Micro Wedding at Farrand Hall | Colon, Michigan

On a crisp fall day in Colon, Michigan, Kristen and Matt exchanged vows at the beautiful Farrand Hall. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, the couple celebrated their love with a micro wedding that was filled with personal touches and autumnal details.

As guests arrived, they were greeted with a champagne toast, setting the festive tone for the evening.

The micro wedding ceremony took place in the Farrand Hall back yard, with the natural beauty of the surrounding woods serving as a picturesque backdrop. The bridesmaids, dressed in mismatched fall-toned dresses, solidified the autumnal atmosphere.

During the emotional vow exchange, Kristen and Matt promised to love and support each other for a lifetime. The couple's love was palpable as they exchanged rings and sealed their vows with a kiss.

After the ceremony, the celebration moved to the Farrand Hall side-yard for a farm-to-table dinner party reception. The decor was filled with the touches of early fall, including colorful but warm-toned florals and cut tree branches. Guests dined on locally sourced cuisine prepared on site by one of the regular chefs from the exclusive Fararnd Hall dinner parties.

As the night went on, the party continued with dancing and a dessert spread in the gorgeous Farrand Hall Carriage House. It was a night that Kristen and Matt, as well as their loved ones, will never forget.

Kristen and Matt's micro wedding at Farrand Hall was a beautiful and intimate celebration of love. From the emotional vow exchange to the festive farm-to-table reception, every detail was thoughtfully planned and executed. It was a perfect representation of the couple's personalities and their love for each other.

If you're planning a micro wedding and are looking for inspiration, consider Farrand Hall in Colon, Michigan. It is a stunning location that is sure to make your celebration unforgettable.

Wedding at Stafford's Perry Hotel in Petoskey

If you're planning a wedding at Stafford's Perry Hotel in Petoskey, Michigan, you're in for a treat. This stunning venue is the perfect setting for a memorable and romantic celebration, and I had the privilege of photographing Marie and Keith's beautiful wedding there.

The ceremony was held at the historic Holy Childhood of Jesus Catholic Church in Harbor Springs, and the outdoor reception was on the brick patio at Stafford's Perry Hotel. Fox & Fern Events did an incredible job coordinating and designing the day, from the colorful florals by Bittersweet & Co. to the elegant table settings featuring blue and white china accents. The cake by Bow Tie Baker was a work of art, and the Bluewater Kings Band kept the party going with their lively music.

Just before sunset, we took a break from the reception to take some beautiful pictures around Petosky, ending at the lakeshore as the sun dipped below the bay. It was the perfect opportunity for Marie and Keith to take a moment to soak in the beauty of their special day and enjoy each other's company.

As a wedding photographer, I know how important it is to capture the memories of such a momentous occasion. That's why do my best to capture every detail. If you're planning a wedding at Stafford's Perry Hotel I would be honored to be your photographer. Thank you, Marie and Keith, for trusting me to capture the memories of your beautiful wedding.

My favorite part of the day: Sunset at the park across the street from Stafford's Perry Hotel ❤️❤️❤️

Loft Lucia - Chicago Wedding Venues

I had the pleasure of being Cara and Chad’s wedding photographer at the beautiful Loft Lucia in downtown Chicago. From the moment I arrived at the West Loop hotel where the couple was getting ready, I could feel the excitement and joy in the air.

Cara and Chad opted for a classic black and ivory color scheme, with rust accents adding a pop of warmth to their chic, sophisticated decor. The Local Petaler provided stunning florals to compliment their style. As the couple finished getting ready, we headed down to the riverwalk for some portraits with their wedding party. The city skyline provided the perfect backdrop.

After the riverwalk photos, it was time for the intimate ceremony on the rooftop terrace at the Loft Lucia. Surrounded by her closest family, Cara made her way down the aisle, a vision in her ivory lace gown. Chad, dashing in his classic black suit, waited for her at the altar, a smile spreading across his face as she approached.

The ceremony was filled with love and emotion, as the couple exchanged vows and pledged their lives to each other. As they shared their first kiss as husband and wife, the guests erupted into cheers and applause.

After the ceremony, guests made their way to the dinner party reception which was held inside of Loft Lucia. Tables were adorned with votive candles, rust-colored linens, and flower arrangements by The Local Petaler. The room was filled with the warm glow of candlelight and the laughter of close family and friends.

Cara and Chad entered the reception and immediately took to the dance floor for their first dance as a married couple. Afterwards, the closest friends and family shared toasts over dinner.

It was an unforgettable evening, filled with love and joy. Congratulations to Cara and Chad on their beautiful Loft Lucia Chicago wedding! As a wedding photographer, it was an honor to capture the special moments of their day and I am thrilled to share these photos with them as a timeless reminder of their love and commitment to each other.

