freddy + stephanie | wedding | goei center | grand rapids, mi

its a funny story...the circumstances in which we first met. but you'll have to ask stephanie about that one! ;D

a little over a week ago, i spent a colorful fall day in grand rapids with two new friends. freddy, along with his new bride stephanie, were smiles at every turn, every moment! trying to get a vogue look from these two was a pretty awesome challenge, because lets face it..who doesn't love people who exude happiness and laughter. and laugh we did!

with some of the most vibrant fall color i have seen here in michigan, the day itself was vibrant as well with true celebration as steph and freddy said 'i do.' it is always a gift to just be one of the party, and thats how i felt, right from the start...feeling far away from 'work' and very close to the profound reminder that my job is such a privilege...and SO MUCH FUN!

thank you f&s..for picking me out of a lineup of endless photographers and for trusting me with your day. it was fabulous and a joy for me to be a part of.  i hope this preview lets you relive a little of how great your wedding truly was. i wish you two all the best!

much love,

- npe

ryan + meredith | wedding | traverse city, mi

this past saturday i drove up to traverse city, making my way through the changing colors of fall as the sun rose through broken clouds. come rain or shine, i knew it would be a great day..as meredith, a longtime friend of my wife and i, was walking down the aisle to marry her best friend ryan*

my wife met meredith when we first got married, seven years ago, as they were both working as CNAs in an assisted living home.  as the years have passed, meredith has become a nurse and now lives in the stunning michigan town of traverse city. sharing the day with her and ryan was so great, as i was welcomed into the wedding party as just one of the friends! meredith and ryan truly lived in the moment on their wedding day, and it made for a whole lot of fun with photos and a night of celebration that their friends and family enjoyed to the fullest!

r&m, you know jana would have loved to be there with you..but let me just say for the both of us, congratulations on such a beautiful day, and many blessings to you two as this is just the start of your lives together as husband and wife.  we couldn't be happier for you! much love from your friends in grand rapids!!

- npe

michael + marci | wedding | the homestead | glen arbor, mi

sometimes there is a little distance between my clients and i, and as much as meeting in person is something that i love to do as often as i can...sometimes a skpye chat with my couples is the next best thing.

such was the start of my relationship with mike and marci, getting to know each other a bit via the wonder of technology. and when the day came, the physical distance we had shared before their wedding seemed to fade away instantly. i felt like an old friend, reunited for the privilege of witnessing a new chapter in their lives.

marci looked absolutely stunning in her dress, and mike wore his suit like a pro, channeling his inner model to make one gorgeous couple, inside and out. every detail in the day sung...stretching views of the lake...vibrant shades of green and blue...rolling hills of northern michigan splendor...a perfect day!

thank you again m+m...so very happy for you two. love each other well, as i know you will...always putting the other first, in everything. blessings!

- npe

max+chelsea {truly.best.friends}

when i first met my wife...it was, in a sense, a two for one special* chelsea and jana: best of friends, thick as thieves, two peas in a pod...

i had the honor of having chels on my side as i fell in love with, pursued, courted, married, pursued, pursued, pursued my beautiful bride.

and now, jana and i have the honor of being on her side as chelsea soon will become mrs. max garter! chelsea has found a new best friend in max...an incredible man of God and now truly a good friend of mine*

so good for each other, so overjoyed, so clear eyed and head over heals in love.

being a part of their story is truly a humbling honor.  cheers for best friends in love!

-npe