Townsend Park Engaged- Jessica and Eric

GRAND RAPIDS, MI
TOWNSEND PARK, MI

Congratulations Jessica and Eric! These two were troopers, with a location switch as we were all driving! Michigan- the weather isn't the only roller coaster we deal with here. They were so great about it and just rolled with the punches. That's a good quality in a couple. 

They met at work, starting out as friends, which lead into more... and have been together for four years. They were on a backpacking trip for the first time and it was storming. The next morning, the sun was shining and they walked down to the beach, where Eric proposed. It was very meaningful, coming out of the storm into the sunlight... 

The woods were really important to them in this shoot (probably because they are the bad-ass backpacking kind), so I'm glad we were able to get all of these photo opportunities at this park. 

The big day is September 15, so stay tuned! These guys are going to be so fun!

Bay Pointe Inn- Ashleigh and Eoin

Shelbyville, MI
Boathouse at the Bay Pointe Inn

Congratulations to Ashleigh and Eoin! These two met through mutual friends and were together for three years before Eoin proposed. They were in Nashville for another wedding, in front of a waterfall, with friends, when Ian asked the question. They had it all planned and it was a complete surprise to Ashleigh.

My favorite part of this day was right when I walked in. I walked into chaos and a hubbub of family and friends. It was awesome. There were wedding favors and décor spread out on the floor, flowers strewn all over, with aunts and uncles running here and there with shirts and ties and such, everyone helping each other.  Uncles were sitting quietly, putting together flowers and peacock boutonnieres. Everyone was staying together at this amazing boathouse on the water. It was full of love and sunshine.

This was the weekend that was 100 heat index in September. The flower girl switched to her bathing suit and went swimming. I wish I had thought of that.

I'm so excited for these two beautiful people! What an amazing venue on the lake! It was a great celebration. Enjoy the preview:

New Vintage Place- Hannah and Ryan

Grand Rapids, MI
Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown
New Vintage Place

Congratulations to Hannah and Ryan! These two had classes together in high school but did not interact (other than when Ryan asked Hannah what he missed in math class while he wandered the halls). They ran into each other at a party and had one date before Hannah moved back to school. Ryan continued to call, asking Hannah to be his girlfriend, to which she declined. A few weeks later she asked him out.
They were together for seven and a half years before Ryan proposed. They were living in separate cities in Indiana while Hannah was finishing grad school. Ryan went to her
apartment to go to a wedding in Michigan. She saw his car in the lot, but he wasn't coming in. When she opened the door to look for him, he was on one knee holding a ring box. 

In case you missed their engagement session, please check it out here:
http://lookatthebiggerpicture.com/blog/downtown-grand-rapids-winter-engagement-session

I have a couple favorite parts of their day. The getting ready time was so beautiful. Hannah was so calm, collected, and the room was full of fun women giggling and having fun. Hannah should be on a cover of a magazine. I could have stayed there all day shooting. The venue was absolutely amazing, with everything all in one place but separate rooms to move and transition into the next part of the day. The first look with dad was sweet and emotional. Hannah and Ryan's first dance was to Led Zepplin, and as he was singing to her, the guests all held up candles and lighters- it was funny, but it was so pretty! I also loved that Hannah sat on her dad's lap after their dance, and that you can see this in the background of Ryan's dance with his mom. I loved this group! It was a very special celebration.

Thank you to my amazing second photographer, Maria Lewis! I loved working with this lady and she was as fun as she is talented! She scoped out a cool surprise location and I'm so glad she told me to save time for it. 

I am so honored that I had the chance to document the best day of Hannah and Ryan's lives so far... Good luck in all your adventures to come!
Please enjoy the preview: