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!