Before Ted + Carla shared their first look with one another, they each had the opportunity to get some portraits with the friends and siblings that they hold dear in their life.  We started with the ladies, where Carla took my awesome advice and bought the girls with stilletos ..high heel savers..!  It made it much easier for them to walk on the grass {and not aerate the lawn!}  They were super thankful to have them and it saved their heels from grass and dirt!  Soon after we finished up with the ladies, the guys followed suit.  Each having a great time but still looking forward to seeing each other.

Even though Ted + Carla had a first look, we slipped on their rings and continued on with some portraiture.  Because honestly, there is no better time to capture them so in awe of each other, not distracted, and completely focused on one another than right after one of the biggest moments of the day!  And they did not disappoint as they continued to just love all over each other!  I could have photographed them in those willows all day long!

After we had the first look, we moved them back into the country club while their guests began to arrive.  They were pointed in the direction of the ceremony, while we had a chance to steal away and get some reception shots before guests made their way in for cocktail hour.  It was the perfect time and all of the details had been put into place.  The white chair covers looked fabulous as the simple set up was lit by the gorgeous wall of windows.  Bringing in that oh so precious light.

Once the ceremony was over, guests went it to enjoy cocktail hour while we finished up with family portraits.  The fun began when the bridal party loaded up on the golf carts and made a few cocktails of their own!!  We all made our way back out to the gorgeous willow tree and continued with all of the festive vibes everyone had going on!!  Who doesn’t want to give their couple a big hug, strike a pose, and other fun exclusive bridal party happenings?

We made our way back to the club house and had the party introduced, cut the cake, and then the toasts followed.  Some toasts completely expected, while others not.  Right after the blessing, the groom’s cousin Erin busted out into a rap about the bride + groom and had everyone laughing!  It was a super sweet moment, and something Ted + Carla will never forget!  The night continued on with the traditional dances and the guests rocking the dance floor!  Many thanks to Ron + Evan on that one!

Ted + Carla!!  I was so honored and blessed to have been asked to be a part of your special destination wedding day.  I wouldn’t have wanted to miss these moments for anything.  I pray nothing but the best over this next year together as a Mr. + Mrs. and I cannot wait to see what life has for the both of you in all things.  All I know as that I see a ton of happiness in your future!  Blessings and love over your marriage!!

..BUST OUT..

love, echo

{Wedding Day Credits}

Photographers: Echo + Nicole

Location: ..Oak Pointe Country Club.. Brighton, Michigan

Event Coordinator: Kendal Taylor  with Oak Point CC

Florist: ..Ruby Slipper Design.. Howell, Michigan

Cake Artist: ..The Cakery.. Lansing, Michigan

DJ:  Ron Miller + Evan, ..Elite Entertainment.. Warren, Michigan

Photobooth:  Jennifer D’Ambrosio, ..Elite Entertainment.. Warren, Michigan

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echoes of love

Traditionally a groom isn’t suppose to see his bride until she is walking down the aisle, and for Ted + Carla that was their initial decision.  But after a long discussion of their wedding day vision, they decided that doing a first look was the best way to keep a fluent timeline for their day.  The couple chose to have their wedding day nuptials and reception at the beautiful Oak Pointe Country Club in Brighton, Michigan. The perfect background and atmosphere for their personalities!

The day started just as any normal wedding day would, for the ladies hair and makeup and the usual prep that goes along with.  After some morning weather, the guys managed to sneak in a tee time and a round of golf before having to be showered and at the club.  We found Carla with her ladies in waiting, trying to decide which jewelry to wear.  She had purchased numerous sets and figured that not until she was dressed would she decide.  Downstairs the guys were beginning their routine as well, while baseball was playing on the TV in the background.  Each preparing for the big moment they had been waiting for.

Finally, all the preparation they had gone through all morning was about to be showed off.  I met with Ted and made my way out with him to the willow tree.  The very spot they had picked out for their first look.  The very spot he was to see his bride.  To hold her hand.  Talk to her.  Hug her before she became his wife.  Within a few moments Carla and Nicole made their way out towards the willow.  Ted’s back to Carla as she headed his way.  His hands in his pocket, anxious to see her.  As she walked towards him, Ted said aloud, I hear you babe.  Your getting closer. My heart was racing in excitement.  Every ounce of my romantic being pounding as I captured this ever so special and fragile moment.

