Seema and Greg: Capturing the Glamorous Side of Detroit

Written by: Clare Spencer

Photography by: Erin Schmidt

www.eschmidtphotography.com

It was the ‘Dori’ gown by Hayley Paige that hooked Seema into loving the designer and brought her to Mimi’s. Just from viewing images of the gown online, Seema believed ‘Dori’ was her dream dress. She loved the playful feel of the gown and yet it was glamorous and elegant at the same time.

“I saved the ‘Dori’ dress for last but instead of loving it I hated how it looked on me.”

Seema stayed loyal to Hayley Paige and was willing to try another of the designer’s ballgowns, a gown that she probably would have passed over if it was up to her.

“I knew it was THE ONE when I stepped out of the fitting room and all my girls were oohing and ahhing instead of using words.”

It was the ‘Behati’ gown that Seema ended up falling in love with. ‘Behati’ is a unique gown, with its tiered layers of geometric organza and plain ivory tulle, a deep V-neck, beaded straps and ornate beaded back. It is a gown that is both classic and modern, fun and glamorous with just a touch of sparkle.

It’s funny, despite both being from Rochester Hills, Michigan, being born in the same hospital, going to the same elementary, middle and high school and then both attending Michigan State University (MSU) and only living one mile apart, it took Seema and Greg twenty years to actually meet. It was through a mutual friend that the couple was able to meet one another.

“Crazy I know!”

On MSU’s campus there is a building called Beaumont Tower, where it is tradition to kiss your significant other. One day when Greg and Seema were walking through campus (a day when Seema says her best friend “tricked” her into visiting East Lansing) they were passing by Beaumont Tower and decided to take a selfie.

“…as I was selecting the right Instagram filter I turned to ask him for a caption and there he was on one knee.”

After tears and an ecstatic “YES!” from Seema, a guitarist, hired by Greg began to play the couple’s song. And to surprise Seema even more, from behind a bush where they were able to capture the whole proposal on camera, was her best friend, sister, cousins and future sister-in-law. The whole group made their way to a nearby restaurant to be greeted by one more surprise: both Seema and Greg’s families ready to celebrate the engagement.

The ceremony was held on the rooftop of the Detroit Opera House, followed by a cocktail hour in Shed 2 at the Detroit Eastern Market and then dinner in Shed 3 and then back to Shed 2 for a night of dancing.

“We wanted something that showed off the vast beauty of Detroit. We are huge fans of the energy and vibe the city offers and loved how well each venue fit our ‘industrial glam’ theme.”

Not to mention these venues can accommodate over 350 people which was a requirement.

Even Sparty, the MSU mascot, made an appearance as a surprise to the groom courtesy of Seema and the best man.

Final words of wedding gown shopping advice from Seema:

“Walk in with no expectations and always be open to try on something you would never pick for yourself.”