,

Krista & Charlie | Wedding | June 4, 2016

And the award goes to . . . seriously, this group!  The children were so well behaved, the fun-loving connection between all six of them was just wonderful, and the ease and joy of all involved made me so happy to be a part of their story.

It was a day that threatened rain, but we had perfect timing.  We started with a first look on the beach, traveled to Krista’s family beach, stopped and played in a vineyard and then went for a ceremony in yard of the Boathouse on Old Mission peninsula.  We made it through all of the outside things that were planned, with perfect weather.  It wasn’t until we got in the car to leave that the rain came.

Excellent day, with happy people and flawless timing; there is nothing else I can ask for.

,

Paula & Chris | Engagement Photos | June 3, 2016

Paula and Chris might just be the happiest couple I have ever met!  These two have an ease between them that is contagious!  I can’t wait for their Homestead wedding next year!

 

Fei & Hui | Evening After Shoot | May 31, 2016

Fei and Hui were up for even more photo fun a few days after their wedding.  We tried for sunset at Pierce Stocking drive in Leelanau county, but there was a storm coming across the water from Wisconsin.  We didn’t have much color, but we did have some pretty evening clouds over the water.  Despite the lack of sunset color, it was still a beautiful night at the dunes!

,

Angie & Brian | Wedding | May 30, 2016

Angie and Brian were married and the Cedar Bend Farm in Mancelona.  Surrounded by her daughters and family, they said their vows in the little rustic church at a morning ceremony.  There was laughter, some tears, and a step stool for the first kiss!

The farm belongs to Alice, one of Angie’s good friends, and is a really cool location.  If you are ever looking for a roaming farm-style venue, look Alice up.

,

Fei & Hui | Wedding | May 29, 2016

Fei & Hui had a wonderful fairy tale wedding at Castle Farm in Charlevoix, complete with perfect weather, horse and carriage, sparklers, and fireworks!  It is now my firm opinion that every wedding should have fireworks!  Fei had the most beautiful veil I have ever seen, and just when I thought this woman couldn’t be any more beautiful, she changed into her red party dress for the evening.  Just stunning!

,

Megan & Steve | Wedding | May 28, 2016

Megan and Steve were married at the Homestead in Glen Arbor on a beautiful sunny summer day.  Her color choices were great for the season.  And they had a gorgeous sunset to end their evening!

,

Lauren & Josh | Wedding | May 22, 2016

Lauren and Josh have a way about them that brings you in and makes you feel like family in an instant.  The way they are as individuals; solid in their self, giving in their nature, gentle in their soul, and commanding in their faith, makes being around them an absolute pleasure.  To be a part of their marriage journey, has been a gift.  We were given a perfect early summer day for a wedding at Castle Farms in Charlevoix.  Their attendants, family, and guests all had the best attitudes in anticipation for this union.  Lauren and Josh took a moment to pray together (from opposite sides of a door) just before the ceremony, that took the anticipation to a new height and led to great emotion as Lauren walked down the aisle.  Tears flowed.  As soon as these two touched, you could feel the connection, the joy, and the love they have for each other.  The rest of the day and into the evening echoed with happy laughter and touching family speeches.  We rounded out the evening with a sparkler send-off and watched them drive off to begin their lives together.

,

Courtney & Josh | Wedding | May 21, 2016

Courtney and Josh had the perfect May day for a wedding in Leelanau county!  The sky was clear,  the temperature was mild, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and a gorgeous sunset rounded out the evening.  The perfect day itself, highlighted by Coutney’s classic beauty and Josh’s winning smile, was flawless.  I just love it when days come together like this!

, , ,

The Dogs | Just for Fun | May 12, 2016

What can I say about these two idiots!?!?  They are my best models, my lighting testers, and of course the butt of most of my jokes.  So when I needed to test a few things in the studio with some new flash equipment, they were more than accommodating.

, ,

Beautiful Momma | Maternity | May 11, 2016

My gorgeous friend Michele is pregnant with her second baby.  I asked her to let me take some maternity photos of her this time around, since she didn’t do it with the first baby.  We used a friend’s cherry orchard, in full bloom, on Old Mission peninsula in the evening so I could test out some new equipment.  I am so happy with how beautiful she looks among the evening light on the trees.  I can’t wait to meet this little belly bundle in about a month!