Britt and Zach - Blodgett Wedding Barn wedding photos

Zach and Britt are genuinely some of the best people you will ever meet in your life. They love their friends and family so big, and deserved the best of wedding days, which thankfully, they absolutely got.

They had all the perfect midwest touches, like microbrewery growlers to hold the floral centerpieces, classic cornhole boards (“Bags” for those who like controversy), and a “Flower Bro” with a fanny pack who took his job very seriously. Britt did the cutest thing for the bridesmaids preparation outfits, and made it into a Goodwill challenge. Each girl was given a small, specific budget, and had to grab whatever they wanted to wear during hair and makeup within a few minutes of being in the thrift store. This resulted in some pretty fire looks, and no two will ever be the same.

They opted for a touching first look, which gave them a ton of time to just focus on partying with their favorite people into the reception.
I wish you both the most happiness for all of the years, I’m so glad I got to be a part of your day!

Best of 2020 wedding photos

Oh 2020, what can I say about you that hasn’t been said already?

There is no doubt that one year ago, none of us had predicted what we would be put through, but sitting here on New Years Eve, waiting to wave goodbye to 2020 with only the middle finger on each hand, I am truly humbled at all the wonderful moments this year also contained.

I wanted to share some of my personal favorites of the 2020 wedding season. Some of these photos represent what the year was, some show my progression as a photographer wanting to take more unique and risky portraits, and some just show the amount of love that continued to show itself through a historically challenging time.

I grew in a lot of ways this year, and I thank you all for growing with me.

Here’s to you beautiful people making the most of it, Happy New Year.

Shauna and Conway - Clifford Lake Inn elopement photography

Shauna and Conway are super sweet people who had their original wedding plans fall through due to Covid, so when Lindsay from Something to Remember Event Planning reached out to me on Instagram about documenting their elopement in Stanton, I was pretty thrilled I had their new date available.
We customized a short and sweet package for them, and Lindsay absolutely killed everything on the planning side (Which is no small challenge this year).

This elopement has everything from a tear-jerking first look with dad to a scenic lakeside ceremony. All the best things.

Congratulations lovely people!

Brittnay and Brandon - Michigan rose garden elopement

Brittnay and Brandon have been champions of the year 2020. Their wedding, which was first scheduled for late March, was then downsized to an April elopement, and then rescheduled for later in the year yet again, only to be told that wasn’t possible either.
No matter what life has thrown at them over the past few months, they have been rocks for each other, and completely unwavering in the goal that all they want is to spend the rest of their lives with one another.

When they told me they were finally making it happen, I was completely overjoyed to still be there to document their love!
They gathered close family and friends for a stunning (and safe) elopement ceremony in the middle of a Lansing, MI rose garden, and it was well deserved.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Kyles. The party will be so worth the wait!

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Chelsea and Nick - Intimate Kalamazoo wedding ceremony

When Chelsea reached out to me in July, I could tell immediately this wasn’t an average wedding inquiry. Her wedding celebration was scheduled for a date in September when I was sadly not available, so when I got her message asking about July availability, I knew there was a very good reason for it.

Her dad was very close to losing his battle with stage four cancer. He was slipping a little more each day, and they knew the likelihood of still having him with them in September was almost completely none. Rather than feel sorry for themselves or moving dates, Chelsea and Nick decided to have a private ceremony in her grandmother’s home so that her father could experience the joy of giving her away.
I was so honored to be asked to document such an important event for them, and at the time I had no idea just how much it was going to affect me.

There was an unmistakable energy in the house when I arrived, preparations just like any other wedding ceremony, Chelsea wore her dress, and Nick his suit. They went through the motions of their Irish knot ceremony, Nick completely unable to take his eyes off his future bride the entire time.
Chelsea had chosen the absolute perfect song for her first dance with her dad: “Daddy” by Abby Anderson. At this point, it wasn’t possible for her dad to stand comfortably for the entirety of the song, so Chelsea got down on her knees and held him close for their dance. The lyrics perfectly communicated all the words no one could find, and there was genuinely not a dry eye in the room, mine included.

This day was gorgeous, and perfect. It had so much joy, and also such a weight on the little time we have with those we love. Chelsea’s father passed away eleven days before their wedding celebration. This day truly made me reevaluate the importance of photos, and documenting memories. We often take for granted the opportunity to capture and hold a moment, always thinking there will be another one down the road, but the truth is you never really know.

Hold the ones you love.
Take lots of pictures.
Tell people you love them.

Rachel and Jake - Downtown Grand Rapids engagement photos

When I first met Rachel and Jake, I could tell they were pretty perfect for one another. Their first date at Brewery Vivant led to many more, and now they can’t see a life without one another.

