sarah eastman 5/9/23 sarah eastman 5/9/23

Phil + Hannah | Spring Engagement

We met with Phil and Hannah in June at Port Oneida for their engagement photos. It was a perfectly golden sunny day and spring was on full display. There is always something so ethereal about watching the world come back to life after a long winter.

We met with Phil and Hannah in June at Port Oneida for their spring engagement photos. It was a perfectly golden sunny day and the beauty of the season was on full display.

There is always something so ethereal about watching the world come back to life after a long winter. Suddenly the trees are budding, grass is growing, flowers are blooming, and the world is full of vibrancy and color again. Every season has it’s own beauty but I have to admit that the months in which flowers blossom are undoubtedly some of my favorites.

We spent some time learning Phil and Hannah’s love story and witnessing the sweetest interactions between the two of them. It was such a joy to photograph them together and we cannot wait to do it all again for their wedding this spring.

1/18/22 1/18/22

Traverse City Proposal | Tommy + Caroline

These two were the absolute cutest. There was so much tears and laughter as she said yes and tried on her ring for the first time. Tommy pointed us out across the bridge because Caroline hadn’t even noticed us in the midst of it all.

Photographing this Traverse City proposal was the sweetest adventure, from start to finish. Caroline's sister Madyson reached out originally. She was so supportive and excited for her sister and future brother-in-law. She coordinated a video chat for us to 'meet' with Tommy and chat about the details of the proposal. We discussed his plans for the moment and how he wanted to celebrate with a surprise picnic afterward. Caroline didn't know who we were or what we looked like so we decided to hide in plain sight, disguised as normal hikers enjoying the view from the bridge. Tommy had sent a photo of the two of them so when we noticed them making their way to the bridge where we were, we knew it was about to happen. They talked for a few minutes a ways away from us but as soon as Tommy reached into his pocket for the ring, we turned around with our cameras to capture the moment and Caroline's reaction. These two were the absolute cutest. There was so much tears and laughter as she said yes and tried on her ring for the first time. Tommy pointed us out across the bridge because Caroline hadn't even noticed us in the midst of it all. That was our goal! After wiping some tears from each other's cheeks, Tommy led Caroline to her next surprise, a gorgeous picnic for two set up by the creek. The kicked off the picnic with a champagne pop and we left to allow them to celebrate together. Congratulations Tommy and Caroline. Thank you for inviting us into such a special occasion and trusting us to capture it.

Tommy and Caroline Traverse City proposal

Picnic Set up by Traverse City Picnic Co.

9/12/20 9/12/20

Nick and Amy | Ciccone Vineyard

Nick and Amy got married last year at Ciccone Vineyard. What a beautiful day it was. Even with a rained out ceremony, these two couldn’t wipe the smiles from their faces. Nick and Amy spent the day giggling and flirting despite the change in plans. They were just so enamored with each other and the fact that they were getting married.

Nick and Amy, Ciccone Vineyard Wedding

Nick and Amy got married last year at Ciccone Vineyard. What a beautiful day it was.

We got to know Nick and Amy during their engagement session a while before their big day. It was the perfect opportunity to witness their love and personalities coinciding. Without a doubt, these two are completely smitten with one another. Even with a rained out ceremony, these two couldn't wipe the smiles from their faces. Nick and Amy spent the day giggling and flirting despite the change in plans. They were just so enamored with each other and the fact that they were getting married.

First look

They met in the vines for their first look. Dark clouds were rolling over their heads. In that moment just before the clouds loosed their rain, the whole world seemed to slow and hold its breath for the two of them. The storm came quickly after, but their moment was intimate and beautiful and stunning just the same.

Side note: We adore first looks and Nick and Amy's was one for the books. In the midst of the busy events of the day, it is one of the few times devoted to slowing down. Your wedding will be here and over before you know it. So whether you decide to have a first look or stick to the traditional route, we encourage you to schedule at least five minutes during your day just for the two of you. Whether we document that moment from afar or not, well.. that's up to you. That moment is yours.

Then just as suddenly as it had come, the pouring rain was gone. The clouds parted for the most beautiful sunset while we photographed Nick and Amy during golden hour in the beauty that is Ciccone Vineyard.

That's Northern Michigan for you. We wouldn't trade it for the world, because in sunshine and in rain, we believe it is one of the most beautiful and romantic places on earth.