Rachel & Jason // Mill Creek Wedding Photographer

Rachel and Jason’s wedding had so many cool things. We had an amazing rustic and woodsy venue, great details and we even got to play with a snake! 😂 They had a great party, complimented by a great DJ so it was always hopping! 

We even had great weather! Wait no I forgot it felt like we were on the surface of the sun 🔥☀️haha! Actually it was only like 95º and 100% humidity. We still had plenty of fun and as you can see, got lots of great pictures for Rachel and Jason to remember forever.

Enjoy reliving your day friends and have an amazing life together!!

Jesse & Hannah // Rustic Grace Estate Wedding

When I first saw her in her wedding dress, I blurted out “Hannah! You look like a real woman!" as I remembered dancing with a little girl at her brother's wedding 11 years ago! For the record, I don’t dance really… at all. We didn’t even having dancing at our own wedding, we had video games and card games! There was just something I loved about Hannah though. She was a super cute 9 year old that just loved everyone. There’s some people in your life you’d do anything to make smile and even if dancing was embarrassing for me, it made her laugh and I loved that laugh!

I’ve always loved everyone in the Buren family. Hannah’s big brother Steve is my best friend and the one guy I can be my true self around. Hannah’s dad is a super human that everyone looks up to, including me. The other Buren girls are all amazing in their own way too. So yeah, you could say this was a special wedding for me. It was filled with a lot of super emotional and heartfelt moments that I will always remember. It kind of reminded me why I do weddings. I got to feel what they feel and I get the added bonus of providing them images that will bring back those feelings years from now. 

Now that I have revealed I'm a big softy pants (if you didn’t know that already), weddings are just amazing. The best of people come out and walls come down. People are allowed to reflect on all the things they love about someone cumulated over so many years of putting effort into that single relationship. There’s just no other event like it. I’m so thankful to be a part of Hannah and Jesse’s day. I’m so happy she found such a solid Godly man that is so loved by his amazing family and friends and we are so excited for you guys!!

Sarah & Josh // GR Studio Space - Grand Rapids Wedding Photographer

I love all the big weddings we shoot but there's something special about a small, low-key wedding. We love mixing things up and were so excited to shoot in the new GR Studio Space!

Everyone was just so kind and happy. That's really the key to an awesome wedding of any size. Sarah has the best scrunchy nosed laugh, it was hard not to put only laughing pictures in of her because it's just all so great. 

The details were beautiful, Sarah MADE THOSE AWESOME CAKES herself, puppies had more energy than I've ever had in my life, lots of laughs and joy from everyone and even a fun ending of Stalky McCreeperton. We are so happy we were able to be part of this day! Enjoy! 

Here's a fun fact of why Ryan and I are such a super duper team! He shoots all the details as they are in the most natural way and I always shoot things dark exposing just for the candlelight to give a different feel to the same shots. We love variety! My goal at any wedding is really to be doing whatever Ryan isn't doing. 

While editing I stumbled upon some super creepy Jeff pictures and I thought there would be no better way to end this blog than by giving everyone nightmares. SWEET DREAMMSSSSSS

Michael & Lindsey // The Brick - South Bend Wedding Photographer

We try to get to know our couples as much as we can in meetings and on engagement shoots but there’s only so much you can get to know in that amount of time and in those situations. 

Where you can see right into someone is in a moment like this. 

THIS face, this joy, this man who is in absolute AWE of his lady. It’s my favorite thing ever. My face literally hurt because I was smiling so big and for so long witnessing this beautiful moment. They both just couldn’t take their eyes off each other. They said they don’t get all done up often which made this so special and I absolutely love that. 

Years ago, Ryan told me to not get all dolled up every day because it wasn’t special anymore. I was surprised but honored that request and now live my life in sweatpants, no makeup and my hair piled on top of my head and I never feel like he regrets that suggestion. He makes me feel like who I am is greater than what I look like being all dolled up all the time. Let me tell you, after being married for almost 10 years, THAT is the kind of love you want to have. The special times are SO much greater when I do spend the time to be fancy pants and the normal times where I look like a regular human are lovely since I know I can always confidently be myself around him. 

These two really bring out the best in each other and I just know they are going to have such a beautiful life together! 

