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Charlotte Smith

photographer based in ann arbor
  • home
  • photo essays
    • Creating a Fishwheel in Nikolai, Alaska for the National Park Service
    • Northern Summers in Michigan
    • Listening, Together in Ann Arbor for A2SO
    • Bulilding Bridges Gala in Detroit for the Pope Francis Center
    • Recording New Breed in Ann Arbor for Ghostly International & Ford Motor Co.
  • recent work
  • about
  • contact
  • 2026
    • Feb 5, 2026 Photographing the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra: January MainStage at the Michigan Theater Feb 5, 2026
    • Jan 31, 2026 University of Michigan Museum of Art - Art at Home - Match Day! Jan 31, 2026
    • Jan 19, 2026 Studio Portraits in Ann Arbor Jan 19, 2026
  • 2025
    • Dec 31, 2025 Sounds of the Season: Photographing Measure for Measure’s Holiday Concert and 2025 Reflections Dec 31, 2025
    • Dec 17, 2025 Leadership, Legacy, and a Homecoming at Eastern Michigan University Dec 17, 2025
    • Dec 4, 2025 An Evening with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra & Clara-Jumi Kang Dec 4, 2025
    • Nov 21, 2025 Feeling Good at UMMA! Feel Good Friday - Halloween Edition! Nov 21, 2025
    • Nov 6, 2025 Zoe’s Senior Portraits with Her Cat Hazel | Ann Arbor Graduation Photography Nov 6, 2025
    • Oct 30, 2025 Color and Sound: Photographing the Ann Arbor Symphony with Jacob Collier & Chris Thile Oct 30, 2025
    • Oct 14, 2025 Documenting the 2025 Season Opener with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra! Oct 14, 2025
    • Sep 30, 2025 Neha and Jordan's Pastafarian wedding in Ann Arbor Sep 30, 2025
    • Sep 23, 2025 Celebrating Community and Creativity at JJ’s Homecoming Open Mic in Detroit Sep 23, 2025
    • Sep 19, 2025 A love letter to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan Sep 19, 2025
    • Sep 11, 2025 Gran Fiesta 2025: Honoring Scholars, Celebrating Futures Sep 11, 2025
    • Aug 15, 2025 OddAnimalSpecimens, Endless Curiosity, and possibly one of my Coolest Shoots Ever! Aug 15, 2025
    • Jul 24, 2025 Inside the Work: University Voices Driving Change Jul 24, 2025
    • Jul 9, 2025 Photography celebrating 100 Years of the Benzonia Library & Mills Community House! Jul 9, 2025
    • Jun 26, 2025 A Surprise Engagement at Nichols Arboretum Jun 26, 2025
    • Jun 11, 2025 Photographing with Heart at the Building Bridges Gala : My Approach to Nonprofit Events Jun 11, 2025
    • May 28, 2025 Behind the Lens at the A2SO Season Finale! May 28, 2025
    • May 2, 2025 Celebrating Emma's Graduation with a Special Portrait Session May 2, 2025
    • Apr 22, 2025 Capturing the Magic - Capturing Magic: April MainStage with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Apr 22, 2025
    • Apr 1, 2025 Turning the Page on March: A Look Back at My Favorite Photohoots Apr 1, 2025
    • Mar 29, 2025 Ducks and Armenian Coffee Mar 29, 2025
    • Mar 20, 2025 Portraits with Dr. Hanan and Life Update! Mar 20, 2025
Two rings lay against flowers.

Neha and Jordan's Pastafarian wedding in Ann Arbor

September 30, 2025 in Weddings, Ann Arbor Photography, Storytelling Photography, Intimate Ceremonies

While weddings aren’t my primary focus, I do photograph them from time to time—and when I do, they usually fall a little outside the traditional mold. From 70s-themed celebrations to the blending of different cultures, I’ve been lucky to capture weddings that break away from convention. Those are the opportunities I love most.

Two people, one holding a colander above her head and another holding her phone to take a picture in a room.

Recently, I had the joy of documenting Neha and Jordan’s small Pastafarian wedding here in Ann Arbor (yes—pasta, and of course, the Flying Spaghetti Monster). Their ceremony was short and sweet, yet overflowing with love, kindness, and laughter. It was such an honor to be invited into such an intimate and meaningful moment in their lives.

Two pairs of custom wedding converse sit on the ground with flowers in the background.
A bride rests her hand on her grooms suit surrounded by flowers.
Two pairs of hands untangle jewelry during a wedding in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

What made the day even more special was the weaving together of traditions, with elements of both Hindu and Catholic practices incorporated into the ceremony. That blend of playfulness and cultural richness made the celebration feel completely unique to them. After the small ceremony we made out way to the University of Michigan central campus to take a few quick shots.

A bride and groom look at one another with a light rainbow flare in the foreground and brick building in the background.
Hands hold a paper that lists calls and responses for an intimate wedding.
Three people sit at a table and sign a document during a wedding.
A bride and groom walk between brick pillars.

Here are a few of my favorite images from the day. A huge thank-you to Neha and Jordan for trusting me to capture your celebration—I couldn’t stop smiling, even while editing these photos.

A bride ties her custom converse ahead of her wedding. The bottom of the converse say the word "bride".
Tags: Pastafarian wedding, Ann Arbor wedding photographer, Non-traditional weddings, Offbeat weddings, Intimate wedding photography, Hindu wedding traditions, Catholic wedding traditions, Documentary wedding photography, Creative wedding photography
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email: charlottesmithphotoA2@gmail.com
phone: (734)881-3753