Now that I have my weddings all delivered, senior photos submitted, and albums proofs awaiting approval from my brides, I have time to relive some highlights from last summer. I’ll start with Ashley and Ryan. Lets get this out of the way, yes, she has a striking resemblance to Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge. And yes, Ashley is as beautiful in person as she looks in photos. Even pretty great in pajamas.
Ashley got ready at the Bayshore Resort in Traverse City with the help of her Maid of Honor, Meagan. No I don’t usually take photos of people oddly lounging in an empty spa tub. Meagan was newly pregnant and not exactly feeling great (which you would have never known because she was as delightful as any bridesmaid I’ve encountered). She found comfort in the empty tub and Ashley decided to join her in sympathy.
It was an on and off rainy day, but once Ashley was ready we had a few minutes to head out to the Bayshore lakefront for some photos.

Ashley and Ryan didn’t want to do many photos after the ceremony so they planned to she each other before the wedding. When we discussed it at the planning stages we decided to a little something special when Ryan saw Ashley in her dress for the first time. The rain held off long enough for Ryan to see Ashley with Grand Traverse Bay as a backdrop.

When we got to Centerpointe it is was raining again. One of the great things about the venue is the indoor option is almost as lovely as getting hitched outdoors. The building has a three story atrium that is a great backdrop for a wedding. Ashley entered on the third floor and walked through all the guests, down the balconied stairways and across the indoor pond to meet Ryan. They exchanged vows in front of the three story windows with all the guest looking out on West Grand Traverse Bay.

Ashley and Ryan’s reception was on the fourth floor of Centerpointe, at Visions, unique rooms with a panoramic view of West Bay. The guests sit at tables around the wedding party who sit across the dance floor on an elevated area in the middle.


An expansive 4th floor deck surrounds the panoramic windows at Visions. When the sun starts to set the views draw guests out and the outdoor space takes on it’s own life.


The impending baby was taking all of Meagan’s energy, and she didn’t make it until the end of the reception.