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

Tim + Jenna | Traverse City Wedding

“Tim and I are just goofy. We love to banter and tease each other, and just have fun every day.”

From the initial email, to a video chat that showed their goofy side, to their wedding day full of laughter and fun, this statement from Jenna perfectly describes her and Tim’s relationship.

As we arrived to the Delamar hotel, thick clouds rolled over the bay and it began to sprinkle. But no amount of rain could hinder these two from having the time of their lives on their wedding day. We had the lovely opportunity to work with Chelsea from Grateful Gatherings who did an amazing job pivoting timings and events to work with the inclement weather. The rain let up into a very gentle sprinkle just in time for a few portraits outside the hotel overlooking the bay view. Tim and Jenna then rejoined their guests in their beautifully decorated reception hall for a myriad of surprises throughout the night. From a throwback slideshow during speeches, to a flash mob dedicated to Jenna, the evening was anything but uneventful. Happy guests even pulled us into the dance floor to join them as Bluewater Kings Band performed. After spending most of the night on the dance floor, Tim and Jenna snuck away for a few peaceful moments on the patio where they slow danced under the glow of the string lights.

Tim and Jenna, thank you for inviting us into such a fun and beautiful day to celebrate your love!

Photographed by Miles + Sarah

Venue and Caterer | Delamar Hotel

Event Design and Planning | Grateful Gatherings - Chelsea Sophiea

Videographer | Montage Media Films

Band | Bluewater Kings Band

Hair and Makeup | Epiphany Salon

Wedding Dress | The Dress Shop

Suits | Brooks Brothers

Florist | Forget Me Not

Rings | Tiffany & Co

Brandon and Allie | Ciccone Vineyard

Brandon and Allie's wedding day began with dark clouds and a heavy thunderstorm but ended with the most magnificent sunset.

We packed our umbrellas with all of our gear and made our way to meet them at their prep location. They decided to do their first look underneath a covered porch to keep themselves as dry as possible. After that, the rain let up enough to do bridal party portraits outside.

However, when we arrived at Ciccone Vineyard for their ceremony set up, the clouds let loose to an extreme downpour. We took cover inside the barn where Brandon and Allie along with their wedding planner, made the decision to move their ceremony under a tent. Despite the rain, Ciccone was the perfect venue.

Just after the ceremony, the clouds parted to sunshine and Brandon and Allie snuck out to their original ceremony site for their ten-minute rule. We stayed back with our cameras to allow them some privacy while we documented them from afar as they soaked in their first few minutes as newlyweds.

After a while of busting some wicked moves on the dance floor, Brandon and Allie were ready for a break and breath of fresh air outside.

We love scheduling in a little window of time to sneak out for portraits during the reception. It allows us to capture some of the more intimate, romantic portraits beyond the the typical smiling at the camera ones earlier in the day. Bonus points when Northern Michigan gives us a night like this one with cotton candy clouds and the sun setting over the vineyard.

Take a look for yourself to see Brandon and Allie's magical golden hour portraits.

Venue | Ciccone Vineyard and Winery

Coordinator | Sincerely Ginger - Rachel Moger

Caterer | Cook's House

Dessert | Detroit Cookie Co.

Music | DJ Ricky T

Stationary | Kelsey Malie Calligraphy

Decorations | Event Theory

Jewelry | Greis Jewelers

Earrings | Olive and Piper

Hair and Makeup | Northern Waves - Emily Henning

Wedding Dress | The Wedding Shoppe

Bridesmaid Dresses | Azazie

Suits | Joseph A. Bank

Florist | Field of Flowers North - Christina Pfeufer