kalamazoo photographer | valerie ott photography

I was blessed enough to be there for the wedding of Kierstin and Adam. They wanted a small, intimate wedding. I specialize in small, intimate weddings, so this was a perfect fit from the moment we met.

My favorite part of this wedding isn’t featured on this blog because:

1. It was a secret.

2. If I show everyone, everyone will want it.

3. I don’t even know if I can legally show them.

4. I had to rely on the kindness of others to make it happen, and I don’t want that to be abused.

5. I don’t want others to copy this idea.

6. It was especially for Kierstin and Adam.

Those are six pretty good reasons why I won’t show a small portion of their wedding photos. If you’re dying to know what I’m talking about email me and I’ll tell you

 

They were married on the campus of Western Michigan University. They actually both attended school there and it seemed like it was a thrill to return there for them.

I love this stunning photo right outside of the Chapel at WMU:

 

Since it was such an intimate wedding, it was great to get a little more connected with the guests. I loved that Adam’s sister-in-law was working the video:

 

That’s a sweet ring. Get it? Hehe.

 

After the ceremony (and our special stop along the way), the bride and groom were staying and dinning at the Henderson Castle. It has recently changed owners and I was a little worried about what would happen to it. It’s a great place for small events, and it would see a tragedy to waste the space. But the new owner has stepped up. The interior and exterior have stayed the same. Something tells me the new owner (who is a certified naturopath in addition to being a French chef) will make great use of the garden. The only distinguishable difference is the dinning area. It now accommodates several guests instead of the few it accommodated before. 

 

 

Look at how sweet they are together:

 

Love this shot!

 

I wanted them to stay there and look lovingly at each other longer, but that day had to move on.

 

Have you ever been to the rooftop of the castle? It’s worth it.

 

Congratulations! 

 

 

 

I traveled across the state to Frankenmuth last weekend. So. Much. Fun. In case you don’t know where Frankenmuth it, it’s near Flint. Frankenmuth is a small little village known for it’s Bavarian flavor. It’s home to the world’s largest Christmas store, Bronners. Since I grew up very close to Frankenmuth, I have the most fond memories. Bronners is a magical place.

But enough about where I was, I want to tell you who I was with. Sara and Justin.

 

 

 

Before the day began, Justin wrote something special (also something blue) on Sara’s shoe. She didn’t know it until she put them on. He didn’t know it, but that what was inscribed on his wedding ring! How amazing and special is that?

 

Here is the most fit bride I’ve ever had. That’s what you get from years and years of gymnastics and cheerleading. Who won’t love every muscle on Sara’s body? She was gorgeous.

 

 

Yep, no doubt you are stunning!

 

 

Happy, happy bubbles. Happy, happy couple. 

 

Now to the good part. We had a lot of time to capture really amazing images. Most of these are swoonable. That’s my new “Sara and Justin” word. I feel like every shot we got was swoonable. I could have stopped photographing after 20 minutes because I pleased with what I captured, but we were fortunate enough to have a lot more time to travel around Frankenmuth.  

 

 

So romantic.

 

This location was only a mile or two away from the reception. I couldn’t help myself with this bridge. I told them we HAD to go there. 

 

And right next to the bridge was a little school house. I could move there just to keep shooting here. 

 

And here is what time will get you on your wedding day. Amazing shots. Sometimes couples are in such a hurry to move on to the next event, that pictures can sometimes take a back seat. But instead this couple focused on allowing the day to flow smoothly, with no rush. We were able to go from location to location because we scheduled in enough time. It’s worth it during the wedding because you’re not rushed. It’s worth it every day after the wedding when you get look at amazing photos like this:

 

I originally met Sara a couple of years ago. Amy, her sister had a wedding consultation. I think Amy’s date fell on a day that I had another wedding, so it just didn’t work out. But that consultation planted a seed with Sara and I’m so glad that I got to see everyone again. Amy, I didn’t get to photograph your wedding, but I did get a couple of shots of you!

 

We walked the charming streets and stopped at Tiffany’s. So. Much. Fun!

 

Right before they entered the reception, they had this little special moment. I was glad I was there to see it with my camera.

 

This picture says it all.

 

And this was mom’s reaction to the picture above.

 

Thank you, Sara and Justin. It was perfect!