caleb + samantha | wedding | private estate | lowell, mi

this past saturday was wonderful in so many ways.  when you have clients who express to you time and time again how excited they are to have you shoot their wedding, you recognize you have been given a true gift. sam was so very gracious week after week, reminding me that she was following the blog and couldn't wait to have me be a part of her wedding day. and so when saturday arrived, i was thrilled to be a part of the celebration.

with the ceremony and reception set against the stunning backdrop of a gorgeous september day here in michigan, i witnessed joy and laughter and had the privilege of capturing those moments to remind these two friends of a day that began their new adventure together. and the sky, that was something to remember too!

thank you so much s&c...you honor me by offering me the chance to serve you and your families and document such an amazing day. thank you for the privilege and may God bless you and keep you as you seek to love each other and the world around you well. blessings*

- npe

andrew + angela | wedding | stafford's perry hotel | petoskey, mi

time and time again, i am reminded that this work that i have the privilege of doing is very much a balance of artistry and relationship.  those two elements collided in fabulous, joyous fashion up north this past saturday.

angela and andrew's stunning celebration was through and through an incredible day. not only did their families go out of the way to make the whole weekend special for our little family with a condo on lake michigan, but they made us feel welcomed into the weekend festivities while allowing me to really enjoy the last weekend of summer in such a beautiful michigan city! from the very first images on the wedding day to the saturday morning session we had with a gorgeous sunrise, these two were the epitome of the perfect clients! and i simply cannot say enough about the gift they and their families were to me, going out of their way to encourage me in the very work i was doing for them. this is why i do what i do!

thank again a&a...everything about last weekend was a gift. may God bless you in your marriage and may these images remind you of those in-between moments of your wedding...and take you back to that joyous day, time and time again!

much love,

-npe  

zach + sarah | wedding | frederik meijer gardens | grand rapids, mi

it was a great day indeed.

for quite a few of my weddings i am out of town, often up in northern michigan. don't get me wrong, i love everything about shooting at the stunning destinations that our beautiful state has to offer as you head north...but it is something sweet to savor when i have the privilege of shooting in my backyard. not only do i know this city well, but grand rapids never ceases to amaze me at all the vibrant nooks and crannies it offers up to us photographers.

for sarah and zach, they picked a pretty perfect line up...with the wedding ceremony at frederik meijer gardens and their reception at the stunning thousand oaks golf club. and every moment in between was truly wonderful. these two couldn't wait to see each other, and their passion for one another and the joy they were exuding on saturday was so easy to see. when the bride and groom's laughter and beaming smiles are completely infectious..you know you are in for a great day. 

thank you z&s for inviting me to join you this past weekend! it was my honor and i couldn't be happier for you two! blessings to the newlyweds*

- npe

kevin + allison | wedding | stafford's perry hotel | petoskey, mi

in an industry where we are often judged on what people see...i am reminded time and time again that at the end of the day, when the wedding celebration comes to an end and memories are gathered up in our hearts and minds...my work is so much more than a visual display of moments, but an investment in people and their hopes, dreams, prayers, and joys.  its the subtle interactions, gracious words, common experience...that allows me to recognize what a privilege and honor it is to join each and every bride and groom on their wedding day.

and this past saturday pushed that truth to forefront of my mind, as i watched allison and kevin on their wedding day. these two were so incredibly gracious to me, encouraging and uplifting, serving me while i served them. the unique bond i was honored to share with them made my day all of what it was...responding to the relentless display of beauty and love that my camera tried to capture in an honest fashion. so many bright moments, so much gorgeous light, so many beautiful details. 

thank you, a&k...for your trust in me. i do not take it lightly that such trust is given, and it truly allows me to be my very best for you and your families. may God richly bless you in your marriage as you learn to love one another well, laying down your lives for one another. thank you both for making my job more than worth it*

much love,

-npe

kyle + stephanie | wedding | frederick meijer gardens | watermark country club | grand rapids, mi

often during the busy summer months of wedding season, i am shooting in northern michigan...and while the beauty of the north is undeniable, having the chance to photograph a wedding here in grand rapids is a treat...especially when you combine the spectacular frederick meijer gardens and beautiful new ballroom at watermark country club!

the story of kyle and stephanie is pretty great, i must say.  stephanie won an engagement session from me last year and i was so excited when she decided to not stop with the first session, but hire me for her wedding.  i still laugh to this day about their engagement session, as these two have such a brilliant, hilarious sense of humor, and some of the photos truly captured that.  all i can say is head to themountain.com to get a taste of the epic apparel worn for part of the day, just awesome!

this past saturday was the culmination of a lot of communication and organization, and it was absolutely lovely* sure it was a bit warm, but the dramatic sky only heightened the beauty of the day. i had such a blast and laughed often, which is always good for my soul on a wedding day..documenting these two and their love story. k&s, thank you for such a great day and for enduring the heat with me. i hope you enjoy your wedding preview as it was a joy to capture these moments!

blessings,

-npe

scott + chrissie | wedding | the inn at bay harbor | petoskey, mi

it had been nearly a year since i was last up at bay harbor, but it was still just as beautiful as ever. joining chrissie and scott for their wedding day this past saturday was a treat, and we had incredible weather to compliment an incredible day.

it was quite humorous to think that the swing in temperature from their engagement session to scott and chrissie's wedding was probably about 80 degrees, from winter deep freeze to july sizzle! i am sure their puppy zeke was a lot happier about the sun rather than tromping in the snow. a few morning showers kept things from getting too hot and later, the skies cleared and wonderful memories were made!

thank you s&c for trusting me with your day.  i was so honored to spend it with you and your family and friends. your generosity and kindness was so very evident and i am incredibly grateful. blessings to you two in your marriage - much love to the new mr. & mrs. drew!!

- npe

Paul & Kim Wedding - Mackinac Island, Michigan

there is a first time for everything - and this past weekend saw two for me! since moving to michigan i had never visited mackinac island, but on friday and saturday i did just that, and for a very good reason too! paul and kim, one of my dear couples from chicago, were getting married on the island, and i had the unique privilege of documenting their wedding! so not only was it the first time visiting the picturesque destination, but it was also my first wedding on the island, what a treat*

the wedding took place at the mission point resort, a sprawling estate resort that offered charm and beauty, a perfect backdrop for these two.  friday evening was full of wedding party fun with a bicycle rally along with the rehearsal and dinner right on the water downtown. and saturday could not have been more beautiful - clear skies, blue water, cooling breeze, and a gathering of friends and family!

p&k, thank you so much for the honor of choosing me to share in your celebration. i cannot think of a better couple to share my first mackinac island experience with. blessings to you two in your marriage - i wish you all the best!

much love,

-npe