I was so excited to see blue skies this last Saturday. Jessica and Collin tied the knot on the patio of Portage Country Club, and the day could not have been more beautiful. I was particularly smitten with the rustic, garden details. :) While these two are off honeymooning, enjoy a sneak peek from their big day!
Staci & Ben | Chippewa Lake Wedding
Staci and Ben met over coffee, except they weren't sitting at the same table. Staci worked behind the counter and Ben frequented the local shop. At first he wasn't too excited that one of his friends was leaving and would be replaced by a new barista, but soon Ben was bringing Staci books he wanted to share and Staci was learning exactly how he took his coffee.
"Staci supports me in pursuing my passions and makes me want to be a better person every day," Ben said.
Just from getting to know these two over a short period of time, I know they have lots of passions. I love the way these two live their lives. From their obvious affection for each other and their beloved dogs to choosing to take a road trip honeymoon instead of the typical beach vacation, they keep life interesting. I like that, and it inspires me to live my life with open arms too.
Staci and Ben, you two deserve all the best. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your day!
Rachel from Blue Envelope Boutique did such a great job on their non-traditional invitations!
Gorgeous, gorgeous, Staci!
While I stayed with the girls, my friend Brittany hung out with the guys ... and these furry guys. :)
Staci has a really close relationship with her family and did a first look with her dad and brother. So sweet!
The day started out sunny and clear, but as we neared ceremony time, the clouds darkened ...
And then the rain came five minutes before the outdoor ceremony was to start! It's good luck, right? :) Luckily, it cleared up not long after it started.
Thank you, Brittany, for that picture up there on the left! Love it. :)
We got to squeeze in a couple more portraits at dusk. It was totally worth it!
Love this photo of Ben and his grandma. :)
To see more from Staci and Ben's lake wedding, click here to view a SLIDESHOW or watch it here:
Ceremony/Reception: The Oaks Lakeside Florist: Terri Witkosky Hair Stylist: Sandi's Hair Studio II DJ: On the Mic Entertainment Paper Goods: Blue Envelope Boutique Bride's Dress: Justin Alexander Bride's Shoes: Liz Claiborne Bridesmaids' Dresses: CoralieBeatrix Suit: JhaneBarnes Honeymoon: Road trip to the Grand Canyon!
Jaclyn & Nicholas | 1920s-Inspired Canton, Ohio Wedding Sneak Peek
Where do I start with these two? Jaclyn and Nicholas are such a fun couple, and their wedding was one big, happy reflection of that. Their wedding party was laughing the whole day, the dance floor was packed ... everyone had a great time because these two bring out the fun in everyone they're around! I'm so excited to share more of their 1920s-themed wedding next week, but for now here's a little peek while the lovebirds are off honeymooning in Hawaii.
Angela & Jordan | Pennsylvania Country Wedding
Angela and Jordan have the sweetest story. They met at Geneva College in a quantitative analysis class (yeah, I don't know what that is either). As Jordan tells it: "The class was far less interesting than the girl in the front row, so I made a point of studying her instead." Even though Angela and Jordan come from very different places (Angela is from Annapolis, Md., and Jordan is from the country in Pennsylvania), their relationship—the first for both of them—just works.
These two were so calm throughout their wedding day. They knew it was where they were supposed to be, right in each moment. I say this all the time, but it's so refreshing to see couples like Angela and Jordan stay focused on the marriage and not all the details that may or may not go perfectly throughout the day.
Angela says that Jordan is the calm one and he keeps her relaxed, but I think their best qualities each rub off on each other. They are each other's first real love, and I love how pure and genuine they are ... separately and together.
"I cannot wait to see who Jordan and I will become as a couple when we are each other's sole companion," Angela said of what she's most looking forward to in married life. "I am excited to see what God has in store for us, who we will meet, and what we will be called to do."
I'm excited to follow your journey, too! Thank you so much for all your hospitality and kindness on YOUR big day. You two are the sweetest, and I'm so, so thankful to have met you guys. The absolute best to you!
Angela and her sisters and best friends got ready in a beautiful brick house near the wedding site. I was slightly obsessed with the bathroom. Weird?
Both of their rings have been passed down for generations. I love the date inscribed inside Jordan's band. So cool!
Angela and Jordan opted for a first look. We had the most efficient portrait time ever! These two are troopers because it was so windy and so chilly!
Angela, you're so gorgeous!
Then it was off to get married! :)
Thanks to my second shooter Jen for that beautiful picture of Angela up there! So radiant!
Angela's nieces are the cutest ever!
Angela and Jordan's family and friends did a fantastic job setting up the reception site! Many props to them.
And then! And then there was the perfect sunset and Angela and Jordan agreed to do a few more photos. SO WORTH IT!
To see more from Angela and Jordan's countryside wedding, click here to view a SLIDESHOW or watching it here:
Ceremony/Reception: The Stern Barn Florist: Fifty Flowers Hair Stylist: Becky's New Effect Bride's Dress: Saison Blanche Groom's Tux: Tommy Hilfiger Groomsmen's Bowties: Etsy Ice Cream: Ritchey's Dairy Honeymoon: Riviera Maya!