The love surrounding Katie and Ethan is permeating. Penetrating. Permanent. It’s the kind of love born from the love of family and cultivated by friends.

It’s a love defining the storybook of their lives, filling the chapters with fun adventures and wonderful memories.

So… here’s to a brand new chapter. <3

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I hope you enjoy this selection of my favorite photographs from Katie and Ethan’s wedding day! You can see all the photographs (and purchase prints/files) here at the full gallery! Don’t forget to leave some love in the comments below.

Getting Ready Location: Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church, Hillsdale, MI
First Look location: Slayton Arboretum
Ceremony/Reception: Jilly Beans Coffee Shop, Hillsdale, MI
Bride’s Attire: Antique Store
Boutonnieres/bouquets: Handmade with felt by Bride and family
Cake: Family

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The sun was shining brilliantly over the grounds of St.Paul’s…

 

The exctement was clear on everyone’s faces as people started pouring in to get ready for the day!

Although the ceremony wouldn’t be held here, I had to admire the craftmanship at work in the church! I stole Katie’s dress and shoes to go and play with the light…

Many hands make light work of getting the dress on! I love this next shot, it just cracks me up.

All finished, Katie left for nearby Slayton Arboretum!

We waited there for Ethan, taking advantage of the amazing surroundings to showcase Katie’s natural beauty. (LOVE that smile!)

Aside from being a gorgeous bride, Katie is also a stellar artist! She creates lively peices that just eminate happiness and love. <3 You can check out her work here!

Ethan and Katie had decided to do a “First Look”- making sure that the first time seeing each other on the wedding day was a beautiful, private moment. (I love first looks!! Among other things, they give you more time for gorgeous photographs, and give you the maximum amount of flexibility with the time you have, so you get to visit more with your guests!)

Ethan waited nervously as Katie snuck up behind…

The sunlight played on them through the trees as they shared the special moment…

In time, we went off to explore. Ethan had proposed to Katie here at the Arb, we ventured over to the exact spot for some romatic…

…and funny shots!

Across town, friends and family were preparing Jilly Beans Coffee House for the ceremony and reception.

The boutonnieres (and bouquets) had been handmade by the bride and family from felt. Gorgeous!!

Since they were able to get me a copy (they even addressed it to me as a real invite!! So sweetof them!!), I was happy to include Katie and Ethan’s perfect invitation in thier photographs…

The wedding bookmark favors (perfect for the theme) told Katie and Ethan’s story and featured an adorable illustration by Katie!

In a very kind gesture, water bottles were provided for the guests at each seat. With tempuatures headed for the upper nineties, it was greatly appreciated!!

At last, the guests had gathered, and Ethan took his place, best friend at his side…

The tears were already flowing as the ceremony began.

Katie and Ethan simply couldn’t have picked a more breathtaking spot. It was a photographer’s dream- and, more importantly, it was thier perfect match: intimate, gorgeous, and touched by nature.

The lights, strung up by friends and family, played nice with the sun, creating a warm glow over the ceremony…

With the ceremony over, time to celebrate! First on the to-do list? Hugs, of course!

The gorgeous “Secret Garden” is only part of Jilly Bean’s charm! Inside the coffee shop, guests relaxed and visted, enjoying the food and drink.

This amazing cake was made by family and decorated with a hand-made cloth banner topper! The cake plate was used by Katie’s great, great grandmother for her own wedding. <3

At night fell, unplanned dancing broke out in the courtyard.

Not one to turn down a chance to dance together, the desicion was made to turn up the music and hit the impromptu dance floor!

The night wasn’t complete without a mother-son and father-daughter dance.

Finally, it was time to leave. Kaite and Ethan darted past the rice as everyone chers their goodbyes!

Headed straight to thier new home out of state, Kaite and Ethan had an unsual vehicle waiting. A final hug…

…and they were off for their next big adventure!

Katie and Ethan, congradulations!! I wish you the best in life and love. <3

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If you loved what you saw here, please tell someone using the social buttons below! Don’t forget to check out the full gallery here to see all the day’s photograps or order prints/files.