Island Park in Ann Arbor is such a hidden gem. I had seen it a few times while kayaking down the Huron River, but didn’t know exactly where it was. A quick Google search showed me its location. I never would have guessed that Island Park would be across the street from an apartment complex. There’s an adorable building that looks like it is Greek inspired which makes for a great photo location. The light in that shines in there in the afternoon is to die for!
Darcie and Justin let me know their wedding would take place on the island, then the reception would be in the shelter on the shore. The park is the perfect setup for a smaller wedding since both locations are just steps away from each other. Their wedding colors are one of my favorite combos, yellow and gray, LOVE! They had yellow balloons lining either side of the walk way leading up to the aisle. Such a unique idea, plus we used them for a super cute photo later in the evening.
The reception was so laid-back, we ate Qdoba and they individual mini pies for dessert. So adorable! Then it was time for the dances. Now, I am a sucker for father-daughter dances being a daddy’s girl myself, so it’s not out of the ordinary for me to shed a tear or two behind my camera. But this time I was crying like a baby, along with most of the guests. Watching the two of them dance together, you could see the bond that they had. She will definitely always be his baby girl.
Just before I left, we gathered all the guests in a nearby open area. Darcie and Justin wanted a photo with everyone since the whole family doesn’t get together too often. I climbed up on a picnic table to get the photo. Totally not safe while six months pregnant with twins by the way, but I’m that photographer that will climb and get down in the mud to get the perfect angle. Really I should just bring a ladder with me, that’s just a lot of extra stuff to have to carry around. Anyway, I think doing a photo with everyone is a great idea when possible. You can use them to customize or include in your thank you cards, then people would actually hold on to the card. Personalized touches like that are so darn cute!