...OH, and another unique thing was while we were doing detail shots and waiting for the wedding party to arrive so they could get ready, they were just hanging out. They didn't want to see each other yet so they just sat back to back chatting for a while. It was simple and quiet and awesome. When I think back to my wedding, all I wanted to do was hang out with Ryan and so often the day is busy and hectic and it's this big whirlwind. I loved that they had this time to just hang out before the day got away from them. 

...Oh wait, one LAST thing. When she arrived, she was carrying this little stuffed cat. I asked about it and she told me that Michael gave it to her as a gift because their kitty obviously couldn't come to the wedding and I think that is just the sweetest thing ever. These two...I tell ya... :) 

Ashley & Jack // Loft 310 Wedding Photographer

We met Ashley and Jack last New Years Eve when we shot his brother's wedding. We stayed to get photos of them during the fireworks that go off at midnight in downtown Kalamazoo. Well, nobody really made it there or people just left or it was too cold, I'm not exactly sure what happened but it was just Ashley and Jack with me and Ryan so we watched the fireworks with them haha Ryan took these pictures with his iPhone. I'm not totally sure why, but she gave us a dollar hahaha 

Right when I met Ashley that day I thought she was so fun. She's just super down to earth, high energy, has an awesome sense of humor and basically my perfect kind of client. So I was super excited when they wanted us to shoot their wedding too! 

I honestly laughed so hard the whole day my face was always hurting. Jack is so perfect for her and I can't even imagine how much fun they will have spending the rest of their lives together. In 60 some years I'd like to meet up again and shoot them again. I can imagine they will be the kind of elderly people that are an absolute blast to be around, saying whatever the heck they want because they lived to be over 80 and are allowed to do that haha

I wanted to make a special collection of images of THIS GUY. There's always one guest that is just the winner of being awesome. He was full of energy on the dance floor, enthusiastic and just radiated fun times! 

Najat & Paul // Radisson Kalamazoo Wedding Photographer

So I suppose I will start this by saying we just love working with Najat and Paul. They are such kind people and both have a great sense of humor. We clicked with them right away and are super jazzed to have been a part of their wedding. When we first met with them at Starbucks last year, I'm pretty sure we sat there and talked for like 3 or 4 hours haha and the same when  they came out to our house to do the wedding schedule. They are super fun and we are so happy to have met them! They even got Grace a little cat outfit! 

They had their reception at the Radisson and it feels like half our weddings this year have been there! We are always happy to be back since it's such a beautiful place. Finding unique ways to shoot dresses at the same place has become a mission of mine and I'm pretty happy with how this one turned out. :) 

I went outside to scout to see if we would get a sunset that night and came running back in to Ryan saying CLOUDS! CLOUDSS! Giving no other context haha. I'm so happy we went out for that because it's so beautiful!

My last comment shall be on her ring. Oh my stars. Paul, good job. Everyone applaud the insane quality of that diamond. I get real close to a lot of diamonds and this one is incredible! 

Danielle & Josh // Holland Wedding Photographer

This was my first wedding back after having Grace and it felt like old times which was nice. :) The weather was incredible, Boatwerks and the church were beautiful and Danielle and Josh were such laid back, fun, incredible people. Oh and Danielle is crazy beautiful. I don't understand how her skin is so perfectly matte but glowing at the same time but it's amazing. 

So let's also take a minute to shine a light on her dress. It has sequins on the layer underneath so they just twinkled through which I've never seen before and I've seen a LOT of wedding dresses. It's one of my all time favorites. It twirled like a dream and sparkled and fit her perfectly. 

Everyone was super fun too. We went to go take a shot of Josh in his office at the Church and that turned into a nerf gun fight quite quickly...obviously. 

We had such a great time and I'm super excited to finally be catching up on all the editing so I can start showing stuff from this summer! Enjoy! 

Rich & Payel // Lansing Wedding Photographer

I absolutely love Indian weddings! I love the family focused community and how happy everyone is for the couple. Everyone is so full of life and well... the food is the best in the world! 

Rich & Payel had such an obvious love for each other. It made photographing them and their day so enjoyable. 🤗 This wasn't a huge event but it still had some big personalities and it really showed when it came time to celebrate! I have been so excited to share these and I hope you guys love them! Enjoy!

