National Shrine of the Little Flower, Club Venetian- Milissa and Ryan

National Shrine of the Little Flower
Club Venetian
Royal Oak, MI

Congratulations to Milissa and Ryan!! What sweet people, and such a fun, loving couple. These two met in orchestra class in high school, about 10-11 years ago. They reconnected  about three years ago and have been together ever since. Ryan proposed on Halloween, with the ring hidden in a jack o'lantern that said "Marry Me".  The hilarious story of the proposal was told by Ryan's mom/Milissa's Matron of Honor, during the toasts. It was funny, because she actually played a big role in the debacle. Keys to where the ring was hidden broke off in the lock, at the exact moment Ryan was downstairs waiting to propose... It was all good fun. I'm sure this Halloween was exciting as it was the first they shared as husband and wife.

The ceremony was absolutely beautiful, at the very well known National Shrine of the Little Flower. WhenMilissa and her father were walking down the aisle, the sun flare through the windows landed perfectly on Milissa and Ryan, as her father gave her hand to Ryan. It was truly something to see.  Another favorite part of the day for me was dancing the hustle with Milissa and the bridal party! Whoo hoo! So much fun.

In case you missed their engagement session in downtown Farmington, you can view it here: http://lookatthebiggerpicture.com/engagement-session-milissa-and-ryan/

Thank you for sharing your story with me. Enjoy the preview...

Thank you to Caedy Convis for second shooting with me!! So much fun and so much talent! 

Henry Ford Museum-Tina and Finn

Henry Ford MuseumDearborn, MI

Congratulations Tina and Finn! What a beautiful, unique, and fun day at Henry Ford! The rain just moved things around- it didn't stop these ladies one bit. Rain is actually good luck in most cultures. I was really glad it rained for them.

These two live in Boston and met online, through OK Cupid. The proposal story is pretty sweet, actually. They were in Saugatuck, visiting Christina's parents. They were watching the sunset on the lake, when TWO rings came out. Yes, they both bought rings and proposed at the same time.

Tina and Finn are so laid back, just all smiles and warmth all day. I loved the Dearborn Inn, where they were getting ready. I met Christina and her pals in one of the old houses on the property- so cool! Their first look was bright, joyful, and tearful. It was a great first look. The ceremony was transferred to the theater due to the rain. There was definitely a sense of history and relevance to having the couple say their vows under the lights, on stage. That was actually my favorite part of the day (aside from all the amazing and different photo opps in the museum)... Their vows were said in secret. It's the first time I've ever witnessed that. Each lady took a turn whispering into the other's ear vows that were only meant for her. It was still and silent in the theater, and then Christina's giggles softened the room. It was really beautiful.

Thank you for sharing your story with me! You two are amazing. Enjoy your preview...

Thank you to Shannon Vandervennet for being such a lovely and talented second shooter!! I had so much fun with you that weekend! Thank you again for hanging in there with back to back weddings!!

CityFlatsHotel-Sarah and Greg

CityFlatsHotel
Grand Rapids MI

Congratulations to Greg and Sarah!! What a beautiful celebration for these two!

The couple met, back in the day, working at TGI Fridays. Sarah was wooed by Greg's tacky excuses to keep talking to her and hanging around her hostess stand. They have been together for five and a half years. Greg proposed on a bitterly cold December night. After strolling through downtown, checking out the new fudge shop that just opened, he brought Sarah to the top of the hill by the skating rink and Christmas trees at Rosa Parks Circle. He bent down on one knee and had a speech prepared just for her.

In case you missed their engagement session, you may view it here: http://lookatthebiggerpicture.com/engagement-session-sarah-and-greg/

The entire wedding day was absolutely stunning. The shots of Greg waiting for Sarah down the aisle are priceless. They were only possible because City Flats allowed me to go anywhere I wished during the ceremony! So nice!! I was so happy that the rain held off for us and we could stroll through downtown and go back to the place where Greg proposed to get some beautiful shots around Rosa Parks Circle. I love the images around the GRAM. We ran into my new friend playing the sax! It was perfect! I met him when I was scouting weeks earlier for Sarah and Greg's big day. Nothing like taking a stroll downtown with sax music playing on your wedding day... Back at the venue, the lighting was really fun to play with all through the dancing. Again, so many favorites and I couldn't post them all. I tried. There is a limit on this thing...

Please enjoy the preview:

Special thanks to all the vendors who were sooooo amazing to work with for this wedding!! Thank you to the wonderful and talented make-up artist, Allison Bowers- www.allisonbower.com,  for being patient and letting me interrupt her a wee bit, Matt from Moments In Time Disc Jockeys- www.mitdj.com, and Morgan and Katrina from City Flats Hotel!! The day went smoothly because of all of these awesome people behind it. I love vendors who are fun to work with and care about the overall day-- Brides, I highly recommend these guys.