WEDDING: Justin and Rachel
Charlevoix, Michigan
Justin and Rachel came from Brooklyn so they could get married in Charlevoix — a town and place where Rachel spent so much time with her family. And because Justin and Rachel were high school sweethearts, (actually Justin has liked Rachel since kindergarten!) the place has become special for him, too. I didn’t get the opportunity to meet Justin and Rachel before their wedding day, but it was a joy to hear how these two people, that have extremely different personalities, have an intense respect, love and appreciation for one another.
Here are some other things that I loved: Rachel wore a hair comb that was made from her grandmother’s headpiece and their wedding rings were designed by Rachel’s cousin. I LOVE that Rachel and Justin are full of emotion — there was so much hugging, laughter and crying. The trumpet player deserves a medal for the best live version of Hava Nagila I’ve ever heard. There was an amazing sunset. My husband, Jon, was not only my chaperone but also shot some of these amazing images. Oh, and the best part…the surprise flash mob that the couple’s friends and family orchestrated! How fun is that?!
Justin and Rachel, may your love continue to surprise you.
Venue: Dunmaglas
Event planner: Merry Makers
Hair and makeup: Ilaria Hair Studio
Florist: Schoolhouse Gardens
Caterer: Catering by Kelly’s
Transportation: Mackinaw Trolley Company
Music: The Soul Street Band
Bride’s dress: Macy’s Bridal Salon–Somerset Collection
Wedding bands: David Weinstock
Engagement ring: Wachler Jewelers
Second photographer: blinkPHOTO
GLANCE: Justin and Rachel
Charlevoix, Michigan
This past weekend I had the joy of heading to one of my very favorite northern Michigan towns for a wedding. It was the first time I met the bride and groom so I learned a lot about them as the day progressed. For instance, I found out that Justin has liked Rachel since kindergarten. I know. How sweet is that? The most wonderful thing of all, to me, was not the gorgeous location of the ceremony, nor the big beautiful barn where they celebrated but that everyone talked about how different Rachel and Justin are from each other. These two took those differences to create one amazing love story.
“I know there is strength in the differences between us. I know there is comfort where we overlap.” – Ani DiFranco
Kendra Stanley-Mills Photography 