Tinne contacted me just weeks before about photographing her backyard wedding in St. Louis, Michigan. Her and her now husband, Mohamed live in Cairo, Egypt. They had initially planned to marry in Cairo but Tinne’s father’s health began to worsen and they knew that they needed to make this wedding day happen sooner than later. In just six short weeks Tinne not only organized and planned this entire affair, but with the help of her siblings she also made a majority of the beautiful details herself. 

Family and friends traveled from across the globe. From places like Belgium, Egypt and Minnesota, they came to a dairy farm in rural Michigan to celebrate the union of these two incredible people. 

As the day approached I continued to check with Tinne regarding her Father and despite a few scares, he was with us to walk Tinne down the isle and share a very memorable dance with her. During Tinne’s speech to her guests she thanked her father for all he did to make the day so special . She said “We know that most of you here are more excited to see him, than you are us, and that’s okay.” The guests rose to their feet clapping and honoring his presence in a standing ovation. 

Mohamed + Tinne’s wedding was a very beautiful and emotional day for everyone. It was a personal experience of growth for myself and the way I photograph for my couples. I was so intentional about the way that I shot this wedding day, the way that I edited and delivered this gallery. Each picture I took I remember thinking, this could be the last one, like the importance of these images weighed so much heavier than it ever had before because I knew there wasn’t much time left. Looking back on this gallery I realized that it is one of my favorite weddings I have photographed to date. And not just because the couple is phenomenal or each and every detail is gorgeous, but because I told a story and I found meaning in moments I may had overlooked before. 

Mohamed + Tinne, I will not ever forget this day, the love between you both and those that surround you, and the celebration of life that you shared with me. Congratulations, and I hope we cross paths again soon. 

While brainstorming for the styled session earlier this spring, I knew I wanted to involve local talent that I had the pleasure of working with at real weddings. I also knew that I wanted to include diversity in the shoot. Bringing the focus of the story around a transgender couple was something that was near to my heart, and I wasn’t alone. This was something that was important to everyone participating. 

Seth began his journey from female to male in December of 2015. I was following his updates and progress on social media and I remember feeling so deeply excited for him and his acceptance of his true self. I was nervous reaching out to him, we had never met in person, but I knew that this was important and I wanted to share images showing his accomplishments. Thankfully, he was super excited to be a part of the session. 

Everyone that was a part of this far exceeded my expectations. Obviously the goal of the session is to be published and bring more attention to the vendors and there creative abilities, but regardless I am just thankful that everyone can have these images to eventually promote themselves, and that we can shine even more beautiful light on the LGBT community. 

Do yourself a favor and check out all of these incredibly talented vendors. Links at the end of gallery. 

• Hair/Makeup: Baily Dehenau, https://www.facebook.com/BsMakeupArtistry/?pnref=lhc Insta: @makeupbaily

• Wedding Planner: Ashley Cox, The Bride's Maid https://www.facebook.com/TBMweddings/?fref=ts Insta: @thebridesmaidweddings

• Florist: Angie Ebert, Blue Hill Flower Farm http://www.bluehillflowerfarm.com/ Insta: @bluehillflowerfarm

• Cake Designer: Brittany Swineford, Sugar Rush https://www.facebook.com/sugarrushgpp/?pnref=lhc

• Invitation Designer: Annie Moore, Peonies and Polkadots https://www.etsy.com/shop/PeoniesPolkaDots

• Rings: SCOUT, http://www.scoutroyaloak.com/ Insta: @scoutroyaloak

• Jewelry Accessories: Kelly Cordova, Chloe + Isabelle https://www.facebook.com/chloeandisabel/?fref=ts

• Signage: Sara Bethune, Sweet Annie Rustics https://www.facebook.com/sweetannierustics/?pnref=lhc

• MODELS: Karla Bossenbery, Kayla Bossenbery (TWINS!), Vlad Kima

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.