Shaena and Ben are two earthy people, but I’m not talking about Walden Pond or earthworms (although I like me a little Thoreau here and there). No, Shaena and Ben are two real, grounded individuals who carry no pretense and love each other with such a genuine ease–something I’m sure they learned from the love they share with their closest friends and families.  Their wedding was a direct extension of who they are–the ceremony was simple, genuine, and outside, the reception (just on the other side of her parents’ property) was filled with handmade, natural, and vintage details, and the atmosphere they created for the entire day was warm and intimate, despite the chilly weather. We hope the warmth we felt photographing their wedding day is conveyed in these favorites of ours…

Usually, we’re prepared to carefully carry a bride’s wedding dress down the hall or out the door or over to the window–somewhere, that is, that’s beautiful and bright setting for a picture. When Shaena showed us her dress the morning of the wedding, her mother and her had it set up in this beautiful corner of her parent’s bedroom, perfectly “posed.”

Her maid of honor, April, is a genuine and talented photographer in Lafayette area.

I love the way Ben looked at Shaena during the ceremony.

Ben and Shaena shared a few moments under a big tree immediately after the ceremony. We stayed back and gave them their space… but really love the results. We couldn’t have planned a setting and time better…it was a great time for them to breathe, talk a little, and share a bit of time together, just the two of them (which, ironically, is often hard to find on a wedding day!).

Love this one.

The wedding party. I was engrossed, while I was hanging out with the guys before the ceremony, with the newspaper clipping, awards, and pictures of Shaena’s brothers’ dynasty.

Naturally, Shaena and Ben had their engagement pictures taken by April, so we actually met Shaena and Ben for the first time at the rehearsal. We were a little concerned that the two of them wouldn’t feel at ease with us (and that it would affect our pictures), but Ben and his guys welcomed me just as Shaena and the girls welcomed Leandra at the beginning of the day–quickly and wholly. We had nothing to worry about, obviously.

Some of the beautiful details from the day. The yard was lit by chandeliers, globes, and a campfire, the tent was candlelit and warm, and each table was arrayed with greenery, candles, and old teacups.

April, and her husband Dustin, singing Johnny and June’s “Jackson”. Love that song!

I haven’t squaredanced since elementary school, and never thought it could be this hilarious, lively, and fun.

Ben’s parents:

Shaena, and Ben. It was our pleasure to photograph your wedding day. We were sad to leave that night, loved working through them, and are so excited for you to see them!

“I don’t feel weak but I do need sometimes for her to protect me
And reconnect me to the beauty that I’m missin’”   -The Avett Brothers

Leandra’s heart has a case of unrest, and it’s what I admire and appreciate most about her.

You see, I have a big imagination, I have lots of ideas, and I have lots of dreams. The problem is, I usually feel content enough to wake up, enjoy my coffee, feel like I get some work done, eat, sleep, and repeat. I’m easily lulled into the day-in day-out routine.

Leandra, on the other hand–she does not rest easy when life becomes a routine and the larger goals and dreams we have aren’t being acted upon. Sometimes I’m so humbled by how full she wants life to be. Not full as in busy, no. But full of helping others, full of meaningful conversation, full of adventures, full of doing things well… full of being wide awake and aware of the life going on outside our computer screens in our little place in our little corner of Grand Rapids.

She challenges me so much to act on those things that I say are important. She reconnects me with life beyond the little pieces of it that directly concern me daily. I’m so grateful for the unrest she brings to our life together.

Leandra, thank you, thank you, thank you, for being in my life and reconnecting me to the beauty in it (which so often is you). Thank you for your patience when I’m forgetful about little things and big things. I’m so lucky to spend my days so closely to you and your unrest-ful, beautiful, heart.

-Grant

We can’t wait to share the rest of the pictures from Shaena and Ben’s wedding day–it was filled with so many beautiful details, their closest friends and family, and even though the day was cold, lots and lots of warmth!

…but for nightowls like the two of us, that puts sunrise within reach!

Enjoy the last few golden and frosty mornings October has to offer–share a hot drink and a few quiet minutes with your lover.