Arriving in Traverse City, Michigan in the middle of May is like stepping into a Monet painting or a summer song. :)

I really had no idea what to expect, I really REALLY didn't think it would be as beautiful as it is. Deep blue unending water, white sand, crisp clear air, cherry orchards at every turn, sunsets that dared to challenge my childhood Arizona evenings. Beautiful.

After the 3 hour flight and 5 hour car ride we were ready to WORK! If you can even call my job work :)

Brian and I thankfully, love being together, even if we are literally sitting next to one another on 5 hour car rides and 3 hour plane rides, we are not the couple who fights over the armrest on the plane or the car radio (ok maybe sometimes the radio) we don't mind each other's long day travel smells or silly little habits... like me and my need to lay down before I can even try to fall asleep, so I always end up in his lap on plane rides snoring, drooling, and the like,... he must love me a lot... and his little habit of being able to fall asleep ANYWHERE in any position at any time, which makes me quite mad since I CAN'T!

Brian knew the bride Kati from our church a few years back. Kati met Jayson and moved from Colorado Springs where she was attending college to Atlanta to be with him, fell in love, got engaged, moved home to Traverse City to plan the wedding, and thats were I came in! :)

We arrived and immediately nestled our place into the family, and what a fantastic family they both have. They were all so kind and welcoming. We fit right in, in fact there was one point where I thought I had come to watch an old friend get married not photograph a stranger!

The wedding was exquisite! A beautiful lake view backdrop and an intimate guest list made for the most genuine ceremony. There were no traditional rules or lists to follow, just two people committing their lives to one another on a simple day in May. The clouds parted towards the end of the ceremony to make way for the Sun's warm rays to pierce through the wooded canopy of trees, producing the most memorable glowing rays of The Lord's satisfaction. How perfectly perfect.

And the story begins...

Kati and her best friend Gus... looks like he is a bit emotional about her getting married

Jayson loves Kati's eyes so I was sure to make him happy with this one :)

Jayson was always smiling

a good luck kiss from mom

precious

Ha! :)

epic

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Kati, Jayson and their families for welcoming Brian and I into such a warm and sweet atmosphere and making sure we were taken care of. We greatly enjoyed our stay in such a beautiful city and with such wonderful people!

*********STAY TUNED**********

Its gets better! :)

Jayson and Kati opted to get all dressed up once again for a "Trash the Dress" shoot a day after their lovely wedding. We had a BLAST on the beaches of Lake Michigan with canoes and boats and white sand and..... insane asylums... ;)

So again, STAY TUNED... photos coming in a few days!

sneak peek

I knew this wedding would be breathtaking.

Gorgeous Bride, elegant scene, sweet family, and a gentleman groom made for the perfect day in May for a wedding. Other than dodging some rain here and there, everything was as smooth as butter.

I arrived to find Kristen waiting calmly on the couch of the hotel for her turn to have her makeup done, relaxed and poised. The bridesmaids were fluttering about fixing their hair and painting their faces, coffee cups and packages littered the table, jewelry was gently laid in rows waiting to be chosen, mirrors reflected laughter, suitcases and purses, fingernail polish and flat irons were scattered about....  All was the perfect scene of a Bride preparing to receive her groom.

We all then headed to The Pinery, a beautiful all inclusive wedding venue in Black Forrest to begin the day's events. What an absolutely lovely place this is. Up until now I hadn't had the opportunity to photograph a wedding here. I am so excited to say I have 4 more booked at this location this year! I will be looking forward to it every time!

Kristen and Sheldon decided to keep it traditional and wait to see each other for the first time as Kristen's father escorted her down the aisle. I always capture such sincere emotions during that time.

The reception was just as gorgeous as the ceremony, with red pops of color everywhere. The food was delicious and the dance floor PACKED!

I had the BEST time photographing these two! The camera loved them and it was apparent that they truly loved each other. 

Kristen's  supermodel wedding dress

and her bold red shoes!

we had some time to kill ;)

the bridesmaids dresses were super cute!

fabulous!

definitely a fav.

I love this photo of the Bride... waiting for the rain to stop

and a toast for the groom!

I love this moment Brian caught

Beautiful flower girl

HA!

someone's a bit bored...

Aren't they lovely!

fabulous reception decor!... the ring shot is for all you MILLERS! - They met at theMILL by the way... its a good place :)

wow.. maybe my favorite 1st dance shot ever

Off to happily ever after...

Thank you Kristen, Sheldon and your families for allowing me to be a part of such a beautiful day. I am honored to have played a part in making it the best day of your lives.

- and may there be many, many more....