Jana & Cody // Kalamazoo Wedding Photographer

So this is the first wedding I've ever missed in my career and also one I was looking forward to SO MUCH. I've worked sick plenty of times but major surgery and birth is apparently where the line is drawn haha!  When Ryan came home and I looked through the images I was so bummed by all the cool stuff I missed out on but I'm so happy they have such beautiful images. We had Kyle Bultman come shoot in my place and he did such a great job with Ryan. 

Their wedding date was actually Grace's due date, what are the odds! However, because of the breech situation, she was born via c-section 4 days early so there was no way I could shoot a wedding since I could hardly walk...and now had a newborn baby which is nuts! Jana's kindness when I told her what was happening is a great example of the kind of person she is. It's hard when things change right before such a big event and being able to take that stuff is stride is a great quality. 

I just adore them and their little family. The love they have for each other and their son is just so visible and joyful. Her dress...oh my stars. I am just nuts for those straps and have never seen one like that before and it is just incredible. Also, the flowers were a big star of the show, Tracy Park of Park Place Designs did such awesome work! Cody is also so genuine and kind, he's one of Ryan's all time favorite grooms! 

I was lucky enough to be a part of their engagement shoot which was amazing so if you haven't seen that, it's got a lot more images of their adorable son in it as well. :) http://www.gauperphoto.com/blog/jana-cody-south-haven-engagement-photographer

I hope you all enjoy these as much as we do!

Spencer & Esther // Sundance Studios Wedding Photographer

So here's a first perhaps, writing a blog about people I've never met! However, I find it interesting to get to know people through the photos having not experienced the wedding first hand. 

When Esther booked, I told her I would be super pregnant at that time and there's no way I could pull a double wedding weekend so we offered up a solid package with just Ryan. Since then, he has been shooting solo a lot as I've been recovering from the c-section so it's been a new experience just seeing his beautiful work and not being a part of creating it. I know my opinion is not without bias, but gosh darnit, I think he is just the best and I'm always so impressed by that man! 

Now, I think a good test of wedding photography would be to convey who people are, or the best of them. Since I have never met any of these people, I think that goal was easily achieved. The happiness is so real and the laid back spirit of the day and joy between families is so apparent. 

Here's a few fun things you can spot in the images below! 
- Esther's dad was an animator for Animaniacs! That show was my FAVORITE when I was a kid. He even drew Esther and Spencer in that style and it is SO AWESOME. 

- Sundance studios is just downright adorable with all it's variety and bright colors and just oozes a happy vibe. I seriously hope we book another wedding there because I would LOVE to shoot here. When Ryan got back and showed me the images of the venue I was so jealous! 

- Esther and that bold, dark red lipstick. Goodness it's stunning! Well, Esther is stunning to begin with but man, what an awesome choice. I don't think we've ever shot anyone who has done a bold lip before and I LOVE IT. 

- Doughnuts may be a new thing happening at weddings and I sure hope so. Ryan brought one back for me and it was so good. There's no better gift for a pregnant woman than a surprise doughnut! 

I so wish I could have been there but I'm thrilled with what Ryan did. It was such a joy to edit this wedding as well, I feel like I almost know them already and everything was so beautifully done, it made my job a breeze!

Enjoy! 

---

Venue: Sundance Studios | Benton Harbor, MI
Videographer: Robert Banez & Kevin Shih
Wedding Coordinators & Florists: Lavendar Thyme Events
Catering: White Horse Farm Catering
Photobooth: 77 VW Photo Booth Bus
DJ: Lake Effect DJs

Jim & Leah // The Homestead Wedding Photographer

Oh gosh, where do I start on this one! I think this deserves bullet points! 

