Marisa + Frederick Jaecklein

Marisa and Frederick said ‘I do’ 6 months earlier than expected. When they originally reached out to me, their wedding was set to take place in August. When you plan something as big as a wedding, that’s when life throws you the most curve balls, am I right? But don’t get me wrong….EVERYTHING about this day was absolutely meant to happen. They were surrounded and supported by their immediate families, and it was the most beautiful weather with the warm sun making a debut appearance in Michigan after a cold winter. (Who am I kidding, it’ll snow again tomorrow with our midwestern luck) For February 22nd, it was truly a wedding day gift from Mother Nature. We found the perfect spot to take photos at over looking the water, that had so much nature it was growing over onto the walls and fence of this park. The wind was insane, and I personally want to apologize and thank the bride for letting me do as much as I did with her veil as it was constantly being picked up by wind gusts while still attached to her head. Haha, she was a trooper and at least she had the chance to take it out at dinner time. Which brings me to the famous, best known for their delicious food and amazing hospitality, Mr. Paul’s Chophouse. As a wedding photographer it was…. challenging. Photographing in a busy restaurant, with other tables and waiters walking around; I stuck to the candids, romantic tones, and little grain textures (that my camera made thanks to 6,000 ISO). Looking back at the shots, I still remember the feeling of sitting at the long table with Marissa & Frederick and their families. It was their first family dinner, as one. The photos makes this moment authentic, and it was truly a great spot for them as the waitstaff and owners were so accommodating; and the guests were all in awe as they got to eat in the presence of newlyweds. Seriously! It was the talk of the restaurant, everybody was in the best moods and it was a really great night.
I am so thankful to be apart of this important and special day for them both.

Marisa was feeling all the feels and that was a good time to remind her to breathe.
The pre-ceremony nerves are real, and it is totally normal to encounter.
Marriage is a huge commitment, walking down the aisle in your dress is a big moment!
Breathe, relax, enjoy - The words I use the most before a ceremony.

and Thank God for Mom coming in clutch with the tissues!

And for Wedding Dresses to have Pockets!

One of my favorite moments… Because Moms are the best! After a formal photo, I always break the ice because crying on a wedding day isn’t only acceptable, it’s encouraged. I asked Mary to turn to her daughter and tell her the best piece of advice she could give her on this day. I ask it almost always. Because sometimes it’s something really important. Sometimes it’s only hugs. Sometimes just silent cries. Because a wedding day is not just an important day for the bride and groom, it’s for the mothers too. The fathers. The step-parents. Family supporting family.
It’s all important to making this day special.