Ashley and Ryan combined fun and elegant for their amazing wedding day! They both have wonderful families, and awesome friendships, and I loved celebrating with them.
Bridal makeup (Cecelia Reyes) and hair (Keara Allardyce) was done at Allure Salon in Saginaw, MI; and it was absolutely PERFECT. This is some of the most impressive bridal hair I’ve seen all year, using miniature roses in the up-do, a few delicate Dusty Miller leaves and a low veil. Ashley, being a “no makeup” girl and being more on the athletic side, put herself in Cecelia’s hands and had flawless airbrush foundation applied. The eyes, lips, cheeks, and total look was designed and completed there at the salon, and it literally lasted all night. I was suitably impressed and highly recommend this salon as a bridal prep location!
Now, on to the church where I was overjoyed to see some stunning ornate carved furniture! I love the blend of modern and Victorian in this portrait of the shoes. But, as you can see, the back rooms as well as the altar have just the most lovely wooden scroll work.
The marriage was solemnized by Pastor C. W. Weis of Peace Lutheran Church in Saginaw, MI. He has a kind, caring manner, and led the vows without incident. You would never know how nervous both Ashley and Ryan were just before they walked down the aisle! 
Nothing better than point-blank bubbles from your best-est friends!
We took a party bus over to the fabulous Dow Gardens for bridal party photos. I absolutely love the candid, photojournalism approach to photography. Sometimes, with a group of people (like a bridal party), that’s really hard to capture. People wait for you to pose them, or mill about thinking the photographer isn’t ready yet. It’s fun when you get a group of people who know what you mean what you say, “just hang out here a minute guys”, I’m going to run down the hill and photograph you from below. This team was stellar!
The girls opted for the best friends pictures, while the guys preferred a parody version. The party bus and the gorgeous day had everyone in high spirits!
The reception was held at Horizons Conference Center in Saginaw, MI. There were stunning decorations, intimate up-lighting, magical chandeliers, and more fun of course! What a perfect celebration. I wish you all the best Ashley and Ryan. Thank you so much for letting me capture the day you started your forever!
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