This past summer I was fortunate to photograph a destination wedding for Amber and Steve. Amber and Steve were a fun loving couple who had the most beautiful wedding!  Amber’s caring personality came across in her smile and Steve loved to joke around.  Their playful personalities were exciting to capture with the camera.  I could tell the two were in love the way they looked at each other.

Even though I am primarily a Lansing photographer I love to photograph in other parts of Michigan.  Amber and Steve got married in the resort town of Gaylord, Michigan.  To make sure the wedding day ran smoothly I drove up to Gaylord to meet with Amber, and scope out some great spots for fun pictures!  Gaylord is a beautiful town that offers so many picturesque photo opportunities.  When photographing a destination wedding it is important to do some research to find the right spots for the day of their wedding.

When I photograph a wedding, I love to capture the details of the entire day.  From the program and flowers to the grand church.

Amber had a smile on her face the whole day!  From the hair salon to makeup, Amber shined.  All the girls were having a great time getting ready.

Amber paired a beautiful beaded lace wedding dress with cowboy boots!  This country girl has great style sense and she pulled it all together with bouquets of silk flowers that were handmade.

Amber’s smile continued as she walked down the aisle to Steve who had a huge grin on his face as well!  It was a beautiful moment seeing Amber being escorted by her father.

Amber’s dad pulled the veil from Amber’s face giving his blessing for the marriage.  A hug to the Steve touched the audience.

The sermon was moving and meaningful to a couple about to start their life as one with God.

It was a beautiful service filled with inspirational readings.

Amber and Steve were having a great time!  Side by side they laughed when the Priest made a joke.

The ring bearer did an amazing job keeping the rings safe for the exchange.

The communion and blessings were priceless!  You could feel the presence of God in the church.

You could also feel the joy in the church as Steve signs peace to the whole congregation.

Amber and Steve greeted their immediate family with hugs and kisses.

I caught a quiet reflective moment between Amber and Steve where they gazed at their rings.  They were finally married and it had been a beautiful ceremony!

Amber and Steve were all smiles as they made their way together out of the church.

Amber and Steve showed off their cowboy boots to the guest that they greeted.

Amber and Steve couldn’t stop smiling as they hugged their guests.  Everyone was so happy for the newly married couple!

We all went back into the church to take some fun formal pictures.  Amber and Steve and their bridal party looked great!!!

With the ceremony finished we went outside for some beautiful portraits!  Amber was up for a great time even sitting on a bridge with her gown flowing down.  Amber looked radiant…newly married to the man of her dreams!

It’s hard to pick a favorite part of the wedding day but I do know that I enjoy photographing beautiful romantic pictures!  It was so much fun capturing Amber and Steve’s chemistry!

The whole bridal party was having a great time!!!!  The guys posed with the bouquets and everyone laughed!!!  The stress from planning a destination wedding was over and now it was time to have fun!!!

Amber and Steve held each other close!  Amber’s grandparents back yard opened up to the lake and made for the perfect portrait setting!!!!

Even though I am normally a Lansing photographer I loved being in a new location!!!  Gaylord really offered great locations for Amber and Steve’s destination wedding portraits!

I love the private moments that I could capture of Amber and Steve!!!  Surrounded by the beauty of nature Amber and Steve were able to enjoy the moment!

Amber and Steve’s bridal party had a great time helping clear the dock so we could use it for pictures…Way to go to the girls for not worrying about getting wet!!!

I love how the crystal blue water surrounds Amber and Steve.  This is my favorite shot of the day!

 

I could have photographed Amber and Steve all day!!!  They made my job so easy for me!!!  It was a pleasure capturing their love!!!

I also had a great time with the bridal party!!!  Everyone was joking around and celebrating with Amber and Steve!!!

We ended the outdoor fun pictures with just Amber and Steve next to a beautiful rustic fence.  I love the browns in the trees and fence play off Steve’s tan tux.

It was a beautiful wedding for a beautiful couple!!! Congratulations Amber and Steve I wish you many years of happiness!!!  Even though I am primarily a Lansing photographer I am happy to say that I have now photographed in the beautiful Gaylord Michigan!  I can’t wait to see where my next destination wedding will take me!!!