Starry Night Barn Wedding | Suttons Bay, Michigan

Lilly and Thomas had a beautiful and unique wedding at the Starry Night Barn in Suttons Bay, Michigan. They love Northern Michigan. It’s their safe haven. The couple's colorful and eclectic boho theme was apparent in every detail of the day, from the vibrant floral arrangements to the custom flowers embroidered on Lilly’s veil. Shout out to Grateful Gatherings for coordinating this gorgeous wedding day.

The ceremony took place in the field behind the barn, surrounded by lush greenery and a stunning asymmetrical floral arch made by Forget Me Not Floral. Lilly walked down the aisle in a stunning white dress accented by a hand embroidered floral sash by Abigail of Gardina, while Thomas waited for her at the altar in a dapper baby blue suit. The ceremony was intimate and emotional, with a ring warming ceremony where the rings were passed to each person in attendance to bless before the couple exchanged them.

After the ceremony, guests made their way to the reception, which was held in the barn. The space was transformed with twinkle lights, bright florals, and towering head table candles. After dinner, the guests celebrated with a desert of Moomers Ice Cream.

As the night went on, guests danced and celebrated with the newlyweds until I pulled them to the orchards on the Starry Night Barn property for some golden hour pictures.

Lilly and Thomas's colorful and eclectic boho wedding at the Sarry Night Barn was a truly unforgettable and beautiful celebration. The couple's unique style and attention to detail made for a one-of-a-kind event that their guests will never forget.

Wedding at Blue Heron Barn

As a wedding photographer, there's nothing more special than being able to capture the love and joy of a couple on their big day. And when it comes to Mia and Brett's Blue Heron Barn wedding, there was no shortage of either.

From the moment I arrived at the modern-meets-rustic red barn, it was clear that this was going to be a wedding to remember.

As if Mia and Brett's Blue Heron Barn wedding wasn't already filled with enough special and memorable moments, Brett added an extra touch of whimsy to his vows by incorporating lyrics from none other than Taylor Swift. It was a surprise to everyone in attendance, and Mia's reaction was absolutely priceless.

Incorporating personal touches into wedding vows is always a great way to make them even more meaningful, and Brett's were a perfect reflection of the couple's fun-loving and lighthearted personalities.

After the ceremony, the party really got started at the reception. And in a bold and stylish move, Mia made a outfit change into a bridal jumpsuit that had everyone talking. It was a unique and memorable touch that perfectly reflected the couple's personalities.

As the evening went on, I knew that I couldn't let the opportunity to capture some golden hour portraits pass us by. So, at sunset, I took Mia and Brett out to the farm field next to the barn for some stunning photos that really took advantage of the soft, warm light. It was a magical moment.

Overall, Mia and Brett's Blue Heron Barn wedding was a truly unforgettable event. From the beautiful ceremony to the fun and festive reception, there was never a dull moment. And as a wedding photographer, it was an absolute pleasure to be able to capture all of the love and joy of the day for the happy couple to look back on for years to come.

The Vogts - Destination Wedding in Mexico

Making a Destination Wedding in Mexico Personal

When Meaghan asked me to photograph her destination wedding in Mexico, I didn’t expect it to feel so personal to the couple. It’s difficult to plan a wedding in another state much less in another country. But Meaghan made it happen. From the hand-made bouquets that she brought in her suitcase to the invitations designed by her maid of honor, there were a thousand thoughtful details. Mexico is important to Meaghan and Scott, and they go every year. They saw the wedding as an opportunity to invite their closest friends and family to the place they love.

Sarah Cee Bridal did the ladies hair and makeup, incorporating a feather pin into Meaghan’s bridal style as an ode to Scott’s beloved mother. Meaghan hand-made the guys boutonnières to accent their “beach formal” attire.

Iberostar Paraíso Beach is a 5 star all inclusive resort in the Riviera Maya region of Mexico. I was heavily inspired by the architecture and colors of the property. Yellow, Blue, Green and Vibrant Pink told the color story of the day. Everywhere I looked was a great location for wedding photos. I decided that the color story would be my guiding theme.

The bridesmaid outfits were from Chicwish and Shein, and they were such a fun spin on formal beach wear. Playfulness was a key element of the day. Tequila shots for guests (and the bride and her mom!) before walking down the aisle- a flower man who also passed out beers- and an officiant who donned a pope outfit to officially announce them man and wife.

After some pictures on the beach, I took the couple around the resort for some portraits of just the two of them. We stopped at a Banyan tree, which is a meaningful symbol in my life representing infinity, before heading to the actual wedding chapel on the grounds. While they didn’t have their official ceremony there, it’s such a beautiful gazebo that I didn’t want to skip it.

The wedding day ended with an outdoor reception under market lights and the Mexican sunset. This group knows how to party and can *mostly hold their tequila. Tropical florals, maracas, and lanters served as table decor. There was even a cigar bar and garden games. But mostly, there was dancing.

