Katie & Dan - Wedding in Traverse City, Michigan

Every now and then, an exceptional storybook romance comes to life in two people in some small town in a corner of our world. One such miracle occurred in Traverse City, Michigan in the late summer of 2012: 

The effervescent Katie and the quietly reticent Dan first met at a church Bible study, kindred spirits with little in common at first glance. Dan was immediately beguiled by the warmth and beauty of this generous woman, but Katie was just getting comfortable with single life as she pursued her faith and education. It took a few months, and many long distance phone calls while Dan was away on a ship, until their first official date in June of 2013. As natural as breathing, the two fell in love. Dan proposed to Katie on the pier in Grand Traverse Bay in February 2015. While they grew together in faith and love, Dan received a troubling diagnosis in April 2015 - He was battling Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. As with all great love stories, this testing of their strength only served to produce new dimensions of depth and character in the love they share.

With Dan now in remission, and a beautiful future ahead of them, surrounded by their loving families, the two married in an exquisite winter ceremony in the church that brought them together. Katie even recorded a beautiful song to play for Dan as a surprise during the emotional ceremony. What an honor to share such a joyful day in the lives of two precious people!

Ceremony: East Bay Calvary Church

Reception: Hagerty Center, Traverse City, MI

Dresses by David's Bridal

Nicole & Bob - Wedding at Middlebrook Farm

9/10/2016 -

Nicole and Bob are the quintessential Chicago power couple: She a visionary designer, and he a successful contractor. As fate would have it, their professional conquests brought them together nearly 20 years ago when Nicole sought out a contractor to do a job for her. Fast forward to 2014, Nicole was embracing a "Summer of YES" with an attitude of complete openness to the world and willingness to take on new adventures. Fittingly, it was at the end of this summer that Bob proposed, on opening night of the David Bowie exhibit on the steps of Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art. 

This pair is delightfully offbeat and full of quirk, class, and good humor. So it goes without saying that their wedding day would be just as unique. They planned a lavish affair set in a rustic barn, the oldest one in Three Oaks (1860s). Live music infused the evening with nostalgic sounds of the 1930s, compliments of Chicago's own jazz band, The Fat Babies.  Generous flowers (many from the bride's own garden!) adorned every table, banister and shelf with an air of effortless luxury. The history and depth these lovers have together is inspiring, and every bit of their wedding day was meaningful, to the point that I got goosebumps as Nicole explained the story behind each little thought-out detail. (Nicole had 5 generations of wedding invitations saved along with hers, dating all the way back to 1893. The shrug she wore belonged to her great grandmother. I could go on and on!) Without further ado, here is a sneak peek from Nicole & Bob's truly unforgettable celebration.

Coordinated by Misha Newgren of Nouvelle Events

Florals by Heidi at Field & Florist

Venue: Middlebrook Farm, Three Oaks, Michigan

Kirstie & Kyle - Wedding on Old Mission Peninsula

A year ago, I spent a rainy afternoon with this pair of lovers, climbing the dunes along the Sleeping Bear Lakeshore to snap some blustery engagement photos while we discussed our mutual love for global travel. Their wedding day dawned with similar torrential splendor, throwing some last minute changes into the mix. Despite the plot twists, Kirstie and Kyle's day was a celebration that perfectly reflected the class, adventure, and tangible love that characterizes the two of them. This is just the beginning of their greatest adventure together!

Florals by Hooper Farms - Venue: Peninsula Room, Traverse City, MI - Bride's Gown by Stella York, Australia - Live Entertainment by Brena, Grand Rapids Michigan