Zingerman's Cornman Farms-KATIE AND BRENDAN

Zingerman's Cornman Farms
Dexter, MI

Congratulations to Katie and Brendan!! What a gorgeous celebration of their story! 

Brendan and Katie met eight years ago in Boston through a mutual friend, and started seeing each other at all the concerts and sporting events they both liked.  He decided to take a trip to Germany to visit his family in July 2012, and invited Katie to go along, and they have been together ever since. So, technically, their first date was a two and a half week European vacation!  They went to Amsterdam, Berlin, Vienna, Bratislava, Salzburg, Munich, and Zurich on that first trip. 

He proposed in Germany, overlooking Neuschwanstein castle. Sounds like a fairy tale to me...

In case you missed their beautiful fall engagement session, you can view it here:
http://lookatthebiggerpicture.com/blog/engagement-session-katie-and-brendan


So, the best thing about the wedding day--- ALL of the crazy things that went WRONG!! We Italians believe in signs and that many "unfortunate" things, like rain, which there was a lot of that day, is actually good luck. So, as all of these things kept happening, we just kept saying how much luck this marriage was now blessed with!! Things like... the officiant having a heart attack (rest in peace) and not having a back up, trouble booking and saving hotel rooms, trouble with the dress and seamstress, the hotel where family and guests were staying flooding, the best man missing his flight, a hole in a bridesmaid dress, the rain, the florists not getting the order correct, the photographer getting stung by a wasp (Yea-- I was inside too! That was an Urgent Care trip the next day with two weeks of medication and shots), and it went on...

But these two kept "the bigger picture" in front of them all day and they were just so happy and cheerful. They way they lit up when they looked at each other was really something to see. I am so, so happy for my dear old friend and her hubby.

Thank you again for choosing me to document your story. Special thanks to Caedy Convis for being the amazing second shooter that she is!! 
Here is a preview of the day...

Rustic Backyard Wedding-Sara and Holly

Conklin, MI

Congratulations to these lovely ladies!! I am so honored that I had the opportunity to capture this day for Sara and Holly. These beautiful ladies met in their residency program, were together for two years before the proposal, and ended up living in Alaska! They BOTH proposed. Holly chose Christmas day, a picnic and a walk in the woods. Sara chose a weekend away, at a B&B in Seattle. She "stumbled through her words", full of emotion. I love that they both had to propose.

I believe our initial consult was over the phone while they were camping. I knew I liked them right then and there. They are unsure where they will land after the bit in Alaska (maybe Hawaii?!!), but I am sure their adventures will be amazing and keep going strong.

The wedding day began in fun (and sun!! This was the hottest day of the year! Wowza) as the group was getting ready at the gorgeous farmhouse. Lots of jokes, funny faces, and silly times. 

My favorite part of the day was actually the exchanging of the vows. If I could get a copy of those words... So honest. So true to love. I don't usually get to pay attention, as I am shooting, but I just had to stop and listen. They each talked of humility, insecurities we all carry when joining hearts, comforting and nourishing those insecurities in each other, and the honesty of love. They talked about staying true to yourself, holding onto your inner strength and self-love when finding a partner to share your world. It was absolutely brilliant and heartfelt, and I am not doing their words justice. These intelligent and insightful women could easily have been writers. 

I am so happy for you both! Thank you for choosing me to tell your story. Here is a preview of the day...

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!