Our culture is filled with stories of couples who have to conquer whatever obstacles they face alone, and while I don’t doubt the strength of Haley and Matt’s love in the least, that’s not them. And that’s simply because they’re not alone. They were surrounded by close friends and even-closer families on their wedding day so much so that we were sure they wouldn’t ever been left alone to face the challenges they’ll face. Witnessing this is powerful, but it’s also a treat to photograph. And that’s about all there is to say–we thoroughly enjoyed photographing the love Haley and Matt shared and the love Haley, Matt, and all their friends and family shared. Our favorites:

The letter? From Haley.

Haley’s mom admiring her daughter.

Matt’s parents (and grandparents). Haley and her sister, who shared such a close relationship, sharing a short moment before the ceremony.

Grandpa, watching the pre-ceremony slideshow, and one of the flowergirls, “focusing” before show time.

Love this one.

After the ceremony, we spent some time on the church’s beautiful grounds–we love having something so beautiful right outside!

Beautiful. An all-time favorite bridal portrait.

Waiting to be announced…

And just before the first dance, we stepped outside the reception to take advantage of the sunset light…

…and I’m happy that it followed us inside for the first dance, too.

Haley’s brother and sister, and two of her nieces.

Love was certainly in the air!

We typically gravitate towards reception pictures other than the garter/bouquet toss, but couldn’t resist this one.

Thanks, Haley and Matt, for welcoming us into your beautiful wedding day! We were so glad to be a part of it.

Several months ago, Amanda helped plan her aunt’s wedding. As she was mingling with guests at the reception, she had no idea why Tim continually tried to get her attention for a few minutes. As it turns out, Tim thought that a wedding–surrounded by family (and plenty of other happy people)–was a great place to propose. He finally caught her attention (and off guard!) near the end of the reception, and he was right. She said yes, and here they are, being photographed by the two of us, on a hot evening in July. After rescheduling once for rain, we drove to Saugatuck worried that we’d get rained on again this time around, but thankfully we were able to enjoy the beach at Saugatuck State Park and ice cream afterward with the two of them…which was the perfect end to the warm, warm evening.

They had each other and the two of us laughing. I have a suspicion that there’s no deficiency of laughter between the two of them.

Love this one. Leandra’s favorite.

Oh, and these two!

Usually our couples don’t see any of the pictures we take off the back of our camera, but every once in a while, there’s one we really love right away, and they get a little peek. This was one of those (and my favorite).

Thanks for the enjoyable evening, you two (and to your GPS for finding the ice cream)! We’re so happy to be photographing you two again in October.

Amy and Grant (Grant is the first “other Grant” I’ve ever met. Truly. I don’t know if they avoid me, or if we’re just endangered!) drove to Indiana from Iowa for the 4th of July weekend, and then drove into Michigan for an engagement with us a few days following. We met at Warren Dunes State Park when many beach-goers were heading home for the day and just as the edge of a thunderstorm sent some beautiful clouds our way for the few hours before sunset. But of course, that was just a bonus: Amy and Grant were a breeze to photograph. They were affectionate and effusive, and from the looks of it, love being in love with each other.

Our favorites:

This was the way Amy’s eyes looked out of the camera–we didn’t do anything to pump ‘em up. They were this bright and clear in real life (but in color, of course)!

A favorite:

My view on the left. Leandra’s on the right. Love these two.

Thanks for spending the evening with us, Amy and Grant (and for climbing to the top of that dune with us!)

We just wanted to share a few from Haley & Matt’s wedding on the east side of the state for them to enjoy when they return from their honeymoon in Mexico… more to come soon!