Zingerman's Cornman Farms-KATIE AND BRENDAN

Zingerman's Cornman Farms
Dexter, MI

Congratulations to Katie and Brendan!! What a gorgeous celebration of their story! 

Brendan and Katie met eight years ago in Boston through a mutual friend, and started seeing each other at all the concerts and sporting events they both liked.  He decided to take a trip to Germany to visit his family in July 2012, and invited Katie to go along, and they have been together ever since. So, technically, their first date was a two and a half week European vacation!  They went to Amsterdam, Berlin, Vienna, Bratislava, Salzburg, Munich, and Zurich on that first trip. 

He proposed in Germany, overlooking Neuschwanstein castle. Sounds like a fairy tale to me...

In case you missed their beautiful fall engagement session, you can view it here:
http://lookatthebiggerpicture.com/blog/engagement-session-katie-and-brendan


So, the best thing about the wedding day--- ALL of the crazy things that went WRONG!! We Italians believe in signs and that many "unfortunate" things, like rain, which there was a lot of that day, is actually good luck. So, as all of these things kept happening, we just kept saying how much luck this marriage was now blessed with!! Things like... the officiant having a heart attack (rest in peace) and not having a back up, trouble booking and saving hotel rooms, trouble with the dress and seamstress, the hotel where family and guests were staying flooding, the best man missing his flight, a hole in a bridesmaid dress, the rain, the florists not getting the order correct, the photographer getting stung by a wasp (Yea-- I was inside too! That was an Urgent Care trip the next day with two weeks of medication and shots), and it went on...

But these two kept "the bigger picture" in front of them all day and they were just so happy and cheerful. They way they lit up when they looked at each other was really something to see. I am so, so happy for my dear old friend and her hubby.

Thank you again for choosing me to document your story. Special thanks to Caedy Convis for being the amazing second shooter that she is!! 
Here is a preview of the day...

Rustic Backyard Wedding-Sara and Holly

Conklin, MI

Congratulations to these lovely ladies!! I am so honored that I had the opportunity to capture this day for Sara and Holly. These beautiful ladies met in their residency program, were together for two years before the proposal, and ended up living in Alaska! They BOTH proposed. Holly chose Christmas day, a picnic and a walk in the woods. Sara chose a weekend away, at a B&B in Seattle. She "stumbled through her words", full of emotion. I love that they both had to propose.

I believe our initial consult was over the phone while they were camping. I knew I liked them right then and there. They are unsure where they will land after the bit in Alaska (maybe Hawaii?!!), but I am sure their adventures will be amazing and keep going strong.

The wedding day began in fun (and sun!! This was the hottest day of the year! Wowza) as the group was getting ready at the gorgeous farmhouse. Lots of jokes, funny faces, and silly times. 

My favorite part of the day was actually the exchanging of the vows. If I could get a copy of those words... So honest. So true to love. I don't usually get to pay attention, as I am shooting, but I just had to stop and listen. They each talked of humility, insecurities we all carry when joining hearts, comforting and nourishing those insecurities in each other, and the honesty of love. They talked about staying true to yourself, holding onto your inner strength and self-love when finding a partner to share your world. It was absolutely brilliant and heartfelt, and I am not doing their words justice. These intelligent and insightful women could easily have been writers. 

I am so happy for you both! Thank you for choosing me to tell your story. Here is a preview of the day...

Henry Ford Museum-Tina and Finn

Henry Ford MuseumDearborn, MI

Congratulations Tina and Finn! What a beautiful, unique, and fun day at Henry Ford! The rain just moved things around- it didn't stop these ladies one bit. Rain is actually good luck in most cultures. I was really glad it rained for them.

These two live in Boston and met online, through OK Cupid. The proposal story is pretty sweet, actually. They were in Saugatuck, visiting Christina's parents. They were watching the sunset on the lake, when TWO rings came out. Yes, they both bought rings and proposed at the same time.

Tina and Finn are so laid back, just all smiles and warmth all day. I loved the Dearborn Inn, where they were getting ready. I met Christina and her pals in one of the old houses on the property- so cool! Their first look was bright, joyful, and tearful. It was a great first look. The ceremony was transferred to the theater due to the rain. There was definitely a sense of history and relevance to having the couple say their vows under the lights, on stage. That was actually my favorite part of the day (aside from all the amazing and different photo opps in the museum)... Their vows were said in secret. It's the first time I've ever witnessed that. Each lady took a turn whispering into the other's ear vows that were only meant for her. It was still and silent in the theater, and then Christina's giggles softened the room. It was really beautiful.

Thank you for sharing your story with me! You two are amazing. Enjoy your preview...

Thank you to Shannon Vandervennet for being such a lovely and talented second shooter!! I had so much fun with you that weekend! Thank you again for hanging in there with back to back weddings!!