Apple Blossom Chapel and Gardens

Fennville, MI
Fenn Valley Vineyards
Apple Blossom Chapel and Gardens

Congratulations Tara and Caitlin!!

These two met at work, when Caitlin fell in love with Tara’s sweet dance moves and great personality. Their first official date was at Founder’s Brewing in Grand Rapids.

Did you miss their adorable engagement session at Founder’s? Please check it out here:
https://lookatthebiggerpicture.com/blog/founders-brewing-engagement

For the proposal, Caitlin was sneaky and invited Tara’s best friends to The Detroit Zoo during the holidays, making it look like it was their idea. Caitlin found the perfect spot in a somewhat secluded part of the zoo in front of purple Christmas lights (Tara’s favorite color), and Caitlin (in her very awkward manner) got down on one knee and proposed, not knowing that Tara also had an engagement ring waiting for her at home!

Their shared interests include Batman, craft beer, Harry Potter, and exploring new things together.

My favorite parts of their wedding day:
—Tara’s animated facial expressions- a photographer’s dream!
—They were so easy to shoot because they were laughing and interacting with each other the whole time!!
—We snuck off to the winery to get some really great shots and give them some alone time
—Tara’s veil. It glowed the whole sunny day!
—I love the Calcutt family! I got to see Erin (Caitlin’s sister) and Bryan, who I photographed over 4 yrs ago! I was so honored to continue to document new adventures in the Calcutt family.

—A huge thank you to Maria Lewis Photography for her talent, skill, fun personality, and knowledge of what is needed without me even saying anything. I absolutely adore working with her!

Tara and Caitlin are so fun and I loved this oh so much! Please enjoy the preview:

Townsend Park-DENISE AND KATHY

Townsend Park
Rockford, MI

Congratulations to Denise and Kathy!!! These two lovely ladies have been together over 14 years!! They met through a mutual friend and a mutual interest (soccer). This wonderful friend kept on trying to set them up and would not give up. Persistence. Good thing, too!

After waiting for so long for gay marriage to pass, Denise popped the question while on a trip together at Strawberry Fields. She remembers that she had the ring in her pocket all day and kept getting interrupted. Kathy was drinking champagne and couldn't be happier.

The wedding day was a beautiful fall day, and Townsend Park gave us a great backdrop of streams, rivers, and leaves just now changing colors. It was intimate, low-key, and was a fun family celebration. The reception was warmed by the fire and smelled like a log cabin. My favorite part was the break in the day for a euchre tournament!! How fun is that?! I got whooped by the Henning family. They are some intense but fun euchre players. 

I am so happy for Denise and Kathy. Both ladies are hilarious, energetic, positive, and beautiful- inside and out. Thank you so much for choosing me to document your story. Enjoy the preview: 
 

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!!