One of the best parts of photographing in Grand Rapids is the sheer amount of variety you get between locations. We started at Riverside park to incorporate some of Michigan’s natural winter beauty, and then obviously had to stop in for a brew and warm up at Brewery Vivant before finishing up downtown. Not only is this place a stunning old church that was repurposed into a thriving pub for beer enthusiasts of all types, but the staff went out of their way to make this engagement session an amazing experience for Rachel and Jake.
They gave us free rein of the pub and even led us on a mini tour of the brewery with the manager. I for one, was in heaven.

These stunners were nothing but smiles and laughter despite the frigid cold, and that is my favorite type of person.
Congratulations Rachel and Jake! Your Barn at Monterey Valley wedding is going to be amazing!

Michelle and Drew - Traverse City winery tour engagement photos

As long as I’ve known Michelle and Drew, they’ve been one of the most effortlessly cool couples. Always down to explore, show their family and friends a good time, and find new passions together.
For us as photographers,a huge goal whenever we shoot an engagement session is to incorporate special details or locations that help tell a couple’s story. When they talked about Traverse City and the Suttons Bay area and all the memories they hold, it was such an obvious choice for the engagement session. I am also a huge fan of Northern Michigan, and will look for literally any excuse to venture up that way. These two hold wine memberships at more Michigan wineries than I think most people do in a lifetime, so we started with two of their favorites (Blustone Vineyards and Black Star Farms) before finishing up in the winter igloos of Hop Lot Brewing Company.

Will shoot Traverse City engagement photos any day.

Congratulations Drew and Michelle, your 2020 wedding will be the party everyone talks about and you deserve all the happiness you bring each other!

Allison and Josh - Kalamazoo engagement photos

I’ve grown really find of winter engagement sessions over the last few years.
There’s a certain romance to the snowy landscape around Kalamazoo, and it’s hard to beat that soft light all day long. In addition, you’re forced to think a little bit harder about warmup locations which adds to the challenge and creativity, with the added bonus that snow-loving couples tend to not let anything phase them. It’s a win all around!

Allison and Josh are sweet, authentic and have the warmest smiles around. Turns out they had been so close to knowing each other from one connection or another all their lives, but when the time was right and they finally met, it was definitely meant to be. They already had fantastic ideas for where they wanted to shoot their engagement photos, and as always, Kalamazoo delivers.

Congratulations Allison and Josh, I’m so stoked for your wedding this year!

Gillian and Stephen - Dayton Ohio wedding photos

There’s so much that was special about Gillian and Stephen’s wedding that I’m not even sure where to start.

First of all, Gillian is mad talented, and so many of their wedding details was hand made by her. I’m not just talking centerpieces here, she made her silk gown (With pockets!), hand knit her veil, and even baked their wedding cake from scratch from her grandmother’s recipe.

Second, these two are so in love and perfect for each other, it was truly moving. They didn’t bother with a formal first look as Stephen was such a help through the dress making process that he had already seen it, but was still blown away by her. We did all of their portraits before the ceremony in the gorgeously low November afternoon sun, and I could’ve easily shot with them for hours.
Their wedding parties were also the sweetest. Nick, the best creative partner and second shooter around, made a cameo in the groomsman portraits at the demand of everyone else in them, and it’s still one of my favorite group shots ever.
The ceremony and reception were nothing but friends and family having an amazing time together and complete laughter from everyone there, and the dance floor constantly showed the swing dancing portion of Stephen and Gillian’s history.
Now, one of my favorite moments.
Gillian and Stephen were so thorough in making sure all their guests were taken care of and had champagne for the toast, that they forgot their own. Thankfully, someone had gifted them a bottle of whiskey, and so they toasted with full champagne flutes of the good stuff.
The whole day was an amazing time, and the best way to finish off the 2019 season. I will 100% be a destination wedding photographer any day.

I adore you sweet people, congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Bloomingdale!

Melanie and Mike - Downtown Kalamazoo wedding photos

I’ve known Mike for years, and I can say with certainty that there is not a better person in this world for him than Melanie.
She’s a real-life Disney princess, and brightens up every room she walks into. Mike is confident and fiercely loyal to the people he holds dear. Through the months leading up to the wedding, every time I received a message from Mel about a new detail or photo request, I grew even more excited to be there documenting their day.
The ceremony took place at the First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo (excuse me, stained glass like this should be illegal) and the look on Mike’s face when he saw his bride was making it hard for anyone to not lose it.
They took the cutest trolley to The Fountains banquet center to start the party to end all parties. Their wedding included the most unique garter toss of all time, and I dare anyone to top a surprise lightsaber fight.

