GLANCE: Ryan and Emily
Crystal Mountain, Michigan
On Friday, thunderstorms threatened Ryan and Emily’s Crystal Mountain wedding but by the time they said their “I do’s,” it was a gorgeous day. During their vows, Ryan said to Emily, “You are home to me.” I’m not going to lie, I got a bit choked up. There are so many moments and reasons why I loved this wedding but I’ll save that for the full post, right now, I just want you to see for yourselves the love between these two wonderful people. Enjoy your time in Tahiti, Ryan and Emily. You are amazing (and so are your families!) Check out my shooting partner Carrie Turner’s sneak peek here. We’ll have much more to share in the weeks to come….
WEDDING: Chris and Merrill
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Back in November, I was asked to photograph this really great wedding. That bride had a sister, Merrill. Four months later, it was her turn. Two wonderful celebrations done as uniquely as their personalities. With a March snowfall that dusted Grand Rapids, Chris and Merrill shared their wedding day with thousands of St. Patrick’s Day revelers. Joey, their dog, made an appearance, too. But my favorite part of the day was when Merrill surprised Chris (and Chris’s family) with a video from his sister who is deployed. And I must say, that this couple had the best first dance song of all time. Chris and Merrill, may happiness continue to follow you all the way to Japan.
Ceremony: Grand Rapids City Hall
Reception: Bistro Bella Vita
Invitations: Papers Plus
Cake: Rita Girl’s
Florist: Eastern Floral
Shoes: Kate Spade
Dress: Encore
Suit: Michael Kors
Musicians: Bob Thompson Jr. Entertainment
GLANCE: Chris and Merrill wedding
Grand Rapids, Michigan
I had the great joy of photographing Chris and Merrill’s wedding this Saturday in Grand Rapids. These two made me cry. And laugh. (And, I’ve never seen a bride’s shoes create such a commotion. Kate Spade does things right.) So, take a peek and check back in to see the full edit soon. Congratulations, Chris and Merrill!!!
WEDDING: Lee and Lisa
Muskegon, Michigan
I’m not sure if I remember the officiant’s exact words but it went something like this, ‘Don’t focus on what is wrong but focus on what is right.’ I know the sentiment was meant for Lee and Lisa during their intimate, private wedding ceremony but I needed those words too. With changing careers, less time at home and life’s daily struggles, I know I can focus on what needs fixing. Don’t we all? I’m sure Lee and Lisa heard those words, too, and will use them as they start their new life together – – one that will include their future son that is due this May along with Lee’s young son, Zayden. Lee and Lisa, may you always look for what is honest, true and RIGHT with your relationship.
Venue: Hideaway Lounge at Fricano Place
Cake: Ryke’s
Catering: Above & Beyond
Florist: Wasserman’s Flowers & Gifts
WEDDING: Joe and Stephanie
Beulah, Michigan
It rained and it rained and it rained. And it rained some more. After visiting every thrift store in the area, we found enough umbrellas to keep the bridal party dry (I was keeping my fingers crossed that they would be up for the challenge!) Oh, and they were…the cold rain didn’t stop Joe and Stephanie from enjoying their fall wedding day to the fullest. Steph didn’t mind that her hair got a little wet (I attribute that to the fact that she’s a farm girl) and no one minded traipsing though fields of weeds. I also have to give a HUGE shout out to my talented husband, Jon, who assisted me with this wedding. He was my second photographer, umbrella holder, equipment carrier and nerve calmer. Joe and Steph, may you always find laughter during the storm.
WEDDING: Jeff and Lis
Muskegon, Michigan
I kept trying to cut down the number of images for Jeff and Lis’s blog post but, try as I might, I failed. I realized it was probably because of all the weddings I have photographed this year, Jeff and Lis’s was the closest to my own personal style. First of all, they were married in the same chapel that my husband and I were married in 10 years prior, then throw in all their vintage-inspired touches and DIY projects along with their two dogs as part of the ceremony and…. BINGO…you have this photographer’s dream wedding. And did I mention the birdcage veil?!
Vendors ~ Cake: Sugar and Spice Cake Design, Reception: Hagar’s Hideaway, Florist: Chalet
GLANCE: New beginnings
“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” ~Seneca
Birth. Graduation. Wedding. Engagement. So blessed to be photographing such happy occasions!
WEDDING IN THREE ACTS: Jordan and Emily
When I chatted with Emily about her upcoming wedding, she really wanted the day to be about the gathering of friends and family that would come to celebrate with her and Jordan. She didn’t have an extensive list of photos she wanted, Emily just kept saying it was about the guests. No getting ready photos, no dollar dance or cake-cutting pictures. And for me, that was just fine. It was fine because the stress of missing a crucial wedding component for a photographer can add a few gray hairs, but on a more serious note, it allowed me to focus on the REAL meaning of a wedding in the first place…LOVE. Thank you, Emily and Jordan, for three beautiful days of celebration – – the rehearsal, wedding and Sunday brunch. (oh, and I think I gained weight just by editing these photos…the food was AMAZING!)
GLANCE: Scott and Becky’s wedding
Okay, so I’m a farm girl. I was raised on a 90-acre horse farm in Edmonson County, Kentucky so when I’m around barns, old farmhouses, rolling fields…you get the point… I’m in heaven. What’s even better is to be photographing a wedding in that setting! Scott and Becky are high school sweethearts and they got married in the same barn where Becky had her graduation open house. This centennial farm in Nunica, Michigan was amazing but not as amazing as this couple. I wish you many more years of happiness!
