Where do I even start with this post….

So for those of you who follow this blog or know me personally…you know that this gorgeous bride is my dear friend and studio partner.  Photographing a wedding is never a task I take lightly.  But when it’s your friend and a fellow photographer…well that takes it to a whole other level.

The day started as most weddings do.  The girls all together getting hair done and makeup applied.  I was so excited for my friend…watching it all come together that morning  And then she started getting her gorg gown on.  And honestly…I don’t cry easily.  And I have seen my share of weddings in the past seven years so I feel like I’m pretty good at keeping tears in check.  But then…like so many bridesmaids and friends, or moms or sisters…seeing Lynell in that dress. Holding her bouquet. Beaming (beaming!!)…tears pricked the corners of my eyes and I was done for.

Besides the obviousness of Lynell + Dan being perfect for each other and getting married on this day…there were several things that also made this wedding one of the funnest (is funnest a word?) and more unique events I’ve been lucky enough to photograph.  First of all, the wedding was held at Founders Brewing Company in our little city of Grand Rapids.  My absolute favorite part of the ceremony was when Lynell+Dan served communion to their friends and family.  It was beautifully symbolic and a reflected their love and faith as well as their giving personalities.  After they were announced husband+wife, they toasted with their guests over tasty craft beers before heading to a brunch reception…which just happened to be at our shared studio space.  Amore Trattoria Italiana catered the tasty fare and our other studio partner and super sweet friend Dee coordinated the set up and planning as well as did all of the beautiful floral arrangements and bouquets.  Our little studio was transformed into a an elegant backdrop of orange, silver and grey tables, tasty food stations and expertly-chosen beers and wines (Dan, if you didn’t know, is The Beer Truck and if you are a lover of craft beers, you should want to know about him).

After the brunch, the wedding party headed out to a nearby friend’s farm for pictures under a rare blue February sky.  We petted and ran with horses and fed tiny goats. Lynell learned just how hard it is to walk through snow, sit down, stand up, run, walk, kiss, etc. in a wedding dress.

That evening, the studio was transformed yet again for a second reception with even more friends and family to enjoy more tasty food together, toast the couple, and cut loose on the dance floor.