I have rewritten this sentence so many times, trying to find the right words to express how I feel. Ally and Jon’s wedding was a special one for me…probably because with all the couples that I have had the privilege of documenting on their wedding day, I have witnessed Ally grow up in a way that brings me so near to the experience of being a father myself. Knowing Ally’s family for the past decade has given our family a front row seat for witnessing the Smith kids grow and mature before our eyes. Watching her dad Kevin walk Ally down the aisle gave me a powerful glimpse of what my future might possibly hold, if either of my dear girls ever choose to get married.
As a father of daughters, I am just beginning to witness the deep love and connection between sisters. This past week I have the privilege of photographing Natalie’s wedding, nearly three years after I had the honor of documenting her sister’s wedding on the shore of Lake Huron. It felt like family all over again, stepping into the joy and celebration of this union, seeing familiar faces, shedding a tear or two at all the beauty that surrounded me.
“We are each other’s person,” Lauren remarked when we first met to talk about plans for their wedding. Their journey had taken them like ships in the night, through passing introductions from years past, to now on the brink of marriage. Stepping back, I could see so clearly why these two were such a stunning and compatible couple. Its not often that shared experiences and hobbies include triathlons and snowshoeing, but for these two..it just all made sense.
It feels like every year I remember all over again why autumn is such a stunning and inspiring season. It is days like this past Saturday that remind me of the beauty that can be found in the shortening of days, changing colors, and crisp, clear air. Melissa and Tyler’s wedding was amid those seasonal changes, on the banks of the Grand river, in perfect fall fashion.
Meeting for the first time at a local coffee shop just South of the Golden Gate Bridge was such a wonderful way to jump into friendship with Bridget and Luke. The incredible blend of city sophistication and outdoor recreation that San Francisco has to offer fit these two so well. We decided to document that part of their journey with an engagement session in the city by the bay. And just this past week, we came full circle to their wedding celebration at the village by the lake.
It was several years ago that I first met Tori. She just happened to be a guest a wedding I was photographing as her sister was in the wedding party. And even though that was eight years ago, Tori still sought me out and asked me to document the celebration!
I don’t think you could have asked for a more perfect September day in the windy city. This past Saturday began downtown at a private residence just a block from the lake. With sun bursting in, Ryan and Amanda began their day together with a first look and a quick getaway with the wedding party for some photos. It really was as much fun hanging out with this crew as it looks in the photos, haha.
I had never been to Northport prior to this weekend. Sure, I had seen much of Northern Michigan and had spent many a day in Northport’s close neighboring town of Leland. But this was a first for me in the quaint, charming lakeside village that set the backdrop for Stacy and Calvin’s wedding day!
Over the years, I have realized that the role of wedding photographer often means being entrusted with the intimacy and emotion of each couple’s story.
here it is...my final wedding of 2016. and what an awesome couple to spend it with! drew and rebecca were married on saturday in grand rapids surrounded by friends and family, and it was beautiful!
when i have the chance to sit down with couples and chat about their wedding day, we often talk about scheduling and how they envision their wedding day playing out. usually the topic of a first look comes up and i really make a point of trying not to influence a couple's thoughts prior to them making a decision one way or the other. there are certainly good reasons for both a first look or waiting to see each other until the moment the bride walks down the aisle.. i say all of this, because for these two...a first look was absolutely perfect. when both the bride and groom cry seeing each other for the first time, you know it was a special and powerful moment, made even more special because of the intimate privacy they were able to share.
and the wedding day was truly full of those moments! from the early morning stylings in the salon to the late night sky lanterns being lit, it was a stunning day* thank you d&r for helping me to finish out my shooting season on a high note! may God bless you you two in your marriage - it was a gift to be a witness for your wedding!
much love,
- npe