• First, I was 37 weeks pregnant at this wedding and well, that was a test of my abilities haha but as long as I'm able to move, I'll be shooting weddings! We brought along Dan Stewart to be a third shooter to be there just in case I went into labor early and to help me out since I was moving a bit slow. Turns out, I never went into labor at all! At 39 weeks, I had to have a c section since she was badly breeched and it was too dangerous to let labor start on it's own since we live so far from the hospital. So this was my last wedding before going on baby leave and I'm so glad I didn't miss out! 
• Leah is hilarious. I watched all 10 seasons of friends while at the hospital and my first week home with Grace and I think if Monica and Chandler were one person, it would be her. She's super organized but still really funny and energetic. Also, that dress...goodness...detachable bow train. Thank you for making that dream come true. SO AWESOME! 
• Jim is a favorite groom of mine. Not everyone in the world gets my sense of humor but this guy got it and I so enjoyed just being myself. Making people laugh is always one of my favorite things to do. He made the right choice in Leah, I think they will be making each other laugh for all of time. 
• The homestead resort is beautiful! The staff was incredible and so kind. I think a great staff is a huge part of what makes a venue awesome to work at and cannot say enough good things about everything here! 
• Although there were a lot of beautiful details, moments and fun times, I think my last point will be about family. This was such a beautiful day for that. Everyone was so kind and just so incredibly happy for them. They've been together for a while and although Ryan and I were practically strangers when we got married, I think it's awesome to have that kind of history. They all really understand love and that it's not only for the beautiful, happy days but for the tough ones too. I just couldn't be happier for everyone! 

Here's some fun behind the scenes shots of me being super pregnant and Ryan dragging me back out of the sand. Walking in sand at 38 weeks is tough! 

Hannah & Daniel // Richard App Gallery Wedding

Every year we seem to get one or two weddings by way of an illness of the previous photographer, a double booking or other things of that nature. We were able to step in and help once again for Hannah and Daniel and hit the jackpot. They ended up being our ideal client with a mix of genuinely kind and laid back personalities, with a touch of wackiness! What they lacked in craziness, their wedding party supplemented in spades!! We couldn't have asked for more. 😎 Thank you for welcoming us as part of the gang! We had so much fun and it shows in the images!

We really appreciate that both Hannah and Daniel can be super fun but then flip the switch into lovey mode with ease. These people adore each other and we loved it!! That love carried over to their kids when they both gave separate vows to them during the ceremony and let me tell you, there was not a dry eye in that gallery. I've heard a lot of vows but those got me right in the feels! 😭 You guys have such a great little family and I can't wait to give you these photos you can treasure forever.

Here's to you guys.

-Ryan

have a great life together Hannah and Daniel!!

Big shoutout to all these vendors who helped make our pictures awesome!!

-Venue by Richard App Gallery (www.therichardappgallery.tumblr.com)
-Catering by Kangaroo Kitchen (www.kangarookitchengr.com)
-Makeup by Izzy VanRyn at Manic Muse (www.manicmusesalon.com)
-Hair by Erin Fields at Pure Salon (www.puresalongr.com)
-Music by Motor City Soul (www.motorcitysouldetroit.com) 
-Officiant: Gust Bassianotis (www.forevertwogether.com)
-Floral by Jill LeBlanc Floral (Jill.LeBlanc@gmail.com)

Elizabeth & Michael // Firekeepers Casino Wedding Photographer

Once in a while I get to shoot an old friends wedding so when Michael told me he and Elizabeth were having one at the Firekeepers casino, I was pretty excited with the possibilities! Firekeepers has tons of cool backdrops and awesome lighting as you can see, so I was having a great time! It was a little cold before we actually got there but I can't complain because it was super sunny which is rare for December in Michigan! That awesome sunshine was incredible to shoot in and they were champs about temperature so everyone wins! We even ended up in a wind tunnel that was freezing but made for some great laughing and wild hair! 

I had a lot of fun catching up with my Battle Creek friends and I loved all the energy and kindness of Elizabeth's big family! They really know how to use the dance floor! I hope you all  enjoy these photos as much as I do! Congrats!

Haeleigh & Evan // Holland Wedding Photographer

What do the Gauper's do for New Years Eve every year? We work! Some people don't like working on NYE since they never get to go do fun things but we view it a bit different. We get to go to a fun party with happy people, eat candy and cake and take awesome pictures of the whole thing. If we weren't shooting a wedding on NYE, we'd probably be at home already asleep so this is WAY MORE FUN! 

Haeleigh and Evan are the nicest people. I don't know how we keep getting so lucky to work with such laid back, kind hearted people but I'll just put it out in the universe to keep them coming! It's not just about having great clients, it's about their friends and family too because lovely people are often surrounded by more lovely people which is really what makes the day have this awesome energy to it. 

