Amy and Grant (Grant is the first “other Grant” I’ve ever met. Truly. I don’t know if they avoid me, or if we’re just endangered!) drove to Indiana from Iowa for the 4th of July weekend, and then drove into Michigan for an engagement with us a few days following. We met at Warren Dunes State Park when many beach-goers were heading home for the day and just as the edge of a thunderstorm sent some beautiful clouds our way for the few hours before sunset. But of course, that was just a bonus: Amy and Grant were a breeze to photograph. They were affectionate and effusive, and from the looks of it, love being in love with each other.

Our favorites:

This was the way Amy’s eyes looked out of the camera–we didn’t do anything to pump ‘em up. They were this bright and clear in real life (but in color, of course)!

A favorite:

My view on the left. Leandra’s on the right. Love these two.

Thanks for spending the evening with us, Amy and Grant (and for climbing to the top of that dune with us!)

We just wanted to share a few from Haley & Matt’s wedding on the east side of the state for them to enjoy when they return from their honeymoon in Mexico… more to come soon!

From the first time we met with Lauren and Jason, they were both insistent that “we knew best”–that is to say, they put so much trust in us as photographers to document their wedding day. Now, that always feels good to hear, and it always feels good to have that creative freedom! But to be totally honest, it also always makes us feel a bit of pressure to give ‘em what they want! However, now that we’ve gone through them all, assembled our favorites, and looked back to relive the day, we’re really excited to share these. We had such a blast the entire day with Lauren and Jason, from her parent’s beautiful house, to the outdoor ceremony in Granger, to the reception at the Hilton Garden Inn in South Bend…

We’ll just get to the pictures. Our favorites:

Lauren wore a Paloma Blanca gown and the earrings worn by her grandmother on her own wedding day in Italy.

I have to say that parents are one of the make-or-break factors for a wonderful wedding day (that may sound extra-obvious to some, but it’s true!). When Lauren came down the stairs in her gown, her dad was going up, and when they met, they exchanged a big hug and big smiles. It was a good sign that Lauren and Jason’s parents would be such a wonderful presence throughout the day…which they were.

Jason’s first look at his beautiful bride:

Lauren and Jason’s transportation for the day was her uncle’s vintage blue Impala.

Even the first time we met with Lauren and Jason, we heard a lot about Henry and Wesley. Jason and Lauren are two wonderful, proud parents.

Wesley, the youngest, had this hilarious way of, well, doing this:

The behind-the-scenes of a bride & flowergirls picture.  Sometimes it does take this many people…

…but lollipops go a long way, too.

Grandma’s “OK” is perfect.

Their reception venue had such beautiful lighting. Beyond flowers and vases and table numbers and everything else, dramatic, bold lighting can really make a difference in the overall look and ambiance of a reception!

The first dance…

My favorite.

Lauren’s dad gave a wonderfully touching–and funny–toast to her and Jason, which obviously had Lauren and her sisters in stitches!

This guy danced like there was no tomorrow. And he was good, too! I think his big grin could have landed him on The Sandlot.

…and a few more portraits. Inside, first.

…then out.

Two more favorites:

Lauren and Jason, it truly was an honor to be invited into your lives and families for this beautiful day. Really.

Yes, we know. You don’t see a sunset…or a beach. But! There will be a sunset, a beach, and Amy & Grant–all together–in their engagement session post coming up in just a few days.

For now, just one favorite: