Hawk Hollow Eagle Eye Wedding Photography - Bo + Chelsea's Lansing Wedding

Before I ever met Chelsea I knew that she was one of the sweetest people there is. She just radiates warmth and happiness, and that glow was only made more abundant when her and Bo interacted. I first met her at the Artisan Company Salon, which is definitely one of the coolest salons I've ever photographed. Everyone working there was incredibly kind and helpful, and then the decor made for some amazing detail photos! As for the ceremony, they decided to tie the knot at the Chapel at Hawk Hollow, a really adorable little (air conditioned!) white chapel in Bath, Mi, right by Lansing. Their gorgeous reception was just down the road at Eagle Eye, which has amazing views of the sunset which we took full advantage of. 

Vendor shout outs! 

Florist: Woodbury's - St. Johns

Cake/Dessert: Shelly Steinacker

DJ: Rodeny Page - Full Entertainment Experience pagerodn@gmal.com

Hair & Make-up: The Artisan Company Salon

Catering: Eagle Eye Banquet Center

Wedding dress: Fantastic Finds - East Lansing

Bridesmaids dresses: Fantastic Finds - East Lansing

Bride's Shoes: Kate Spade Keds & Betsy Johnson Heels

Jewelry/Rings: Kay Jewelers

Groom's suit and shoes: Fantastic Finds - East Lansing

Invitations and programs: Shutterfly (invitations), Vistaprint (programs)

Guest favors: Truffles for a Cause - Mary Ludwig

Jen + Matt's Munising Wedding

I can still remember the day I got a message from Jen in my inbox. As soon as she told me her and Matt were planning on having a small, intimate beach wedding in Munising, Mi, my heart got so excited! I love traveling, the UP, Lake Superior, waterfalls, hiking, basically everything the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is about, so I knew right away that I needed to document their wedding day and their love. Jen and Matt wanted a simple wedding with just their closest friends and family, and obviously their dog, Gus, who is just such a GOOD BOY!

I felt so inspired by the simplicity of their day and their go with the flow attitudes. We did the most unique first look I've ever curated right outside their motel, and then from there went to Munising Falls. Their ceremony was on Miner's beach with the beautiful Pictured Rocks in the background. After the ceremony we walked up on the bluff where Jen and Matt put in earphones and had a private first dance right on the North Country Trail. It was so beautiful and romantic, and honestly overwhelming witnessing such a pure and loving moment between two people. After their dance and some family photos, we went to Castle Rock, and from there on to Miner's Falls. They were so unbelievably awesome and trusting of me the whole day. For real, these two, who were both dressed in all white, hiked to the falls with me, then hiked down even further to the actual waterfall. It wasn't super easy getting down to the falls and back up, but these two did it with zero complaints, AND they didn't even have a speck of dirt on them when they were done. That is talent, people. Oh and also when we were walking back to the cars this little girl asked "Why is there a princess here?" referring to Jen, and we both almost cried. Because you can still have a fairy tail wedding and feel like a princess while keeping your wedding day reflective of who you are as person, and who you are as a couple. Jen and Matt, I can't thank you enough to asking me to photograph your wedding. Congratulations! 

Motel- Terrace Inn Motel, Munising, Mi - the owner, Larry, was also the officiant! 

Dress + shoes- Express

Hair piece + Gus's tux- Amazon

New Vintage Place Wedding Photography- Erinn + Josh's Grand Rapids Wedding

I knew during my first meeting with Josh and Erinn that they are two of my kind of people. We first met on a freezing Michigan winter's night at Brewery Vivant and talked wedding details, hiking, and beer. When I told them I was heading to Utah and Arizona soon on a road trip, they actually were the ones to convince me to go to Zion National Park, and it ended up being my favorite part of the trip. (That reminds me, I need to blog that trip! soon!) 

These two are just so perfect for each other. You can see it in the way they look at each other, how they bring each other such ease and joy. Its like heart eye emojis all over the place! I could go on and on about them but I think the photos speak for themselves, so scroll down and take a look! 

Vendors!

