Just can't TELL you how excited I was to finally have a wedding of my own to do. For the past two months, I've been helping various other photographers out with their weddings (in June, July and August, I've second shot four!), while I waited (somewhat patiently) for my own to start up again. This was the longest break I've had during the summer months, but I was so ready to do when August 20th rolled around.
I did an engagement session for Jenna and Charles, a couple from back in the good old (home)town of Harrison. They brought their new addition to the family, Harper, along, and though it was a short session, we had a great time, and got some good shots as well. They are a photogenic couple, and though it was a long drive up to Houghton Lake on that cloudy afternoon, I couldn't have been more excited.
Though the sky was threatening rain, it turned out to be the most perfect day for photographing. We had some amazing detail available behind us after the ceremony got started, and it was gorgeous. Jenna and Charles had a few creative touches in their ceremony, such as releasing butterflies (who weren't being very cooperative), and afterwards, we took the bridal party out for a few shots. Charles was a great groom in making sure his guys were in line for photos. We got them done in record time. Finished with a few BEAUTIFUL ones of the couple before hitting the reception, where there was a firework show waiting for the guests. Way to plan a unique event, Charles and Jenna! The long months of planning definitely paid off.
Forgive me this LONG post... I am just so excited! This was one of my best weddings yet, and I want to share it with all of you! Thanks so much to Charles and Jenna, you guys were an amazing couple to work with. I am looking forward to your Trash the Dress session next month! Can't wait!
Second Photographer: Jess Furrow
Wedding and Reception: Comfort Suites Lakeside in Houghton Lake, MI
Cake: Gourmet Cupcake Shoppe (Midland, MI)
Flowers: Deb Niemi of Country Flowers (Harrison, MI)
^The girls of the bridal party, enjoying the hot tub!
^Lovely ladies, love this one!
^Jenna is a gorgeous bride. And I love the yellow roses, too.
^These are our very serious groomsmen. Great looking group, no?
^Charles just rocked that serious look. I took lots of him smiling too, but these are just so good!
^There's a smile! I got lots of him smiling at his new bride coming up...
^Seeing each other for the first time. The first look is always a good idea to save time for photos, but I just love it when the first time they see each other is when the bride comes down the aisle!
^Releasing the butterflies.
^Say their vows... also, Jenna's necklace is so cool.
^I think God is looking down on this ceremony and smiling :-)
^Yup, a very good bridal party!
^Okay, so I REALLY like the yellow roses... and the shoes!
^My favorite part of the day... getting Charles and Jenna together.
^So pretty!
^Absolutely love the dress. It was perfect for photos!
^Thanks to Jess for this great silhoette.
^Another quick, serious moment.
^Houghton Lake was a perfect location. I couldn't have asked for a better setting.
^Cupcakes and cake by The Gourmet Cupcake Shoppe of Midland.
^Congrats to Jenna's grandparent's on their 60th wedding anniversary, also August 20!
^Love this candid moment... caught by Jess, I think?
^Despite the wrong version of their song being played, Jenna and Charles still enjoyed the moment. Thanks again for this one, Jess.
^And again, from Jess, I LOVE this interaction between the bride and groom. So cute!
^And a smooch from my side!
^What other way to end an amazing night than a big firework show???
^Congrats Charles and Jenna!
