I met Jesse + Basia at a wedding I photographed last year, so when she called me on a Tuesday, to shoot her civil ceremony that coming Sunday, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. They will leave next week for their full celebration in Poland, but I was so glad that they included me in their intimate ceremony on Belle Isle in Detroit, Michigan. 

We were a bit limited on time due to traffic and schedules, but that didn’t stop us from creating some beautiful moments together. Near the end of our time, I asked Jesse to tell me who this woman was in his arms and he replied, “It’s Basia.” I said, "I know her name is Basia, but who IS she.” He paused for a moment staring at her face. His eyes lit up and finally he said “My WIFE.”

Circumstances like this are a reminder to me that even if the light isn’t perfect, and there are time constraints, or its 95 degrees out, love is present and magic will happen. These guys were beautiful and I am so very grateful that they invited me to share this day with them. Congratulations to you both, and have the most amazing time in Poland. 

Jonathon + Samantha met and currently live in San Francisco, California. Being that the majority of their guests would be traveling from the bay area, they wanted to select a venue that would really wow their guests and represent all that Detroit stands for. The Detroit institute of Arts was the perfect location, especially since their April wedding day called for rain. I am not sure one person even noticed the weather, because we were all so enthralled with the interior space. 

Every last detail of this wedding day was a perfect reflection of this couple and their values. Jonathon wore the same tie that his Grandfather wore on his wedding day, and Samantha walked down the isle spritzed in her mother's perfume. The tables were assigned by the bride and groom's favorite movie quotes, and excerpts from Star Wars and The Princess Bride were read during the reception. Even their Art Deco Cake fit in amongst the galleries, each layer specially designed. 

One of my favorite parts about Jonathon + Samantha's wedding day was how hard he would make her laugh. Even while crying, they would be laughing. This day was full of beautiful architecture, art work, a gorgeous couple, humor, and so much love. Congratulations to you both and thank you for letting me join in on such an awesome day. 

Sloane is my very first wedding baby. Which means I photographed the wedding, and now I get to photograph the baby. It was pretty wild to take a step back and recognize the evolution of my relationship with Paul + Kayliegh. Walking past their dining room last week and thinking back to the first time I met with them both over two years ago. Sitting at that dining room table I was insanely nervous, they were my first “BIG” wedding. I had no idea who these people were, they were not friends or family, they were like REAL clients.  I remember Kayliegh sharing that they wanted a photographer that would be with them for life, someone to capture all of their important moments. 

Well, turns out she wasn’t kidding. Since meeting this couple I have been involved in all of their life changes. The pictures we have created show how we have both evolved. Their relationship, their marriage, and now their roles as parents correlate with the growth of my business and improvement of my creativity and skills. 

I am incredibly thankful and excited for this little family. Paul + Kayliegh are without a doubt, awesome parents and clearly they make the sweetest and most precious babies.  I feel blessed that these strangers have become friends and that I will continue to be a witness to these very special days.