Congratulations to the Vogts.

You bring love and joy to everyone you meet, and you made me feel like family.

Christmas Wedding at Rivercrest Farm in Dover, Ohio

Christmas Wedding at Rivercrest Farm in Dover, Ohio

Katy and Ryan had to wait a full year after their original wedding date to get married due to the pandemic. But boy oh boy was this golden winter sparkle fest worth the wait. The couple lit up Rivercrest Farm in Dover Ohio like a Christmas tree. And I mean literally. There was a massive story-tall evergreen in the middle of the ceremony space… next to a sleigh… and the groom wore a green suit with a pinecone boutonnière.

When our wedding photography and video team arrived, the weather was cold, windy, and raining. So despite our obsession with the rolling fields and horses roaming the Rivercrest Farm grounds, we made plans to use the cozy barn for the first look and majority of pictures. After a tearful first look (it was me crying) and some portraits, the couple exchanged vows in the sweetest ceremony. Katy described their relationship with the metaphor of a kaleidoscope and the light that makes it shine. I won’t even try to do it justice. Just know that it was poetic and everyone was weeping. Then during Ryan’s vows, he spoke of staying together through life’s storms right before a slightly scary gust of wind that rocked the building. Miraculously, the weather cleared up immediately. Coincidence? I think not.

The night ended with a reception rockin' around the Christmas tree with everyone dancing merrily in the new old-fashioned way ;) Oh, and the prettiest winter cake I ever did see.

Congratulations Katy and Ryan. Your friendship is the best gift.

Chicago Rooftop Wedding

I have been looking forward to Jake and Julia’s Chicago rooftop wedding since before they even reached out to me. I had recently photographed this Chicago front porch elopement and the bride told me about her super cute and fun friend who also happened to be getting married. As she described that friend (Julia) I was crossing my fingies so hard that they would want me to be their wedding photographer. That excitement was compounded during their Lincoln Park engagement session when she and Jake told me that they would be incorporating both Julia’s Filipino culture and Jake’s Jewish traditions into the rooftop ceremony at Loft Lucia.

The wedding day began at the Viceroy Hotel, Chicago. As soon as I walked into the stunning suite, I knew that the pictures were going to be amazing. It was a gorgeous naturally lit space and Julia had gathered so many lovely details for me to photograph. Christine Janda Designs and Events also provided extra flower stems for me to incorporate into the flatlays. Truly, a wedding photography dream. But I swear the best part was walking in and seeing sweet Julia. Her joy and emotion are contagious.

While I was photographing Julia, my second shooter (also named Rachel… which wasn’t at all confusing at a half Jewish wedding with 100 other Rachels 😂), was hanging out with Jake and his side of the wedding party. You know I love color, and their boutonnières made me swoon!

The wedding ceremony and reception were at Loft Lucia in the Chicago West Loop. Featuring a chuppah and stunning rooftop views, Jake and Julia melded their cultures with a ceremony officiated by both a rabbi and priest. I loved seeing the Filipino wedding traditions of the veil and cord as well as the Jewish tradition of breaking the glass.

After the ceremony, we had 45 minutes to take ALL of the family pictures and wedding party pictures. It was fast and chaotic, but we made it work, and I’m so proud of us. The rooftop was getting some harsh light, so after the family pictures, we moved to the Chicago street level and took advantage of the shade next to the venue. I’m a big fan of variety and I loved the way the brick provided a unique backdrop.

My absolute favorite part of the wedding day was the reception on the third floor of Loft Lucia. It. Was. Stunning. But more than that, it was so full of joy. From the bright jewel-toned florals, to the brunch menu featuring candied bacon, the personality of the couple shined in every detail. It was also the biggest Horah in the tiniest space 🤣🤣🤣 I may or may not have been crying during the father-daughter dance and then laughing my booty off during the mother-son.

Jake and Julia, you are so well loved. I can see why.

Chicago Rooftop Wedding Vendors:

Designer/Coordinator: Christine Janda Design & Events
Venue: Loft Lucia
Dress: Sarah Seven
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Catering: Cocina Fusion
MUA: Angela Rose
Hair Stylist: Tania Gilbert
Cake: ECBG Cake Studio
Stationary: Polina Perri

Bay Pointe Woods Wedding

Bay Pointe Inn Woods Wedding

If you are a wedding vendor in Michigan, chances are you’ve been at Bay Pointe at least once in your career. With three different locations for wedding celebrations on-site, it’s a busy place! There is the waterfront pavilion, a smaller front porch also overlooking the lake, and Bay Pointe Inn Woods- a venue within a venue across the street from the main property. We’ve been to the woods many times, but this was out first ceremony that took place on that side of the venue. It was stunning. Especially at sunset.

