EGYPT VALLEY Country Club and MCKAY TOWER-Maryann and Joe

Egypt Valley Country Club, Ada MI
McKay Tower, Grand Rapids, MI

Congratulations to Maryann and Joe!! What a glamorous, elegant, and happy celebration of this couple's love and dedication to each other.  I loved this day. There was an abundance of happy friends and family, as well as the silly and goofy couple.

The two met at school, Grand Valley. Seven years later, Joe proposed to Maryann while on a weekend trip in Chicago in front of The Bean.

Just in case you missed their engagement session that we shot in the frigid winter, you can view it here:
https://lookatthebiggerpicture.com/blog/engagement-session-maryann-and-joe

I knew from that session that this couple was going to be loads of fun on their wedding day, but also that they would keep the fun and laughter going throughout the years together. I can't even narrow down my favorite part of their wedding day, there were so many special incidents. Something different that everyone enjoyed, was when the best man and groomsman stole Joe's old journals from his old room. As they were reading a few embarrassing entries, the entire venue roared with laughter. Eventually, they got to some entries about Maryann. Sweet thoughts for a truly sweet couple. But, seriously... hilarious. I think that should become a tradition in receptions... Another favorite part of mine was all the fabulous dancing- on the bus, off the bus, on the way to the bus... For their first dance, Joe and Maryann twirled about in a fancy number that I couldn't really edit down! I'm showing a lot of dancing shots here. They took up all my space for this post. Ha!

Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Harre, for choosing me to capture your big day. I am honored. Here is your preview...

Special thanks to Portraits by Mandy, for the awesome second shooting! I had so much fun with you, and your talent abounds.

Summit Park Ludington Beach Wedding-Amy and Joe

Summit Park
Ludington, MI

Congratulations to Amy and Joe!! What a cool, cool couple. Wow. This day was so beautiful. Calm waters, all the way around, in Ludington.

Amy and Joe met in college and have actually been together for TWELVE years. Yes, twelve. Joe proposed on a Michigan beach at sunset, just the two of them. They actually live in Westland, but knew they wanted to get married where Joe grew up, with the beautiful water being a part of the big day.

I met Amy at her aunt's house, where she was getting ready. What a gorgeous bride! Her mom actually made her wedding dress, with the lace from her own. Incredible. I do love that dress.  We drove to a nearby beach where Joe and Amy would see each other for the first time. Amy hid in the sand dunes by the water and waited for her groom. Joe was nervous and excited, chatting about his amazing new wife. They were adorable. It was a perfect place to start the day. I loved getting the chance to chat with the bride while we drove through Ludington. The ceremony and reception took place at Summit Park, right on the water. It was a happy surprise to find the driftwood tee-pee below the ceremony spot! We found more on our walk along the water. What an amazing start to their adventure together!

Thank you so much for choosing me to capture your story. I am honored and so glad that I met you two!

I wish you the best of luck! Congrats to Joe, Amy, Drew, and Peyton. That's one happy family. Enjoy the preview:

Bissell Tree House John Ball Zoo-Kara and Coleman

Bissell Tree House
John Ball Zoo
Grand Rapids, MI

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Baar!!! Coleman &  Kara met at a Memorial Day party, which Kara was hosting at her Chicago apartment. They met through mutual friends. His fraternity brother Rich (who was their officiant) is married to Kara's college friend Krysten (who was a bridesmaid). At the time, they were engaged and planning to go watch a band they were considering for their wedding after making an appearance at the party. Coleman went to watch the band and then insisted that the three of them return to the party because he wanted to spend more time with Kara.

They ended up spending the remainder of the weekend together & every weekend after that... Coleman lived in Michigan and Kara was in Chicago,  so they did the long distance thing for about nine months before deciding to buy a home together in Grand Rapids. They spent their first anniversary moving into that first house.

The second anniversary was at Cedar Point and that is where Coleman proposed!!  They planned the wedding day to take place on their third anniversary. Needless to say Memorial Day Weekend is a significant weekend for these two because of all of these important relationship events occurring in May.

Coleman & Kara have a dog named Eileen and a Juliana pig named Ramon! Yep! (Lots of pig jokes at the reception). Ha! They started a small business together and have gone on a few vacations.

Their big day was soooooo fun, laid back, and upbeat!! They really are a cool couple. I had a blast! I was so impressed with the dancing! I mean, Kara and Coleman did an awesome upbeat number, but the guests were doing swing dances and all sorts of other numbers too! Props to everyone on that. It was a great celebration. Thank you so much for choosing me to capture the big day! Enjoy the preview: