I think this might actually be the longestttt wedding blog post I’ve ever written (so grab a snack and get ready for ALL the wedding prettiness) but it’s truly just because Hannah and Mike’s stunning wedding day at Little Brook Meadows in Lancaster, Ohio was just so full of precious moments that I couldn’t help but share with you! The whole week leading up to their wedding the forecast showed rain, so Hannah and I were frantically texting about rain plans and praying for good weather, and when their big day arrived it was sunny and beautiful. This elegant venue outside of Columbus provided the perfect backdrop for these two to say “I do” in front of all of their family and friends.

Michaela and Michael said their vows on one of the prettiest January days I have ever seen. The sun was shining over the town of Saint Joseph, which sits right on the shore of Lake Michigan, the perfect backdrop for their wedding day. One of the most touching details of the day was that Michaela chose to wear her mother’s wedding gown (cue ALLLLLL the tears). Her grandfather officiated and their best friends led in worship during the ceremony, which was followed by a reception with all their family and friends. After that, they snuck away to the harbor for a few moments together as brand new husband and wife, before returning for dinner with a group of their nearest and dearest.

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.”

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.

If there ever was a picture perfect wedding day, it was this one. Heather and Javier’s wedding day welcomed the most beautiful November weather Dallas has to offer as they tied the knot at the Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park. Heather and Javier were surrounded by their nearest and dearest as they said their vows in an intimate ceremony on the lawn, followed by a brunch reception featuring a donut wall they crafted themselves.

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.

// just the highlights of a wonderfully full, wonderful year //

To every single individual, family, couple, or senior who trusted me to document your special moments this year, thank you. Truly. You make this dream of mine a reality and I could not be more deeply thankful for the honor of being chosen to capture and preserve your memories.  

2017, you’ve been a dream. 

This wedding day was the most uniquely beautiful day. The bride and groom were the sweetest, most genuine couple. When my second shooter Alyssa (of Alyssa Masters Photography) and I met the couple for the first time, they instantly made us feel at home. The day was full of celebration and the atmosphere was joyous, upbeat, quirky, and fun. Drew and Michaila, we could not be more thrilled for the two of you to begin your life together. Enjoy all the precious details of their lovely day, held in the most intimate historic warehouse. 

 The Eagle Historic Warehouse // Hillsboro, Texas

Oh my lantaaaaa Georgia. These two. This day. Her dress. What a dream. This was six months after Hayley and Caleb said “I do” in a precious ceremony in Oregon, Wisconsin. While they loved their wedding day, the day was full of rain and the timeline was rushed, so they wanted to celebrate their six month anniversary with more bridal portraits. They exuded pure joy and their sweet, newly-married intimacy made our time together effortless.