Behind the Scenes 2016: A Blooper-Reel of the Year

This post has quickly become one of my favorites of the year because it gives you a backstage pass to my life on the wedding day. And I'm a sucker for Blooper Reels! These photos show what it really looks like from the other side of the lens, you know, the photos behind the photos. Gathering up these images is such a fun way to look back on the last year, and to remind myself how incredibly thankful I am for this job.

This post is dedicated to all of my wedding couples who put up with all our silliness, who trust me when I suggest an unconventional idea, and who, at the end of the day, still love us even when we don't look nearly as glamorous as they do!

Fall Lifestyle Family Portraits At Home, Monroe, MI: Brooke + Ben

One of my biggest joys as a wedding photographer is getting to continue photographing couples after their wedding day and as they grow in their marriage and start families! The fall is a special time of year for me in so many ways not only because it is my favorite season, but there are lots of colorful outdoor weddings, I'm meeting with newly engaged couples getting married the following year, and I also sometimes have the privilege of photographing my past clients again!! . . .

Timeless Grosse Pointe Academy Wedding, Grosse Pointe, MI: Tina + Zach

As guests slowly filed in, looking to find seats at the Grosse Pointe Academy chapel, there was a palpable feeling of anticipation in the air. The smiling faces of Tina and Zach's closest family and friends were eager to see Tina walk down the aisle of the historic church and to witness the start of her marriage to Zach! Bright sunlight filtered in through the stain glass windows as Zach stepped to the front of the altar. The organ boomed to life as the church doors swung open to reveal Tina and her father. . .

Dreamy Champagne and Blush Detroit Wedding: Lindsay + Ray

As I walked into the bridal suite at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center the stormy clouds that had been dominating the morning sky had finally started to dissipate. Lindsay breathed a sigh of relief at the news of a rain-free wedding day and she finished up with her hair and make-up styling. The Detroit skyline and river were the backdrop on this dreamy day, with elements of the city finding it's way onto the invitations and reception decor.

Romantic Secret Garden Engagement on Michigan State Campus: Maegan + Eric

Amongst the hustle and bustle of the campus of Michigan State University there is a place that juts up against the Red Cedar River in East Lansing that is quiet, semi-secluded (if you don't count the studying co-eds), and that is a bit magical. For the engagement session of Maegan and Eric, we explored this secret garden, named WJ Beal Botanical Gardens, and I enjoyed getting to know them a bit better!