A Candid Michigan Wedding With a Chinese Tea Ceremony and a Dance Floor That Didn’t Quit
If you’re planning a wedding in Michigan and you care more about how it felt than how perfectly everyone stood, this one’s for you.
This Coriander wedding in Detroit had all the things I love most as a documentary wedding photographer: real moments, cultural traditions done with intention, a relaxed ceremony, and a reception that slowly turned into a full-on dance party. No awkward posing. No forced smiles. Just people being themselves.
Getting Ready in Detroit
The day started quietly, with that low-key nervous energy that doesn’t need much direction. This is where candid wedding photography really shines — the small looks, the pacing, the way people interact when they forget there’s a camera around.
I keep things simple during this part of the day. I don’t interrupt. I don’t stage moments. I just let the story unfold and stay ready for the good stuff.
A Chinese Tea Ceremony: Meaningful, Intimate, Unrushed
Before heading to Coriander, the couple held a traditional Chinese tea ceremony — one of the most meaningful parts of the day.
Tea ceremonies are full of symbolism: respect, gratitude, family, and connection across generations. From a documentary perspective, they’re incredible. The gestures are intentional. The emotions are real. Nothing needs to be “made” to happen.
As a photographer, my job here is to stay observant and unobtrusive. These moments don’t repeat, and they don’t need direction — just attention.
A Secular Ceremony at Coriander, Detroit
Coriander is one of those Detroit wedding venues that feels warm without being stuffy. Modern, welcoming, and perfect for couples who want something elevated but not formal-for-the-sake-of-it.
The ceremony itself was relaxed and personal. No religious structure, no pressure to perform — just two people, their people, and a room that felt genuinely present.
This is where a candid or alternative wedding photography approach really matters. When couples aren’t worried about how they look, they’re free to actually experience the moment. That’s when the best photographs happen.
Portraits Without the Performance
We stepped outside briefly for portraits, keeping it quick and natural. I don’t believe in pulling couples away from their wedding for long stretches or asking them to “act” romantic.
Instead, I give light direction, let things breathe, and photograph what’s already there. The result is images that feel like you, not like a photoshoot you had to survive.
The Reception: Good Food, Loud Music, Zero Restraint
Then came the reception — and eventually, the party.
Once the formalities were done, the energy shifted fast. Dancing kicked off, shoes were abandoned, and the night turned into exactly what you want a wedding reception to be: loose, joyful, and a little chaotic in the best way.
This is where documentary wedding photography earns its keep. No flash herding. No interruptions. Just movement, connection, and moments you probably didn’t even realize were happening until you see the photos later.
Why This Wedding Is a Great Example of Documentary Wedding Photography in Michigan
This Coriander wedding is a perfect example of why couples in Detroit and across Michigan are drawn to a documentary / candid / alternative wedding photographer.
- Cultural traditions blended naturally into the day
- No rigid timeline dictating emotions
- Guests actually enjoyed themselves
- The photos reflect what it felt like, not just what it looked like
If you’re planning a wedding at Coriander — or anywhere in Michigan — and you want photography that prioritizes real moments over perfection, this approach might be for you.
FAQs
What is documentary wedding photography?
Documentary wedding photography focuses on real moments as they happen, rather than staged or heavily posed images. The goal is to tell the story of your wedding day honestly and emotionally.
Is documentary wedding photography the same as candid wedding photography?
They’re closely related. “Candid” describes how the photos feel; “documentary” describes the overall approach — observing, anticipating, and telling a complete story.
Do you still take family photos and portraits?
Yes — efficiently and without stress. We get what you need, then let you get back to your wedding.
Do you photograph cultural ceremonies like Chinese tea ceremonies?
Absolutely. I approach cultural traditions with respect, curiosity, and a documentary mindset so nothing important is missed or rushed.
Do you work weddings in Detroit and across Michigan?
Yes. I photograph weddings throughout Detroit, Ann Arbor, and across Michigan and beyond.
Planning a Wedding at Coriander in Detroit?
If you’re getting married at Coriander (or somewhere similar) and want a photographer who blends in, pays attention, and documents the day as it actually unfolds, I’d love to hear what you’re planning.
You can see more real Michigan weddings here, or get in touch to see if I’m available for your date.
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