Paw Paw Conservation Club

PAW PAW, MI

CONGRATULATIONS DEANNE AND JOSH!! This day was so lovely, laid-back, and fun. Josh and Deanne met in little league baseball, when Josh’s dad was the coach. They didn’t really connect until sophomore year of high school, when they were in the same class. Deanne remembers they made plans to go see Toy Story 3 with a friend who backed out. Josh picked Deanne up at her great grandparents house. He explained they were going to see a movie at Kalamazoo 10, to which grandma replied “Be careful you don’t get shot out in Kalamazoo, it’s dangerous out there!” They both laugh about this now. Halfway through the movie Deanne gave Josh a low-five and as soon as he did she took hold of his hand. They were both nervous the whole movie.

Josh proposed two years ago in Grand Rapids, when they had a day already planned at Frederik Meijer Gardens. They met a friend for dinner and then Josh had asked if there was anywhere nice around Grand Rapids to take pictures for Josh’s mom for Christmas. They ended up at Amway Grand Plaza, with all the decorations up for the season. When they headed up to take a few in front of the large chandelier, Josh got down on one knee and proposed. They have since bought their first house together and have been together for nine years.

Here’s to you both! Many blessings on your new adventures together. Thank you so much for choosing me to document your story.
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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...

STUDIO D2D -LISA AND JEFF

STUDIO D2D EVENT CENTER
GRAND RAPIDS, MI

Congratulations Lisa and Jeff!  What a beautiful day in downtown Grand Rapids! This was such an elegant and laid back celebration! Lisa and Jeff met at a construction management class. They were together for two and a half years before Jeff and the kiddos proposed. They bought land for their new house and while taking the kids there to check things out, they all got on their knees and asked, "Will You Marry Us?"

My favorite parts about their day... Definitely the humorous poses that both Jeff and Lisa would surprise me with, making me laugh the whole day. Jeff's face when they entered the reception to celebrate with their nearest and dearest was hysterical.  I loved the closeness of the families. It was a mish mash of little girls with grandmas and grandpas, uncles, aunts... I LOVED that they somehow got The Killer Flamingos to play! How cool was that?! That was a blast from my past, on the east side. I also was bent over laughing at the uncles dancing. The couple at the end of this preview... Their faces! Fearlessly gettin' down! It was hilarious.

Since I gotta give it to amazing women entrepreneurs, please make sure you check out Lisa's shop, https://www.ellembee.com for creative fashion and jewelry finds! 

Best wishes to your wonderful new family! Thank you so much for choosing me to document your story. 
Enjoy the preview: