1.06.2024

Getting Ready + Details

I've had some people ask why we take photos of the couples invites, shoes, rings, etc... To me, it's telling a story. The story of the day you perfectly curated to celebrate your happily ever after. These are the little details that went into the couple's big day. Sometimes the little details for the day may fade in our memories, especially compared to some of the more impactful moments on a wedding day. Having them documented and in a wedding photo collection allows you to look back in 30 years and remember them. ♥

Plus, they're pretty!

First Look

Wedding Party

Alexa + Cody

I loved how Alexa filled out their couples questionnaire answers and in general how she communicates. She is always so detailed, passionate and engaging. What's so great about her writing is when you read it, you can actually hear her voice. She just has such a contagious happiness about her.

Since she tells their love story best, here are some of her answers from their questionnaires:

How'd You Meet?

"We met while I was attending a small Bible college, that Cody had graduated from a year prior. Cody lived near the college and we met because Cody's sister Annika and I became good friends. Eventually Cody and I were around each other more and more; and at the beginning of February 2022 he talked to me letting me know that his intentions were to get to know me better in pursuit of a relationship. And in April we started dating!"
Where Was Your First Date?

"Our first date was at La Carreta, our favorite Mexican restaurant, on a Sunday afternoon, April 24, 2022. And on Tuesday evening we played disc golf together and he asked if we could date and of course I said yes."
Proposal stories are the best! What's your story?

"First of all, I thought to myself in the morning, this would be a really good weekend to get engaged. Fast forward to that evening Cody and I went out for dinner and then we headed to the lake near my house to watch the sunset. I thought it was odd he had an opinion on where we watched the sunset cuz I didn't think he would, little did I know he had very specific plans. Once we were at the lake we walked down to the water and I turned around and there he was down on one knee, ring box in hand. Of course I said yes! After we had our moments together he asked me when we should tell the others. What 'others' I asked confused. Here he had my best friend from college, his sister who is also my good friend (see How we met lol), and his best friend all come out to Michigan to celebrate with us! I instantly started crying. I loved every second of that weekend with our friends and family celebrating from Friday night to Sunday. I felt so loved by not only by Cody but also by everyone who joined us."
If you could take a trip anywhere together, where would it be and why?

"He likes incredible scenery and I just like to go somewhere warm, so anywhere that mixes the two would be the best of both of our worlds. His dreams are Iceland and Switzerland and mine are.... everywhere 😂 I'm not too picky! Our honeymoon is going to be for relaxing, resting, and focusing on each other rather than an extravagant destination, so we're already talking ideas for a trip in the future where the main agenda won't be rest."
Will you be exchanging any gifts? If so, please list when you'd like to exchange them.

"Just the gift of lifelong love!"
Please list other events that will take place:

"Cody and I will have our first dance, then the dance floor will open to everyone else, eventually moving to fun upbeat songs. I don't think our dancing time will be long, pretty short but enough for a good time☺️
And lastly, our final exit✨
And they all lived Happily Ever After✨"

Ceremony

The couple held their ceremony at The Crossroads Missionary's Church, which was perfectly located near by Alexa's family's homes. Allowing Alexa + Cody to get ready in cozy, familiar places

*WEDDING PLANNING TIP*
Having a space to get ready in that has great natural light, enough room to be comfy and a spot where there is minimal décor is so helpful to making sure getting ready photos can be just as you imagined them!

Their ceremony was complete with a lovely sermon, candle lighting and my personal favorite part, Alexa's Dad officially marrying them! How they incorporated a special person to share a sermon, allowing her Dad to walk her down the aisle, have a moment to witness the beauty of Alexa marrying her person and then step back in to officially marry the couple was just such a sweet sentiment.

Since Alexa + Cody opted to do their first look, it gave time to do all family photos and wedding party photos before their ceremony! Meaning that after their ceremony, they could get right into their party!

Twinkly Lights, Cake, Dancing + Sparklers

The gym of The Crossroads Missionary Church was transformed into a romantic reception space, filled with candlelight and the glow of twinkle lights. Each table with florals, garlands, and adorable photos of Alexa + Cody.

After a delicious meal, catered by the couple's family members and Yoder's Country Market, Alexa made a quick change! To quote her, "It wouldn't be my wedding if I didn't change at least once!".

With this new gorgeous second dress from LuLu's we had to brave the chilly weather for a little nighttime photo fun with "Roofus", the trusty blue pick-up.

Followed by warming up with dancing and cake! Alexa's sister did a beautiful job with the cake and even helped with the flowers! And those wildly cute custom embroidery Vans, her other sister did that! Oh, and the adorable photos on each table? Captured by Cody's sister! Just two families of incredibly crafty and talented humans.

We wrapped up the reception from a photography stand point with a grand exit! We have heard a lot of couples say that they want an exit, but don't want to have their photographer stay super late, queue the Faux Exit! You can absolutely stage a grand exit! It's such fun interactive photo for your guests too. It's your wedding, you can faux exit if you want to!