Flowers- Merci Beaucoup Floral Design- Joan Nekritz https://www.mercibeaucoupfloral.com/

Pie- Grand Traverse Pie Company

DJ- DJKJ- Kevin Barker

Hair and Make up- Design One Salon- South Gaines

Catering- West Michigan Catering Company

Wedding Dress- Becker's Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses- House of DeVaughn Bridal

Rings- Preusser Jewelers- Grand Rapids, MI

Groom's Suit- Men's Warehouse

Cafe Lighting- Textures Events Lighting- Andrew Kinsler

Meijer Gardens Wedding - Mike + Lindsay's Grand Rapids, Michigan Wedding

The Radlinskis! Mike and Lindsay are so fun. The speeches that their closest friends and family members gave only confirmed what I already knew, that they were two of the best kind of people who made everyone around them fall in love. Mike can talk to anyone about anything and make you feel totally at ease, and as Linsday's friends said, she makes every person she meets feel like they're her new best friend. Their love and energy for each other and everyone else is so genuine and infectious. The day started with a 100% chance of thunderstorms, but somehow we never got rained on. Their ceremony was at the always awesome Frederik Meijer Gardens, which is basically every photographers dream with so many options for wedding shots. The party bus picked us up to kick off the celebration, and dropped us off at The Eberhart Center for the reception where everyone literally danced the night away. I'm so honored to have been apart of their wedding. Mike and Lindsay, thank you and congratulations! Cheers!

Vendor lovin' care:

Hair and Make up- Heidi Christine's https://heidichristines.com/

Flowers- Susan Steenwyk

Wedding Dress- Becker's Bridal https://beckersbridal.com

Bridesmaids Dresses- David's Bridal http://davidsbridal.com/

Ring- Zale's www.zales.com 

Cake- Deb Canfield

Grand Rapids Graduation Photography - Jen Graduates!

Jen came to me wanting college graduation photos to celebrate how much she's accomplished, and do head shots in the process to land her that perfect job. She mentioned a few times how silly and ridiculous it was getting her and her dog's cap and gown ready, driving from Port Huron to Grand Rapids, just to get some photos done, but I totally disagreed. I don't think we should ever feel bad about celebrating our accomplishments. I think every woman should have a fun photo session to celebrate herself, because we are worthy of being celebrated, and it's easy to forget that. Graduating, getting engaged, turning 30, feeling frisky, why not plan a fun photo session just for you? 

I noticed in her car she had a copy of You Are a Badass, and we talked about it as we drove to the second location. Part of the book talks about what could happen if you let go of self deprecation and choose to love yourself. As a photographer, I so often see women shy away from the front of my lens. They want to lose that last 15 pounds before they do a boudoir session with me. They me to take photos of "just the kids" because she was too tired from chasing said kids around all day to "get ready". But I can promise you when your kids are grown they won't care how skinny you were, or if your makeup is done, they'll just be happy to have photos with their mom in it. It feels selfish and frivolous to take care of yourself and love yourself, but why? There will always be room to grow, and that's a good thing. Life is a process, and if you don't celebrate each step of it, when you're older and wiser and wrinkly, you'll look back and wish you realized that you and your life have always been beautiful. 

So here's to a fellow bad ass woman. Jen worked full time and took a full course load and didn't give up when life threw every obstacle possible in her way.  

Oh and Ben is graduating puppy training, and I'm a firm believer in celebrating all dog's accomplishments as well. 

Whitehall Engagement Photographer - Kiara + Dominic

I love when I meet two people with a similar vision to my own. Kiara and Dominic are getting married at the Michillinda Lodge in Whitehall, Mi, a beautiful location right on Lake Michigan. Before their engagement/family session we went to the venue to walk around and check it out, and omg I'm so excited! I actually have two weddings there this summer, and I can't wait. I just love the water and everything about Lake Michigan. After getting a feel for Michillinda, we went down the road to Duck Lake State Park. There they have Duck Lake, and a little channel leading to Lake Michigan, where the sun was so perfectly setting. We lucked out with such a beautiful day and sunset, I hope their wedding brings the same weather! I'm so excited for these two and for the new family they've formed. Congratulations Kiara and Dominic! 

