Anthony + Amanda’s wedding day just oozes style and affection. Not only does this couple have incredible taste, but they also share a beautiful love and connection that is evident in these images. Their wedding took place in early March in Michigan, which is typically not a beautiful time of year to be getting married in the midwest, but with their planning and some afternoon sunshine, you never cared to know what it was like outside. 

The best part about The Cheney Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan is that they have done so much of the decorating and design for you. This old furniture warehouse is just full of charm and perfect light. Amanda wanted to keep her decor simple because she knew that the venue had so much to offer with their unique lighting pieces, furniture set ups and amazing wallpaper variety. 

Definitely my favorite moment of the day (and of many wedding days) was the first look. Anthony turned around and immediately embraced Amanda. When he took a step back to look at her he grabs her hand and says “You are all of my dreams come true.” Throughout the day the couple continuously expressed their gratitude. They just couldn’t believe how perfect all of their hard work and planning had turned out to be. Congratulations to you both!

Kyle + Kelly had met at a sporting event they were both attending for work. Kyle initially won her heart via kiss cam. They spent the majority of their relationship living in different states, but would travel often on special vacations. This likely was the inspiration behind their destination wedding in Key West, Florida this past February. 

I love weddings for a million reasons, but I love destination weddings specifically because of one. Other then getting to travel to super beautiful locations and lay on the beach in the middle of February, my favorite part of destination weddings by far is how all the people that love this couple the most travel from all parts of the country to do none other then celebrate love for an extended period of time. Wedding days fly by so quickly, and there never seems to be enough moments to share with the people around you. But destination weddings have the opportunity for extra dinners and brunches, longer evenings filled with stories and laughter and new introductions. It feels like everyone who attends, including myself, leaves feeling like family.

Kyle + Kelly were married at the St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Chapel in downtown Key West, followed by dinner and dancing out on the pier of Ocean Key Resort. Kelly’s gorgeous long sleeve gown and Kyle’s reaction to seeing her in it for the first time are priceless. The weather could not have been more perfect, and even though we were sweating throughout the activities of the day, once the sun set and the cool ocean breeze hit, it was time to party. Congratulations to you both and thank you or bringing me on this adventure with you. 

I have been reading other photographer’s end of the year posts over the last few weeks thinking “Gosh, artists are dramatic.” Then karma slapped me in the face while the tears ran down my cheeks as I rummaged through the thousands of images from 2016 in total awe of how very blessed I am. How many stories I have had the opportunity to tell, and how many decades will pass with these photographs hanging on walls to continue to act as confirmation of love and commitment. That when a marriage faces challenges, or a loved one is lost, or a parent reminisces of the years passing too quickly, that these pictures are what will hold the memories. 

This is the second year that my business has been full time and to see the growth over the last twelve months is incredibly encouraging. While some of these images I would not consider my best work, I definitely consider them my favorite moments. And that has been the biggest lesson this season has taught me. While I continue to strive for excellence, over and over again I find that I am drawn to the pictures that show the most love, the most emotion, and the most connection. That the lighting can be less than ideal and composition questionable, but its the expression that hits my gut the hardest. As I enter a new year and a new season I hope to use all that I have learned and experienced as a building block that I can continue to improve upon. 

Thank you to each and every couple and family that has trusted me to play such an important role in these very special days. For allowing me to step into the most intimate moments of your lives leaving me overly fulfilled and on fire for this hobby turned career turned lifestyle. I am forever grateful for each of you and love that we continue to remain connected. 

Happy New Year, so much love for you all, and so excited for continued growth and new love stories in 2017. 

For added awesomeness while scrolling, listen to this song by WALK THE MOON.