Kurt and Amanda | Crystal Mountain Wedding

Kurt and Amanda were married on a beautiful day at Crystal Mountain.

After final detail and prep photos, we all prepared for the first look with lots of eager anticipation. There are a lot of emotions tied into first looks but they are some of our favorite parts of weddings. The time together, just the two of you, before getting caught up in the rush of the day’s events, is just so special. 

At the bottom of the ski hill, Kurt waited with his back toward his bride, as Amanda made her way nervously across the lawn. It felt as though we were all holding our breath as she called out his name, and he turned-- You can see the instant joy lighting up his face at beholding his stunning bride. They held each other close for several moments as he wiped away her happy tears and kissed her sweetly. Suddenly everything is relaxing and fun as you share about your mornings getting ready and giggle about your nerves before the first look. Everything seems a lot less nerve-wracking when you go into it all hand and hand with your partner. 

Kurt and Amanda spent practically the rest of the day grinning ear to ear. 

We finished the night off by riding the ski lift to the top of the hill at sunset. Amanda nestled so comfortably in Kurt’s arms sharing such an intimate moment that we had the honor of photographing. 

Congratulations Kurt and Amanda!

Venue | Crystal Mountain

Coordinator/Floral | Victoria's Floral

Wedding Dress | Eddy K

Groom Tux | The Black Tux

Intimate Wedding | Jake and Kristi

This intimate wedding at Sleeping Bear Dunes is one we will likely remember forever.

Jake and Kristi gathered with seventeen of their closest friends and family including their own two precious boys. The day was absolutely brimming with emotions. From the start when Kristi made her way down the sand to meet Jake for their first look, we couldn’t help finding ourselves tearing up at the moment. The two boys were so eager to love on their parents during this special day and we got to witness and document all the love and laughter the family shared. It’s impossible not to find myself smiling even now going through the photos and reminiscing about the sweet relationship they all had.

With toes perhaps a little sandy, we made our way over to the peaceful North Bar overlook for their vows. Jake and Kristi committed to a lifetime of loving and choosing not only each other, but their children as well. That quiet platform held not a single dry eye as the two became husband and wife. A champagne toast and dried flower confetti were the final ceremonious to-dos before heading to their reception.

Later that night, we tried to catch the sunset. We were met with the most epic thunderstorm instead. Jake and Kristi took it in stride which perfectly encompasses just how easy-going they were. Even a thunderstorm for golden hour photos still had Kristi giddy. They stood out against the dark grey storm clouds, almost glowing with brightness as they made their way barefoot down to the beach, thunder rumbling ominously all around.

Jake and Kristi, thank you for allowing us to take part in your intimate wedding, treating us like family, and having a love that is so genuine and real on display.

Dugan and Michelle | Aurora Cellars

Dugan and Michelle | Aurora Cellars Wedding

Oh. Where to even begin? Dugan and Michelle's Wedding Day was nothing short of dreamy. They have this golden kind of love that makes your whole being glow--we just had the honor of capturing it.

The day started in Suttons Bay at the ever beautiful Aurora Cellars. Michelle readied herself in the gorgeous white farmhouse with her bridesmaids and family. When she finished getting ready, Michelle was the picture of elegance in her classic, romantic inspired updo and sleek white dress. She was stunning, head to toe, as she confidently made her way toward the vineyard where she was to meet her husband-to-be for their first look.

Dugan says seeing his bride for the first time on their wedding day was truly indescribable. It is so clear to see from the look on his face as he turned around; he was speechless, completely overcome with emotion. When Michelle and her Father had their own first look a little later on, the emotions were no less sweet. These moments were so precious and such a nice prelude to the rest of the wedding day.

The whole celebration was teeming with such love, laughter, and friendship from everyone surrounding them. It was truly an honor to capture the beauty of the day: the scenery, the details, and the relationships. We whisked Dugan and Michelle away from the reception for a brief interlude for golden hour portraits. After those were finished and we were wrapping up for the night, Dugan swept his bride off her feet (quite literally) and carried her back to the reception underneath the rising moon. It was the perfect end to the perfect night.

Venue | Aurora Cellars

Coordinator | Fox + Fern Events

Florist | Field of Flowers North

Invitations | The Knot

Decor | 307 Events

Hair + Makeup | MI Day Beauty

Tux | The Blk Tux

Photography by Miles + Sarah

Joseph and Melissa | Sonshine Barn

Joseph and Melissa Sonshine Barn Gaylord Wedding

'I remember.  The sky was a soft blue.  In every corner I could see the softest fluffy clouds, even softer than the blue sky.  It was Spring and the songbirds were trilling in the trees. The sunshine kissed our skin until it left a faint trail of freckles just about our noses.  All the trees were budding and there were flowers everywhere.'

