Anna + Connor

#HappilyEverHayes

Getting Ready + First Look

Anna's details were curated flawlessly to represent her vision of a classic, romantic and traditional wedding theme in greens and golds. With nods to their family histories and symbols of their love story sprinkled throughout their décor, it was truly a gorgeous and personalized day to remember. Plus, it was kind of like finding Easter eggs! Every new angle you'd find something symbolic and special to their lives, the Irish Claddagh pin on Anna's bouquet, which was handmade by her Mom, the perfume a gift from Connor, the jewelry playing a piece into the something borrowed, blue and new. Even at the reception, they incorporated so many sentimental symbols to truly make the day uniquely theirs.

Stationary: Moy Designs
Shoes: I. Miller
Gown + Attire: The Wedding Shoppe
Rings: https: Birmingham Jewelry

But of course, you can't create a day as lovely as Anna + Connor's without your most loved people.

St. Hugo Chapel

Anna and Connor had a catholic ceremony in St. Hugo's Chapel, officiated by Father Dominic Macioce.

The architecture of the building was immaculate, I was in awe of the stained glass, high ceilings and the organ area.

*Organ Fun Facts*

The chapel organ was built in 1935 and consists of 29 ranks of pipes. The main organ and console are in the rear gallery, and there is a small echo organ above and to the left of the crucifix. It was rebuilt and updated in 2014.

See if you can peep the small echo organ next to the crucifix. :)

The Treasury

Anna + Connor's reception was at The Treasury in Pontiac Michigan, which holds its own rich history as well. Make sure to check out their website by clicking on the name to read about them!

Like the chapel, there were amazing high ceilings, and awing windows, but what really just set the venue apart from anywhere we have been, THAT BANK VAULT!

How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You

The couple's first dance was to James Taylor's, "How Sweet It Is". They used the verse to also add a cute play on words note to their candy table. The candy table that was in all greens and whites, that you might think they did as a consistency to their coloring, but actually it was another Easter egg! The couple both went to Michigan State, and are passionate about their school spirit.

Those weren't the only adorable, personized sentiments though. They even included a note from their pup, Millie, a black Old English Sheepdog Goldendoodle mix that they recently added to their family, on their guests tables.

But my personal favorite is the champagne toast; Blue, a special blue colored bubbly from the same winery where Anna's parents went to on their 25th wedding anniversary in Tuscany, Italy. Anna and her family are Italian, from Tuscany and wanted to add this to honor their heritage.

Baker: Klever Kreations
DJ: Pro DJ Services

The Soulmates

Anna and Connor are truly kind humans that I'm incredibly lucky to have been able to photograph, let alone help capture their wedding day. Their passion for their histories, lives and connections is such a gift to anyone who has the opportunity to meet and know them.

Here are some things in Anna's words, because they held so much voice and personality in the writing that it made me smile. I just had to pass that on to anyone who reads this ♥.

Are you having something borrowed, something blue and something new?

A: Yes! I am :)

-Something borrowed is my mom's earrings she wore on her wedding.

-Something blue is a heart cutout of my dad's blue jeans that is sown into the inside of my dress. To know my dad is to know him in blue jeans!

-Something new is basically everything! My dress of course :)

Proposal stories are the best! What's your story?:

A: Anna’s Birthday is September 9th and Connor planned a getaway as her gift to Ludington, MI for the following weekend. This trip was planned for months but Connor took the opportunity to make it a bit more special. All Anna knew was that they were staying at a Victorian Bed and Breakfast and had a dinner reservation for Friday night at Ludington’s nicest restaurant. On the way up, Connor’s car gets a flat tire from a nail in the road and they stop in Hart, MI – 20 minutes from their destination in Ludington. Connor’s starting to become stressed (knowing it was to be a special night) while Anna is like “honey don’t worry, we have nowhere to be, this is supposed to be a relaxing trip” trying to comfort Connor. The tow truck finally came an hour and a half later to replace his tire in 20 minutes, and then they were back on their way. They check into the B&B and stayed in the Lighthouse themed room and there on the bedside were some romantic roses, chocolates, snacks, and champagne. Anna felt all pampered and knew that this was above and beyond for the Connor she loves. She was feeling special already. It was now time for dinner and Connor asked Anna to wear something nice since it was a nicer restaurant. Anna tells all the wait staff they are there for her Birthday and she gets a special desert saying Happy Birthday and took pictures with it. After dinner Connor wanted to walk down to the beach to see the sunset and Anna was all for it but she didn’t wear the best shoes – since she was dressed nicer. Once to the beach Connor decided to instead walk to the pier and that’s when Anna had enough of her shoes and took them off, Connor was so worried he was making Anna walk too far (Anna didn’t mind once her shoes were off) but assured her it was worth it. They got to the end of the pier and Anna decides to sit down on the edge and pats for Connor to sit next to her to enjoy the sunset, but he gently asked her to stand back up. Anna stands, and then Connor kneels! In the moment Anna had no idea what Connor was saying but only heard “spend the rest of my life with you…. I love you…. WILL YOU MARRY ME?” She said YES! And Anna was so emotional and excited and shocked that Connor had to ask her to put the ring on! Anna knew Connor was her one and she was so excited to become a Hayes.

Anything else you think is fun for me to know?!:

A: We both are Michigan State Alums and went the same four years but never knew each other! We also knew mutual people so it's definitely such a small world! We fell for each other fast and believe we were meant to be each other's soulmate.

Lead Photographer: Get Lucky Photography, LLC
Second Shooter: Megan Judith Photography