I hope I can make it through writing this without crying. I couldn’t get through the editing without a tissue. Cortney and I graduated from high school together. I remember when we were younger, going over to Cortney’s house on the lake, eating snacks on the picnic table, hanging out, and talking about boys. Because you know, that is the life of middle school girls. I remember always being super impressed when Cortney turned on the radio, she knew all the songs and lyrics. It might seem like a silly thing now, but I remember thinking how cool that was.
Who would have thought, all these years later, that I would be the one to photograph my long-time friend’s wedding. Not me. Crazy how our lives still cross paths even though we both went off to different colleges and have moved around. This wedding was an honor to photography. Truly an honor. The ceremony and reception took place at Castle Farms in Charlevoix, Michigan. As us Michiganders like to say, “up north”. The minute Cortney started coming down the aisle I lost it. Tears were falling down my cheeks uncontrollably. Thank goodness my camera was blocking my face. I was SO excited that this day had finally arrived for my friend.
Everything about their wedding was perfect. The venue, the succulent florals (LOVED!), the dress, the shoes, the light getting ready, the weather….seriously could not have asked for anything more. My friend Amber and I were reminiscing a couple days before the wedding about how Cortney was always the fashionable one (she rocked those flannel button up shirts back in the day), with her makeup and hair done. Even though she always looked great, I had never seen Cortney look more beautiful than on her wedding day. She looked absolutely stunning!
Mike compliments Cortney completely. He makes her laugh and is so head-over-heels in love with that girl. Going through the portraits I kept saying “oh yeah, that is totally Cortney” and how I picture her. With a huge smile on her face. I am so happy for her and Mike! Thank you for allowing me to share in your special day and for letting me steal you away during the reception for more portraits. It was a very special day for me too! Love you two!!!
Venue | Castle Farms
Location | Charlevoix, Michigan
Dress | Maggie Sottero
Shoes | J Renee
Wedding Party Attire | Groomsman-Calvin Kline / Bridesmaids-Watters {www.bridesmaids.com}
Florals | School House Gardens
Linens | Castle Farms
Cake | Kingsly Cake
DJ + Photo Booth | DJ Crashers
Hair + Make-up | Jacklyn Bernard of Andrew Marke Salon