He began to smile, knowing she was just a few feet away.  She couldn’t walk fast enough.  And then, she reached for his arm.  He turned and saw his beautiful bride.  He looked at her and his eyes welled up with happy tears.  He took her in his arms and held on to her as tightly as he could as he kissed the top of her shoulder.  It was here.  The moment was here.  She was standing right in front of him and it was ever so real.  As they met there under the willow tree, they held each other close.  They stood apart and looked at each other.  Soaking up every moment they could.  And we, we just stood back and captured the breath-taking moments.  The ones that melt your heart.  The ones that only happen when the magic of true love happens.

I gave them their time.  The time they would only have together had they decided to see each other.  The fabulous reason of why first looks are so spectacular and why they have changed the face of the wedding day.  Because these true moments would have never been captured had they seen each other down the aisle.  After asking Ted + Carla about their decision, they said they wouldn’t have done it any other way!  After the ceremony commenced, Ted’s smile and emotion wasn’t any different than when he saw her just an hour earlier.  The ceremony lead on beautifully and it couldn’t have turned out to be a better first half of the day!

Love this image on the left of Dad grabbing his daughter’s arm in congratulations!

Ted + Carla!  Thank you for asking me to be a part of your very special day.  I was so blessed to have captured your morning, the moment when you guys saw each other for the first time, and the happy time of you being pronounced husband + wife.  I pray you never lose the happiness of that day and that you will always and continuously cherish the memories that have come from it.  Part II is coming up, so get excited!

..UNDER THE WILLOW..

love, echo

{Wedding Day Credits}

Photographers: Echo + Nicole

Location: ..Oak Pointe Country Club.. Brighton, Michigan

Ceremony Officiate: Kathleen Conover {Aunt of the Bride}

Makeup + Hair: ..Reflections Salon & Day Spa.. Brighton, Michigan

Florist: ..Ruby Slipper Design.. Howell, Michigan

DJ:  Ron Miller, ..Elite Entertainment.. Warren, Michigan

 

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echoes of love

Gary + Alisha tied the knot with their toes in the sand and it couldn’t have turned out to be a better ceremony!  The sun began to break through the clouds and in true fashion the heat began to pour down!  We rallied everyone quickly for beach portraiture {before anyone got too overheated,} and made it a good time.  The new husband + wife were in wedded bliss and they couldn’t stop  the feelings that overtook them.  It was so sweet to watch him whisper in her ear, while she giggled softly at whatever sweet nothing he had to say.

We ended up moving on to the adorable marina down the road, which gave everyone a bit of relief of shade!  Enjoying some laughter and moments with the friends they call the closest, I had a great time as {mostly} the guys humored everyone!  During the guys portraits, I couldn’t help notice Gary playing with his ring.  For a guy who has never wore a ring before, it takes some getting use to.  {Guys insert ball and chain jokes here…}  In all honesty though, it’s such a bittersweet moment to capture it when I do find it.  Such a symbolic reminder to the new commitment that they entered into.

Cocktail hour started almost immediately following the ceremony, and it was not to be missed!  Ladies + gentleman were greeted by an open bar and some specialty drinks, where they enjoyed appetizers AND a steel drum band!  While I finished up with the portraiture, Nicole moved on and had the opportunity to listen to this sweet Caribbean atmosphere.  They knocked it out of the park!! {Or so I heard!}

Please tell me…how adorable is this??  Such a cute way to represent the animal kiddos!!

We arrived right before cocktail hour ended and had the awesome opportunity to photograph in front of the ..Silver Beach Carousel..!  Not to mention having the opportunity to take a ride!  Thank you Nicole for grabbing the ‘in action’ image of me!!

After enjoying our ride, everyone was introduced, toasts began, and after dinner, dances overtook the night!!  Each moment being taken in and held dear to Alisha + Gary.  They were so thankful that everyone came to celebrate with them!!  But they sure couldn’t wait to cut loose on the dance floor!!  DJ Kurt brought it, and the party was on the floor all night!!

Slipping outside right before we packed up for the night, I captured the beautiful carousel house as Nicole waited patiently for the fountains to blast off as the kids played in the water splash pad!  St. Joseph, Michigan is such a beautiful place to enjoy a small town atmosphere, enjoy some beautiful clean beaches, and  have a pretty sweet Caribbean style wedding!!

Gary + Alisha!  Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to come up and put my toes in the sand with you!  I had such a blast photographing your destination wedding!!  I pray that this next year and the years to come hold nothing but happiness for the both of you!!  Congratulations again and I hope you find many adventures in life together!

..CARIBBEAN ATMOSPHERE..

love, echo

{Wedding Day Credits}

Photographers: Echo + Nicole

Location: ..Shadowland Ballroom.. St. Joseph, Michigan

Event Planner: Nicole Beltzer, ..Shadowland Ballroom..

