I can honestly say that I have the best job and the best clients!!!! This past fall I had the privilege of photographing my old friend Megan and her now husband Garrett in a beautiful MSU wedding. The wedding was on a perfect fall day in October when the trees were a blaze of color! From the conversations that we had I could tell they were each marrying their best friend! It was amazing capturing their love for each other during the romantic and fun day!
Megan and Garrett chose River Terrace Church in East Lansing for their ceremony! The River Terrace Church is located right next to MSU Campus and down the street from the University Club where they held their reception. The church was warm and inviting! The golden wood surrounding the chapel glowed with the candle light from the altar. It was a picture perfect setting for a MSU wedding.
I met Megan in the morning for the preparation pictures. Megan’s hairstylist came to the church allowing Megan to take it easy and relax. Everything was in place…bridesmaid’s around for company and laughs, the flowers had arrived and Megan’s hair was turning out beautiful!
As the hair was coming together and touch ups on the make up were done it was getting closer and closer to the big moment! Everything in the day was leading up to walking down the aisle.
Megan and Garrett paid extra attention to the details for their special day! From the dress to mementos that Megan carried with her in her bouquet to the altar decorations it was all thoughtfully planned.
One of Megan’s bridesmaid’s, Christi, helped with the fastening of the many buttons. A beautiful detail to a stunning dress. Time was going so quickly in the morning and now it was almost time to see Garrett’s face for the first time on their wedding day!
Megan and Garrett both wrote a love note to each other that they are to open on their 20th anniversary! A beautiful romantic idea!
On the altar were framed pictures of grandparents from both Megan and Garrett’s sides. In the decorative box was a bottle of wine that they will share on their 20th anniversary! The unity candle was classic yet spoke volumes of elegance. A perfect setting for two of the most wonderful people to exchange vows.
I have a lot of favorite parts to weddings, but I think for Megan and Garret’s wedding my favorite part was Garrett’s face as his bride walked down the aisle. Garrett stood tall and looked fondly as Megan entered the church.
Garrett stood in silence and broke a sweet smile as Megan reached the altar. The anticipation was worth every second! Garrett and Megan were about to be united for eternity as husband and wife and also as best friends!
Megan’s father pulled back the veil from her face. A special moment I was happy to capture.
Arm in arm Megan and Garrett stood in front of the pastor. All the hard work of planning…all the long hours of making sure the details were right had paid off. It was a beautiful ceremony full of love and optimism for the future ahead.
As the pastor was talking I caught a moment shared by only Megan and Garrett. A look of love and a look of happiness. A special quiet moment that did not need any words but spoke volumes.
The ring seals their love for one another. A timeless tradition of endless unity and love.
Hand in hand they lit the unity candle. A highlight of the ceremony and confirmation of their endless love.
And a kiss to begin their new life as one. Happiness overwhelms both Megan and Garrett as they exit the church as husband and wife.
Everyone gathered outside to see Megan and Garrett’s exit to the limo. Bubbles filled the air and at the same time smiles filled the crowd.
The altar made for a perfect background for classic formals. Megan looked radiant in her formal dress with the train elegantly flowing down and Garrett looked stunning in a unique tux and boutonniere.
After the formals we went onto the MSU campus for some outdoor fall portraits. MSU offers tons of different locations for a MSU wedding. We chose to go by the Red Cedar River where there was an amazing tree in a yellow glow!
The love for one another was beautiful. Their smiles were genuine and they were having the time of their life! I loved the fur shawl that draped around Megan’s shoulders. It was just the most perfect day for a MSU wedding.
Megan and Garrett’s energy was contagious! The whole bridal party was having fun before the reception. Catching the whole group at the right moment and capturing Megan and Garrett’s reaction to their fun loving friends was priceless! I can just tell the reception was going to be a great time!
With every wedding I like to capture romantic and timeless pictures of the bride and groom. I also enjoy capturing the love in the couples eyes as they gaze at each other.
Under the glow of the yellow tree Garrett held Megan in his arms.
A gust of wind blew through and picked up Megan’s veil cascading it behind her.
Taking a quiet moment to themselves, Megan and Garrett reflected on the day. So far it has been the perfect day and we still have a festive reception to attend.
Megan and Garrett’s reception was held at the wonderful University Club of MSU. A festive fall display greeted you at the door and there were favors laid in rows.
The chairs were covered in the wedding colors of brown and forest green. The flower centerpieces were lush and filled the room with fragrance. Megan worked so hard on all the tiny details and it all came together!
The toasts were given by Garrett’s best man, his dad and Megan’s childhood friend. The words were sentimental yet commanded some laughter from Megan and Garrett. Reminiscing about old times and looking forward to the future resonated throughout the hall.
Megan and Garrett chose to have a variety of pies instead of the traditional cake. It was fresh thinking and was welcomed by all the guests.
Before they could get the dancing started Megan and Garrett took the floor for their first dance. Bubbles filled the air and they held each other close. They were both in heaven and could have danced all night!
To the surprise of their guests Sparty made an appearance. Sparty line danced with the crowd and posed for pictures. He goofed around with the kids and made a stop in the photo booth. Sparty’s appearance added to an already spectacular day.
Throughout the night I caught Megan and Garrett dancing together like they were in their own world and no one was watching. They only had eyes for each other and held each other close for the whole night.
The party was just getting started and everyone was having the time of their lives.
Megan and Garrett had their dream MSU wedding! It was the perfect fall day for pictures on the MSU campus. Friends and family surrounded them at the ceremony and the reception. I am so thankful that they chose Yankee Photography to capture this special day!!!
I have an amazing ceremony to blog about today!!! It’s Baqir and Fizza’s Mehndi ceremony! It was an honor to capture such an important moment in their lives!!! I am so lucky to be a part of so many wonderful couples lives doing their wedding photography! My studio is based out of Lansing MI, but I photograph wedding ceremonies all over Michigan. Baqir and Fizza’s Mehndi ceremony took place at Fizza’s parents house. It was the perfect setting for a special event! There was a large tent set up for guest to sit and enjoy the meal. There was also a stage tent set up where the action took place. During the Menhdi ceremony Baqir arrived with a grand entrance! He was escorted with his close friends and family under a dupatta. A Dohl drum player led the group up the drive way and to the stage. Baqir’s close friends and family carried baskets of sweets for Fizza as a sign of good luck and longevity. Fizza followed Baqir’s entrance in a similar fashion. She walked under the Dupatta with her brother by her side. She looked magnificent in a green traditional gown. Once Baqir and Fizza were sitting on the stage henna was symbolically placed on their hands. And sweets were fed to both Baqir and Fizza. It was a beautiful, meaningful ceremony and I was blessed to capture all the action!!
