Fieldguide Farmhouse | Peter and Caitlin

Peter and Caitlin chose the peaceful setting of Fieldguide Farmhouse in which they wanted to celebrate their love with friends and family on their wedding day. 

It was our very first time photographing at Fieldguide Farmhouse and needless to say, we were instantly in love. From the farmhouse itself with its stone exterior, cozy fireplace, striking floral wallpaper, and natural window light. To the surrounding property with view of the lake, open front lawn, and huge towering trees. The entire venue makes you feel completely welcome and at home. 

Caitlin got ready upstairs in the farmhouse. She wore a simple dress with a lovely lace bodice and a very special necklace. Loose blonde curls framed her pretty face as she inspected the final look in an antique standing mirror. As she descended the stairs to the main room of the farmhouse, she was simply breathtaking.

Miriam Pico played as guests arrived, each person invited to take a shot as they took their seat. Peter and Caitlin said 'I do' under a grand old tree, decorated with a stunning floral display. Later that evening for the reception, that same floral display was transformed into a garland for the head table.

Lawn games were set up for everyone to enjoy and Peter and Caitlin’s dog even made an appearance for some photos. Guests spent the evening enjoying an incredible barbecue dinner and dancing the night away.

Peter and Caitlin, congratulations! Thank you for allowing us the honor to capture your day!

Venue | Fieldguide Farmhouse

Coordinator | Fox + Fern Events

Wedding Dress | One Oak Bride

Hair and Makeup | Nakina & Ko.

Floral | Indie Grow Flower

Dinner | Cordwood BBQ

DJ | 2Bays DJs

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

Sydney Senior Portrait Session

Sydney’s Senior Portrait Session was every bit as lovely as we had hoped. Who doesn’t love wandering into wildflower fields mid-summer? 

‘Let us live like flowers.

Wild and beautiful and drenched in sun.’

- Ellen Everett

The Traverse City State Hospital hosts such a variety of scenes that no matter how many times we photograph there, it feels like we discover something new. From the old dilapidated brick asylum with ivy crawling up in every corner, to beautiful blooming bushes and huge drooping pine trees. It’s a delightful location for exploring and we are overjoyed when our work brings us here so often. Passions collide as we seek out hidden nooks and places to photograph we haven’t been before. We spend a lot of time here even outside of actual photo shoots. Whether it is a date day: picking up a fresh baked good from Pleasanton Bakery before setting out on a hike. Or location scouting: wandering through the many paths and trails scattered around the property seeking out the best lighting and backdrops.

We can’t deny it is one of our favorite spots in Traverse City. You can imagine our excitement when this was to be the location for Sydney’s Senior Portrait Session. Sydney is absolutely stunning inside and out. Thank you for being creative with us for your photos!

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.

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