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!

Deziree and Mike - The Barn at Monterey Valley wedding photos

When I first arrived on Deziree and Mike’s wedding day, I was immediately floored at how stunning the venue was. Like, any direction you point a camera has nature, rustic charm, or a beautiful detail. Turns out it only got better! Their wedding party was full of supportive people who adore them, and Deziree and Mike were completely deserving of all the beauty that surrounded them. They care for each other, aren’t afraid to show their feelings, and have built such a great example for their family of what it is to be loved.

Through all the festivities, the Barn at Monterey Valley staff were so sweet and helpful, and genuinely added so much to the wedding day (For real, I will shoot here again any day).
The evening included a s’mores pit, sundae bar, the most intense cake cutting I have ever witnessed, and the first piggyback sparkler entrance in my eight years of documenting weddings.
It was a great time.

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Double!

Bali

Bali Indonesia has been on David’s and my collective bucket list as long as we’ve been dating. With about 33+ hours of airport lines and plane seats (everyone’s favorite, right?) before even arriving, it was always a little hard to find the time we were able to dedicate to the travel alone. When considering options for our honeymoon, it was the obvious choice.
Our typical travel style is adventurous and gritty, spending very little time in our lodging, and probably ruining at least one pair of shoes on any given trip. This one was a little different, and it was perfect. We rented a villa near Singaraja for the first 5 days, and the thing had everything we could have possibly wanted from a private infinity pool, to open air dining (open air everything if I’m being honest) with an insane view of the sunset. We took our time on this trip, enjoying each other’s company, the space we were in, and the local area without worrying about how much we could fit in or how many photos I should take. We had amazing food, swam in banyumala falls, and visited a coffee plantation complete with tasting.
The last few days, we ventured south to Seminyak, enjoyed yet another awesome villa, the city life, and the Bali Sea. I wore next to no makeup the entire time, and loved every minute of it.

Things you should know about going to Bali:
- The roads are insane. Most are actually paved better than Michigan roadways, but with curves, three or four abreast scooters, and narrow lanes, we were beyond grateful that our driver knew what he was doing, and we didn’t have to.

- The food is excellent, and you should definitely go for spots off the beaten path. David’s favorite dish was nasi goreng, a fried rice dish. Mine was definitely cap cay, which is a soup filled like heck with amazing fresh vegetables. Order with satay for sure.

- It’s okay to be where the tourists are, but feel free to explore some of the lesser known areas. Our one wish was that we had more time to seek out the less popular waterfalls and views, there is so much to see!

After the hecticness of the summer, and all the work that never seems to seem less than urgent, it was an incredible time and I got to spend it all with my favorite person, and my lifetime adventure buddy.

Until next time Indonesia, thanks for the memories.