Saturday, October 22, 2011 - Detroit, MI

To say I adore this couple would be an understatement!

The day began when I showed up to Joanna’s family home and she greeted me at the door with a huge smile, ready to head to the church. Before doing so we recreated a wedding picture that her mom and grandma had done on her mom’s wedding day.  I was excited to create something that would be so special and it was a perfect way to begin the day.

Joanna’s aunt, grandma and cousin traveled from Venezuela to be a part of their day which I thought was so special for this sweet couple.  After the ceremony we hit the streets of downtown Detroit, reveling in the fall weather and finishing our pictures at Belle Isle. The reception was perfect and the end of the night we gained access to the rooftop! So much to love about this day.

During the ceremony, Abiman gave his new bride 13 coins, which is a custom in Venezuela.

Our walk around Detroit while taking pictures was not short on excitement. One of the highlights was Joanna+Abiman being serenaded by a trumpet player. Thanks to my handy iPhone, I also have a fun video of this!

Jacqueline+Brandon :: October 15, 2011, Grand Rapids, MI

One of the things I love most about photography is the limitless opportunity to be creative.  I have found this to be as equally true to planning a wedding.  Many choose a classic wedding…following the traditions of those wed before them.  Some choose a mix of tradition and incorporating their own rules, putting their own preferences and creativity into planning their day.  Jacqueline + Brandon chose to write their own rules and I loved how they made it their own!

Their wedding began a few weeks prior when they were married in Las Vegas on October 7. To celebrate with their friends and family they planned an at-home reception at their families’ retreat, complete with fall pies, caramel apples and delicious food.  The decor was perfectly fall and Jacqueline’s bouquet of wheat and billy balls was too perfect.  They made their own rules, Jacqueline foregoing a white dress for a chic black one with a cute yellow belt.

Upon arriving, I had some time to photograph this sweet couple around the property on a windy fall evening.  Also joining was their adorable son!

Seriously, how cute is their little guy?!

It was such a treat to see Aletha (Jacqueline’s sister) and her little guy Eames! What a cutie!

Saturday, October 8, 2011 - Flint, MI

Lindsey and Steve are married!

It’s true what they say…actions speak louder than words.  Arriving to begin capturing this beautiful wedding, I watched Lindsey doing hair and makeup for her bridesmaids…taking care of them and making them look lovely.  She was calm, cool and collected and taking care of her friends as much as they took care of her that morning. Lindsey’s love for her friends showed me a lot about her character and I know exactly why Steve asked her to marry him!

The ceremony was perfect and the day could not have been more beautiful. The fall colors were in full force and the weather warm.  Lindsey’s dress was seriously stunning and Steve was beaming.  My favorite part of the day was their grand exit after the church ceremony while the guests  threw lavender buds at the newly married couple.

Lindsey and Steve - All the very best to you both in building your lives together. Thank you to the moon and back for allowing me to be a part of your day!

Saturday, October 1, 2011 - Petoskey, MI

I think fall is one of the best seasons in Michigan…cool temperatures, changing colors pumpkins and apples everywhere.  And my October kicked off celebrating with one of the sweetest couples in the whole world….Kelsey and Joel!  Oh how I adore them both!

I first met these two lovebirds in Denver for their engagement session this past Spring.  After spending the weekend getting to know them both, seeing them together and photographing them around the city they reside in, I absolutely knew that their wedding was going to be one to remember. I was certainly not wrong! From the first time they saw each other in their wedding finery to the pumpkin patch and beautiful scenery we photographed at, it was a perfect day in every sense.  I could go on and on, but I’ll let the pictures tell their lovely wedding story.  Kelsey and Joel - So much love and happiness to you both!

Friday, September 30, 2011 - Holland, MI

Kristen and Aaron’s wedding day was threatened by rain but didn’t dampen either of their spirits. Thankfully, 5 minutes before they were set to see each other, the skies turned bright blue with the sun shining.  And immediately after their wedding ceremony, a rainbow spread all across the sky.  God truly blessed this sweet couple’s day!

Kristen worked so hard on so many of the pretty details of their wedding day.  She made the girl’s hangers, hair pieces, her own hair piece, so many of the reception details…I could go on and on.  This beautiful bride is one talented girl and I know her and Aaron are going to have a beautiful life together. They both have amazing and supportive friends and families and I couldn’t have been happier to be a part of their day.  Love to my dear friend Kelly Braman for being there to second shoot with me!

One of my favorite details of the day…Kristen carried the same Bible that her mom and grandmother carried down the aisle of their wedding day.  Such a beautiful legacy!

Kristen and Aaron’s wedding reception was held at Baker Lofts in Holland and these details were so absolutely adorable!