Engagement sessions with me are kind of evolving into hikes or walks - exploring new spaces and lighting.  Adventuring with couples for a couple hours.  Taking time to wander and taking in this f-ing magical Northern Michigan landscape.  Reflecting on it now, it really is a great fit for our brand.  I'm looking for people who are open to this; Morgan and Nathan were perfect.  We laughed, we hiked up dunes, explored the woods looking for glowy strands of light.  Their wedding in August is going to be a beauty - I can't wait.

We have had some ridiculously unusual weather here in Northern Michigan.  50+ degrees in February is bonkers.  But a definite upside to all of this sunshine is the glowing light and bright snow during engagement sessions!  Kathy and Simon wanted an outdoorsy session that would include their pups - love it.  I had a blast and we can't wait for their Winter wedding next year!

We've been a bit absent from the blog for a while!  That tends to happen as we wrap up our wedding season and move into a different phase of our work... this Winter we have stayed pretty dang busy though!  We're communicating with 2017 and 2018 clients, wrapping up our remaining videography projects of 2016, creating new pieces of artwork, painting and organizing our home/office/studio spaces, generally scheming about the future, and working on editorial projects!  For this particular project in the February issue of Traverse Magazine, I had the great opportunity to photograph dishes by Chef Myles Anton of Trattoria Stella (which just happened to be named the most romantic restaurant in Michigan by USA Today).  I wanted to share the magazine spreads as well as a few outtakes.  There's nothing like cooking in cast iron in the cold months - yum.

The video companion to Sarah & Kris' wedding is finally here!  We're always thrilled when we get the opportunity to shoot photo and video in the same day, and telling the story of these two amazing people and their families was truly a pleasure.  We could go on and on about Sarah & Kris, but their video says more than our words could.  We wish them all the happiness in the world - they deserve it.

Also, if you missed their photography post, check it out HERE!

Lauren and Joe celebrated the classic beauty of Detroit on their wedding day.  They chose to get married in the oldest church building in the city - Ss. Peter & Paul.  This stunning location for their vows, in combination with a variety of classic and unique portrait locations left me feeling warm and fuzzy even on a cold late fall day.  We even saw the first snowflakes of the year ;)  I must also mention that Joe and Lauren are the fourth couple we've had the privilege of photographing who met and fell in love at UM Law!  Maybe it's the romantically beautiful architecture of the law quad, who knows, but there are clearly some good vibes happening at that school!  ;)  I'm SO happy for these two - cheers to married life Lauren & Joe!

Watch the video!

"If you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely" -Roald Dahl

I think photos of Kristy and Matt together would be bright and happy no matter what the weather, but last week we really lucked out with a warm sunny day... and in case you didn't notice... it's November.  Not typically a notorious month for sunshine in Michigan.  I'm so filled with happiness for these two and can't wait to photograph their wedding next year!  Thanks for making my job so fun you guys :)

These cuties are getting married in Detroit in just a couple weeks!!  EEK!  But they came to Traverse City to catch the fall colors before they're gone.  I think it was a success ;)  I'm very excited to be seeing these two again soon, but for now enjoy these beautiful reds, yellows, and oranges.