Staci and Jason’s marriage ceremony was one of the most beautiful we’ve witnessed. It seemed like every detail had a backstory, and it was so interesting to hear about all of them (and photograph)!

The beautiful bride…

Staci wore a flower in her hair as a surprise for Jason. She wore a flower in her hair on one of their early dates, much to Jason’s liking, so when they got engaged, she remembered that date and planned to wear one for the wedding.  As the day approached, Jason suggested that she do so (not knowing she already was planning on it), but Staci wanted to keep the secret a secret, so made something up about flowers being tacky. Well, it’s apparent that there is nothing tacky about the flower, her hair, or her.

Her beautiful bouquet was designed by Shelly’s Designs.

Jason designed awesome shirts for all the groomsmen (and his dad!) using Top Gun names which, honestly, made giving directions for bridal party pictures pretty fun.

Staci and Jason’s ceremony was officiated wonderfully by their pastor. He had a deep, baritone voice (and laugh!), and was so heartfelt and genuine.

Staci’s daughter and parents looking on.

There was a beautiful wooded lane leading up to their reception site, which we definitely made use of for pictures!

Instead of clinking glasses or setting out a “kiss jar,” Jason and Staci set down the ground rules that in order to get the two of them to kiss, one couple had to stand up and kiss in front of everyone else, and they would mimic how they kissed. Well, whether it was intended or not, these rules upped the passion in the guests (plus a bit of humor) quite a bit, which Jason and Staci valiantly kept up with…

Staci and Jason regarded each other with such care throughout the whole day. I love the way they’re looking at each other here…

…and how they danced to their first dance. We’re in love with their first dance pictures–such beautiful moments with such beautiful ambient light to work with! Leandra’s favorite.

Leandra and I were both covering this moment, and you can see that two flashes went off during this exposure, but I love the movement in her dress and Jason’s expression.

Another surprise from Staci: she had the inside of Jason’s wedding ring engraved with “I choose you,” which is what they’d always say when Jason would leave town, to remind each other that they had each other’s hearts, loyalty, and effort even when it was hard. The last dance was “Come Away With Me” by Norah Jones, which, on top of being one of the most beautiful songs I can possibly think of, was the song they first danced to when they were dating.

Okay, so I just have to say this: filling your day with thoughtful details like all of this cost almost nothing but add so much depth and meaning to the entire day–the vows and the first dance aren’t the only instances that can be symbolic, meaningful, or reference something important to the couple. Now, whenever Staci and Jason hear that song, they’ll think of the first time they dance and the last dance on their wedding day, and if their last dance (and the rest of their wedding day) was anything like ours–both flew by. It’s over before you know it–load it full of little things that make you remember it and, just as importantly, make you remember how you felt during it. These two obviously aren’t the only couple to do meaningful things on their wedding day, but it was so apparent that they thought them out so well that I had to take a minute and say “You both were awesome!” (and they truly are!)

Okay, one more first dance picture. One of my favorite first dance pictures we’ve taken.

Staci + Jason–thank you both so much for inviting us into your lives and your day. It was beautiful!

Caley + Josh’s wedding is next!

We photographed Jason and Staci’s wedding a few weeks ago, and as we’re finishing them up I remembered how beautiful their day was–from the first kiss during the ceremony, to the kisses scattered through the reception, to the last dance (Norah Jones always melts our hearts…).  Just a few until we post the rest in a few days…

Kathy and Charlie were our new blog’s inaugural couple, and they went about their wedding day the same way they went about their engagement session and interacted with each other:  with easy smiles. They knew what mattered about their wedding day: each other, getting married. They went through their day with their easy smiles, knowing that theywould end the day with each other and the support of their family.

Kathy’s parents offering her their Ukrainian blessing before she headed to the church.

I have to say that this is my favorite shoe shot ever–it’s so simple. Whether in our processing, composition, or posing, Leandra and I try to ask ourselves “will this not be in style at some point in time?” And while I’m sure we’re not always “spot on”, we’re always striving to make sure our pictures stand the test of time… which I think these beautiful details do.

My view on the left, Leandra’s on the right. My two favorites.

We had plenty of time between the ceremony and reception for ice cream and some portraits at Ox Bow Park.

Leandra’s favorite:

In keeping with Ukrainian tradition, Kathy and Charlie were greeted at the reception by both their parents, who gave them bread with salt (so that they never go hungry, and have plenty of “flavor” in their marriage) and wine (which references Jesus turning water into wine).

Kathy’s sister “turned her into a woman” by dressing her in a Babushka scarf and apron at the end of the reception.

…and Charlie made is way into the circle for their last dance.

Kathy and Charlie, thank you both for inviting us into your families and lives for your beautiful day! We wish you all the best!

Anna and Matt drove into Holland from Midland, and we met at Lemonjello’s to chat over some super fair-trade espresso milkshakes since we had only spoken via email before the session. We really enjoyed talking with them about jobs, life, mutual friends (like Emma!), and found out that they were both quite excited about the session after following the blog for a few months. We took that to mean that they would be up for anything, which, of course, they were! We started at Tunnel Park (which is both our favorite beach to photograph at and lay out and read at), and spent the rest of the evening laughing, getting rained on, and photographing a bit of their beautiful relationship.

Anna was really good at burying her face into Matt’s shoulder and chest, and while I can’t speak for Matt, I always feel like the luckiest man alive when Leandra does the same.

While our initial plans for a spring session were rained out, we had a beautiful, summery time at the beach which will surely be a wonderful contrast to the wintry photographs we’ll be taking at their December wedding in Midland.

Leandra was inspired by Anna’s dress, and found and bought a little black dress on Etsy to wear to weddings, complete with two pockets.

The sky turned golden-orange on our way from Holland to Grand Rapids, and we pulled over to take a few in the rain. Leandra’s favorite.

Leandra and I have a little stash of matching black umbrellas in our car for weddings and engagement sessions, and although we’ve been lucky with good weather, I’ve really been hoping to have a chance to use one. And use it we did. Love these two…

…and these two, once we got into the city.

Once the rain wound down a bit, both Matt and Leandra spotted this steam (good call, you two!) coming out of who-knows-where in Rosa Parks Circle… this is my view.

…and Leandra’s… with the GRAM in the background.

Needless to say, we’ll be looking forward to their wedding!

Kathy and Charlie’s wedding is up next!