This wrap up post is a little different from previous years. For one, its late. This was my busiest season to date, however nothing short of incredible. Secondly, I chose not to include portraits from every session or wedding that I was a part of. Mostly because this post shouldn’t be a summary of every weekend and it truly would be overwhelming for the viewer, but a collection of images that I feel represent me as an artist, as an individual, and as a photographer. 

Over the last year I have had the opportunity to witness love in all of its forms all across the country. Traveling to Savannah, Chicago, New York City, Washington DC, Tampa, Virginia, New Jersey, all the way north to Palmer, Alaska and of course throughout the great state of Michigan. Hanging out on family farms, on top of mountains, aboard pirate ships, and even had a front row seat at the circus celebration. Witnessing dozens of nuptials, brand new babies, and couples madly in love and excited for their upcoming weddings. 

It was a year of growth. Of continuing to fine tune the legacy that I hope to leave behind. Of creating beyond tradition and focusing on the raw. Many of these photographs would not win an award for composition or perfect focus, however while scrolling through thousands of pictures, the images that make up this collection are the images that forced me to pause.

The Most Joy, 2018.

Lou + Ally are probably two of the coolest people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Despite my wretched sea sickness, I knew that I could not turn down this pirate ship wedding day in Traverse City, Michigan. 

These guys really wanted a relaxing and fun atmosphere. Their friends and family spent a few days in a cabin with them floating down the river and soaking in the sunshine. They tied the knot aboard the Manitou Tall Ship sailed out into the Grand Traverse Bay and then continued the celebration at the local food truck venue, The Little Fleet.

I could photograph this wedding over and over and never get tired of the good vibes. Congratulations Lou + Ally!

I have always wanted to go to Alaska. Always. So when the inquiry came in to travel up to Palmer, Alaska for a Monday afternoon wedding, I couldn’t respond quickly enough. After spending several months renovating a new van, come July 1st, it was packed up and on the road to the one and only highway that can carry you into the wildest place in America. 

Forest and Kelinda have lived in the north for most of their lives. They invited their friends and family to hike up the Bodenburg Butte to witness them exchange vows and commit to spending their lives together. Following the mountain top ceremony, the celebration continued at the local fairgrounds. 

During the summer months, the sunsets around midnight. This gave us the perfect opportunity to do some further exploring outside of town into the very early hours of the morning. From start to finish this was a day full of emotion, a lot of hugs, and the most beautiful scenery. Thank you for sharing with us, and for inviting us all the way up to Alaska to hang out.