It is always a special gift, to play even a small role in the wedding celebration of a dear friend. This “off-season” has truly felt full of such gifts with friend’s weddings being on the whole all that I have documented this winter. Tyler and Ashlynn’s story is pretty amazing, and I know they both would testify to God’s grace in their lives, drawing the lines of their individual stories to intersect in such a providential way. I have known Tyler for several years now, really ever since we started attending our church. Playing music with him and watching him grow into the man I witnessed this past Saturday was inspiring. And to meet and befriend his lovely bride Ashlynn has been a delight!
“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 has been a few years it feels like since I had the chance to shoot on Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City, and I have to say, it was so wonderful to be back. The appreciation for the beauty of this are in Michigan was only enhanced by the joy of celebrating Heather and Tim amid stunning fall colors.
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.
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!
It is not hard to love Jackie and Matt. Everything about them as individuals and as a couple welcomes you in with open arms and honest smiles. Being in the spotlight was certainly not Matt’s favorite thing, and yet he endured the photos and attention with authentic happiness…and I credit that to the fact that he kept his eyes squarely fixed on the woman that he loved. The two were in it, 100%..and it was awesome to witness.
