Robert and Rachel | Hillsdale, MI

Robert and Rachel met at Hillsdale. I lived with Rachel for a wonderful, too-short year in the Treehouse, next door to Robert's house, the Loveshack. Their wedding in Hillsdale was a joy to shoot. Despite forecasts of rain, the weather was perfect and lighting phenomenal.

Rachel studied history at Hillsdale and has a remarkable grasp on the subject. Just ask her about Millard Fillmore or some other obscure president and she'll probably be able to tell you that president's favorite food. But Rachel is not just an incredible thinker. She's also an artist and made her own bouquet from garden roses she tended all summer.

 Rachel gave each of her bridesmaids navy robes that matched hers. Her sister, Emilia Heider, braided her hair.

 I love the classic gold of their rings. Robert had the diamond in Rachel's ring set in the most delicate, lace-like setting I've ever seen. He knows her well.

 Kaleigh Andrew, whose wedding I shot in July, did Rachel's makeup. Kaleigh lived in the Treehouse with Rachel, Rachel Hofer, Katie Nolan, Emily Baumgartner, and me. Naked 2–the palette Kals used–was the unofficial makeup of the house. It only made sense that Rachel wore it for her wedding.

Elly Günsche, on the left, is Rachel's cousin and attends Hillsdale.

 Rachel wore lovely pearl earrings.

 Carrie Heider, Rachel's youngest sister, was the most adorable bridesmaid.

 Rachel always has the best shoes. Her wedding shoes were no exception. 

 Rachel's dress was timeless and beautiful.

 Rachel's maid of honor, Anna, was one of the hardest working, most conscientious MOHs I've ever seen (I know she loves that term).

 

 Robert and his groomsmen got ready for the wedding at the Womb, an off-campus house at school with a name I won't even try to explain.

Sometimes miscommunication leads to disaster, or at least a headache or two. But this time, it led to some of the most-interesting groomsmen shots I've ever taken. After minor schedule confusion, Nick and I met up with the guys at Broad Street Downtown Market, Hillsdale's coolest bar, restaurant, and store combination. The awesome owners of Broad Street let us downstairs into their recently-opened hangout area.

 

 

  

If you guys read this, thank you so much, Broad Street!

We were able to pull Rachel's brothers away from the big game–I pay so little attention to sports that I have no idea who was even playing–to get some awesome family photos in Hillsdale's arboretum.

 Robert and Rachel got married at College Baptist, the beautiful church in Hillsdale just down the hill from Lane and Kendall Halls.

 

 I love how the pictures of them coming out of the church turned out! The lighting was fantastic and they looked so happy.

 I love how the group photos from the wedding turned out. Everyone looked amazing. But this one is one of my favorites simply because it makes me smile. 

  Hillsdale has some of the most beautiful houses. I love how these shots turned out.

 

 The classiest couple:

 After cutting the cake, Robert and Rachel serve it to their guests.

Congratulations, Robert and Rachel! 

Seth and Rachel | Battle Creek, MI

When Nick and I arrived in Battle Creek for Seth and Rachel's wedding, we were immediately greeted by Gustav, the James' adorable golden retriever. Within 15 minutes of our arrival, he tried to eat Seth's boutonniere but was, fortunately, unsuccessful.

Rachel looked stunning in her lace, off-white dress.

I absolutely loved how Seth, Rachel's bridesmaids, and Seth's groomsmen wore different types of chambray. This is the first time I've ever seen this done and I hope I get to photograph similar bridal parties again!

Seth wore the most fantastic red socks.

 Seth and Rachel's reception took place at the James' residence in Battle Creek, MI. After their wedding and honeymoon, the newlyweds moved into a little house on the property. I'm so glad I got to photograph Seth and Rachel by their new home!

 

 Their Christ-centered ceremony was a joy to witness.

After the James' wedding, they cut their wedding cake at a reception at their church. Their cake was the unexpectedly delicious wedding cake I have ever had. The nicest young women from their church made a chocolate chip cake layer cake and layered passion-fruit curd, chocolate chips, and coffee icing. They even provided a gluten-free option!

Seth and Rachel had the loveliest flowers at their wedding, from Rachel's bouquet to their table decorations to the flowers blooming on the James' land.

Seth and his brothers performed hilarious renditions of Taylor Swift's "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" and "Love Story."

 Rachel's mom made delicious jam as favors.

Ian Ostaszewski and Forrest Kelly played "Westfall," a murder ballad by Okkervil River, and Hillsdale alum sang along.