I can’t believe how fast this summer is flying by! To think, July is almost over! It’s been wonderful so far! I’m so thankful for all the awesome sessions and weddings I’ve been able to enjoy, but the flexibility of the summer schedule to sneak away and enjoy Pure Michigan when we can, too. I hope you’ve had some time to get away or enjoy some long weekends and sunshine no matter what your normal schedule has you doing. And if you haven’t, take some time this week to hang with friends, play with sparklers, light a bonfire or jump in a pool! Don’t worry, I’m not wishing away summer already, just trying to claim it’s awesomeness!

A few weeks ago, I was able to enjoy the beautiful summer wedding of Ben + Samantha, right here in Grand Rapids. Samantha was a bridesmaid for one of my lovely 2011 couples and I was so excited when she asked me to do her own wedding! Ben + Samantha make each other laugh, they care for each other and they possess a genuine love and interest in one another. It was great getting to know the two of them more on one of the most important days of their lives. Ben + Samantha planned their Michigan wedding all the way from Atlanta, but I think they pulled it off perfectly. I loved seeing how it all came together in a such a fun celebration. Congratulations, Ben + Samantha! I wish you both a lifetime of happiness as you enjoy this marriage adventure together!! Enjoy your preview!Ben + Samantha chose to see each other before the ceremony to calm their nerves and have more time for fabulous pictures!The Ceremony was held at Wyoming Park Methodist Church in Wyoming, MI.The Reception was held at the beautiful English Hills Country Club in Grand Rapids, MI.

I’ve got two more June weddings to share with you this week and I’m so excited about both! Today’s post is the wedding day of Andrew + Emily. You may recognize these two from their rainy engagement session last December. Since that afternoon together, I couldn’t wait for their wedding day! It all came together last month in Birmingham, MI. It was an intimate celebration filled with lots of laughter, emotion and excitement. Andrew + Emily are absolutely perfect for each other and it was a delight to photograph one of the biggest days of their life. Here’s just a preview of their awesome nuptials…Brides, take note… whoever said all your bridesmaids need the same dress? I LOVE the way all these purples came together in a beautiful palette. With just a few guidelines, each bridesmaid chose her own dress and it looks awesome!Love this processional shot from my second shooter, Alyssa! She’s the best.I also loved the balloons! What a fun little touch to the sanctuary!The reception was held at the beautiful Birmingham Athletic Club:

The agenda was simple, the landscape was gorgeous and family and friends were so excited… the highly anticipated day had finally arrived! Jacob + Amanda invited their loved ones to Amanda’s childhood home for a their wedding celebration. Under a big tree, in her backyard, Amanda promised forever to her love, Jacob and the guests danced the evening away in the nearby tent. It was a sweet and wonderful day filled with personal details and lots of love. I found myself laughing, smiling and tearing up at multiple points of the day as I soaked in the beauty that surrounded the two of them and their union. It was a true joy to be a part the celebration and witness these two commit their lives to each other.

Jake + Amanda, you two are truly a gift to me and I’m lucky to call you friends. Thank-you for inviting me into your lives and allowing me to be a part of your wedding day. I wish you both the best as you enjoy the great marriage adventure! Enjoy your preview!!
A few moments from their “first look”… I had to hold back the tears! They were so excited to see each other! :)Thankful for my awesome assistant and friend, Tina, who was able to capture some special moments throughout the day!Jacob + Amanda wrote each other letters, personalizing their commitment to each other. THAT was a really beautiful moment… and maybe the most I’ve cried during a ceremony! Oh man.