Vendor Love

Dress designer/shop: Fantastic Finds, Lansing, MI
Hair/MUA: Hanna Wagner-Childers
Venue: Bay Pointe Inn Woods
Floral Designer: Posh Petals
Baker: Nantucket Baking Company
Bridesmaid Attire: The Dessy Group
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Indochino

Saugatuck Boat + Backyard Wedding

After an intimate Catholic ceremony, the bride and groom treated their guests to a chartered sail around Saugatuck and backyard reception.

Florals: Back to the Fuchsia
Dress Boutique: Spring Sweet
Dress Designer: Theia
Catering: Jim from Distinctive Dining

Black Barn Wedding

Black Barn Vineyard and Winery Wedding in Rives Junction, MI

FROM THE PHOTOGRAPHER:

This was our first time photographing a wedding at the Black Barn Vineyard and Winery. We. Are. OBSESSED. It is such a unique take on a barn wedding venue and the property is a photographer’s dream. When we arrived, Amber and the Pinapple Punch team were putting final touches on the reception decor featuring. The tables were decked out in coral florals with emerald and gold accents. Each guest received the cutest favor which was a bookmark that looked like a library card. My bookish heart swooned.

The wedding party finished getting ready just in time for the rain to stop, but the ground was still super wet. So, we found the perfect spot in the corner of the parking lot against the trees where we could make some photo magic. By the time guests started arriving, everything was dry and we could walk around the property without getting muddy.

After a crazy 2020 wedding season with COVID restrictions, this was as close to “back to normal” as we have experienced. It felt so good to shoot a full reception with an awesome DJ (yes Tess!), and enjoy a meal at a table with new friends.

VENDOR LOVE:

Event Coordinator: Pineapple Punch Events
Venue: Black Barn Vineyard and Winery
Catering & Beverage: The Moveable Feast Catering
Beauty: The Painted Peacock Salon
Entertainment: DJ Tess
Rentals & Decor, Florals: Ruby Slipper Designs

Top Barn Wedding Venues In Michigan

TOP BARN WEDDING VENUES IN MICHIGAN

There are hundreds of barn wedding venues in Michigan, but here are a few of my favorites. Some are red, rustic, and smack dab in the middle of a working farm. Others converted the structure into a fully outfitted modern wedding venue. All of them bring a comforting sense of home to the weddings held in their wooden walls.

Is there anything more midwest than a barn wedding? 

I LOVE to photograph weddings at these venues. So if you’re looking for a fun and sassy wedding photographer who will not only take incredible pictures but help you to have a blast while doing it, I got you fam.

THE VALLEY AT FRUITG FARMS- ANN ARBOR, MI

The Valley at Frutig Farms has a large natural wooden barn that has been thoughtfully separated into all of the areas needed for a wedding celebration: Rooms for marriers to get ready, a dedicated kitchen for catering, separate dinner and dancing areas, and even a sweet patio for cocktail hour. Couples can even have their ceremony just a short walk from the barn in a lush green meadow.

There’s plenty of landscaped land surrounding the barn with gorgeous trees, a winding creek, and a few farm animals.  The barn even has a grain silo with winding vines and seasonal flowers that makes for a great place to take wedding pictures.

See a full wedding I photographed at Frutig Farms HERE.

Blue Dress Barn- Benton Harbor, MI

Whenever I ask people what their favorite barn wedding venue in Michigan is, Blue Dress Barn is almost always in their top 3. Can you imagine a glam barn? Somehow they pulled it off! They also offer indoor bathrooms and a bridal suite… which ya know… isn’t a given with barn wedding venues.

They also provide a TON of extras in their wedding packages like tables and Chiavari chairs. The one drawback is that they don’t offering a catering kitchen. However, as one of the top barn wedding venues in Michigan, most caterers are familiar with the layout and can totally make it work.

MILLCREEK WILDE- WATERVLIET, MI

Owned by the same couple that runs the Blue Dress Barn, Millcreek Wilde is rustic meets quirky. With a choice between the “Ladybird Cottage” or the “Hemmingway Hut” for couples getting ready and a reception space covered in paper lanterns, the classic nature of a barn meets vintage styling.

HIDDEN VINEYARD WEDDING BARN- BERRIEN SPRINGS, MI

Pretty sure that the only thing more Michigan than a barn wedding is one that is ALSO a vineyard wedding. Hidden Vineyard has both! The barn sits atop a hill overlooking the vineyard and rolling meadows. Wedding guests can watch the sunset over the vineyard from the front of the barn. So stunning. 

Hidden Vineyard is famous for their wedding ceremonies under THE TREE. It’s a massive Catalpa that they call the Heritage Tree. The venue even provides an iconic chandelier to hang from beneath the marine arm that acts as a ceremony arch. Couples can also opt to get married in the barn, on the deck, or on the lawn overlooking the vineyard. Seating AND set up is included in packages that include ceremony.

