The most magical part of Brian and Alyssa’s wedding day, aside from the incredible “head-over-heels” “out of the ballpark in love” vibes, is how happy every guest was apart of their celebration. The only theme  for the big event was a relaxed, fun day with the people instrumental in their lives. It was clear from the beginning that celebrating with their loved ones is what mattered most to this dynamic duo.

Capturing this wedding was what a photographer’s dreams are made of. The minute I saw the way these two look at each other, I knew I was going to immortalize some really magical moments. It’s just the type of thing you can’t force or fake, and when it happens so naturally it’s breathtaking. From the moment we met, I felt like I knew these two for years, so getting a grasp of their personalities was a piece-o-cake. Brian and Alyssa met while attending Saginaw Valley State University, and have been together for six years. Brian was there for a degree in Computer Programming and was also the captain of the bowling team. Alyssa was finding her niche in nursing school. The couple only lived in the same place for one school year before Brian moved back downstate. They had a long distance relationship until Alyssa finished up school. Although challenging, it made each time they were together that more special. After graduation, Alyssa moved down to Ann Arbor area. Not long after the fateful move, they bought and fixed up their first house!

“I feel like I get spoiled in our relationship,” Alyssa says. “Brian spoils me not with gifts, but by taking care of little random things for me…like always getting my drink or getting me something I forgot to grab before I snuggle up to read or start crocheting.” Being a nurse is not just a job for Alyssa, but her true passion and what she was made to do. Brian works in Information Technology at the hospital. In their free time, the couple enjoys spending time with their parents and families. They do weekly dinners with Brian’s mom and travel up north frequently to Alyssa’s  hometown of Cadillac, Michigan. Family is so important in their marriage, that on her wedding day, her mom, sister, and niece as well as Alyssa had lace from her mom’s wedding dress. To keep it even more family oriented, the beautiful dress was created by Brian’s aunt.

The venues chosen were St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan and the Ypsilanti Freight House, an old train weighing and unloading station. The freight house is an historic, non-profit venue with an indoor/outdoor setting with a wrap around porch. Their hope for wedding photos was lots of light and laughter. The couple’s signature is to be caught in candid photos while in fits of laughter. Between Alyssa’s beautiful smile and Brian’s “blue eyes that light up when he laughs,” those are the shots that truly capture these love birds best. I just adore these two!!!

Bakery: Cake made by the bride’s Aunt Rhonda, apple crisp by the groom’s mom, eagle brand cheesecake by Aunt Sue, and buckeyes by friend of the couple Danielle

Wedding Dress: Basic gown bought at the  Bride’s Project Ann Arbor (it’s a resale shop where all proceeds go to local cancer support groups), customized by the groom’s Aunt Di with lace embellishments from the bride’s mothers (Sandra) wedding dress

Grooms Attire: President Tuxedo, Ann Arbor

Rings: Bride- Dillion’s Jeweler in Wayne, MI; Groom- Zales

Decorations: Flowers – hand created bouquets by the bride’s Aunt Debbie; wedding signs by bridesmaid Lindsey Lancaster, the bride , and her sister Stephanie

Jewelry: Earrings: Nordstrom rack; Necklace: gift from makeup artist Hayley Upshur

Reception: Ypsilanti Freight house

Ceremony: St. Josephs Catholic Church

Food: Gary’s Catering

DJ:  Chris Campbell

Love this shot by my best friend and second shooter Breanna!   First look with Dad!!