Marcus + Sydney

Backyard weddings are some of my favorite weddings. Sydney and Marcus were so excited to share such a beautiful day at their home they bought together earlier last year. These two are some of the most genuine and hilarious people you’ll meet.. and with such talent. After meeting at the local black box theater, these two were inseparable. This sweet family of four also shares humor and love with two smart and adorable twin 5 year old girls. Summer was warm and beautiful and the sun shining that day was magic.

• Venue: Sydney and Marcus’s backyard

• Flowers: DIY by Sydney

• Cake: Betsy’s Bakes

Christine + Simon

"Loving you is easy"

These words are still echoing in my ears from Christine + Simon , they are two of the most beautiful souls. The heritage brought from Simon's family was so special. Simon wore a bolo tie from Gallup, New Mexico from his father's friend who is part of the Pokagon, Potowatomi tribe and both wore Turquoise bracelets that were a gift from a family member. 
I'll never forget this ceremony.. while Christine started to walk down the aisle with her father, the loudest crack of thunder echoed through the sky. It was wild. I wish I had the audio to the images, because it was just magical. The wedding vase used in their ceremony belonged to his Aunt Debbie Cayedito who is no longer with us. This is the best description of what it is: “One spout of the vessel represents the husband; the other, the wife. The looped handle represents the unity achieved with marriage. The space created within the loop represents the couples’ own circle of life.” There was actually tea in the vase that they both individually drank and then drank together. We did get hit with the down pour as soon as the ceremony ended, but only for about 15 minutes. Thank God for amazing friends, as one of my good girlfriends was a guest at the wedding and grabbed my umbrellas for me just as the ceremony started. 
Both of the families were incredible, artistic and unique. So many beautiful things were constantly happening. So many smiles, laughs and watching Arnold, their pup, run around so happy, songs were sang by Simon's family and Simon himself sang to his bride. And as the evening came to a close, we chased the sunset.

Love is magic.

Katie + Jake

Northern Michigan never disappoints, with the perfect weather and perfect sunsets happening on the fresh west shoreline.

Katie + Jake had one beautiful day. These two creatives shared some of the most beautiful vows I have ever heard, full of truth, they had us all in tears of joy to see the strength of their love. Siblings made up their wedding party and everyone was full of smiles and laughter. Petoskey is one of my favorite little shoreline towns, the cute hillside victorian homes and the Perry Hotel established in 1899 gives such a romantic vintage feeling. We had the first look in front of the porch at the Perry, portraits at a natural waterfall, vogue feels with the wedding party, tons of laughs from the speeches given by Katie's father and Jake's brother, dancing at sunset and playing on the shoreline in blue hour..
Yeah, I'll never tire of being #smittenwiththemitten <3

Lakeport, Michigan

If you’re ready to laugh and smile the whole way through a gallery, then this one is for you.

Angel, this beautiful and talented woman has been a dear friend since 19. She is ALWAYS laughing, always has a big beautiful smile and great energy. She and Kurt met at college in Michigan and moved to NY shortly after, I never was able to meet Kurt until the wedding day. One thing is for sure, this was a true match. Kurt smiles and laughs in equals measures with Angel. He also made their wedding cake, yeah.. talk about impressive!

They held their incredibly fun wedding in Angel’s parents backyard. I think I can speak for a lot of people who know the Assi’s, to say they are one incredible family. So many smiles, inappropriate and hilarious jokes combined with high energy..  I couldn’t help but laugh all day with them. 

This partly sunny day was the greatest mix on top of the surprise belly dancer, our trip to the beach for portraits and Angel and Kurt’s first dance/head bang as husband and wife. 

Holly, Michigan

A pure summer breeze swept through the trees on this most perfect day in Holly, Michigan. This was one of the most relaxed weddings of the season and completely filled with smiles. 

I met Ashley about a month and a half before her wedding in August. It was a last minute find when she was sent to me through our mutual friend and I could not have been more pleased. Ashley’s energy, this beautiful hippy carefree essence captivates you, and then you meet Braxton and it was like a piece of Ashley you didn’t know was missing and then found. Together they have Jude. This blonde haired, feral beautiful little boy. This family is so completely engulfed in each other and you cannot help but feel their love. My heart was so full just being around them.

Our day started out with the normal getting ready. Ashley’s dress was bought like a blank slate and she added her touch, her vision and it was like a dream. The gold with tear drop plugs and her barefoot jewelry was immensely perfect to her dress. 

Red Riding Hood Stables in Holly, Michigan hosted this gorgeous unity. Ashley and Braxton had their pups in the wedding party and Ashley’s mother embraced her arm as they walked down the aisle. The vintage couches for the ceremony,  the horses outside while they exchanged their vows in the late day sun, and dinosaurs with the sand ceremony. I felt like I was watching a film. Our agenda for the day was to enjoy it and gosh, we were. The big white tent and the handmade table favors, the pig roast and bbq was filling the air. 

I took Ashley and Braxton away into the next field for their portraits. This is the time I want my couples to let their moment fill their hearts and I let them enjoy each other. This couple plays and laughs and honestly are the truest of soulmates. 

We danced and had ice cream and cookies after dinner and played some more. The vibe of this wedding was unreal.