SOMETHING BLUE BERRY FARM- BANGOR, MI

I remember being at a wedding show and meeting the owners of this barn wedding Venue. They really focus on hospitality and are so sweet. One of the many perks of Something Blue is that they provide a TON of extra details. They have a huge list of complimentary items. From table numbers to whiskey barrels and signage- you can really save on rentals by using their inventory of decor. Ya’ll. They even provide lawn games like Giant Jenga, Yard Yahtzee, Cornhole AND Frisbee Golf!

GABLE HILL- MARCELLUS, MI

Located in the middle of the woods next to a pond, the Gable Hill venue provides an intimate setting for weddings. The only thing that rivals the iconic nature of the red barn is their vintage Blue truck. Many couples have pictures taken with it, and it’s such a fun pop of color. 

BLUE HERON BARN- KALAMAZOO, MI

This brand new venue is a red barn with modern updates. Tiffany and her husband worked so hard to outfit the structure with polished concrete floors and even installed windows along both sides to bring in more light. Indoor plumbing, getting ready suites, the whole nine.

But the modern updates are still nestled on 5 acres of gorgeous property and there is a winding creek just steps from the barn where you might see the barn’s namesake- the blue heron.

CICCONE VINEYARD- LEELANAU, MI

Hellooooooooo Northern Michigan! With the Michigan trifecta of a barn, a vineyard, AND access to the lake, Ciccone Vineyard takes the crown for the wedding venue with most scenic variety. Located on the stunning Leelanau Peninsula, Ciccone is an operating winery with a barn nestled in the middle featuring views of the Grand Traverse Bay.

Whether you are a local to Northern Michigan or planning a destination wedding, this wedding venue is simply incredible.

BLACK BARN- RIVES JUNCTION, MI

One of the few barn wedding venues in Michigan that’s not in the north or southwest, Black Barn is located in the middle of the state. It is also one of the few barn venues that features a black exterior. But don’t think that means it’s anything but elegant. On the east wall of the space, there are wall-to-wall glass garage doors that overlook a pond and the vineyard. Couples can choose to get married in front of the pond for a scenic outdoor ceremony.

Keep an eye out! Soon, they will be launching their own winery.

STARRY NIGHT BARN- SUTTONS BAY, MI

Another Northern Michigan wedding venue! Lovingly named after Van Gogh’s famous Starry Night painting by the artistic owners, this barn hopes to immerse guests in a “world of magic, dreams, and the beauty of everyday life in everyday little towns.”

They make it easy on couples to set up and tear down by offering the full weekend reservation in their wedding packages AND onsite accommodations in their adorable Century Farm Cottages.

Frutig Farms Ann Arbor Wedding

Frutig Farms Ann Arbor Wedding

This wedding had a lot of BIG FEELINGS. Big laughs, big cries, big LOVE ya’ll. I’ve been to so many weddings that I can’t count them all anymore, and without fail, my favorites are ones like this. Sure, it’s memorable because it was my first Frutig Farms wedding- gorgeous. It was a stunning Ann Arbor venue, with the best wedding vendors, and the best style… but all of those things are frankly forgettable if you don’t have a couple like Chelsea and Sri. Not to mention their incredible family, but I digress.

Looking through these pictures reminds me of why I’m a wedding photographer in the first place. It’s not about perfection. It’s not about technicality or awards. It’s about that Daddy Daughter First Look. It’s about Sri reading Chelsea’s letter. It’s about that post-ceremony high-five, and the laughter during toasts, and the eye-crinkling grins during the special dances.

That’s why I’m a wedding photographer. That’s what I love.

VENDOR LOVE

Wedding Dress: Beckers Bridal
Forals: Bella Fiori
Hair: Simona Vigh
Makeup: Imagine Beauty Three
Church Venue: St. Francis of Assisi
Reception Venue: Frutig Farms
American Food Catering + Planner: Angel Food Inc.
Indian Food Catering: Shalimar Restaurant
Grooms Suit: Suit Supply
Live Music: Christina Kateri

Beach Photoshoot Ideas for Couples Sessions

6 BEACH PHOTOSHOOT IDEAS

One of the top requested locations for couples and engagement sessions is the beach. Michigan is home to the freshest coastlines! But after doing so many photoshoots in the same spots, I needed to shake things up a bit. So I put together a bunch of beach photoshoot ideas to increase the variety of images in my engagement and couple sessions. I hope these inspire you to approach beach locations just a little differently. 

BEACH PHOTOSHOOT IDEA #1: WORK THE DUNES

I know that most people think about the beach as the place where the sand meets water, but Lake Michigan is home to quite a few sand dunes. These mountains of sand give me all sorts of photo ideas! Couples can run down them while the photographer captures genuine smiles and lots of candid movement. They can be used in a wide shot to isolate the couple’s silhouettes in negative space. AND you’ll get a whole set of images from your beach photoshoot that don’t have water in them! If your aim is variety, this is a great idea to mix things up and get creative.

