Northern Michigan always held a special place in Alec and Audrey’s hearts. Alec proposed to her while walking along the Glen Haven beach. So when the two of them finally began to plan their wedding, it was only fitting they would celebrate with friends in family at a Northern Michigan venue.

It was a long awaited day by many involved and we were so happy to be there to document it. From getting ready at the Park Place Hotel with a stunning view, to a perfect ceremony underneath a huge tree at Ciccone Vineyard. Everyone was so excited to finally celebrate Jon and Hannah.

We chose to document the Hanson family with a few traditional group smiling photos but beyond that, we opted to document them interact organically. On a beach in Northern Michigan, that meant the kids tossing stones into the water, trying to outrun each other, and lots and lots of twirling in pretty dresses all with a stunning sunset backdrop. I think it’s our favorite type of portrait session to document, ones that feel like real life and truly reflect our subjects personalities. It’s one of things we love the most about photography, when we can actually tell stories through our cameras.

Through many conversations and some video chats leading up to their day, it was evident that Charles and Amanda were our kind of people. When we were finally able to meet together face to face on their actual wedding day... it was oh-so sweet. It felt like instant best friends.

We have been waiting to post this Traverse City Barn Wedding for a long time. Get ready to laugh, cry, and feel your heart swell. We have been friends with Ben and Joanna for a number of years. When Miles and I got engaged, Ben and Joanna photographed our engagement session AND wedding. So it was an honor to do the same for them.

Despite the chilly temperatures and slippery slopes, Zac and Joelle were up for the hike. They stood there, hand and hand with the icy blue lake stretching on and on beyond them. It created the illusion of being on top of the world.