nick + katie | wedding | perry hotel | petoskey, mi

when nick and katie first met, they told me they both shared a common vision of their own respective futures.  marriage was not in the forecast.  and yet, for these two...it seemed as though there was little either could do to steer away from the gift that stood before them...each other. i was moved to tears as nick read his vows to his stunning bride. truly a man of strength, stricken to the heart with an overwhelming love for the woman that walked down the aisle to meet him. and katie, with her honest joy, beautiful smile, and uplifting spirit...it was a gift to witness her take in every moment of her wedding day...from the sleet and downpours of the morning, to the magnificent golden sky at sunset.

i don't think i could work through this preview fast enough.  every image jumped out at me and helped cement in my mind two great truths. One, Petoskey is a remarkable place. And two, Nick and Katie are the type of clients that win my heart every time.

Blessings to you n&k...it was a privilege!

-npe

drew + katie | wedding | gull lake country club | richland, mi

it was an absolutely perfect september day. crisp morning. clear blue skies. the ceremony on the edge of the lake. it was one of those days that has the ability to stop you just admire it's beauty and serenity. and the funny thing was, it rained for their engagement session. but that didn't stop drew and katie then. we used the rain as a character in their story...but that character was far from returning as saturday showed not a cloud in sight!

i cannot say enough about these two friends and their incredible trust in me as an artist. i felt like just another member of the wedding party, with drew and katie up for any of my sometimes crazy ideas.  and for that, I am truly grateful! once again, it was an honor to be a part of this incredible chapter in a couple's life.

from our meetings at vivant and engagement session in the rain, to the last dance on the rocking dance floor - it has been a privilege d&k. thank you. rich blessings to you two.

- npe

max {and.the.epic.island.boys}

  we set out with one goal in mind...to give our dear friend max, a bachelor party to remember.

seven friends heading off to the beauties of northern michigan, ready for the glories of God's creation, the bond of brotherhood, and the memories to be made.

i may say it often, but probably not often enough...i am blessed.  to spend these three days with chad, kevin, jordan, will, james, and max was an incredible privilege.  humble men of God, enjoying the fellowship of brotherhood and encouraging max as he prepares to marry his beautiful bride, chelsea.

and that one goal...yeah, i think we reached it*

here is our adventure...

-npe

mi belleza {made.for.the.sun}

'dark am i, yet lovely'

if there is a sunset upon the waters of perfection, her face shines brighter.

if there are flashes of beauty across the star lit sky, her eyes flash fiercer.

if there is a crowning beauty only God can create, it's home is in her gaze.

her life, a gift of beauty and love. my bride.

my wife is beautiful, truly in every way. and probably the only place that could even come close to heightening that beauty, is the sunny escape of a palm tree canopied beach.  on our recent retreat i had the chance to do a little shoot with my wonderful kay, and these are a few of my favorites!

-npe

benja {epic.backyard.summer.shenanigans}

at nearly three, ben is full of energy, excitement, mischief, and all around high-spirited craziness! can you tell? how fun these memories are to make!

-npe