David and Susan | Backyard Barn Wedding

If we were to find one word to describe David and Susan's wedding day in one word, it would be: serene. This backyard barn wedding was the perfect setting for David and Susan to pledge their vows in front of family and friends.

David and Susan spent the morning getting ready in their farmhouse while wispy white clouds wove their way through blue sky and sunshine. Guests gathered and waited outside the beautiful red barn before the ceremony. Stunning in her satin dress, Susan made her way down the aisle to her handsome groom. There was something so beautiful and intimately romantic about the way he spoke so softly to her during the day. David and Susan were at home in each other's arms. You could see it reflected in their faces, the way they held hands, and how he so delicately and gently helped her with her dress throughout the day. The night ended in an epic downpour while guests danced to local musician Levi Britton staying cozy and safe in the barn.

It was an honor to witness and capture their love and celebration.

Congratulations!

Venue | Bride and Groom Property

Caterer | Smoke and Porter

Florist | Amy Hendrickson - Amy Kate Designs

Cake Artist | Sarah Steel - Sweet Tartlette

Wedding Dress | Rebecca Schoneveld

Ciccone Vineyard | Byron and Phoebe

Byron and Phoebe chose to save their first look moment for that walk down the aisle. From the moment they saw each other, you could tell it took a lot to hold back the tears. There was no preventing it, however, once Byron began reading his vows to Phoebe. But we welcome the tears! Whether it’s reading your vows, walking down the aisle, the first dance, or simply looking out during the day to realize just how loved you are by all your friends and family--emotions hold a special space on your wedding day and you should welcome them in. We love capturing it so in years to come you can look back on your day and relive some of those beautiful moments together. 

After the ceremony, Byron and Phoebe chose the 10-minute rule to soak in that ‘we just got married’ feeling alone. We shot between the vines from far away as they spent their first moments together as husband and wife! 

Later during the reception, Phoebe’s off-the-shoulder tulle sleeves came right off so she had the freedom and movement to dance the night away with her guests. And dance she did! 

Byron and Phoebe’s wedding day was absolutely magical. Something about wandering through a vineyard in the prettiest tulle dress with your lover by your side feels ever so romantic, am I right? 

‘To love and be loved by you--there is no other feeling quite like it.’

Venue | Ciccone Vineyard

Wedding Dress | BHLDN

Veil | Twigs and Honey

Groom | The Black Tux

Hair and Makeup | Salon 804

DJ | 2Bays DJs

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.