When Amanda and Leandra first spoke on the phone months ago, Leandra said that it seemed like Amanda really wanted to work with us, and that it sounded like we would really enjoy photographing their wedding. And that’s how it turned out. Everything was exactly how we had hoped: we enjoyed photographing Amanda and Tim’s wedding so much. And it’s not only because we loved photographing them, but because now we know two more wonderful, laid back, genuinely good people. Amanda has a verve about her that makes her want to twirl in her dress (and laugh every time) and gives her a bold confidence that’s really fun to photograph. Tim is soft-spoken and exceptionally kind. In other words, they’re both very lucky to have each other!

I’ll stop gushing–here are our favorites from the day:

Amanda made Tim’s boutonniere!

With Amanda, we couldn’t resist lots of bridal portraits!  She looked and seemed so confident in herself…and did I mention beautiful? Beautiful!

Leandra’s view is the first, mine, the second. Love ‘em.

Amanda and Tim needed no coaxing whatsoever to get them to sit close and smile and laugh and be–you know–into each other.

Another favorite (of both of ours).

So, Amanda has amazing dads. She reconnected with her birth father and mother some time ago, and he and her adoptive dad both walked her down the aisle and gave wonderful, touching toasts.

Her birth father thanked her for having the courage to seek him out and start what has become a wonderful relationship…

…and that of course, led to lots of this:

Okay… one more favorite. We always love the portraits we get towards the end of the reception, when there’s no timeline left or any inkling of stress–when it’s just “each other” and family and good music.

Thank you, thank you, thank you both for welcoming us into this beautiful day in your lives. We’re fortunate to have met you two and feel honored to be a party of your wedding day.

From the fall color to the beautiful weather on the beach, to our time exploring the city, nothing sums up our time photographing DeeAnna and Matt better than beautiful. It sounds simple to say that–like it’s a little cliche–but one of the best things about our job is that we get to photograph events and people and relationships that are just simply beautiful…no strings attached. In other words, there was no “yes, but…” for our time getting to know and photograph DeeAnna and Matt! Michigan may be full of grey days during the winter (and the summer too, at times!) but it really, really shines during the spring and fall. We so enjoyed our time with them even after we stopped photographing and grabbed a late dinner before we all headed home. Our favorites…

Love these two!

We stopped at the bar they met at, O’Toole’s (which we thought was an awesome idea!), and got this photograph… another favorite!

…then on to downtown for just a few last pictures. This is why we love photographing at night:

Love this shot of Leandra’s (yes, it’s one more favorite!):

DeeAnna and Matt–we really can’t wait for your wedding now! Thanks so much for your time…

We’ve got Amanda and Tim’s wedding and Kim and John’s wedding coming up soon!