Someone posted in a photography group asking what inspires everyone and it only took me a second to say that it's good people that inspire me. Being able to be comfortable with who you are, let go and have fun is just everything. New things happen when you are working as a team. We have all the technical knowledge and can put creativity into things but the real magic comes when people bring who they are into the pictures. Oh and speaking of magic, haeleigh and that fluffy ruffle dress of hers, MAGGICCCCC!!

This was such an awesome day and we are so honored to have been a part of it! 

Brooke & Eddie // Wabeek Country Club Wedding Photographer

This was our last fall wedding of 2016 and what a way to end the season! The night before their wedding Ryan and I stocked up in a huge tin of special whole foods cookies since we were in Detroit and honestly, that really felt like the right way to start the wedding day. We run on adrenaline so much during weddings that when you add sugary goodness, we are unstoppable!

Their wedding was at the Wabeek Country Club and on my stars, what a beautiful place! In the fall, everything is golden and the air is fresh and its just this last little bit of magic before it's super cold and winter is upon us. 

Some mini stories about a few images: 

- The first image above. AHHHHH! There's always one image per wedding that I love more than all the rest and this one is it. Originally, I was straightening out her dress when all the water from the wet grass kicked up at me and I realize what an awesome shot this was if I wasn't in it so I switched with Eddie and this magical wonder happened. 

- The ring shots. The first one was shot on one of the uplights. I saw all those colors and knew immediately I must have them. I look like an insane person half way under a table to get the right angle on the light. I wish Ryan would take shots of me and my weird setups since it's funny. 

- The eyeball. That is all I will say. You'll know it when you see it. hahahaha! This wedding party was the best! 

- Last, let's all take a moment to appreciate how a twinkle light background should look. In 9 years of shooting weddings full time this is the first twinkle light setup that was perfection. They were close together, in perfect rows, it was a dream! The second we walked in the room and saw that Ryan and I both were filled with glee. haha 

Enjoy! 

Jordan & Lindsey // Kalamazoo Wedding Photographer

Many years ago in what seems like another life, Ryan was a youth leader at church and met Jordan as a wee lad. Fast forward a decade and here we are at Jordan's wedding. For some reason, whenever I think of Jordan, I recall him helping us move to a bigger apartment not long after we got married and he was swinging from a stairwell haha! We made this big time lapse of the whole thing so that is probably why. See! 

This wedding was such a fun group of people on a PERFECT fall day. The venue was beautiful but most importantly, was filled with free roaming cats. If we could go back and get married all over again, our wedding would be filled with tons of cats running around. 

At one point, Ryan called me and said come outside. I figured he needed something from me but when I went outside, he was just standing there holding a kitten filled with joy. Typical Ryan. hahah

It's so awesome to be a part of weddings like this that have such great families involved and everything just makes sense. I always say that love shouldn't be complicated, it should just make sense and be obvious and I feel like that is Jordan and Lindsey. You ALL know how much I love good laughers and my gosh, they are both so great but I especially love Lindsey's laugh, her smile is so real and like pure joy bursting out of her face in some of these pictures. 

Some Fun Mini Stories: 
- Out of all the twirling I do with brides, Lindsey was my first to get tangled in her dress and take a dive. She was a great sport and I think it made for a couple pretty funny pictures. haha It's all about memories guys! 

- Ryan and Jordan used to work with Steve in construction and he has since moved to Texas. Steve was Ryan's best man at our wedding and we were all bummed he wasn't able to make it to Jordan's but out of nowhere, he was there at the reception! Steve has tried to get everyone to move to Texas and work for him at one point or another but for some insane reason, we all choose Michigan like a bunch of crazies. 

- While Jordan was opening his gift from Lindsey, instead of a small note it was like 20 pages of stuff, letters from their relationship, ect. The first thing he says is "I can't read all of this!" and then reads the first thing which said, "Jordan - you don't have to read all of this" hahaha that is when you know how well they know each other :) 

We had such a great time and hope you all enjoy these images as much as we do! 

Kristina & Justin // North Carolina Wedding Photographer

I met Kristina about 6 years ago and she is one of those people you meet and instantly know they are an incredible human. She has such a kind and joyful heart and such a great sense of humor. Justin is her perfect other half. I think love is at it's best when your person really knows and appreciates who you truly are and they have that. He brings out the absolute best in her and before even meeting him I could see how happy she was. When we got to the wedding and got to know him a little bit, I just couldn't imagine a world where these two aren't best buddies for life. 

I'm always saying "buddies for life" to Ryan since it's really my favorite part of marriage. He's the one person that knows me so well and values and understands every weird or vulnerable part of who I am and it's the most wonderful thing. These two have that and it's such a great thing to witness. 

Their attitude towards difficulties also goes to show what a strong relationship they have. Life isn't always easy and dealing with the tough stuff really shows who you are. So lets talk about that hurricane! 

Yep. Their wedding was set to be on the beach in South Carolina right as the hurricane was coming in. Now, to make it more fun, we had a wedding in Michigan the day before so we would be flying in THE MORNING OF HER WEDDING which was stressful and risky all on it's own. To make it more crazy, there was only ONE flight out. Awesome.

Eventually, Kristina called me and told me the wedding was cancelled. My heart broke for her. There was talk of rescheduling but that didn't work and it was just a mess. Later, I got another call from her and the wedding was BACK ON! However, it was moved to where they live in North Carolina since that was more inland. We re-routed our flight and prayed there were no delays in the morning. We made it just in time!

The development where they live has a beautiful clubhouse and golf course and these big tall trees and it's really lovely. She basically planned the whole wedding over in 2 days for the new location and seemed to keep her cool through it all. It was certainly a bit different since she said we were winging it when we got there so I was like...Ok! haha but it all turned out amazing. I cannot believe everything it took to make it happen. 

It reminds me of the day Ryan proposed. (click here to read the whole story if you are interested) He planned this big day in Chicago and it seemed like everything kept going wrong. I lost most of his cash out of his wallet, The sears tower took way too long, The ferris wheel wasn't running so he couldn't propose while taking a picture like he wanted and then we left the GPS in a cab. He finally gave up and found an easy way out of the city and started driving home. Eventually, he pulled off and parked at a car dealership and proposed to me there. He Said "I didn’t really want to propose to you in a car but this is what we have been dealt. I am going to love you even when things aren’t perfect and things don’t work out as planned" then asked to marry me. I replied “I would marry you if we were covered in mud”. 

I think Kristina and Justin would have been happy to marry each other even covered in mud too. :)

--> Also, be sure to check out the custom doodled programs at the end of this post! 

Funy sotrydsfad

One final story for this wedding... Kristina had this awesome idea to have me do doodles of everyone in the wedding party with things that are unique to them. We got this finished and sent to the printer JUST in time. Then when the wedding got moved, I tried so hard to have them rerouted in time but they never made it. 

After our Saturday night wedding, I printed out as many as I had ink for on my home printer and brought those with me when we left Sunday morning so they at least had something after all the thought and work we put into them. 

I think this was the coolest idea ever though! 

Rachel & Phil // The Cheney Place Wedding Photographer

I love when people really make weddings unique to them. If you recall Rachel and Phil's engagement session a while ago, they planned a space themed wedding which I think is such a cool idea! Ryan and I had a Dr. Seuss themed wedding so we are all about doing oddball things :) 

The wedding was at The Cheney Place which is such a great venue. It's close to downtown, has a ton of awesome indoor places to shoot and is just a beautiful place to shoot in overall! I am always encouraging people to consider a rain plan since this is Michigan after all and this is certainly a good one! 

Their wedding was right at the end of Art Prize in Grand Rapids and I'm shocked we were able to manage getting any shots at some of the pieces since getting through traffic while on a schedule is always tricky but I'm so glad we did, there are so many incredible things there! The flower building is my absolute favorite though! 

Enjoy! 

Celestina & Jason // Battle Creek Wedding Photographer

Celestina and Jason were so great to shoot. They laugh with...and at...each other and you all know how much I love good laughers! That sense of playfulness I think is just everything in a relationship. 

As far as details go, let's just take a moment to appreciate those incredible flowers. seriously, they were huge and awesome and quite possibly my favorite of the year. 

Then there are the children. The shots of Celestina and her boys just melt my soul into a puddle. I remember their reaction when they saw her and they just seemed so amazed and gosh, there's probably nothing better than that for a mother. 

This was such a fun and relaxed day with the perfect ending of incredible golden light and a mysterious castle. I know theres a lot here but keep scrolling, those golden light shots are worth it!! GO!