Sydney Senior Portrait Session
The Traverse City State Hospital hosts such a variety of scenes that no matter how many times we photograph there, it feels like we discover something new. From the old dilapidated brick asylum with ivy crawling up in every corner, to beautiful blooming bushes and huge drooping pine trees. It’s a delightful location for exploring and we are overjoyed when our work brings us here so often.
Sydney’s Senior Portrait Session was every bit as lovely as we had hoped. Who doesn’t love wandering into wildflower fields mid-summer?
‘Let us live like flowers.
Wild and beautiful and drenched in sun.’
- Ellen Everett
The Traverse City State Hospital hosts such a variety of scenes that no matter how many times we photograph there, it feels like we discover something new. From the old dilapidated brick asylum with ivy crawling up in every corner, to beautiful blooming bushes and huge drooping pine trees. It’s a delightful location for exploring and we are overjoyed when our work brings us here so often. Passions collide as we seek out hidden nooks and places to photograph we haven’t been before. We spend a lot of time here even outside of actual photo shoots. Whether it is a date day: picking up a fresh baked good from Pleasanton Bakery before setting out on a hike. Or location scouting: wandering through the many paths and trails scattered around the property seeking out the best lighting and backdrops.
We can’t deny it is one of our favorite spots in Traverse City. You can imagine our excitement when this was to be the location for Sydney’s Senior Portrait Session. Sydney is absolutely stunning inside and out. Thank you for being creative with us for your photos!
Intimate Wedding | Jake and Kristi
This intimate wedding at Sleeping Bear Dunes is one we will likely remember forever. Jake and Kristi gathered with seventeen of their closest friends and family including their own two precious boys. The day was absolutely brimming with emotions.
This intimate wedding at Sleeping Bear Dunes is one we will likely remember forever.
Jake and Kristi gathered with seventeen of their closest friends and family including their own two precious boys. The day was absolutely brimming with emotions. From the start when Kristi made her way down the sand to meet Jake for their first look, we couldn’t help finding ourselves tearing up at the moment. The two boys were so eager to love on their parents during this special day and we got to witness and document all the love and laughter the family shared. It’s impossible not to find myself smiling even now going through the photos and reminiscing about the sweet relationship they all had.
With toes perhaps a little sandy, we made our way over to the peaceful North Bar overlook for their vows. Jake and Kristi committed to a lifetime of loving and choosing not only each other, but their children as well. That quiet platform held not a single dry eye as the two became husband and wife. A champagne toast and dried flower confetti were the final ceremonious to-dos before heading to their reception.
Later that night, we tried to catch the sunset. We were met with the most epic thunderstorm instead. Jake and Kristi took it in stride which perfectly encompasses just how easy-going they were. Even a thunderstorm for golden hour photos still had Kristi giddy. They stood out against the dark grey storm clouds, almost glowing with brightness as they made their way barefoot down to the beach, thunder rumbling ominously all around.
Jake and Kristi, thank you for allowing us to take part in your intimate wedding, treating us like family, and having a love that is so genuine and real on display.
Glen Haven Engagement | John + Sarah
John and Sarah were true adventurers for their Glen Haven Engagement session last summer. Together, hand in hand, John and Sarah made the climb through rolling hills of sand. At the top they danced and laughed and we got to capture them in love.
John and Sarah were true adventurers for their Glen Haven Engagement session last summer.
Despite having lived in Northern Michigan my entire life, the beauty of its landscape continuously blows me away. Glen Haven has a range of scenery to offer. Firstly, the quaint historic village itself. Secondly, the stunning lake and beachfront. And lastly, the well known Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes accessible just beyond the hill.
Together, hand in hand, John and Sarah made the climb through rolling hills of sand. At the top they danced and laughed and we got to capture them in love. The stunning view was just an added bonus. We couldn’t have asked for a better day or a better couple who were ready and eager to trek to the prettiest places.
