Once upon a time, one of my dearest friends in the whole world asked me to be in her wedding. Saying yes to being a bridesmaid in Megan and Jay’s Michigan winter wedding was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever made. Then, Megan asked me another question – if I would also do double duty as her wedding photographer. My initial gut reaction was to excitedly say yes, but then my logistical side started panicking. Was it even remotely possible to be a photographer AND a bridesmaid??

Megan and Jay were married on the most magical December day, just ten days before Christmas. Their Muskegon, Michigan wedding (just outside of Grand Rapids) was full of the most perfect cranberry and gold details, lending the most dreamy, wintery touches to their already stunning day. Evergreen branches, chalkboard signs, and wood slice ornaments unified the decor and created a welcoming and homey atmosphere as their nearest and dearest gathered together to celebrate them as they said “I do.”

Christina and Josh are by far one of the most adventurous couples I have shot to date. They arrived to their sunrise session at Hayden Run Falls on one of the chilliest winter mornings. There was frost everywhere and we could see our breath in the air, but that didn’t dull their enthusiasm in the slightest. They cuddled together closer as we shot to keep warm and they so naturally laughed and played with each other as their love for each other came to life in front of the camera.

The best of weddings, engagements, and portraits from the best year for this little business yet. I love my couples and clients with my whole soul and it’s only because of them that I get to do what I do. I couldn’t be more thankful for each and every person who has allowed me to document their best moments this year.

My heart is so thankful + so full. So wonderfully full.

My goodness – I love these two. You can tell that they’re not only the sweetest couple, but the best of friends. Danielle and Aaron are the most genuine – in their love for each other and in their love for the Lord. Their relationship is a beautiful celebration of the faithfulness of Christ in their lives and you can tell that sacrifice and faithfulness are the foundation of their love.

My session with Brooke and Seth was just so much fun. We met up in the German Village district and spent the evening laughing as we walked the streets of downtown Columbus. They showed me their victory handshake they do when Ohio State scores a touchdown, Seth made Brooke twirl him in the middle of the sidewalk, and I definitely fangirled over them enough that Seth was rolling his eyes at me pretty consistently by the end of their session.

Leslie and Marshall’s day was absolutely perfect in every single way. I’ve gotten to follow along with their relationship from the beginning, as they have trusted me to document their first pictures together as a couple, to their  river-side engagement pictures at a local nature reserve, to finally, their beautiful July wedding day. Leslie knew she wanted a gorgeous, yet less traditional, venue for her wedding day, so she settled on the Maytag Event Complex in Newton, Iowa, just outside of Des Moines. This stunning historic warehouse was home to a Maytag washing machine factory many years ago, and has since been converted into a multi-level event venue, filled with natural light and vintage details.

I don’t know about y’all, but goodness, I am the WORST ever about printing pictures. Being a wedding and engagement photographer, you would think that I would have printed photographs displayed all throughout my home. However, the opposite of that is true. I spend so much time clicking and capturing photos, that I rarely take the time to print images to display. Truly, this is a tragedy, and I have seen this trend with so many other people around me – I know it’s noooot just me who has this problem! We download our gallery and change our phone wallpaper and facebook profile picture, but then our stunning photos stay simply as digital pixels, instead of becomingming meaningful, lasting, tangible memories as pieces of art in our homes.

Alyssa summed it up perfectly at the end of the evening as we walked back to the venue: “I’m going to cry because it’s over and because this was the happiest day of my life.” It truly was a joyful, beautiful, and happy-tear-filled day as friends and family gathered to celebrate the new Mr. and Mrs. DiCrasto.

Truly, there’s not much I can say about these pictures – the photos themselves say it all. 

Dennis and Deb have been married for forty-six years. Forty. Six. Years. Truly, they are #goals. As you can see from their precious photos, they are still just as in love with life and with each other as they were the day they said “I do.” Forty six years of laughter and love are evident all through these images, from the laugh lines as a result of years of joy to the hands still wearing the rings promising a commitment to always. Their long legacy of love speaks for itself. 

Want to have your mind culinarily exploded by a biscuit?? Then you absolutely HAVE to check out Alabama Biscuit Co. I’m not kidding, don’t walk, RUN. (Seriously, even if you live on the other side of the world, these biscuits are worth the trip. Pinky promise.) Their biscuits are incredible. 

The next stop on this summer’s jam-packed travel itinerary is my home, Dallas, but we absolutely had to stop and explore a few new places along the way. As we passed through Georgia, my best-friend-turned-second-shooter, Ari, and I made a pit stop at Condesa Coffee in downtown Atlanta.