BEACH PHOTOSHOOT IDEA #2: TURN AROUND

Another way to get variety in your beach photoshoot is totally counterintuitive. Turn around! With the couple facing the water and all of the light bouncing off of it towards them, you’ll get great color on the sand and tall grasses. Due to water-table rising, flooding, and erosion, the beaches of Lake Michigan have shrunk significantly. But we can make the most of it! The steep angle and exposed rocks make for the perfect place for a couple to share a romantic moment looking out over the water. 

BEACH PHOTOSHOOT IDEA #3: WALK THE BEACH

Okay, okay. Now that I’ve given you two beach photoshoot ideas that don’t involve actually seeing the water, here’s an easy go-to that always turns out amazing. Just walk the waterline! You can get incredible background views with a wide-lens while catching super sweet moments. Sometimes, I’ll have the couple skip rocks to catch some candids. These lean more traditional, but honestly, if a couple wants the Lake Michigan beach, I feel like this is what they are imagining.

Beach photoshoot idea #4: Stay for Sunset

Lake Michigan in particular has stunning sunsets because it’s on the west side of the state. The sun goes down right over the water and I’m obsessed with the incredible tones we can capture in pictures with the amber, orange, and pink sky against the purple, blue, and turquoise water.

Beach photoshoot idea #5: Lay down

Towards the end of the photoshoot, I always ask the couple if they are comfortable lying down. Sometimes, they are partially in the water, and other times we play with driftwood for some visual texture and depth. I love this idea for creating intimate moments.

BEACH PHOTOSHOOT IDEA #6: PLAY IN THE WATER

I saved this for last because it’s always the last thing I have couples do at their beach photoshoot. If you’re feeling adventurous, get IN the water! Obviously, save this until the end so that your couple’s clothes aren’t wet for the rest of the photoshoot. But these pictures are so fun! When I think about couples looking back at their engagement pictures (or whatever the photoshoot is for) fifty years later, I firmly believe that it’s the silly moments that will make them smile the biggest. So yeah. Even if you feel ridiculous, just take the leap! Honestly, it’s my favorite of all the beach photoshoot ideas.

I hope you have some fresh beach photoshoot ideas!

Magical Wedding in Hocking Hills, OH

MAGICAL WEDDING IN HOCKING HILLS

I don’t normally write blog posts this long, but Natalie and Andy’s story is wild and I firmly believe that each step of the way makes their incredibly epic wedding in Hocking Hills even more meaningful. 

THE JOURNEY TO A WEDDING IN HOCKING HILLS

Choosing a place for Natalie and Andy to exchange their vows began long before they arrived in Hocking Hills. When they originally planned their wedding, they envisioned a celebration with all of their friends and family. Considering their guests lived all over the country, choosing a location was tricky.

At first, they scoured Detroit. But they struggled to find something their family could love as much as they did and moved on to San Diego. Then, the pandemic hit and they decided on a backyard socially-distanced wedding in Ann Arbor, Michigan. As they continued planning, they didn’t feel like they could safely involve their guests at all and approached me about an adventure elopement with just the two of them. 

After brainstorming a million different Michigan locations, Natalie suggested Pictured Rocks. Mission was go until a family member caught COVID19. After so many postponements, Natalie and Andy needed a break. Decision fatigue had totally overwhelmed the both of them and disappointment after disappointment, they stopped. Instead of a wedding, they planned a trip to visit their family.

As soon as they let the pressure release, everything fell into place. Kayla, my micro-wedding planner friend from The Lost Forty posted on instagram that she was legally ordained in Ohio. I commented that I’ve always wanted to photograph a wedding in Hocking Hills. Natalie saw it, and we went from there. 

But there was still one last problem.

LOCATION SCOUTING

The morning of the wedding day, the forecast called for thunderstorms. ALL day. Since all of us vendors (Sarah from Wild Bees Beauty, Kayla from The Lost Forty, and myself) were traveling 5+ hours down from Michigan, we made the decision to postpone one last time. Just until the next morning.

I drove down that day anyway, and instead of photographing their elopement, we went location scouting. I’m so so glad we did! We were able to make a concrete plan for the next day and I could read the light for the best place for their ceremony. Hocking Hills is stunning… but down in the gorges there isn’t a lot of sun. In fact, surrounded on all sides by rock and thick forest, it’s downright dark. So by taking the time to explore in advance, we didn’t waste any time the next day.

FINALLY

I arrived at Glenlaurel the morning of the wedding for getting ready pictures, the first look, and the 20-minute hike to the ceremony. Their room was a bit tight, and every time Andy needed to come in or out, Natalie hid behind the armoir door. Sarah did a stunning wedding updo for Natalie and makeup that was glam without trying hard. Kayla arrived with the bouquet and boutonnière and I got to work photographing all the personal details. The couple got dressed and it was time for the first look!

