Nick & Heather

I first met Heather this past winter for what I thought would be a quick cup of coffee. Only much to my delight our said cup of coffee was anything but quick. For well over an hour we sat and chatted about wedding planning and the best cocktail hour appetizers and her Vera Wang gown and how she met her amazing fiancé, Nick. We talked about how Nick and Heather truly wanted their wedding to be a reflection of their eco-friendly lifestyles. How they would rent plants and flowers for their big day and gift every one of their guests with their very own tree seedling as a favor. I listened as Heather told me about her handsome dog, Arwen, and the beloved family pup, Chloe – who would most definitely be an important part of the big day. And I smiled a big, goofy smile as Heather spoke of how her and Nick loved most any activity associated with being outside and involving an adventure. And one cup of coffee down, I knew I desperately wanted to photograph Nick and Heather’s wedding.

Earlier this month Nick and Heather were married at Rock Springs Ranch in Bend. They wed in a sweet ceremony surrounded by good company, a few towering pines, and the beloved aforementioned pooch, Chloe. While their wedding was absolutely beautiful and a true dream to photograph, what made Nick and Heather's day so special were their amazing friends and family. They're the type of people who immediately make you feel like one of their own. Leaving me to pinch myself and wonder how I get to photograph the world's most wonderful couples.

Heather worked with Bend's Cascade Garden Center to create a most beautifully natural arch to be married under. The Garden Center also provided all of the amazing plant rentals seen throughout the wedding - allowing Nick and Heather to stick to their sustainable roots!

I always get excited when I find out a couple has hired Tate & Tate Catering. Their food is even more delicious than it is beautiful - which is impressive considering Tate & Tate takes such pride in making a gorgeous presentation.

Sweetness...

Stephen & Ariel

I think one can tell a lot about a couple by the way their friends and family speak of them. After a heartfelt evening of toasts at Stephen & Ariel's rehearsal dinner, it was apparent that we were in the presence of a couple whose Love was just as beautiful as their sideways glances and stolen kisses made it seem. The legend goes that it was Ariel who first caught the eye of Stephen, the handsome Vanderbilt School of Medicine student who had crashed the annual School of Nursing Christmas party. There was the way she was so captured in conversation as she moved across the room. And the way she threw her bright blonde waves back in the air as she laughed with all her soul. But really is was her smile that kept Stephen's eyes fixed upon her. While the night involved a few failed attempts at conversation, with a valiant effort Stephen, persistent and determined, managed to leave the evening's festivities with Ariel's number in hand.

There may or may not be a few crazy, fate-induced details in between. But three years (and one absolutely precious pug named Oliver) later, the Vanderbilt graduates tied the knot in that same Music City where they met and fell in love.

Stephen & Ariel, I feel so incredibly blessed to have been part of your beautiful wedding. From day one you have welcomed me into your lives and treated me with such sweet Southern kindness that I can't help but call you y'all friends. It's been a joy getting to watch these last few months of planning and preparation lead to such a seamlessly wonderful day. Your wedding was the type that fairy tales are made of and I've no doubt the lives ahead of you will be all the same. Thank you for letting me share in your joy and your love and your happiness. I'm truly at a loss for words to express my gratitude.

Lots of love, Michelle

Stephen and Ariel were married at Nashville's Riverwood Mansion. And while it was my first time working with Katie, Riverwood's amazing event coordinator, I left that evening desperately hoping it wouldn't be my last...

The bride in a stunning Maggie Sottero gown with a gorgeous bouquet by The Enchanted Florist.

Ariel, you are breathtaking...

Stephen looked extra dapper in a tuxedo by Vera Wang.

How handsome is this sweet boy?!

Stephen & Ariel's cake was simply a work of art. Made by The Bake Shoppe, I'm so happy it had the spotlight of its own that it truly deserved.

Matt & Lacey

She was the first to notice him, though she did have the distinct advantage being perched atop the campus balcony one Hilo afternoon with her roommate, Sammy. And while it wasn’t uncommon for Lacey and Sammy to sit and scope out the University of Hawaii, Hilo’s most eligible and study, something about Matt was different. It wasn’t long before Matt, handsome, funny, baseball-playing Matt, found an eye for Lacey as well. After all, a girl as kind and genuine and sinfully beautiful as Lacey doesn’t go unnoticed for long...

Matt and Lacey were married on the beach, in the sand, without their shoes, at Kona’s King Kamehameha hotel. And while the pre-wedding weather had done everything in it’s power to convince Lacey that there would be rain, on the day of the wedding someone had other plans. As the beach-layers and sun-tanners were cleared from the ceremony site, the clouds made a clearing as well. Leaving room for the most beautiful rays of Hawaiian sun to grace the newlyweds with its presence.

Lacey and Matt, thank you. For the kindness you showed me throughout your wedding and the entire week beforehand, I am so grateful. And above all, thank you for bringing me to Hawaii to join you on your incredible day. It was an honor to witness you two become husband and wife.

Lots of love! Michelle

This would be how Matt looks at Lacey all the time...

I lovelovelovelovelove, Love. Especially when it looks like this...

Lacey and Matt had the best (but really, the best) bridal party. All of their bridesmaids and groomsmen were so kind and fun and ridiculously photogenic. And they all went out of their way to welcome me. Leaving me to feel as though I'd just made 18 new best friends.

At the end of night Lacey's family friend, Rosemary, surprised everyone by performing the most beautiful traditional Hawaiian Hula. And if you were listening carefully, you would have heard guests exchange whispers of the fairytale evening before them.