Glen Haven Engagement | John + Sarah

John and Sarah were true adventurers for their Glen Haven Engagement session last summer.

Despite having lived in Northern Michigan my entire life, the beauty of its landscape continuously blows me away. Glen Haven has a range of scenery to offer. Firstly, the quaint historic village itself. Secondly, the stunning lake and beachfront. And lastly, the well known Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes accessible just beyond the hill.

Together, hand in hand, John and Sarah made the climb through rolling hills of sand. At the top they danced and laughed and we got to capture them in love. The stunning view was just an added bonus. We couldn’t have asked for a better day or a better couple who were ready and eager to trek to the prettiest places.

When the sun began its descent in the late evening as it always does mid-summer, we left the dunes behind to make the quick trip down to the little village of Glen Haven. The iconic red Glen Haven Canning Co. building is unmistakable set against the deep blue lake behind it. Dune grass surrounding the entire village matches the pale green accents on the modest white buildings and homes. The beach itself was our last stop of the night, just as the sun began to dip behind the magnificent body of water.

Sessions like these, on days like this, with couples like John and Sarah make us feel so blessed to call this our career. What a lovely glimpse into the love story John and Sarah share during their Glen Haven Engagement session. It just made us all the more excited to celebrate their wedding the next year!

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

Nick and Amy | Ciccone Vineyard

Nick and Amy, Ciccone Vineyard Wedding

Nick and Amy got married last year at Ciccone Vineyard. What a beautiful day it was.

We got to know Nick and Amy during their engagement session a while before their big day. It was the perfect opportunity to witness their love and personalities coinciding. Without a doubt, these two are completely smitten with one another. Even with a rained out ceremony, these two couldn't wipe the smiles from their faces. Nick and Amy spent the day giggling and flirting despite the change in plans. They were just so enamored with each other and the fact that they were getting married.

First look

They met in the vines for their first look. Dark clouds were rolling over their heads. In that moment just before the clouds loosed their rain, the whole world seemed to slow and hold its breath for the two of them. The storm came quickly after, but their moment was intimate and beautiful and stunning just the same.

Side note: We adore first looks and Nick and Amy's was one for the books. In the midst of the busy events of the day, it is one of the few times devoted to slowing down. Your wedding will be here and over before you know it. So whether you decide to have a first look or stick to the traditional route, we encourage you to schedule at least five minutes during your day just for the two of you. Whether we document that moment from afar or not, well.. that's up to you. That moment is yours.

Then just as suddenly as it had come, the pouring rain was gone. The clouds parted for the most beautiful sunset while we photographed Nick and Amy during golden hour in the beauty that is Ciccone Vineyard.

That's Northern Michigan for you. We wouldn't trade it for the world, because in sunshine and in rain, we believe it is one of the most beautiful and romantic places on earth.

Venue | Ciccone Vineyard

Florist | Field of Flowers North

Hair and Makeup | Christina Vita

Dress | BBON

Cake | Cakes by Aunt B

Catering | Chef's Pride

Nick + Amy | Traverse City Engagement Session

Traverse City Engagement Session

Nick and Amy are a testament to how much we love Traverse City engagement sessions. Tucked away at the quiet, serene Oleson Bridge Trail-head, these two were full of laughter and real connection. They seriously could not stop smiling and had us giggling right alongside them. It was evident from start to finish how ready they were to spend the rest of their lives together. As photographers, we are so thankful that we got to capture their love story.

This particular trail in Traverse City is a beautiful yet quiet spot that we love frequenting during hikes together. Even better when we can bring our lovely couples here to enjoy it with us. With it's mixture of wooded and open areas, combined with a warm spring evening, it made the trail the perfect setting for Nick and Amy's Traverse City engagement session. We love being able to spend an evening our couples, getting to know them and their love of each other.

As Traverse City photographers, our goal with all our engagement sessions is to not only get beautiful, artistic photos of you and your soon-to-be spouse, but to also create a space where you two can be authentically yourselves and enjoy one another's company. In the midst of stressful wedding planning, we want to allow the time and room to simply savor the moment and remember the fact that you are marrying the love of your life! Nick and Amy modeled this idea perfectly and we had the honor of capturing their love and friendship truly and organically.

We love you Nick and Amy! Keep your eyes out for their beautiful wedding we also had the privilege of photographing later that summer. Keep your eyes peeled for that post to come shortly as well!

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