We met Joseph and Melissa on a beautiful May morning at Sonshine Barn for their wedding day.

Melissa and her bridesmaids were attending to the final details of getting ready--curling hair, applying mascara, and painting nails. Meanwhile, just across the drive, Joseph fixed his tie, laced his shoes, and adjusted his watch. He was calm, collected, and ready to go. Now he eagerly awaited the first look with his bride-to-be.  

Finally, once everyone and everything was ready, Melissa fluttered down the stone path where she met Joseph by the fountain.  It was a genuine reaction of pure giddiness between the two of them as they saw each other for the first time. You know that feeling when you realize you get to marry your best friend? You could see it echoed happily in their faces. It was the perfect jump start to the day.

The sun shone in full force during the ceremony but softened later to a golden glow. In the evening, the sun illuminated the path they took together through the yard. It was there during golden hour underneath the trees where he twirled her and they danced.

Joseph and Melissa, it was certainly an honor to capture your beautiful wedding day. Congratulations Mr and Mrs Vue! 

Venue | Sonshine Barn

Wedding Dress | Allure Bridals

Bride's Bouquet | Nicole, Flowers by Evelyn

Bridesmaid Dresses | Da Vinci Bridesmaids

Men's Suits | Mens Wearhouse

Videographer | Tabor J Photo and Film

Jacob and Brittany | Crystal Mountain

JACOB AND BRITTANY CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN WEDDING

'Happiest by your side'

It was such a wonderful joy to witness, celebrate, and photograph Jacob and Brittany's gorgeous May wedding at Crystal Mountain.

We could not have asked for a more gorgeous day or a more lovely couple. These two radiated love and happiness the entire day.

Jacob and Brittany took the morning to get ready surrounded by their closest friends and family. It was beautiful to see the kind of love and support they were showered with the whole day.  From the excited giggles between Brittany and her bridesmaids to the jokes and encouragement shared between the groomsmen and Jacob--we just love how deeply involved every one of their friends were during the day. Seriously though, how sweet is it to see every bridesmaid in on helping Brittany into her dress?

From the beginning, it was evident that above all, these two shared a very special love. Everyone could see it and everyone celebrated it too. Therefore, it was only natural that we felt it that day too and what a joy it was to take part in celebrating with them.

Everyone held their breath as the stunning bride Brittany made her way down the aisle toward Jacob.  You can clearly see the excitement and joy on both Jacob and Brittany's faces during this moment leading up to their vows. We just adore his reaction to seeing her for the first time that day. During their whole ceremony, a wide range of emotion and happy tears was evident on the face of their parents, grandparents, and dearest friends. Jacob and Brittany were practically glowing as they joined hands and were pronounced husband and wife.  Immediately after that, they stole away to a secluded spot to soak in the feeling of being newly married. They later joined their party at the reception to spend the night dancing away in celebration.  

It may have taken us a while to get these photos up on the blog, but we are so excited to finally be sharing them with you. 

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Chappell! 

Without further ado, please let us share with you the beautiful love story and wedding day of Jacob and Brittany at Crystal Mountain:

Wedding Venue | Crystal Mountain

Catering | Crystal Mountain

Cake | Macey Bakes

Florist | Pleasanton Valley Greenhouse

DJ | DJ Mikey

Groom/Groomsmen Attire | Mens Wearhouse

2019 Review

Miles and Sarah Photography

Hello friends & Happy New Year!

2019 was a big year for us, both personally and professionally. In January, we were engaged and began planning our wedding for the end of the year. In the midst of this, we photographed ten beautiful couples and their weddings over the duration of the summer, all as associate photographers for Dan and Melissa--Sarah's parents. We married on a gorgeous day in early October and spent our honeymoon in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. When we returned, we wrapped up the 2019 wedding season, thus also ending our time as associate photographers and beginning the journey of our own photography business, as Miles and Sarah Photography!

Building this website has been and continues to be a fun work in progress. We are dedicated to using it to share not only our own stories, but the stories of all the couples we are blessed to capture and the vendor friendships that will continue to flourish and grow in the Northern Michigan community. We couldn't imagine calling anywhere else home or living any other dream than the one we are living. 2020 couples, we are so ready for you!

All that said, what better way to wrap up the year and start the new one than with a blogpost of all our favorite behind-the-scenes moments from our 2019 wedding season? So without further ado, enjoy these silly, ridiculous, real moments that happen on the OTHER side of lens.

Thanks for an awesome wedding season!

- Miles and Sarah Photography