Melanie and Mike, you are incredible people, and I hope your future together is as magical as every Disneyworld vacation you will take.
Congratulations!

Abby and Shane - Kalamazoo Loft 310 wedding photos

There is a lot that was special about Abby and Shane’s wedding.
They initially planned the ceremony to take place at the Skydeck above their reception venue in downtown Kalamazoo, but when the weather had other plans, the Entertainment District came through with a stunning plan B: What I’m pretty sure is THE most beautiful minimalist chapel of all time. These two took it all in stride, and were genuinely just happy to be marrying each other.
Additionally, Abby is the queen of rentals, and I mean that in the best way possible. She had on a stunning Rent the Runway dress for their engagement photos, and all the flowers at the wedding were created by Events by I Candy, and loaned out for the occasion. I seriously had no idea they weren’t real until I picked them up, I am still kind of floored at how perfect they were!
Also.
I am not even ashamed to say that I cried on their wedding day, and here’s why.
Abby had helped to care for Holly, an incredibly sweet girl with downs syndrome, and became very close to her family. She knew Holly may never get a wedding day of her own to cherish, so she decided to share her day with Holly and her father so that they could walk down the aisle and have their first dance together. The amount of love and selflessness that Abby and Shane have for other people is moving in so many ways, and I hope to make even a fraction of the difference that they make in the lives of those around them.

Abby and Shane, it was an honor to get to know you and your story. I’m so excited for all the memories you’ll create together through the years, congratulations again!

Kristin and Will - Downtown Kalamazoo wedding photos

I’m going to be perfectly clear and just start out by saying Kristin and Will are badasses.
They met in the military and are no strangers to hard work and commitment. Their hobbies, interests, and goals all compliment each other so well, and the amount of fun I had on their unseasonably cold engagement session day told me the wedding was going to be incredible.
The ceremony took place at St. Lukes in downtown Kalamazoo, and we had a stunning October day for two people to promise their lives to each other.
Kristin is one of the few people who I truly think rivals my obsession with dogs, so their puppers obviously had to make an appearance in the wedding photos post-ceremony (dressed to the nines in appropriate wedding fashion). We then took a break from the wedding party to walk around downtown and adventure over to the reception venue.
I’ll be perfectly clear about something else real quick: there is nothing I don’t love about Loft 310. Their staff is lovely, the amount of white everywhere makes lighting so flattering, and their dance setup truly reflects the party that was Mr. and Mrs. James. The dancing started and didn’t stop, and I was in heaven for all of it.

Congratulations Kristin and Will, you two are made for each other!

Rachel and Dustin - Big Rapids farm wedding photos

Rachel and Dustin are down-to-earth people with huge hearts. She contacted me about being their wedding photographer before they were even engaged (He asked not long afterwards, and it was an easy yes from her) and I was beyond honored to get to know them so much through this process!
It didn’t take long to see that they are such a good fit for each other. They both have great senses of humor, and never take themselves too seriously. They were good friends that became the best of friends, and everyone who knows them can see it was meant to be.

The wedding took place on the property of some of their dear friends, and it was completely stunning any direction you look. I had the opportunity to see the farm at their engagement session, and I had been looking forward to their day even more so ever since!
Their wedding included everything from an emotional first look with Rachel’s dad, a hayride through their hometown, and a cake cutting with Dustin’s pocket knife (you do what you have to do!). Dustin’s vintage truck made it into some of our last portraits of the night, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Congratulations you beautiful people, thanks so much for letting me be a part of it all!

Leah and Tommy - Wayland country engagement photos

Leah and Tommy’s story is a pretty sweet one.
Tommy bought his grandparent’s farm and is now fixing it up and making it their own. They wanted to make sure to include personal touches all through the engagement photos, so we wandered around the property, fed cows, and pet cats, then adventured a little further and ended up at the hunting cabin his dad had built on the property.
The entire time, I don’t think Tommy stopped smiling once. He has such a joy for life that you can’t help but smile right along with him! Leah is equally wonderful, and sweet, and without a doubt has Tommy’s whole heart.
Congratulations you two, I can’t wait for your Monterey Valley wedding next year!

Natalie and Libby - Michigan backyard wedding photos

I don’t even know where to start with Natalie and Libby.
On our engagement adventure last year, their humor and taste went so well with my own, that we just naturally kept in touch through the planning process. They have shown me nothing but genuine care and friendship, and that’s how they affect those around them.

Their wedding day was one of my favorites. I adore shooting small, intimate weddings and it’s even more of a bonus when the location means so much to the couple. The ceremony took place on the property belonging to Natalie’s dad, where she grew up and made memories. They did a first look (there were definitely tears) and left such a good amount of time for portraits that I fell in love with too many not to edit an actual ton.

