Penny Ralene Photography

Penny Ralene Photography Metro Detroit Portrait Photography.

Betsy & AlexThey met in college in 2020 while two groups of friends were “flirtatiously pushing COVID social restriction...
09/08/2026

Betsy & Alex

They met in college in 2020 while two groups of friends were “flirtatiously pushing COVID social restrictions.”

Betsy spent the morning at her childhood home, revealing her gown to her father under the magnolia tree where first dances, prom, and homecoming photos had been taken for years. She wore her late grandmother’s pearl ring and carried Alex’s great-grandmother’s embroidered hanky.

Teary-eyed smiles and nostalgia-fueled laughter ruled the day until after dinner. Then Space Cats pulled EVERYONE into the present moment with the greatest dance party in the history of dance parties.

And once again, I’m reminded that a great wedding day is the natural result of years of everyday small acts of love and sacrifice. And once again, I’m inspired by your stories.


Planner: Wedding and Event Planner
Gown: The Wedding Shoppe
Makeup: Christine Fitzpatrick-New Orleans Bridal Hair + Makeup Artist
Hair: Jesse Maksabo
DJ/Band: SpaceCat
Florist: Stephanie T
Menswear: The Black Tux
Catering & Venue: Greystone Golf Club and Banquet Center
Content Creator: Little Moments | Event & Wedding Content Creators

Kirsten and Jihoon’s day started so peacefully.As Kirsten got ready, there was worship music playing, friends and family...
09/02/2026

Kirsten and Jihoon’s day started so peacefully.

As Kirsten got ready, there was worship music playing, friends and family praying together, and a really sweet sense of calm before the day “officially” got started.

As we moved throughout the day, energy and excitement built up as everyone surrounded them with love and support.

And the the reception kicked off, and that quiet morning turned into a full-blown dance party - loud music, a packed dance floor, lots of laughing, and everyone having the absolute best time.

I loved that Kirsten and Jihoon’s day held both. The quiet, meaningful moments and the big, joyful celebration. It felt so true to them.

———

Photographer: Penny Schaaf - Wedding Photographer
Wedding Planner: Jennie Bellisario-Bryant
Florist: Ralph Bellisario
Gown: Magnolia Laine Bridal
DJ: 8 Solaris Productions
Filmmaker: Paul Troy
Hair/Makeup: Lisa
Cake/Pastries: Sweet Heather Anne | Cake Studio| Ann Arbor, Michigan + Petite Sweets Detroit
Bridesmaid Gowns: Amanda Osinski
Menswear: Suits & Tuxedos | Farmington Hills

Happy Wedding Day, Alex & Betsy! Can’t wait to work with Wedding and Event Planner and SpaceCat for the best party ever!...
08/29/2026

Happy Wedding Day, Alex & Betsy!

Can’t wait to work with Wedding and Event Planner and SpaceCat for the best party ever!

Michigan Live Wedding band, Michigan Wedding Planner, Michigan wedding photographer

Iconic Detroit Luxury. Every historical wedding venue deserves a getaway car to remind us that timelessness starts somew...
08/13/2026

Iconic Detroit Luxury. Every historical wedding venue deserves a getaway car to remind us that timelessness starts somewhere, and we are privileged to be part of that legacy.

Motor City Vintage Rentals | Kymberly Andren’ beautiful Packard “Hamilton” escorts Bella & Ethan as they wedded at Sweetest Heart of Mary, stopped by Albert Kahn’s Cadillac Place, then danced the night away at Henry Ford’s Lovett Hall. Somewhere in heaven, Motor City’s legends ring their own wedding bells as they celebrate with us.

Packard “Hamilton by Motor City Vintage Rentals | Kymberly Andren
Wedding Planner: Jessica Dawn | Full-Service Wedding Planner in Detroit, Michigan
Michigan Wedding Photographer: Penny Schaaf - Wedding Photographer
Video: Detroit Wedding Videographer
Historic Wedding Venues:
The Henry Ford’s Private Events
Sweetest Heart of Mary Church

Chicago brought them together, Detroit brings them home. Jake & Ashling wanted to share a glimpse into the love story th...
07/28/2026

Chicago brought them together, Detroit brings them home.

Jake & Ashling wanted to share a glimpse into the love story that unfolded in the Windy City — where they kept crossing paths downtown as young professionals, before realizing they both hailed from metro Detroit. The rest is history.

