A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Miguel and Alexa to discuss their wedding next year as well as do some engagement photos at Alexa’s family summer cottage.  While it was a cooker of a day, Miguel and Alexa didn’t seem to notice at all.  In fact, they get an A+ for laughter, love, and life.  How cute are they?!  Can’t wait for the wedding (which will be amazing as it’s being designed and orchestrated by A Day In May)!

*Special thanks to Jonathan Thrasher who manned a second camera!

A tribute to Miguel's homeland, Portugal

Alexa's hommage

I love it when couple's integrate props that actually have significance to them.

This past weekend was once again spent in an area that is quickly becoming my second home, Traverse City!  Jack and Julie were a dream to work with… taking me up on all my crazy ideas to do a catwalk, hike through a vineyard, and go off-roading through golden fields.  At one point, I even put Jack up to the task of dancing with his beloved bride in a specific place on the dance floor.  Normally I don’t “arrange” moments and even said as much to Jack, but his response was, “That’s ok, she won’t know it’s staged!”  The resulting image was the dancing picture below.  Well done, Jack.  :)  I hope you both are enjoying every second in Maui!!

*Special thanks to Jonathan Thrasher for running a second camera!

Over the weekend, I had the honor of photographing Scott and Meghan’s wedding at two of the most incredible venues I’ve ever seen.  When their ceremony started with a surprise tribute to their parents, each writing letters of gratitude leaving no eye dry (including mine), this couple’s love for their God and their family outshone even the most magnificent chapel.  Meghan and Scott, thank you so much for inviting us into your lives and that scared space.  You also helped one of my professional dreams come true by having your reception in The Drake Hotel’s Gold Coast Ballroom!  It was every bit the old world elegance I’d dreamed it would be!  Complete with those stunning 1940s candelabras.

*Special thanks to Ryan Prins for being my second photographer!

Cutest Pouty Flower Girl Award goes to this sweet little one, Kenzington.  It’s ok, I have days like that too.

Fortunately, a little tickle helps clear away the gloomy clouds.  :)

Gasp.  It’s a chandelier lover’s dream.

Yes, I love it.

Be sure to like Jen Kroll Photography on Facebook.  Lots of extra photos are added there on a regular basis that won’t be seen on any other site.  And if you see a photo of yourself, feel free to tag it!

Kim and Mark’s love story has a longevity that few can trump… they met when they were 10 years old!  Growing up in Texas, they dated in both middle and high school and then again after college.  Many, many years later, on a most perfect day, they were married on the shore of Kim’s family’s summer cottage on Suttons Bay.  Kim and Mark’s family and friends brought the hospitality that the South is most famous for, heaping kindness on us and leaving us feeling so blessed to have shared in something so precious.  My cup runneth over!

At some point when the season settles down a bit, I’ll post more details of this summer’s spectacular weddings that are sure to inspire.  I can’t wait until you see Alicia Caldecott’s craftsmanship of Mark and Kim’s festivities, but for now, enjoy just a sneak peak of the sweetness that is their relationship.

*Special thanks to Jonathan Thrasher who joined me once again on a second camera!

For the bonus random photo… I LOVE this one!  The pearls once belonged to Kim’s great grandmother!

Also, if you don’t already like Jen Kroll Photography on Facebook, be sure to do so.  Lots of extra photos are added there on a regular basis that won’t be seen on any other site.  And if you see a photo of yourself, feel free to tag it!