When the sun began its descent in the late evening as it always does mid-summer, we left the dunes behind to make the quick trip down to the little village of Glen Haven. The iconic red Glen Haven Canning Co. building is unmistakable set against the deep blue lake behind it. Dune grass surrounding the entire village matches the pale green accents on the modest white buildings and homes. The beach itself was our last stop of the night, just as the sun began to dip behind the magnificent body of water.
Sessions like these, on days like this, with couples like John and Sarah make us feel so blessed to call this our career. What a lovely glimpse into the love story John and Sarah share during their Glen Haven Engagement session. It just made us all the more excited to celebrate their wedding the next year!
Dugan and Michelle | Aurora Cellars
Where to even begin? Dugan and Michelle's Wedding Day was nothing short of dreamy. They have this golden kind of love that makes your whole being glow--we just had the honor of capturing it.
Dugan and Michelle | Aurora Cellars Wedding
Oh. Where to even begin? Dugan and Michelle's Wedding Day was nothing short of dreamy. They have this golden kind of love that makes your whole being glow--we just had the honor of capturing it.
The day started in Suttons Bay at the ever beautiful Aurora Cellars. Michelle readied herself in the gorgeous white farmhouse with her bridesmaids and family. When she finished getting ready, Michelle was the picture of elegance in her classic, romantic inspired updo and sleek white dress. She was stunning, head to toe, as she confidently made her way toward the vineyard where she was to meet her husband-to-be for their first look.
Dugan says seeing his bride for the first time on their wedding day was truly indescribable. It is so clear to see from the look on his face as he turned around; he was speechless, completely overcome with emotion. When Michelle and her Father had their own first look a little later on, the emotions were no less sweet. These moments were so precious and such a nice prelude to the rest of the wedding day.
The whole celebration was teeming with such love, laughter, and friendship from everyone surrounding them. It was truly an honor to capture the beauty of the day: the scenery, the details, and the relationships. We whisked Dugan and Michelle away from the reception for a brief interlude for golden hour portraits. After those were finished and we were wrapping up for the night, Dugan swept his bride off her feet (quite literally) and carried her back to the reception underneath the rising moon. It was the perfect end to the perfect night.
Venue | Aurora Cellars
Coordinator | Fox + Fern Events
Florist | Field of Flowers North
Invitations | The Knot
Decor | 307 Events
Hair + Makeup | MI Day Beauty
Tux | The Blk Tux
Photography by Miles + Sarah
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.
Venue | Ciccone Vineyard
Florist | Field of Flowers North
Hair and Makeup | Christina Vita
Dress | BBON
Cake | Cakes by Aunt B
Catering | Chef's Pride
Nick + Amy | Traverse City Engagement Session
Nick and Amy are a testament to how much we love Traverse City engagement sessions. Tucked away at the quiet, serene Oleson Bridge Trail-head, these two were full of laughter and real connection. They seriously could not stop smiling and had us giggling right alongside them.
Traverse City Engagement Session
Nick and Amy are a testament to how much we love Traverse City engagement sessions. Tucked away at the quiet, serene Oleson Bridge Trail-head, these two were full of laughter and real connection. They seriously could not stop smiling and had us giggling right alongside them. It was evident from start to finish how ready they were to spend the rest of their lives together. As photographers, we are so thankful that we got to capture their love story.
This particular trail in Traverse City is a beautiful yet quiet spot that we love frequenting during hikes together. Even better when we can bring our lovely couples here to enjoy it with us. With it's mixture of wooded and open areas, combined with a warm spring evening, it made the trail the perfect setting for Nick and Amy's Traverse City engagement session. We love being able to spend an evening our couples, getting to know them and their love of each other.
As Traverse City photographers, our goal with all our engagement sessions is to not only get beautiful, artistic photos of you and your soon-to-be spouse, but to also create a space where you two can be authentically yourselves and enjoy one another's company. In the midst of stressful wedding planning, we want to allow the time and room to simply savor the moment and remember the fact that you are marrying the love of your life! Nick and Amy modeled this idea perfectly and we had the honor of capturing their love and friendship truly and organically.
We love you Nick and Amy! Keep your eyes out for their beautiful wedding we also had the privilege of photographing later that summer. Keep your eyes peeled for that post to come shortly as well!