Makeup + Hair: Ali Mashke, ..Paparazzi Hair Studio.. Stevensville, Michigan

Brides Dress: ..Fantastic Finds Bridal Salon.. Lansing, Michigan

Ladies Dresses: ..Alfred Angelo..

Tuxes: ..Libin’s Warehouse.. Kalamazoo, Michigan

Florist: Sirena Smith

DJ:  Kurt Lewis, ..DJ Kurt Lewis.. Howell, Michigan

Band:  Chaz, ..The Gratitude Steel Band.. West Bloomfield Michigan

Cake Artist:  ..Dee’s Specialty Cakes.. Stevensville, Michigan

Videographer: Katie + Joe, ..Forever Fossilized.. Grand Rapids, Michigan

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echoes of love

When Alisha reached out to me over a year ago, she mentioned that my personality matched her’s perfectly.  Like almost to a ‘T.’  She knew I had some major OCD tendencies and she could relate.  Over our crave for perfection and organization we bonded, Gary included.  {Although he was worried Alisha and I would talk too much.  Which may or may not have been true!}  In all of it, I think I came to realize that Alisha may have beaten me in the OCD category!  She had a 4 page list of details and itinerary for her wedding day…this girl had it down to a science!

When Nicole and I arrived the morning of Gary + Alisha’s big day, we found the ladies finishing up hair and makeup.  Alisha wrapping up some last minute details and the bridesmaids about to get dressed!  Everyone laughing and telling me all about this coveted itinerary!  Alisha owned it and was proud, and to be honest it made the day go fantastic and smooth!  After capturing her getting into her dress and that cherished first look with her Dad, we were right on schedule and moved on to be with Gary!

Gary and the guys were in their hotel room, where their party had already started.  He showed off his sweet new cuff links from his bride-to-be as I hassled him about his latest facebook post.  It read, Dun da dun dun dunnnn… 2 days, but there’s still time!  Something that Gary always teased Alisha with.  There was still time to run.  I told him that he better not, and he laughed while he hung out with his guys and drank a cool one!

While Gary + his guys finished up their drink we headed out to the beach.  Guests had already to begun to arrive, and while it was a little muggy on the beach there was a lovely overcast to the day.  {Nothing like working with your toes in the sand!}

With the ceremony beginning, Gary escorted his Mom to her seat and anxiously awaited as each couple made their way to the front.  It was quite the walk and while he felt like it could have gone on forever, his humor was placed right before him.  Nieces and nephews began their procession down toward the beach arbor, he then read two signs that read, Uncle Gary Time Is Up.  Everyone knew of his saying and everyone loved it.  But by far the most adorable thing happened, when one of the boys couldn’t quite keep his sign right side up!

Before he knew it, his beautiful bride was in sight.  Alisha and her father made their way from the pier to the arbor, and with a smile splashed across her face it was happening.  Mr. Bartlett handed his oldest daughter’s hand over to Gary, and in the moment he was so excited to see her that he tried to kiss her right then and there!!  Alisha quickly diverted as the guests let out a soft laugh.

In front of their family and friends Gary adorned Alisha with nothing but sweetness.  It was pure and beautiful and everything I live to photograph for.  They shared their own vows, exchanged rings, and even incorporated their own beer brewing grains as their unity ceremony.

With a beautiful ceremony, and a gorgeous day, it was sealed with a kiss.  Gary + Alisha were introduced as Mr. + Mrs. Ryder and walked down the beach in pure joy!

Gary + Alisha!  What a gorgeous day you had and such an amazing support group behind your new marriage!!  I hope you enjoyed Part I, because Part II is up next!!  Thank you again for allowing me to be with you as you shared your vows together!!

{In true fashion for Gary, it’s official…}

..TIME IS UP..

love, echo

{Wedding Day Credits}

Photographers: Echo + Nicole

Location: ..Tiscornia Park.. St. Joseph, Michigan

Ceremony Officiate: Carleen Burns

Makeup + Hair: Ali Mashke, ..Paparazzi Hair Studio.. Stevensville, Michigan

Brides Dress: ..Fantastic Finds Bridal Salon.. Lansing, Michigan

Ladies Dresses: ..Alfred Angelo..

Tuxes: ..Libin’s Warehouse.. Kalamazoo, Michigan

Florist: Sirena Smith

DJ:  Kurt Lewis, ..DJ Kurt Lewis.. Howell, Michigan

Videographer: Katie + Joe, ..Forever Fossilized.. Grand Rapids, Michigan

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echoes of love