River's Edge Bed and Breakfast Wedding Photography

This was my first time photographing a wedding at the River's Edge Bed and Breakfast and omg, I can't wait to go back! If anyone out there reading this is having a wedding there, please hire me as your wedding photographer, because I love it. It's awesome when we don't even have to leave the venue for photos because there are just that many beautiful spots, and even better when two people are SO obviously head over heels in love with each other that they can't help but kiss and laugh. Dana and Mark have something so special, but you'll see what I mean in the photos. How they look at each other isn't something even the best of movie stars can fake. And those table settings! and Mediterranean food! and lastly, those dance moves!

Okay, some vendor shout outs, and then on to the photos! 

Venue - Rivers Edge Bed and Breakfast and Gathering Place

Bar - Bars by Butch

Linens - The Rental Company - Holland, MI

Hair - Tara Ezinga, Alaina Truer

Nails - VIP Salons/Chasing Vanity Salon

Make Up - Chelsea Helmholdt

Dress Designer - Jasmine

Alterations - Kathy Roodvoets

Catering - Sheshco Mediterranean Grill

DJ - Nicholai - Prestige Sound

Suits - Joseph A Banks

Flowers - Katie VandenBerg

Cake/Cupcakes - D&W Fresh Markets Bakery

Doughnuts - Marge's Donut Den

Officiant - Steve VanPoolen from Crossroads Bible Church

Aaron + Shannen

If you've ever had the pleasure of meeting Aaron and Shannen, you would notice right away how effortlessly in love they are. That doesn't meant that they don't consistently put forth effort to keep the love alive, like when Aaron gave Shannen a box filled with letters and photographs right before the ceremony. Each letter was labeled with a specific date for her to open the envelope on, one date even as far out at 2022! That is some adorable sh*t right there if you ask me!  

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Every vendor I encountered was phenomenal, so here are some shout outs!

Venue- Centennial Barn, Wayland Mi www.thecentennialbarn.com

Cupcakes- Sara's Sweets Bakery, sarassweetsbakery.blogspot.com/

Hair- Bombshell Styles by Sydney - 616-309-8093

Catering- (it was tacos and it was amazing) The Vault Catering

Flowers- Stems Market, www.stemsmarket.com

All dresses- David'sbridal www.davidsbridal.com

Groom's Suit- Mens Warehouse www.menswarehouse.com

DJ- Centennial DJ

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Mattie + Kevin

Last Friday, May 11, 2018, Mattie and Kevin tied the knot in the backyard of their first home together, located in the up and coming Creston neighborhood of Grand Rapids. It was cold and rainy, and we had about two and a half seconds to do the first look and initial photos, but that's why I love Mattie and Kevin. They decided to go with the flow and their whole wedding was so beautiful because of it! As Mattie said "come hell or high water, we're doing the ceremony outside!" and we did. It was small and intimate, which always end up being some of my favorite ceremonies. They passed the rings around, and everyone held them in their hands while wishing the newlyweds well, and sending positive vibes their way. After the backyard ceremony, we headed into their adorable home for a cocktail hour, complete with champagne, bourbon, and some of Michigan's finest craft beer. For more craft beer appreciation time, we drove to City Built Brewing for warm tacos and cold brews. The rain finally let up around 7:30 pm so we ran outside for some super quick photos before it was too dark anymore. I'm so happy we had the sixth street bridge right across the street, and some beautiful cherry blossoms in the park to run around in. Mattie and Kevin, your wedding day was a dream to photograph, thank you so much for letting me be part of it! Can't WAIT to show you guys the rest of the photographs!

Erinn + Josh

Erinn, Josh, and I met at Sovengard on the west side of Grand Rapids for a "quick" drink that turned into two. I should have taken some photos there with the awesome patio they have, but I don't think we stopped talking long enough to get any pictures in. The day their session came we had a 100% chance of rain, but it held off until LITERALLY 30 seconds after we got in the car after the final shot. We may not have had an awesome sunset to work with, but we still had so much fun walking around the west side, enjoying the spring trees and downtown Grand Rapids. So much love for these two and I can't WAIT for their wedding in July! 

