which I was able to photograph my sister playing the piano, and since Beth and her family have been friends for some years my parents were also in attendance and helped with the set up and grilling having pulled off my sister’s at home reception a few years ago. Everything came together beautifully and I’m so happy for Chris and Beth and look forward to sharing more of their wedding day soon. It’s time to go enjoy the 4th of July with my family here in Michigan – I see ladderball and lawn games in my future!

The reception area was filled with natural light and had the feel of a courtyard with very high walls and a glass ceiling. A central gazebo frame enclosed the head table and lead the way to the dance floor where the Sun Messengers kept the party going all night.

the table decorations were beautiful – very crisp and clean but romantic as well with the lush flowers

Some of the delicious wedding food above and gorgeous flowers below. I’ve been seeing a lot more peonies lately and I absolutely love them, and of course I’ve also been seeing them outside which means they are in season in the spring. In season flowers will not only save money but won’t require the extra cost and resources involved with shipping in fresh blooms.

I love dancing at weddings. Okay, my friends will laugh because they know this is true – but when I’m with them at a wedding you can’t drag me away from the dance floor all night. Don’t worry, I can barely break the ice and start dancing at weddings that I’m photographing – it usually doesn’t seem right but I know I have a few I’m photographing that might be fun enough for me to get out there. I’m totally stealing the show from Chris and Kate by talking about this, but I know you can see how much fun they’re having and I love it.

Last but not least, Chris and Kate had a photobooth at the reception. It served a secondary purpose as their guest book, as guests would get pictures and then put the printed strip of 4 pictures in an album they had set out and write a personal note. I love guest books that incorporate a more personal aspect over just a list of names and I’m sure this is going to fun for Chris and Kate to look back on.

yay! congrats for the second time you guys, and if you haven’t gone to the proofing gallery to see their pictures, head over! Or, look at the first post from their wedding and leave a comment to help them earn a free enlargement!

Chris and Kate’s relationship started at Notre Dame and grew as they studied engineering and took jobs across the country in Seattle. The brought some Seattle weather back to Michigan with them for the wedding but it turned out to have just enough sun we could go outside for pictures and wind to make Kate’s veil look fabulous! I only shoot a few weddings in Michigan each year and I was so happy I was able to be a part of the day and I can’t wait to hear what you think. I’m going to have to add on to this post in a few days as I’m traveling and this is all I could get up for now. So – enjoy this and check back for more!

Kate looked amazing as a bride and I love this series where I feel it all came together. The moment you put on the dress is when you really realize that this is your wedding day.

They are the cutest couple and don’t let their brains fool you they know how to have fun!

Yes, I couldn’t get enough of Kate’s gorgeous dress and veil. The scenery was perfect too- these enclosed gardens blocked enough wind that it was perfect back there.

To end, a few of the wonderful bridal party! To see the complete set of photos head over to the proofing gallery, register and have fun looking through all of the images! You can also help Chris and Kate earn a free enlargement by leaving a comment on this post. Enjoy!

I love when I have a second shooter at a wedding with me. I frequently travel for weddings and have a very unique schedule, so it doesn’t always work to bring someone along… and honestly I have photographed the majority of weddings on my own. That doesn’t change the fact that when I do have someone working with me, it’s usually very helpful.

A second shooter can be added in to a wedding photography package so that additional coverage takes place for the whole event. Shooting in two different places allows images to be captured like the one you see above (shot by Kaylan Buteyn for me at Brendan+Stephanie’s wedding). I would highly recommend this for weddings that are larger events, or if you just want additional coverage. They also help carry gear around, set up any lighting, and organize bridal parties and families (large groups take extra help).

So, how do I find second shooters or assistants? It’s usually people that I know and are familiar working with. I wouldn’t bring a complete stranger with me because I can just imagine the horror stories I would be telling afterward. That being said, if you are someone who would like to work with me and join me for some weddings, let me get to know you and see if you’d be a good fit to work with. Email me at hello{at}marydougherty.net with your name, location, experience, $ requirements, and a few samples of your work and I’d love to talk! If you think you would be interested in interning I would love to hear from you as well, although at this point I can’t promise any credit fulfilling positions but perhaps we can work something out in the future.

It takes gorgeous photos. I can’t help but share this image from Chris + Kate’s wedding. The weather wasn’t perfect, but then again if it wasn’t windy we wouldn’t have had an image quite like this. So really, the weather was perfect.