Emma + Igor | The Wedding Weekend Celebration of the Year | Shepherd’s Hollow | Clarkston, Michigan

As Igor stood facing the venue, his thoughts raced back over the last 48 hours. Less than two days ago, he had been standing with Emma in front of the altar, completing the Serbian ceremony that would finally make them husband and wife. But now, as he waited to see her for the first time before their American ceremony, the excitement suddenly seemed to well up in him once again. Perhaps it was the sound of her footsteps crossing the pavement behind him, or perhaps it was the fact that when she spoke, her voice brought back memories of years past as they had grown to know and love each other. All he knew is that when he turned around and saw her, he fell in love all over again.

The beautiful duality of the Emma and Igor’s weekend celebration began in a tiny Serbian chapel outside of Detroit. Surrounded by an intimate gathering of their closest friends and family, Emma and Igor partook in a traditional Serbian ceremony, filled with symbolism and history. All were welcomed to join Emma and Igor for a celebratory evening at the Sylvan Table afterwards, and after a quiet stroll through the vineyards, their loved ones dispersed to prepare for the imminent celebration to come a couple days later.

While the morning dawned on Emma and her friends preparing in the intimate setting of Shepherd Hollow’s bridal suite, Igor’s morning was filled with all the energy and celebration we have come to know from his family. A traditional Serbian “Skup” filled his parent’s house with music and laughter as Igor prepared for the day ahead of him. Once Igor arrived at Shepherd’s Hollow, he and Emma knew that they could not be kept waiting to see each other til the ceremony, so they opted to see each other privately before the portraits began and guests arrived. In lieu of bridesmaids and groomsmen standing with them, Emma and Igor desired to stand alone during the ceremony, allowing all to know that everyone was loved equally. A single cocktail hour simply didn’t feel like enough time for Emma and Igor to meet, thank, and spend time all of their guests, so a second hour added created space for guests to leisurely enjoy the afternoon instead of feeling rushed from event to event on the wedding day. The reception began with a shower of kind words as Emma + Igor’s parents took to the microphone to both praise and encourage their kids who were had now combined their two families into one. With a delicious meal and a beautiful first dance behind them, the dance floor called to Emma and the rest of the crowd, as the music carried everyone away into an evening full of laughter and celebration.

Emma + Igor, we are sad to say that the day has finally come for us to say goodbye. It seems like just a few weeks ago that we were meeting you for your engagement shoot at Cranbrook and we talked about this weekend that you both were so looking forward to. And now, here we are. It has been our utmost joy being able to capture you two in this season. The kindness and sincere love you have for all around you is contagious, and we know that everyone you come in contact with from this day forward will feel loved and cherished by you both, because that’s how we feel as well.

All our best!

J + A

All photos are property of Josh and Andrea Photograph LLC.

The Vendors

• Photographer: Josh and Andrea Photography
• Venue: Shepherd’s Hollow
• Rehearsal Dinner: The Sylvan Table
• Wedding Dress: Jazz by Lihi Hod
• Florals: Fleur and Bloom
• Hair Artist: Ronda Akande
• Makeup Artist: Ronda Akande
• The Shoes: Loeffler Randall
• Stationary: Leighwood Design Studio
• Cake Artist: Baker’s Joy by Mckenzie
• Live Band/DJ: Michaels Entertainment
• Catering: Shepherd’s Hollow
• Men’s Suits: J. Barbaro Clothiers
• Signage: Maya and Love