I've shot a ton of weddings in the past 7 years but this is the one I am most jealous of. It's everything I wish mine would have been. In my opinion, it was perfect. It was all held at one venue, The Edgar Farm in Lakeview Michigan (up near big rapids), they had no wedding party and it was the most laid back, personal wedding I've ever been to.
From the moment I arrived, I felt so at ease. There was no rushing around at this wedding, that would have ruined the mojo and I walked into the most beautiful rooms and a the most adorable property. There are plenty of farm/country weddings going on these days, but this venue is by far my favorite. I could have spent hours shooting inside just the house itself. This was another short engagement so everything was kept simple and the guest list was small, but it all looked so well done. And that's just the venue.
Then there is Angie and Terrence. They both just radiate amazing energy. Terrence has this quiet confidence thing happening and positivity and joy just seems to be who Angie is. As I stated in my last blog post, these two weekends were really rough for me since I officially found out we lost our dream house the morning of this wedding and I feel so blessed to have been given these weddings because there is no room for sadness when surrounded by people like this. I felt like I was on my game all day and that's such a good feeling. I shot this one alone but had an amazing lighting assistant that I stumbled upon just a few days prior to the wedding and it just was like everything fell into place for me. It was the most amazing feeling. Because everything was so laid back and everyone was so at peace and happy and not rushing around, it left so much space to just enjoy the day.
For me, personally, it's my favorite wedding of my career. I've had such amazing clients this year but this one just sticks out for me because of what I was going through and how it was such a peaceful place to be on what would have been a really hard day for me. Their kindness and love for each other as well as their closest family and friends was just a wonderful thing to be a part of. Not to mention it was glorious light, an amazing venue and the stars just alined as far as photography goes. I just was in the zone all day and I remember even mentioning to Angie that I felt like I wasn't even working. It was seriously just a magical day.
Whenever I can, I like to steal the mother and grandmother of the bride's wedding rings as well. I think it's a lovely generational shot showing lasting marriages. Just wait till we get to Angie's grandparents, I just can't get enough of them.
Another reason I love this wedding so much is this shot. I think it's the best shot of my career. It's just got a story to it and the light is beautiful and having been present in this moment, It really felt just like it looks. Just peaceful alone time with her mom getting ready.
Sometimes it takes some effort to help grooms get comfortable in front of a camera. Well, not Terrence. I remember taking this shot and just being like...well, that's all we need of that because it's amazing. I think it works because this isn't a fake face. He really is just a cool guy.
It's sort of weird looking, the way her arms are, but at the same time, I love this photo so much because this is how I love to be hugged by Ryan. I am selfish and just want to be hugged without hugging back, haha. So therefore, I think this is a really cute photo.
Don't look past this photo too quickly, you'll miss out on the glorious pink toenails. BEAUTIOUS!
...and this is my other most favorite photo. Angie's grandparents have been married for 65 years and they are just the cutest together. They were the witnesses signing on the marriage license as well which I loved. What a great example of a lifelong commitment to someone and I just adore this shot of them watching the ceremony. I can only imagine the wonderful and interesting stories they must have from that many years together.
Another great one. I feel like so many things could be said about this, haha!
A photo with the babies! KISSES EVERYWHERE!
I'm being really wordy in this blog. Sorry... but I just love the sincerity in so many of these. It's just so easy to see love between everyone and that kind of photo just gets me every time. I love when people are able to let their guard down and be comfortable together.
SERIOUSLY...someone please book your wedding here and hire me to come back. I would love to shoot at this venue again.
At the end of the night, the doggies had enough and were obviously ready to go home. :)
Thank you to Angie and Terrence for having me and to their whole family and friends for being such lovely people. This wedding will stick with me for years to come and I'm so proud of the work that came out of it. Please have babies soon so I can come photograph those as well. That is all :)