Walking around downtown Chicago with them, they pointed out the landmarks of their relationship, and recalled countless trips from Chicago’s Union Station back “home” to Detroit.

Netflix, your “Love in the City” documentary subjects are right here!

Detroit Wedding, Chicago Engagement Session

Happy Wedding Weekend, Bella & Ethan! 🤍The countdown is finally over! Wishing you both the most beautiful day filled wit...
07/24/2026

Happy Wedding Weekend, Bella & Ethan! 🤍

The countdown is finally over! Wishing you both the most beautiful day filled with so much love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. I can’t wait to celebrate alongside you and capture the beginning of this next chapter together. See you soon!

Wedding Guest portraits from Hannah & Alex’s wedding. This is a fabulous way to thank your guests - a little mini portra...
07/16/2026

Wedding Guest portraits from Hannah & Alex’s wedding. This is a fabulous way to thank your guests - a little mini portrait session to commemorate the day. The wedding theme was “Summer Garden Party” and Hannah & Alex’s guests dressed to impress. ♥️

For my fellow creatives - this was a fun project, as the location was in full sun shining at a 45 degree angle on the subject - so I arranged for a 600 watt fill flash to even the broad daylight and I love the results! It delivered consistent results even with intermittent clouds and sun.

Lavender Studio Backdrop: stemeventdesign
Wedding Planner: Wedding and Event Planner

Michigan Wedding Photographer
Private Estate Wedding
Lavender Wedding

There are venues that simply provide a beautiful backdrop, and then there are places that hold history, spark emotion, a...
07/15/2026

There are venues that simply provide a beautiful backdrop, and then there are places that hold history, spark emotion, and inspire artistry long before a couple ever walks through the doors.

The Detroit War Memorial is one of those places, and truly one of my favorite venues to photograph.

Set along the shores of Lake St. Clair, it has an incredible mix of history, timeless architecture, and waterfront views that make you feel like you’ve been transported to a European getaway.

When dreaming up our Where There Is Love, There Is Art editorial, I knew this venue had to be a part of the story. We wanted to create images that celebrated not only the couple, but the beauty, history, and artistry of the space itself.

If you’re looking for a wedding venue that feels classic, romantic, and full of character, this one deserves a spot on your list.

📍

Historic Waterfront Wedding Venue: The War Memorial Events
Planning & Design: Bunny & June Events
Destination Wedding Photographer: Penny Schaaf - Wedding Photographer
Wedding Videographer: Quin | Midwest & Destination Wedding Videographer
Wedding Content Creator: Detroit Content Creator | Wedding & Event
Couture Bridal Gown: Sarah Kolis | Couture Bridal Gowns & More
Bridal Hair Design:
Carleana|Bridal Hairstylist
Bridal Makeup Artist: Michigan Makeup Artist | 𝘊𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘢 𝘍𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘶𝘴𝘰𝘯
Wedding Florals: Spotted Fawn Designs
Live Fashion Illustrator: OC ILLUSTRATION / LIVE EVENT PAINTERS & GUEST ILLUSTRATORS
Models: Bonang Shadi Kgwadi , Justin Matthew
Linens: Luxe Event Linen
Wedding Signage: ShaytioneryDesigns
Tiramisu Wedding Cake Tower: Homestead Kitchen Artisan Cakery - Detroit Specialty Bakery
Menswear: The Tux Shop on Woodward
Bridal Gown Broach: Mary Frances Maker
Photo Assistance: Hannah Dice

“We want candid photos that show emotion”“I’m awkward in front of the camera and need guidance”“I want to be present for...
07/01/2026

“We want candid photos that show emotion”
“I’m awkward in front of the camera and need guidance”
“I want to be present for my wedding day”
“We want our guests to have a great time”
“We love timeless back and white photos”

Say less! As a mother and happily married bride of 20 years myself I promise that your images will reflect more than your wedding day. They represent an ever evolving legacy. I’m here to guide you in multi-generational family portraits, snapshot the cute toddler antics, spot delighted guest moments, and quiet misty eyes.

Tell me your favorite black and white photos from this War Memorial Wedding!

Michigan Wedding Photographer: Penny Schaaf - Wedding Photographer

Historic Waterfront Wedding Venue: The War Memorial Events

Wedding Planner: Florida Wedding Planner | K.Adam Production & Design

Videographer: Timothy Scott

Florals: The Flower Alley Novi MI | Luxury Flower Shop & Event Florist

Address

Taylor, MI

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