So here's a first perhaps, writing a blog about people I've never met! However, I find it interesting to get to know people through the photos having not experienced the wedding first hand.

When Esther booked, I told her I would be super pregnant at that time and there's no way I could pull a double wedding weekend so we offered up a solid package with just Ryan. Since then, he has been shooting solo a lot as I've been recovering from the c-section so it's been a new experience just seeing his beautiful work and not being a part of creating it. I know my opinion is not without bias, but gosh darnit, I think he is just the best and I'm always so impressed by that man!

Now, I think a good test of wedding photography would be to convey who people are, or the best of them. Since I have never met any of these people, I think that goal was easily achieved. The happiness is so real and the laid back spirit of the day and joy between families is so apparent.

Here's a few fun things you can spot in the images below!
- Esther's dad was an animator for Animaniacs! That show was my FAVORITE when I was a kid. He even drew Esther and Spencer in that style and it is SO AWESOME.

- Sundance studios is just downright adorable with all it's variety and bright colors and just oozes a happy vibe. I seriously hope we book another wedding there because I would LOVE to shoot here. When Ryan got back and showed me the images of the venue I was so jealous!

- Esther and that bold, dark red lipstick. Goodness it's stunning! Well, Esther is stunning to begin with but man, what an awesome choice. I don't think we've ever shot anyone who has done a bold lip before and I LOVE IT.

- Doughnuts may be a new thing happening at weddings and I sure hope so. Ryan brought one back for me and it was so good. There's no better gift for a pregnant woman than a surprise doughnut!

I so wish I could have been there but I'm thrilled with what Ryan did. It was such a joy to edit this wedding as well, I feel like I almost know them already and everything was so beautifully done, it made my job a breeze!

Enjoy!

Venue: Sundance Studios | Benton Harbor, MI
Videographer: Robert Banez & Kevin Shih
Wedding Coordinators & Florists: Lavendar Thyme Events
Catering: White Horse Farm Catering
Photobooth: 77 VW Photo Booth Bus
DJ: Lake Effect DJs

Oh gosh, where do I start on this one! I think this deserves bullet points!

First, I was 37 weeks pregnant at this wedding and well, that was a test of my abilities haha but as long as I'm able to move, I'll be shooting weddings! We brought along Dan Stewart to be a third shooter to be there just in case I went into labor early and to help me out since I was moving a bit slow. Turns out, I never went into labor at all! At 39 weeks, I had to have a c section since she was badly breeched and it was too dangerous to let labor start on it's own since we live so far from the hospital. So this was my last wedding before going on baby leave and I'm so glad I didn't miss out!
Leah is hilarious. I watched all 10 seasons of friends while at the hospital and my first week home with Grace and I think if Monica and Chandler were one person, it would be her. She's super organized but still really funny and energetic. Also, that dress...goodness...detachable bow train. Thank you for making that dream come true. SO AWESOME!
Jim is a favorite groom of mine. Not everyone in the world gets my sense of humor but this guy got it and I so enjoyed just being myself. Making people laugh is always one of my favorite things to do. He made the right choice in Leah, I think they will be making each other laugh for all of time.
The homestead resort is beautiful! The staff was incredible and so kind. I think a great staff is a huge part of what makes a venue awesome to work at and cannot say enough good things about everything here!
Although there were a lot of beautiful details, moments and fun times, I think my last point will be about family. This was such a beautiful day for that. Everyone was so kind and just so incredibly happy for them. They've been together for a while and although Ryan and I were practically strangers when we got married, I think it's awesome to have that kind of history. They all really understand love and that it's not only for the beautiful, happy days but for the tough ones too. I just couldn't be happier for everyone!