Natalie and Libby, I hope you have an amazing life and many more cats together! You deserve all the best, and I was so thrilled to be part of your day.

Amanda and Mark - The Treasury wedding photos

These two people are pretty special.
I first met Amanda as I shot her sister Kristi’s wedding, and I could already see how thoughtful and caring she was to everyone around her. Mark compliments her perfectly with an equally big heart, and adoring eyes that he never seems to take off Amanda.
Their wedding day was filled with personal details, from the paper flowers that Kristi hand made, to Amanda’s wedding dress that was originally worn by her mother and customized to be the dream gown that she rocked with a pair of Converse all day.
The venue itself was insane. The Treasury in Pontiac Michigan was once a bank, with an incredibly designed ceiling, grand windows all along the mezzanine (where we did their emotional first look)and a retired vault that the super accommodating staff let us take photos in. By far one of the most unique spots I’ve had the pleasure to shoot in, it was incredible.

I genuinely feel like these two are more than a couple who’s day I documented, but they’re amazing people who I am honored to call friends.

Congratulations Amanda and Mark!

Kerrie and Robert - Greystone Golf Club wedding photos

From the moment I met Kerrie and Robert at their Ludington engagement session earlier this year, I could tell two things:
1. They love their dogs so much (same, I also love their dogs).

2. Their wedding was going to be an incredible day.

Both of these proved to be completely true. They had personalized details all over their wedding day, from the “Meeple” cufflinks that Robert made his groomsmen, to the cutest and ring bearer ever (You could call him a gold retriever) to the stunning floral headpiece Kerrie’s sister made for her, and the beloved classic car her dad prepared to be the perfect transportation for the day. Every detail was so thought out and special.
The weather for an outdoor Greystone Golf Club ceremony was about as beautiful as any day this year, blue skies as far as you could see, and ideal conditions for golden hour portraits right on the golf course.
The party went on late into the night fueled by reception pizza, a s’mores bar, and a cowboy hat that I think graced the head of every single person on the dance floor.

Congratulations Kerrie and Robert, I hope you always smile like you did that day!

Simone and Keith - Kalamazoo Bell's Brewery wedding

Simone and Keith are the perfect example of making your wedding day your own. Simone is a rabbi and has seen her share of weddings, so they took the pieces of a traditional wedding that really meant something to them, and customized everything else. Instead of having a wedding party, they included close friends and family in the wedding ceremony readings. Instead of floral centerpieces, they placed non-perishable food items on the tables to be donated to a food pantry afterwards. They took themes of both family backgrounds, as well as their own interests (her bouquet was made from pages of Harry Potter books!) and incorporated them wherever they could.
Their ceremony was so full of laughter, and the reception was full of loving people who were ready to dance.
Simone and Keith, I hope you always have this much joy in your life, congratulations!

Olivia and Tom - Kalamazoo Kik pool engagement photos

Olivia and Tom are incredibly special people. I had been following Olivia on Instagram for a while, and was such a fan of her creativity and artistic mindset. When she reached out to me, and we started talking engagement photo details, I was completely over the moon when she suggested Kalamazoo’s Kik pool as one of their locations. I had my eye on it for weeks, and was just dying for the perfect couple to shoot there, and oh my goodness were they ever the perfect couple!
I could not think of a more ideal person for Olivia than Tom. He matches her energy, her creativity, and her joy for life. When I asked Tom when he knew he wanted to marry her, he said he couldn’t put his finger on a specific day or moment, but it was the years of becoming who they are together, and building their life. Knowing when you don’t want to spend the rest of your life without your person is such a crazy wonderful thing, and that is exactly what they found.
The engagement shoot was full of so many laughs, dance-offs, and all the color your heart could want. Congratulations Tom and Olivia, I can’t wait to see the dance moves on your wedding day!

Maddie and Connor - Kalamazoo Bell's Brewery wedding

Maddie and Connor had so many special details woven through their day that really personalized their wedding in a wonderful way.
Their venues of St. Thomas More and Bell’s Brewery traced back their Kalamazoo roots (and by the way, that church is completely stunning). Maddie wore her mom’s veil, and wrapped her bouquet with a piece from her grandmother’s dress. Every detail was gorgeous, and we were in heaven documenting it.
Their midday portraits took place in the beer garden under direct overhead sun. That can typically be pretty challenging to make sure everyone is in consistent lighting, but the setting and complimentary lighting we pulled together made these some of my favorite sunny day portraits. Of all time.
These two exceptional people compliment each other so perfectly, and I’m so excited we got to be a part of their day!
Congratulations Maddie and Connor!