Mar 29, 2023

Bay City Riverfront Wedding | Brianna & Devin

Bay City Riverfront Wedding in Bay City, Michigan. Detroit Wedding photography by Nicole Leanne Photography

Brianna and Devin's day was filled with love, family, and friends on a chilly March day. Despite the below-freezing temperatures and frosty wind chill, every part of the day Brianna and Devin were smiling and enjoyed sharing their special day with everyone they love.

The day started with the bride and groom each getting ready with their closest friends and family at DoubleTree in Bay City, located right on the Saginaw River. There was music and lots of laughter as snow flurries swirled like a magical snow globe just outside the hotel room window. Brianna's mom gave her something old and blue for her wedding, which was jewelry from her grandma to clip to her shoes. Brianna got dressed in her beautiful lace wedding dress with the help of her sisters and met her dad for a first look. There were lots of emotions and happy tears as they enjoyed a few moments together before Devin arrived to see his bride at the bridal suite after doing a first look with his mom as well.

Brianna and Devin were troopers and braved the extremely cold and windy weather for some outdoor photos together and with their wedding party. Even their dog Jerry joined, who was already a photo pro from their engagement session. We headed to Prost Wine Bar to warm up before the ceremony and everyone toasted to the bride and groom with a chambong before going back to the hotel to get ready for the ceremony.

The ceremony backdrop featured a triangle arch with white flowers and greenery. The triangle wedding arch is said to be a representation of the couple's stability, success, and solid foundation, which sounds like the perfect way to start your next phase of life together. Brianna and Devin wrote their own vows which were so touching. They talked about how being with one another felt like home and how their love was grounded in the simple pleasures of life, not grand gestures. It was very sweet to witness them sharing their love and recognizing the important things in life are often the little things.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour complete with a hot chocolate bar, which I think everyone appreciated given the frosty weather. The ballroom was decorated with elegant details with black and gold accents, white flowers, and greenery. Their cake made by Carli's Confections looked delicious and featured a cascading gold leaf pattern. Once everyone enjoyed their dinner, we snuck outside for a few sunset photos and Brianna's veil looked stunning glittering in the light.

Now that the sun was almost set, it was time to get the dance party going. Brianna shared a dance with her dad and Devin with his mom. Brianna also danced to Elvis with her grandma because it was her birthday, which was so sweet! Devin is from Frankenmuth and Sie Leben Hoch is a German tradition where the bride and groom are lifted in chairs while guests chant "Sie Leben Hoch" which means may they live well. Devin is just one of many generations in his family from Frankenmuth and it is always fun to see the different traditions couples choose to include in their day. Back on the dance floor, Devin's grandparents were the winners of the anniversary dance with an impressive 55 years of marriage. Their seasoned marriage advice was very simple, "be happy and be honest," I can't argue with that!

Congratulations, Brianna and Devin! May you have many happy days in your future together!

All my love,