Maybe it was a bit of leftover serendipity from Jason’s proposal or just a dose of stubbornness, but as we followed Becca and Jason through their morning, both stared the driving rain in the face and refused to change their plans for an outdoor ceremony until it was absolutely necessary–they went full steam ahead, counting on everything to line up perfectly. And it did. The helpful coordinator at the Bowers Harbor Inn shuttled back and forth from the radar map on the TV downstairs, to the girls upstairs, to guys patiently waiting in the bar, and minutes before the ceremony was slated to start, she brought them news that the line of rain was just that–a line, and it would be over soon. What might have derailed a peaceful start to a wedding day instead brought out in Becca and Jason something else–trust. Beyond trusting that the weather would clear (which they did!), or mentioning that they trusted Leandra and I and our judgment for pictures (which always feels good to hear!), you could see that they trusted one another deeply. To be at one end of the aisle, rain or no rain, to share a short moment together just after they walked down the aisle, newly married, or to dance with each other through the reception…they trusted each other for the little things on their wedding day for the same reasons they trusted each other with their lives. This was nearly our twentieth wedding this year, and while it’s easy to get into a rhythm of a wedding every weekend, at some point in time on every wedding day, there’s always something makes you stop and remember that these two people’s lives are changing dramatically that very day. It’s humbling, a little scary, and ultimately exciting to be there for all of it.

Becca wore her mother’s beautiful blue engagement ring, and carried the handkerchief that was a gift from her.

Watching the weather…

Okay, sometimes it’s a little disconcerting to have anyone watch while we’re taking portraits, but this “crowd” was certainly a friendly one and 100% welcome. Her parents:

Jason sent a short note via the best man when the weather was still a bit doubtful.

Becca and her twin sister, moments before the ceremony.

My favorite.

Leandra’s view:

Mine:

I love these two. It’s so much fun to look through all the photographs after a wedding day and find the small things each other thought to take note of, especially when you’re shooting at a location with such a rich history and environment. Look one way and a vineyard unfurls over rolling hills; the other, spires of pine lead down to Grand Traverse Bay.

We headed to Good Harbor Beach for a few more photos between the ceremony and reception. It was nearly deserted, long, sandy, and placed beneath some beautiful clouds…that is, perfect.

Becca wore a veil for the ceremony, and switched to a flower for the reception.

The first dance:

This is one of Jason’s few requests:

Guests enjoyed a beautiful view of the bay from the patio at Eagle’s Ridge Conference Center and after dark, the two of them mentioned that they wanted a few more pictures under the glow of the lights strung across the patio. We love how these turned out… Leandra’s favorite is on the left.

Thank you both for inviting us into your day. We’re so glad to have been there for it–the rain, the wind, the beach, and of course, the wonderful party you two threw!

This sneak peek, like Caley and Josh’s, is really more of a check-back-really-really-soon-because-we’re-almost-ready-for-a-big-post post (as in, tomorrow or Monday). Becca and Jason were married on the Mission Peninsula in Traverse City, Michigan, at a beautiful old inn. Everyone was almost ready to pull the whole thing inside on account of the rain blowing through, but it cleared up just in time to wipe the seats dry! Even though the wind was a bit “gusty,” trust us, it definitely bumped up the drama factor in the photos. So, enjoy, and check back really, really soon because we’re almost ready for a big post!

When I pulled up to the house where Caley and Josh’s ceremony was to take place (Leandra arrived in the limo with the girls just before the ceremony), the lawn was empty, the tree-lined street was quiet, and every chair set up was empty. It was so calm, but from the set-out programs and guestbook, the sound system set up at each corner of the lawn, and the few musicians rolling in, there was a low buzz of anticipation and excitement. From the looks of everything, it would be a natural, simple, and beautiful outdoor ceremony. The thought occured to me that it was a perfect reflection of what we both had seen of Caley and Josh so far: they were so relaxed and easy-going through the day, taking the time to enjoy their friends and family, and once they did see each other, they loved each other naturally and easily. And, they threw a great party to end the day!

Naturally, Caley opted for a simple, natural look, and she definitely pulled it off!

Leandra picked the pictures for this post, but I sneaked this one in because it’s hers and I like it so much. I just love the layers of the bridesmaids getting ready that she captured.

Caley stepped out of the limo and onto the aisle runner–it was quite the entrance!

Tyler, Caley’s brother sang during the ceremony and reception.

I wish I could say we planned this, but the sun peeked out just a little bit and a sliver of light illuminated just their hands. One of my favorites.

We called this the “Hollywood Squares” picture.

Okay, just one crazy one.

They had a beautiful cake!

The first dance…

Caley’s parents watching on…

The best part about this photo? The little girl’s face.

We both loved these moments during a slow dance. Two more favorites.

There’s Jena and Michael!

Like I said… they threw a great party!

Best tip for romantic receptions? Lots of candles! We love taking pictures in candle-light.

This next picture Jena insisted on taking, so although everyone looks exceptionally good in it, neither Leandra or I can take credit for it.

Caley and Josh had planned on getting married lake-side somewhere in Northern Indiana (they knew where, obviously, but I can’t remember!), but due to a late-in-the-planning-process complication, they had to change their location.  It certainly didn’t show, though, because the ceremony was so beautiful (you may remember the location from their engagement session), the reception was wonderfully put together, and everyone danced into the night while the rain poured outside. Thank you both, Caley and Josh, for inviting us into your day!

Caley and Josh had a beautiful outdoor ceremony at a mansion in downtown Elkhart, IN. We’ll be finishing their pictures within the next few days, but wanted to share two before we’re off to a wedding in Kalamazoo tomorrow!