Eric + Lily | Traverse City Wedding

It wasn’t supposed to rain. And it definitely wasn’t supposed to downpour like it did. And maybe going down to the beach with a metal sword in the middle of a thunderstorm wasn’t the wisest idea, but it was worth it.

When we pushed our way through the heavy wooden doors of the church after the ceremony, the air felt different than it had that morning. The breeze was picking up, the sky was quickly darkening, and it smelled like rain. A quick check of the radar let us know that a sudden massive thunderstorm was making its way toward us, and fast too. So when we checked with Eric and Lily how they were feeling about our original plans for portraits out at the Old Mission lighthouse, we would have fully understand if they were no longer interested. But, these two have the most adventurous hearts and were absolutely down for photos in the rain.

So off we drove, our windshield wipers going furiously, and thunder that shook the road, until we made our way to the lighthouse parking lot. From there it was a mad dash under our tiny umbrellas and by the time we were done, we were all soaked to the bone. But nothing could wipe the smile from Eric and Lily’s faces. They were reveling in that just married feeling!!

And then, just as quickly, as soon as we arrived to their reception, the sun began to peek back out for a festive evening of tiramisu, caricatures, and dancing.

Looking back, I remember talking to Lily on the phone during our discovery call. When I asked her about her wedding vision, she shared that for the most part, her and Eric were pretty untraditional and it was important that their wedding felt like them. I think it’s pretty safe to say that was a success: their wedding day was so uniquely Eric and Lily and that made it all the more special to witness and capture.

Photographed by Miles + Sarah

Wedding Dress | Annina Dirndl

Florist | Moondance Flower Farm

Rings | Arcadian Antiques

Bolo Tie | June Metal

Hair Stylist | New Growth Hair Lounge

Catering & Tiramisu | Folgarelli’s

Daniel + Kylie | Old Mission Peninsula

We spent just a few hours with Daniel and Kylie on their wedding day, but even within that short span time it was evident the amount of thought and intention they had put into every detail. The sun was shining on this gorgeous August day at a family member’s property when they got married. Instead of traditional boutonnieres, Daniel and his groomsmen wore fishing flies to honor his late brother, an avid fly fisherman. Their entire wedding ceremony honored Kylie’s heritage and their precious pup even joined in the fun for their vows, finding a cozy spot to nestle in at the bottom of Kylie’s dress. Though the time we spend with them on their wedding day was short, it was oh so very sweet—full of color, joy, and thoughtfulness; it was a special one to witness and document. Congratulations, D+K!

Photographed by Miles + Sarah

Hair & Makeup | MI Day Beauty

Bridesmaid Dresses | Birdy Grey

Mens Suits | Suit Shop

Nolan + Emma | Glen Haven Engagement

It was all laughter with Nolan and Emma throughout their Glen Haven Engagement session.

From taking in the view from the old coast guard station and dancing down the sidewalks of the historic village to hiking the dunes and feeling like we were on top of the world, every minute with these Nolan and Emma was a blast. So thankful they were willing to climb the dunes, brave the wind, and trust the vision, because it ended up being the most stunning night on Lake Michigan.

We had met Emma a couple years prior as a bridesmaid for one our past couples. When she reached out about engagement photos, we were so happy to reunite with her and have the honor to photograph her own engagement season. Congratulations to these two!

Dane + Erin | Traverse City Engagement

Just a few days before their wedding, we met Dane and Erin face to face for the very first time. I remember thinking throughout their engagement session how peaceful and calm they seemed with their wedding less than a week away. But that’s the thing about Dane and Erin; they are so authentically themselves. They know what is important to them and what they care about, so naturally all of the other details just fall into place.

It was a beautiful evening at the end of July, wildflower fields aglow in golden summer light, when we met Dane and Erin at Maple Bay Natural Area. We frolicked (no, literally) through fields as birds flew overhead, the two of them simply delighting in each other’s company. As they night wore on and the sun began to sink in the sky, we wandered the path through the thick wood that eventually opened to the beach. It was here underneath the moon and to the song of the seagulls that we watched the sunset with these two and looked with eager anticipation to their wedding only three days away.

Zach + Wendy | Maple Bay Engagement

It’s no surprise that Northern Michigan holds a special place in the hearts of many. For Zach and Wendy, Traverse City marked their very first trip together as a couple and it was a no brainer for them to have portraits in such a meaningful area. To celebrate their engagement, we explored Maple Bay Natural area, documenting on both digital and film as they traipsed through wildflower fields, popped champagne on the beach, and danced along the shoreline while the sun set. It was a joy to witness the kind of love these two shared—clearly smitten with each other and giddy to be together.

Jason + Sarah | Timberlee Hills Wedding

I have never seen a bride smile so much as Sarah did on her wedding day. We knew that if their engagement session the Fall prior was any indication, there would be lots of laughter. But nothing could have prepared us for the radiant joy which shone through both Jason and Sarah throughout their wedding day.

Intentional details and memorable moments between guests (see the grandmothers showing up in matching fits!) were some of the highlights from Jason and Sarah’s day. But the true heart was how they showed up so fully for each other and their guests. From being hyped up by their respective bridal parties to a first look to calm all the nerves, Jason and Sarah were grounded and present through every moment. Their wedding day is a beautiful testament to how things turns out when your focus is on the experience and savoring every single precious moment rather than perfection.

Photographed by Miles + Sarah

Venue | Timberlee Hills

Officiant | Lisa Hall w/ Brooks Wedding Ceremonies

Catering | Uptown Catering

Dessert + Cake | Water’s Edge Sweet Tooth

Bridal Bouquet | Sweetwater Floral

Floral Arch | The Wise Bride

DJ | 231 Entertainment

Hair + Make-up | Primp Beauty

Bride’s Dress | Bliss Bridal

Bridesmaids’ Dresses | Azazie

Mens’ Suits | Mens Wearhouse

Jewelry | Saginaw Gold & Clean Origin