Here are my favorites from Jack & Brandi's engagement session in Grand Haven. I've never anticipated an engagement session like this one. Shooting at the fire station where Jack works was so fun and I was going crazy with all the amazing colors. Plus, Brandi has the most gorgeous eyes. I kept ogling them, she probably thought I was a total weirdo. I'm excited for their wedding in September, it can't come soon enough!
BACKYARD WEDDING /
Ross & Kassie had a romantic and intimate wedding at their family's residence. I was in love with all of their DIY details especially the wooden accents. They started the day with a first look so they would be free to enjoy time with their guests immediately following the ceremony. I love all the candid shots captured during a first look!
With family and friends present they celebrated their love at the same place where they got engaged. They were married by Ross's friend Nate who was also a groomsmen and the best man! He made the ceremony very personal. Close family & friends joined them in their sweet evening ceremony and then enjoyed Hors d'oeuvres and homemade desserts under a warmly lit canopy. Ross & Kassie shared their first dance to a song Ross personally wrote and recorded for her, which made that moment even more special.
my husband Jon, who is usually my second photographer, was one of the groomsmen, which gave me the opportunity to work with Cordelia. She is super-talented, energetic, & creative. Her magnetic personality was the perfect addition to the day.
CHENEY PLACE WEDDING /
Megan & Greg had a beautiful December day to celebrate their wedding at The Cheney Place in Grand Rapids, Mi. They were brave enough to do a first look and head outdoors to take intimate portraits before the ceremony. I love it when couples make time for photographs. Not only does it create quiet moments for the couple, but it allows me to fully document the day. It was an honor to witness them being fully present and enjoying each other throughout the day. The ceremony ended just before sunset casting a romantic candle lit scene at the reception. You two deserve nothing but happiness!
Venue: The Cheney Place www.thecheneyplace.com
Coordinator: Shelby Ferguson www.eventsbythedaydesign.com
Make-up artist: Sarah Stark
Salon: Jeffery Richard Salon
Bridesmaid's dresses: Bianka Bridal www.biankabridal.com
Invites: Molly Benningfield www.spectacledesignstudio.com
Caterer: San Chez www.sanchezbistro.com
Cake Designer: Cakabakery www.thecakabakery.com
Florist: Stems & Sprigs www.stemsandsprigs.com
DJ: Moments In Time www.mitdj.com
Photobooth: Shutterbooth www.shutterbooth.com
ROSS & KASSIE- ENGAGED! /
There is no greater honor than being asked to photograph a friend's wedding. Ross & Kassie are so in love and it's not hard to see why when they are together. Witnessing their young love reminds me of the beginnings of Jon and my relationship and it brings a smile to my face. I'm so happy Ross & Kassie found each other. They sacrificed nearly life and limb to hike with Jon and I through the woods and up a dune to Lake Michigan. The waves crashed over the frozen sand creating an epic end to the shoot.
CAMP KIDWELL WEDDING /
I was ecstatic when Mona asked if I would photograph her wedding. I've known Mona since 11th grade. We met at a summer camp in Dowling, Mi. Getting to capture her camp styled wedding was nostalgic.
Mike proposed to Mona while she thought they were taking their Christmas card portrait. He set up a camera to take 10 consecutive shots so he could capture her reaction in front of their Christmas tree. It was the best Christmas card I have ever seen.
Mike and Mona created a true camp experience for their friends and family. All guests were welcome to reserve a bunk at Camp Kidwell for the wedding weekend. Campers checked in on Friday and received a tote bag and a wedding weekend survival guide. The camp has 88 beds in cabins scattered around the grounds. Mona attended Camp Kidwell every summer for many years growing up. It was the perfect place for their summer nuptials. Mona is a DIY queen. I was in detail heaven. Their wedding had so many details for me to capture, I was running around hoping not to miss a thing. Luckily I had Jon and Emily there to help me document the day. Guests were escorted to their seats with drinks and trail mix. They watched on as Mona and her family rode up to the ceremony site in style by way of her brother's boat he restored.
Mike and Mona scavenged garage sales all summer to find the perfect additions to their day. They used many different vintage items including furniture, glasses and plates to create a cohesive atmosphere. They made all their own signage and even made home brew for their guests to enjoy. I'm so glad they decided to do a first look so they could spend the entire cocktail hour with their guests. We even squeezed time to escape with Mike and Mona to capture some golden hour romantic bliss. It was an amazing experience and I wish we could do it all over again!
Venue: Camp Kidwell campkidwell.org
Make-up artist: Aubrey Ehnis
Salon: Grant Southwick- Perfect Image Salon www.theperfectimagesalon.com
Bridesmaid's dresses: ModCloth & various boutiques
Groomsmen attire: Gap (shirt & belt), Banana Republic (pants), The Tie Bar (ties)
Invites: vistaprint, Designed by Mona
Caterer: The Beechwood Inn www.bwoodinn.com
Cake Designer: (family friend)
Florist: (family friend) Janet Melvin
Officiant: Dave Anderson (Mike's Father)
DJ: DJ- Drew, Moments in Time Disc Jockeys
Videographer: Wedit www.wedidit.com
Mike & Mona's Wedding Night Camper: Go Retro Rentals www.goretrorentals.com
Lake Michigan Kiteboarding /
Jon and I are pretty adventurous but this is one sport we haven't tried (yet). With wind gusts up to 27 knots, while we were shooting, we were lucky enough to catch these boarders in mid-air. We live vicariously through our friends and this seems to be as close as they will get to flying.
Meagan & Dan- Maternity Session /
I was elated when Meagan contacted me about photographing their new stage in life. She calls my Diptics "mashups" and allows me to be my creative self. I photographed Meagan and Dan's engagement session and wedding in 2012, and was now thrilled to continue documenting the beginnings of their next chapter. We had a relaxed date style photo shoot and I brought Jon along for comedic relief. We started at Max-n-Marley's Doghouse for a hot dog and fries, followed by multiple stops all around Muskegon. We finished our photo shoot walking along the coast of Lake Michigan at golden hour. Meagan's smile and laugh is infectious. My cheeks hurt from smiling during the editing of these images from their session. I can see why Dan chose her as a partner in life.
Meagan and I share a special love for Harry Potter. Nerdy people get ready to drool. Meagan is super creative, she designed and decorated a Harry Potter-themed nursery. From a flying key mobile, forbidden forest decals, potion bottles and a time turner necklace; no detail has gone unnoticed. I simply cannot wait to see their baby in her arms.
