Spring Grove Park and Sunnybrook Country Club- Kristyn and Adam

Spring Grove Park, Grandville, MI
Sunnybrook Country Club, Grandville, MI

Congrats to KRISTYN AND ADAM! These two met trhough a mutual friend while working at Meijer. On their first date, Adam went over to Kristyn's and made her favorite meal, shrimp scampi, but left the shells on which made them both laugh. They have been laughing together for five and a half years. 
Adam proposed on their anniversary at his sister's house. He handmade a T-shirt for his nephew to wear, saying "Will you be my aunt?" When Kristyn turned around, Adam was on his knee.

In case you missed their adorable engagement session at Riverside Park in Grand Rapids, you can check it out here:
http://lookatthebiggerpicture.com/blog/riverside-park-engagement

My favorite part of their day was when the sun made the perfect appearance at the perfect spot for their ceremony. It felt like the sun was washing them in warmth and good wishes. It looked amazing, sun flare streaming as they were at the altar.

I'm so happy for these two! Best wishes for your new adventures! Go Packers! Enjoy your preview:

New Vintage Place- Hannah and Ryan

Grand Rapids, MI
Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown
New Vintage Place

Congratulations to Hannah and Ryan! These two had classes together in high school but did not interact (other than when Ryan asked Hannah what he missed in math class while he wandered the halls). They ran into each other at a party and had one date before Hannah moved back to school. Ryan continued to call, asking Hannah to be his girlfriend, to which she declined. A few weeks later she asked him out.
They were together for seven and a half years before Ryan proposed. They were living in separate cities in Indiana while Hannah was finishing grad school. Ryan went to her
apartment to go to a wedding in Michigan. She saw his car in the lot, but he wasn't coming in. When she opened the door to look for him, he was on one knee holding a ring box. 

In case you missed their engagement session, please check it out here:
http://lookatthebiggerpicture.com/blog/downtown-grand-rapids-winter-engagement-session

I have a couple favorite parts of their day. The getting ready time was so beautiful. Hannah was so calm, collected, and the room was full of fun women giggling and having fun. Hannah should be on a cover of a magazine. I could have stayed there all day shooting. The venue was absolutely amazing, with everything all in one place but separate rooms to move and transition into the next part of the day. The first look with dad was sweet and emotional. Hannah and Ryan's first dance was to Led Zepplin, and as he was singing to her, the guests all held up candles and lighters- it was funny, but it was so pretty! I also loved that Hannah sat on her dad's lap after their dance, and that you can see this in the background of Ryan's dance with his mom. I loved this group! It was a very special celebration.

Thank you to my amazing second photographer, Maria Lewis! I loved working with this lady and she was as fun as she is talented! She scoped out a cool surprise location and I'm so glad she told me to save time for it. 

I am so honored that I had the chance to document the best day of Hannah and Ryan's lives so far... Good luck in all your adventures to come!
Please enjoy the preview:

 

Cozy Casual at Home - Bianka and Beth

Ann Arbor, MI

Congratulations Bianka and Beth! These ladies have been beside each other for 19 plus years! They met through work, as their professions collided, putting them on their path together.

This was a cozy casual engagement session at home with the pups, which Bianka and Beth are loving rescuers. What an adorable little family. The doggies were leery of this photographer just as much as the ladies were at first, but I believe I won all of them over. They were the type that explains to me in the beginning that they hate getting pictures taken. (I'm used to it). That is exactly the reason for a photojournalistic style. Documenting the awesomeness that they don't even know they are doing...  

It was so great to see these ladies laughing and focusing on their story.  It was empowering. Love always is, though, right? Sometimes, this job makes my heart swell. 

We had so many laughs, that I was still smiling for days afterward. Anyone that knows these two knows what I mean. Sweet, kind, funny, and so down-to-earth.

Their story stays with me and I am even more excited to photograph their wedding in June!  

Here is a little preview of our Sunday Funday: