Bridgette & Sam // Kalamazoo Wedding Photographer

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We met Bridgette & Sam when we shot their entire family (you can see that post here). Right away, we knew these people were a special bunch. They were so fun and joyful and just the kind of family you dream to be a part of.

Bridgette and Sam weren’t engaged at the time but when we left the session that day, Ryan and I both were like WE GOTTA SHOOT THEIR WEDDING! I am so glad we were able to be a part of this day because it was amazing. They have such a good energy together.

Sam is just so kind and has an excellent sense of humor and Bridgette is just a light in the world. She is one of those special people that could brighten anyones day. She reminds me a lot of Maisha from our last blog. Being able to be around people like this, even just for the day, impacts our life in so many ways. These images are not just memories for our clients, they are for us as well and being able to be a part of so many awesome events for so many incredible people is for sure the greatest perk of what we do.

Maisha + Nick // Goshen Indiana Wedding Photographer

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WHERE DO I EVEN START.

This wedding was special. Like…we were both choking back tears in the ceremony. We attend so many ceremonies but we are both mushy on the inside and will never be immune to the incredible, big deal that getting married is.

Maisha and Nick weren’t even going to hire a photographer at first. They were doing a really low key wedding in a backyard with food trucks, very DIY and just nice and easy. She didn’t even having a wedding dress when we first talked to them. They are just super laid back and were just going to be happy with whatever. We got to meet with them both and in the end, thankfully, they decided to have us and honestly, my life will be different because of that choice.

I get caught up. I get worried. I get overwhelmed. I care about the details of EVERYTHING. I overthink. I am so many of the things I think are dumb but I can’t stop being them. But this wedding just took me by surprise. It wasn’t just about Maisha and Nick. It was about EVERYBODY. It was about their village of people. It was about their families coming together.

In a culture where we are so independent and we all pride ourselves on how awesome we are all on our own, this felt like everyone there was better because of everyone else. The energy in this place was magical. I have what I describe as “vibes” which is just a feeling about people and, I don’t know, it’s always just been a feeling. Often I think my “vibes” are how God speaks to me and I was so overwhelmed by them at this wedding. Butterflies were born that morning and kept thinking everyone there was their mother and climbing all over them. I mean, for crying out loud, doesn’t that seem like some kind of a sign?! It was so incredible!

During the ceremony, one of their friends read this book, I like you.
We have never heard it before and it’s what really brought us close to tears. It’s so simple and cute but shouldn’t life be more simple? Shouldn’t it be this easy to choose to love each other? Unfortunately life is complicated and we don’t always do the right things and adulthood can sometimes change us in ways we never expected or wanted…but thats the real beauty of marriage, it keeps you together in the hard times because you choose to keep choosing each other.

We are so honored to have been a part of such an incredible day. It’s honestly one that will always stick out in our my minds. Oh, and we purchased this book on the drive home and it will be our #1 book we read to Grace a million times over. :)

“I Like You” by Sandol Stoddard Warburg

I like you and I know why
I like you because you are a good person to like
I like you because when I tell you something special, you know it’s special
And you remember it a long, long time
You say, “Remember when you told me something special?”
And both of us remember

When I think something is important
You think it’s important too
We have good ideas
When I say something funny, you laugh
I think I’m funny and you think I’m funny too
You know how to be silly
That’s why I like you

If I am getting ready to pop a paper bag,
then you are getting ready to jump

I like you because when I am feeling sad
You don’t always cheer me up right away
Sometimes it is better to be sad

You want to think about things
It takes time
I like you because if I am mad at you
Then you are mad at me too
It’s awful when the other person isn’t

I can’t remember when I didn’t like you
It must have been lonesome then
Even if it was the 999th of July
Even if it was August
Even if it was way down at the bottom of November
I would go on choosing you
And you would go on choosing me
Over and over again
And that’s how it would happen every time

Sara + Will // Grand Rapids Wedding Photographer

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What an incredible day! Everyone got ready at the J.W. Marriott in Downtown Grand Rapids which is such a beautiful hotel on the river that is surrounded by all the best things downtown has just in general but also for photos. This was such a laid back day filled with so much happiness and peace which is just the best.

We are at such an advantage that we attend so many weddings as they all impact us in one way or another. I recall our wedding a lot of the time and always try to remember when we were first married and the excitement that holds. In good times and bad, having a partner for life is just one of the most incredible things to experience.

Although we just met Sara and Will, it’s so obvious how good they are for each other and we are so happy for them. As Ryan and I always say to each other, “Buddies for LIFFFFEEE” and we hope that for them as well :)

Keely + Jake // Kalamazoo Country Club Wedding Photographer

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This wedding was one of those super laid back kind of days. Nobody was running around like crazy, It was easy to stick to the schedule, it was amazing! We even got lucky with the weather and it was the most perfect day with beautiful golden light at the end of it!

The girls got ready at our favorite hotel, the Radisson in downtown Kalamazoo and then the reception was at another favorite place of ours, the Kalamazoo Country Club. Keely and Jake are just such genuine and kind people and were so easy to work with. They weren’t too inside their own heads, overthinking everything, they just…simply enjoyed each other and the day and it was a beautiful thing to be a part of.

Matt + Lisa // Baker Lofts Wedding Photographer

Mother nature was really throwing a fit this particular weekend. Like…100% chance she was just gonna LOSE IT. So, that wasn’t promising. We made rain backup plans, Lisa bought umbrellas, we all wrapped our minds around cool rain shots and to make the best of it.