Lindsey + Mike

I had so much fun running around downtown with Mike and Lindsey! We started at Founders to grab a beer and warm up for the session, then walked around the area 'till the sun went down and Lindsey's fingers had lost all color and feeling. They were in great spirits despite the frigidity, (and then of course as I type this its 85 degrees, nice timing, Michigan!) and I loved how these turned out! 

ryan, erin + the harleys

tim+kendra

Its been a long time coming and I am SO excited to have the opportunity to capture Tim + Kendra's love, from the engagement to the wedding day. Luckily for me, Kendra is a fellow photographer and knows all the best spots to go in and around Kent City, Michigan. The wooded area with tall trees is just my JAM, ugh, I love it so much. I truly enjoy photographing two people who are so clearly in love. And okay, the shot of peppermint liquor they MADE me take before we started probably helped too ;)

d+t's las vegas destination wedding

The 2017 wedding season started with a BANG, Las Vegas style. There's nothing I love more than traveling (except maybe being a homebody... Life is about balance y'all!) and when I get paid to do it, I mean, that's just THE life right there. Between the sunshine, palm trees, and the electric energy you feel walking the strip, I could almost pack up and move to Nevada. Until then, I will just keep taking on all of the destination weddings I can! 

Ceremony- Juno Garden - Caesar's Palace

Kellie's 2016 wedding favorites!

"They say love is blind.  I disagree.  Infatuation is blind.  Love is all-seeing and accepting.  Love is seeing the flaws and blemishes and accepting them.  Love is accepting the bad habits and mannerisms, and working around them.  Love is recognizing all the fears and insecurities, and knowing your role is to comfort.  Love is working through all the challenges and painful times.  Infatuation is fragile and will shatter when life is not perfect.  Love is strong and it strengthens because it is real"

In no particular order, some of my absolute favorites from the 2016 wedding season. For one reason or another, my eye was just drawn to these. They're not all perfect, but they all tell a story.

ryan + erin

I'm convinced there is nothing better than autumn, a gorgeous sunset, and two people in love (and a third wheel with a camera of course!) Love you, Crandells!

kevin + cheryl

By the time we were done with the first look and started taking pictures, I already felt like I had known Kevin and Cheryl for a long time. They are both so sweet, fun, and easy going, and those qualities are only magnified when they are together. They chose the Ludington State Park, which lies right along the beautiful Lake Michigan for their wedding day. It was such an honor witnessing and photographing these two best friends tie the knot in a gorgeous outdoor wooded amphitheater. Congratulations, Kevin and Cheryl, I hope to see you again in the future!

steven + cherie

It might have been a little bit rainy this October third, but nothing could bring Steve and Cherie down. They were so goofy, fun, and laid back! Their love is so contagious, they make everyone around them a little bit happier. You two were an absolute joy to photograph. It was amazing meeting your family and friends and watching this day unfold with them. Congratulations! 

derek + tracie

From a dance competition, to piggy back rides, to grabbing a shopping cart from the woods, cleaning it out, and taking it for a ride, I don't know if I've ever had more fun at an engagement session. I've known Derek for a few years now, and I can say for sure that there is no one better suited to take this plunge with him. They just work together, and its adorable to watch them interact.  I'm so so so excited for what the future has for these two, and I can't wait to watch it unfold! I'm already stoked for your wedding, is it too soon? I don't care! Tracie, you're going to make such a beautiful bride! Congratulations, again, guys! 

kristopher+hillary

I can't say enough good things about Kris and Hillary. They are incredibly kind, fun, welcoming, easy going, and so obviously in love. They invited me to Montana to photograph their wedding, and it was one of the most fun weeks ever! We all stayed at Chico Hot Springs Resort in Pray, Montana where the wedding was also held. Chico Hot Springs is such a beautiful place, and the staff was so friendly and accommodating. I honestly feel so grateful that I was asked to be a part of this amazing trip, and that I got to capture this wedding. Kris, Hillary, thank you so much, I wish you the best! Congratulations!

Flowers- Budget Bouquet and More- Bozeman Montana
Bridesmaid dresses: J.Crew
Groom's suit: Calvin Klein
Hair & Makeup- Ms Nancy Briggs