THE CEREMONY

We hiked the 20 minutes to the end of Glenlaurel’s gorge where the natural rock formations and tiny stream met at a shallow cave. Natalie and Andy exchanged their vows to a soundtrack of birds and water over stone. Their original officiant Brittany prepared readings for Kayla to recite. To the couple’s surprise, she also gathered blessings from their parents. As the wind blew through the trees, leaves fell around us like confetti.

Also, here’s the moment Natalie officially decided to add Andy’s last name to hers. SO EXCITED!

ADVENTURES AS HUSBAND AND WIFE

No visit to Hocking Hills is complete without a visit to Old Man’s Cave. So I took Natalie and Andy on a wedding day adventure. We found a dry spot in the middle of the gorge for them to have their first dance as husband and wife. 

My favorite part of the day happened right after their ceremony. I spotted a break in the shadows, and asked Natalie to run for it. In her dress, holding the train to take the rocky hill with Andy following, we caught this holy moment. It was a ray of sun- like a peace offering from the universe. 

Confirmation that love transcends chaos.

Also, I’m obviously not happy about COVID, but I’m really grateful for the resurgence of adventurous elopements.

Lincoln Park Engagement Photos

LINCOLN PARK ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

After talking to Julia and Jake about their Chicago wedding, I just knew that we had to do Lincoln Park engagement photos. I live for variety, and there is a ton of variety in photography locations within walking distance. I’ll break down exactly where we headed below.

ALFRED CALDWELL LILLY POOL

One of the most under-appreciated photography locations in all of Chicago. If you’re looking for green space that feels removed from the towering buildings of downtown without having to drive out of the city, this secluded ode to Prairie School Architecture in the middle of Lincoln Park is a must. When you enter the Lincoln Park Zoo parking lot, it is just to your right. Don’t drive far or you’ll miss it!

BRIDGE OVER SOUTH POND

Lincoln Park has multiple ponds, and the bridge over the South Pond offers a clear view of the Chicago skyline. While often crowded, it is not usually difficult to find a place for photos considering how long it is. I’ve never been to this part of the park in the fall, and the color of the trees took my breath away.

NATURE BOARDWALK

Stopping on our way to the Nature Boardwalk to take pictures in front of the ivy climbing some of the Lincoln Park Zoo storage buildings (no shame in my engagement photo game), we made our way to The Honeycomb- an iconic sculpture that is always crawling with tourists and photographers. Everyone was incredibly kind and willing to take turns on this day, and I was ecstatic to snag some pictures of Julia and Jake under the wild arch.

GRANT MEMORIAL

Our last stop before leaving the park was the Grant Memorial. By this point, we were VERY cold. Fall was giving way to winter and the wind was relentless. I tucked the couple into the tunnel out of the wind for a couple more dramatic images and then used the steps to shield them afterwards.

PHOTOGRAPHY POINT

Last but not least, it wouldn’t be an epic Chicago engagement session without some photos from the lake overlooking the skyline. Crossing the footbridge over North Lakeshore Drive we ended the engagement session at the North Beach Photography Point.

It may have been a LOT of walking, but I’d say 10/10 for Lincoln Park Engagement Photos.

Palm Springs Engagement Photos

After catching C0VID while photographing a wedding this winter, I decided that since my family survived our worst nightmare, we would take advantage of our fleeting immunity and travel (safely) while we could. I’m not happy that we had to experience the virus, but taking Angela and Nathan’s palm springs engagement photos was a beaming silver lining.

We started the session at the Andreas Trail in Indian Canyon. The couple left their home before dawn and drove 2 hours to meet me. Angela hiked most of the trail in heels, and neither of them batted an eye when I asked them to climb boulders. The desert oasis is stunning, and the trail leads to an overlook with views of the mountains surrounding Palm Springs.

After freshening up at my Mid-Century Airbnb and taking a few pictures around the yard, we headed to the Palm Springs Visitors Center for some more architectural images. Angela and Nathan are architectural engineers and I wanted to incorporate their passion into some creative photos.

We ended the engagement session in downtown Palm Springs and found some street art to add variety to the photo gallery.

It’s been a while since I’ve been so inspired by a location. But even the magical colors and light couldn’t compare to the magic between Nathan and Angela.

Tabor Hill Wedding

SPRING TABOR HILL WEDDING

This spring Tabor Hill Wedding was so fresh and easy. When people think of Michigan weddings, often they think lakeshore, but Michigan is home to some of the most incredible vineyards and wineries and they are not to be missed when choosing a wedding venue. If you’re looking for an outdoor wedding venue with incredible views, check out Tabor Hill.

