As I mentioned yesterday, Heather and Jon had a great wedding. Every part of it was beautiful, fun, and totally reflected their personalities. The reception and dancing was no exception. Now, everyone loves a good dance party (except maybe my husband) and the only thing that could make a dance party better is glowsticks. Actually it was more accurately glow necklaces, braclets, and glasses! They had a big bucket of them set out, and slowly through out the evening people put on more and more.This is how things started out…

I’m not sure how much Hil checks the blog (she lives in Montana and tracks and studies wolves in Yellowstone) so she won’t mind me putting up this picture:

The reception was in a tent on a golf course, and while dancing in the tent was fun, it didn’t take long for us to figure out it would be even better to go out on the golf course where it was darker and cooler. Not only that, but the glowsticks looked awesome in the dark… and a little something like this:

I think this picture of Moe + Dustin says it all. I want to go back to that wedding – who’s with me?

Speaking of getting back from a wedding, the next day we had quite an adventure getting home – from one side of Michigan to the other. We were over in Grand Haven, and needed to get back to Grosse Pointe. Not a problem, right? Our drive over was fine, but about 5 minutes into or drive home after the picnic for Heather and Jon the next day, the brakes had completely gone in the car we were in! We stopped at a gas station and debated the waiting time of a tow truck, what we would do with the car, and how we would convince someone to drive three hours to pick us up. Thankfully, were saved by Clay and Jenny (seen in the third picture, dancing up a storm) who came back and gave all four of us a lift. They drove us the first leg to Ann Arbor, where they were meeting friends, and we were picked up for our second ride by Tereza, who had just gotten out of the Michigan/Notre Dame game. I don’t know what we would have done with out Clay, Jenny, and Tereza! After surviving the drive on chocolate – which was the wedding favor – we made it back to my house where we devoured everything my mom put in front of us. We literally ate a whole wheel of cheese – what kind was it again? It seemed like the longest day, but at least we were all able to see each other and spend time with friends! Thanks for humoring me and reading the condensed version of our adventures in wedding travel. I didn’t get a picture on my camera of us with Heather, but here are some of the good friends I was able to meet up with at the wedding:

This summer was full of gorgeous weddings, but Matt and Becky’s stood out. The things I remember most: all of the pops of red, the roses, the music, the dancing, and of course the love. Their quintessential wedding, in a beautiful stone church and reception at The Women’s Club of Glen Ridge, set the stage for what I’m going to call a “modern formal” wedding. Honestly, everything was perfect and I’m sure they were happy it went so smoothly, but I have a feeling they would roll with the punches no matter how things went.

We started off at the church, where the girls were getting ready…

Not sure if you should have professional makeup? I would definitely recommend it. From a bride and photographer standpoint, I am soo glad I had it done (If you need some one in Michigan then let me know because I will highly recommend someone for you!), and I think it shows in the photos I take as well – yep, go back to the top and look at Becky in the first picture. That’s not to say that you won’t look good without it, but makeup artists know how to highlight your features and I think you’ll see in these pictures Becky looks absolutely flawless!

the difficult task of putting on the dress while not disturbing hair + makeup was complimented by some funny candid ones as well…

The guys were right next door putting on their finishing touches, and yes I think we’ll have to have a contest for the caption of the photo below.

After a reveal to see each other for the first time, family pictures were shot and then Matt and Becky spent a few moments alone before heading in to the ceremony.

The church and ceremony were beautiful. Music was a special part of the whole day, and for good reason with both Matt and Becky being musicians. I should clarify… by musicians, I mean Becky is currently getting her masters in vocal performance at the San Francisco Conservatory… so if you are thinking they are both very talented, you are correct.

sealed with a kiss! After the ceremony, the rose petals kept flowing and everyone took some to toss for the newlyweds.

After their gorgeous send off, the we went to a rose garden for more photos of the couple and bridal party. How many rose gardens still exist? Not enough, I’m sure. It was the perfect location to go to, and had history with Becky since she used to go their as a child.

It was time for the reception, so we went just down the road to The Women’s Club of Glen Ridge, a beautiful and historic venue.

The highlight of the reception – okay well there were a few, but the music and the dance lesson were great! The live band played classics while the dance instructors showed everyone a few steps to follow and build off of. It couldn’t have be better and was a great way to get people on the floor and feeling comfortable. Everyone had a great time!

…and there you have it. Another successful wedding that I’m so happy I was able to be a part of. Congratulations again to Matt and Becky and I hope you, your family + friends all enjoy remembering the day through the pictures.