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...

National Shrine of the Little Flower, Club Venetian- Milissa and Ryan

National Shrine of the Little Flower
Club Venetian
Royal Oak, MI

Congratulations to Milissa and Ryan!! What sweet people, and such a fun, loving couple. These two met in orchestra class in high school, about 10-11 years ago. They reconnected  about three years ago and have been together ever since. Ryan proposed on Halloween, with the ring hidden in a jack o'lantern that said "Marry Me".  The hilarious story of the proposal was told by Ryan's mom/Milissa's Matron of Honor, during the toasts. It was funny, because she actually played a big role in the debacle. Keys to where the ring was hidden broke off in the lock, at the exact moment Ryan was downstairs waiting to propose... It was all good fun. I'm sure this Halloween was exciting as it was the first they shared as husband and wife.

The ceremony was absolutely beautiful, at the very well known National Shrine of the Little Flower. WhenMilissa and her father were walking down the aisle, the sun flare through the windows landed perfectly on Milissa and Ryan, as her father gave her hand to Ryan. It was truly something to see.  Another favorite part of the day for me was dancing the hustle with Milissa and the bridal party! Whoo hoo! So much fun.

In case you missed their engagement session in downtown Farmington, you can view it here: http://lookatthebiggerpicture.com/engagement-session-milissa-and-ryan/

Thank you for sharing your story with me. Enjoy the preview...

Thank you to Caedy Convis for second shooting with me!! So much fun and so much talent! 

Amway Grand Plaza, McKay Tower-JESSICA AND SHANE

Amway Grand Plaza
McKay Tower
Grand Rapids, MI

Congratulations to Jessica and Shane!! What an elegant, extravagant celebration!

Grand Rapids, MI

Amway Grand Plaza McKay Tower

Congratulations to Jessica and Shane!! What an elegant, extravagant celebration! These two are so fun and connected to each other. I love getting to photograph them because they easily forget the camera and are just tuned into each other.

The two met as co-workers years ago. They had to keep their relationship a secret because they were working together- even from best friends. It all sounds very sneaky and romantic. Years later, Jess and Shane found themselves building a house in Muskegon. They were on a walk by the lake one day, when Shane stopped at a gazebo and proposed. The proposal was caught on film, by someone working on the house with them. Sneaky sneaky.

In case you missed their romantic winter engagement session, you may view it here: https://lookatthebiggerpicture.com/blog/winter-engagement-session-jessica-and-shane  

ArtPrize happened to be our backdrop in the city for the wedding day, which worked out perfectly, as the couple are attached to Grand Rapids and all its main sights. We  played around the blue bridge, the river, Rosa Parks Circle...  The city really is a beautiful background.

I loved the fact that Jessica kept twirling like a giddy little girl. It was adorable.

Thank you so much for choosing me to capture your story. Enjoy the preview!

Special thanks to Caedy Convis, my amazing second photographer!! This day was that much better because of you!

Also, a special mention to the artist, Rena Detrixhe, who created the piece "Watershed", located in public and used in some images. It is a beautiful piece and was so cool to view Jessica and Shane through it!!