Last month Andy and I photographed a wedding that stands out as one of the most unusual we’ve done to date.    For one thing, it took place in Andy’s dad’s backyard…but I will get to that.  :)  How does a bride from Brazil and a groom from Germany meet in a town in Michigan, of all places?  Well, it has a bit to do with coffee.  A coffeehouse actually.  The  Tuscan Cafe in Northville has always been a popular hang out for locals. But while most of us duck into a coffee place for a quick caffeine fix, the regulars at The Tuscan embrace the whole culture of a coffeehouse. Strangers walk in and friendships are formed over steaming mugs of java. Ana, and several others have been part of a group of regulars who have frequented the Tuscan for years, including Andy’s dad.  When Martin moved to the US he was invited into the fold.  Probably by Ana, who I hear is the natural recruiter of the group.  Which is something very easy to imagine if you meet her and see the warmth in her eyes.

When Martin got the  news that his employer would be transferring him back to Germany, their romance had to be kicked into fast forward.  Their wedding plans were moved up in order to get married here, surrounded by their friends.  While their wedding was a very last minute affair, it lacked none of the emotion or sweetness of a more scheduled event.  And incredibly, their friends arranged everything.  Things just fell together.  Andy’s dad, Michael, offered his back yard.  Friends helped with decorations and food.  One friend offered to bake the cake.  It was a real group effort and they pulled it off with great success.

Ana’s face and eyes are so expressive.  She radiated joy the entire day.  :)

I love these ring exchange shots.  :)

And…..married!  :)

While most of the guests consisted of friends from The Tuscan, some of Martin’s family from Germany were also able to attend.  Additionally, live webcams were set up so relatives in both Brazil and Germany could watch the ceremony.  This is Martin’s sister congratulating him after the ceremony.

Okay, so this cake – it was baked from scratch by one of Ana & Martin’s friends, in the kitchen of Andy’s dad’s house…the night before.    Andy’s dad made the topper, using some kind of model-making thing at his work, of which I do not understand at all so I won’t even bother to attempt to explain it.  But it prints things in 3D.  Wrap your heads around that one.  The bride & groom’s faces were actually on the people in the boat.

Ana about to throw her bouquet.  I really like this one. The bouquet is in motion….and why is Martin standing behind her?  Haha!

I have to end this post talking about the amazing wedding gift Michael (Andy’s dad) put together for Ana & Martin.  Knowing that they would soon be leaving to start a new life in Germany, and also knowing how the friends at The Tuscan Cafe had been Ana’s adopted family for many years, he put together a very special present for her and Martin.  He photographed each of the regulars from the coffee house, and then had them write their address and well wishes.  There were also photos from the many of the places they’ve gone as friends over the years.  The whole thing was bound into a book, fittingly trimmed in a tuscan gold leather.

Neither had any idea about this book, and their expressions said it all.  :)

I am sure it will be a cherished keepsake and something they will both thumb through a lot once they are settled overseas.

Ana & Martin – thank you for letting us document this day for you.  Your wedding was simple and sweet and a true celebration of your love.  We wish you the best as you start a new chapter of your life in Germany.

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