Then it just didn’t rain the whole time we planned for photos outside. It was nuts! Once we got to the reception, the sky just opened up and it POURED. It felt like it was just holding it all in until we were inside and then just let loose.

We love shooting at baker lofts so that was lucky if we needed an indoor space and their church was so beautiful! I literally have 5 minutes to get them upstairs, take the shot and back down for family photos and let me tell you 5 MINUTES is sometimes enough time to create magic. I was sweating buckets running around but it was totally worth it!

It was such an incredible day and we are super happy we were able to be a part of it! Enjoy!

Renee + Cullen // Spring Lake Engagement Photographer

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This was so exciting and scary! This is the first time Ryan flew the new drone over water. I was panicking (as usual) but he did such a great job and managed to not crash it :) He did however decapitate a bee, which I am pretty happy since a I just got stung a few days before that giving me cellulitis.

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Then there is the rest of the session which is all awesome, they were such naturals together and in front of a camera! So nice meeting you guys and you family, enjoy!

VanTimmeran 10 Year Anniversary & Extended Family // Little Sable Point Lighthouse Photographer

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Sometimes it’s easy to forget to have pictures taken of yourselves when doing extended family photos. We always try to get each family and some candids but Christine had us split the time so they could have photos taken for their 10 year anniversary which I thought was a great idea!

We had our 10 year photos taken this past summer and it was so much fun. Hopefully I’ll actually post some of them once I get a free day :) 10 years is such an accomplishment and I think everyone should embrace it with photos just having fun together at this time of our lives.

We shot these at Little Sable Point Lighthouse which isn’t that far from where we live but somehow we’ve never been up that way. It’s so lovely! Pretty much anything we do anywhere north of us is incredibly beautiful. Michigan is just crazy beautiful in the summer!

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OK BYE. ADIOS. THE END.

HAVE A NICE DAY!

Nori // Battle Creek Lifestyle Newborn Photographer

This is our third time shooting Jana and Cody and it’s always a magical time. If you want to see their super awesome engagement session that had that insane storm you can see it here: http://www.gauperphoto.com/blog/jana-cody-south-haven-engagement-photographer

Then their wedding last year! http://www.gauperphoto.com/blog/janacodywedding

Now they have a new little baby girl and based on the nursery, It’s easy to see Jana was pretty jazzed to drown her world in pink :)

Enjoy!

Kara & Matt // White Barn Venue Wedding Photographer

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YOU GUYS! Fun dancing, cool braids, donut wall made of bunt cake pans, a McDonalds lunch date for tiny children, super laid back couple with awesome friends and a ton of fun at the White Barn Venue in Claire Michigan. So many great things all in one day! 

Feeney Extended Family // New Buffalo Beach Family Photographer

I could really get used to these extended family sessions. Adorable kids, happy grand parents that love to play with said kids and really awesome, kind parents. We have been getting the best clients lately. I am so thankful I get to hang out with these people and give them great photos. I also love shooting in new places! This time we did our session at New Buffalo Beach where they had a really cool staircase to get some shots I don't normally get. Did I mention there was two sets of twins? 🙃

Since the kids were good we had some extra time to go to Beachside Scoops to get some fun ice cream shots and we didn't even care how messy we got! Thank you Feeney fam for having me out and buying me ice cream! It's really why I do this job. Free ice cream! 😎

Claire & Justin // Sundance Studios Wedding Photographer

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Justin and Claire are so awesome! I mean, they chose the coolest venue, had sweetwater donuts to feast upon, the coolest bow ties and dress but most importantly are just awesome people. They are so laid back and just such normal, real people. I love when people are comfortable enough to just be themselves. I think it makes life so much easier. I love how much they are best buddies. I know in my marriage, that is the single greatest part of our life, always having a buddy. 

Enjoy all these beautiful things with all the best people! 

Tishhouse/Stone Family // Saugatuck Family Photographer

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We shot Josh & Emily's wedding about 10 years ago and what a life changing thing that has been! Josh (the giant blonde one in the family picture above hahah) is basically a genius and has been such a huge help in my life when it comes to technology. So we've been photographing his family for years to stay on his good side haha! 

This year we went out to Saugatuck for Emily's side of the family and it was such a lovely day! We have been shooting at beaches more than we ever have before and it's been so great. I refuse to believe fall and winter are coming back in just a few months. 

Amanda + Mike // Muskegon Engagement Photographer

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We love people who love pictures! Amanda said she's been dreaming of her engagement pictures since she was a little girl which I thought was interesting. Usually it's just the wedding little girls dream about but this girl means business! hahaha

Amanda and Mike came to Muskegon State Park for one of our local engagement sessions and I'm so glad they did! It was a perfect evening and we love making trips to the beach even if it's just for work :) 

Rachel & Jason // Mill Creek Wedding Photographer

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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!!

Justin & Claire // Grand Rapids Engagement Photographer

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These two have the most interesting and awesome personalities. Claire has the most wonderful dry sense of humor that I feel like not that many women have for some reason and Justin's personality compliments that so well. 

They were INCREDIBLE at taking direction. I love when people just submit themselves to the weird process, let go and see where it leads us haha! Overthinking is the killer of pictures with personality and I can confidently say we all did just the right amount of thinking because I'm just crazy for this set of images. 

I'm SO excited for their wedding coming up since they are at an awesome venue on top of being awesome people. Double win for us! 

But for now, enjoy all these super cool pictures :)