Claire & Sam - 8.24.19

Vineyard Vows

I introduced you to Claire & Sam when I shot their engagement session at Claire's family lake house on Long Lake. You saw how playful these two are, and that carried over completely into their wedding day.

Claire got ready at her parents historic downtown Traverse City home with all her best girls.

Highlights:

• All of their stationary was hand designed by Claire herself - this woman is mega talented.
• Claire got her mom and mother in law the most thoughtful little bracelets as gifts.
• As Claire was getting ready, we could NOT find her shoes anywhere. After at least an hour of everyone searching, her girls were giving away their own shoes for this sweet bride, and then low and behold, Claire's dad FOUND HER SHOES! See below for this glorious moment. "The moment when my dad found my shoes which I thought were gone forever was pretty amazing. Those are some of my favorite photos from the whole day. " - Claire
• The girls all had the most fun matching robes!

After the ladies were all ready and stopped by the Hagerty Center for some final prep, we headed to the beautiful Chateau Chantal for their picture perfect ceremony overlooking Lake Michigan from Old Mission Peninsula.

It was an absolutely perfect summer day, and Claire & Sam's ceremony had everyone both laughing and in tears. Her three aunts shared a a beautiful song and Claire & Sam's personalized vows were beautifully written. The ceremony ended with a champagne toast for everyone - what better way to kick off married life?!

I love what Claire shared with me about how she felt on her wedding day: "I felt very relaxed. I wasn't stressed or worried about making sure everything I wanted to be captured was, I trusted Grace and knew that she knew what she was doing." This is how I want all my brides to feel - knowing their day will be completely captured!

After spending their first married moments enjoying some quiet time in the gorgeous vines, it was time to get the party STARTED! With details like hundreds of gold candle holders, beautiful draping by Sweet Seats TC, and the gorgeous prints at each setting, designed by the bride herself - this reception made you feel elegant yet relaxed the moment you walked in. Claire & Sam kicked off the night with a choreographed first dance that was both impressive and so classic. Friends and family enjoyed the Northern MI sunset over the bay, a must-have donut wall, and a night full of jams by 2Bays DJs - complete with the most perfect summer sunset to end the night.

"When we look back at our wedding photos we feel so incredibly grateful. We had an absolutely perfect day."

Congrats C & S!