Ashley and Rob had the honor of being Tabor Hill Winery’s first wedding in their dedicated event space and I was a tiny bit nervous because typically, a venue’s first wedding has a lot of kinks. But as soon as I pulled up, I knew that it would be GORGEOUS. The greenhouse-style high-ceiling tent in the middle of the vineyard bounced pure light everywhere during the day and sparked with strands of market lights at night. The ceremony was under a classic white pergola in the middle of the winery. The Tabor Hill staff was soooo on top of it and Jess from White Dahlia Events coordinated the day with finesse. The only thing that could outshine to that setting was the love and kindness of Ashely, Rob, and their family.

My favorite part of the day was sunset. After a day of cloud cover, it was unexpected and breathtaking. We literally didn’t think it was going to happen. The wedding-day timeline that Ashley, Rob, Jess, and I created together included time for sunset photography, but I wasn’t sure that we were going to have much color in the sky. BOY WAS I WRONG. Scroll down to see one of my favorite wedding pictures EVER.

The best part about having your wedding at Tabor Hill is how easy it is to have your ceremony and reception in the same place without having to do a reset. The ceremony site is a short walk from the reception tent with just enough space outside for a cocktail hour.

There are a bazillion gorgeous locations at Tabor Hill for wedding photography. It’s a functioning winery and they let you take pictures in the vineyard, the rustic dirt road that is charmingly lined with decorative lights, and the vineyard itself is lined with hills and forest. All of that variety is a wedding photographer’s dream TBH.

The color palette Ashley chose for the day was a base of navy and burgundy accented with spring pastels and gold. It was so fresh and classic. Those florals popped against the darker bridesmaid dresses and looked incredible on the reception tables.

TABOR HILL WEDDING VENDOR LOVE:

Photographer: Rachel Skye Photo
Venue: Tabor Hill
Dress: Wedding Belles Bridal Salon
Caterer: CK Catering
Coordinator - White Dahlia Events
Florals: Debby Murphy

Congratulations Ashley and Rob. Cheers to all the many many sunsets you’ll share together. Also, thank you for the GFGs (gluten free goodies).

Lake Michigan Elopement

LAKE MICHIGAN ELOPEMENT

When I arrived to scout a location for for Kellie and Todd’s Lake Michigan elopement, I almost lost my shit. Because instead of the chill beach I had visited just a month ago, it was crawling with people. Like, the car I parked next to was blasting some Billie Eilish and while I love “Bad Guy,” it isn’t exactly the vibe I was hoping for.

In Kellie and Todd’s inquiry email, they told me that their priority was to marry each other and that they totally trusted me to figure out the rest.

So I did.

With just a few minutes to search Oval Beach for a spot that offered a modicum of privacy for their wedding and didn’t include too many neon bikinis or screaming children, I stumbled upon an overlook above the beach itself with a stunning view of the Lake Michigan sunset. I guarded that spot until the couple arrived with no-nonsense don’t-even-think-about-it glares at onlookers.

The ceremony was short and sweet. I led Kellie, Todd, and their parents in a short centering moment and invited the couple to share their vows. Their words were stunningly similar although written independently and total proof that they are perfectly matched.

After their first kiss, applause broke out on the beach and I realized that we had an audience that was totally hidden below the overlook.

We couldn’t stop laughing.

After a quiet moment away from the crowds exploring the dunes, we headed back to our spot to sign the marriage license. Without a table, the couple signed on their new spouse’s back and I don’t know why, but that gave me chills.

Kellie and Todd brought a blue tooth speaker and had their first dance as the sun slowly sunk beneath Lake Michigan and the crowds began to disperse. It was the perfect end to a imperfectly perfect evening.

One of the things that I mentioned during Kellie and Todd’s elopement ceremony was that Weddings, Marriage, and Life all have the following in common:

Things will not go according to plan, but having your person by your side grounds you in the midst of chaos. Ultimately, that’s all that matters.

Meadows at Millennium Park Grand Rapids Wedding

Meadows at Millennium Park Grand Rapids Wedding

I looked forward to Maria and Kristen’s wedding for over a year. I love Grand Rapids weddings, and I was pumped to finally photograph a wedding at Millennium Park. Grand Rapids has a million stellar locations for pictures and it makes my little photographer heart so damn happy. But more than where it was being held, what made me most excited was who the wedding was being held FOR.

Maria and Kristen booked me wayyyyyy in advance (thank you ladies) and after their engagement session on Mackinac Island, I was obsessed with them. Maria is artistic and semi-extra in the best way. Kristen is the life of the party and a total instigator. You’ll notice in the gallery below that Maria’s portrait was crafted by framing her in bouquets of her bridesmaids creating an image worthy of a Beyonce cover (disagree and I’ll cut you). Kristen’s is her semi-smirking under the sign for a local Grand Rapids bar called the Tin Can. Both are perfect.

Thank you Maria and Kristen for being my hype girls. Love you.

Venues: Meadows at Millennium Park and The Revel Center