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:

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!!