Ice Skating Engagement! Caitlin and Matt

Grand Rapids, MI
Rosa Parks Circle

Congratulations Caitlin and Matt! What a fun day for ice-skating in the city! It was actually beautiful, warm(er) for Michigan in February, and the sun was out. These two are so cool (not just because they were ice skating! Hee hee). Their warm personalities make you feel like you've been friends for years. I instantly connected with these two. Smiles, jokes, a little insecurity about skating and falling on your arse (Caitlin)... I am so excited for this couple and can't wait for the wedding! They are having their reception at McKay Tower, which is reflected in the buildings in some of these shots. Pretty cool.

(They never fell on their arses, but other people did. They're in the background in some of these... Thought it was funny since it's the Olympics and everyone cringes on the edge of their seats waiting for people to fall. You know you do.)

Caitlin and Matt met at her cousin's wedding. Matt actually crashed it- well, kind of. The best man asked him to go. But Caitlin says he crashed it. They were together for two years when Matt proposed. There was a love note on the bed, and when Caitlin turned around, he was on his knee. He always tries to surprise her, and it never works, so this time he didn't plan anything and just did it. He wanted to propose on the blue bridge and got shot down for lack of originality. Ha!

Well, just look at these two! I am genuinely so, so happy for them. My heart gets bigger knowing people like these guys...

Townsend Park Engaged- Jessica and Eric

GRAND RAPIDS, MI
TOWNSEND PARK, MI

Congratulations Jessica and Eric! These two were troopers, with a location switch as we were all driving! Michigan- the weather isn't the only roller coaster we deal with here. They were so great about it and just rolled with the punches. That's a good quality in a couple. 

They met at work, starting out as friends, which lead into more... and have been together for four years. They were on a backpacking trip for the first time and it was storming. The next morning, the sun was shining and they walked down to the beach, where Eric proposed. It was very meaningful, coming out of the storm into the sunlight... 

The woods were really important to them in this shoot (probably because they are the bad-ass backpacking kind), so I'm glad we were able to get all of these photo opportunities at this park. 

The big day is September 15, so stay tuned! These guys are going to be so fun!

Riverside Receptions- Chelsea and Andrew

Riverside Receptions Etc., LLC
Centreville, MI


Congratulations Chelsea and Andrew!! What a gorgeous celebration by the river! What a venue too! This place is amazing--- and it's all together in one spot!

Clesea and Andrew met while working together at Old Burdicks in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Both were attending Western Michigan University.  After a while apart from each other, they became friends, and their first concert was Coheed and Cambria at Pierre’s in Fort Wayne.  Their first dance is actually to one of their songs. In 2015, the couple moved to Austin, Texas and have recently relocated again to Stillwater, OK.

They were engaged at the Cliffs of Mohr, in Ireland, on May 2, 2016, during the middle of a two week European adventure. Due to its location, the weather at the Cliffs is normally very cold, rainy, and windy, but on that day , the sun was shining. However, it started pouring about 15 minutes after the proposal. It was perfect.

This day was absolutely gorgeous! A special thank you to Elyse, the wonderful wedding planner from Posh Petals! http://lookatthebiggerpicture.com/blog/posh-petals-grand-rapids

I love working with Caedy Convis, my second photographer!! She is brilliant, fun, talented, and a beautiful person. Thank you, Caedy, for the great photos and always supporting me during my crazy wedding seasons!

Enjoy the preview: