2017, you were a good one. A year of incredible couples and intense transitions. A year of documenting couples who poured out their heart and soul to me and let me document their biggest days and quietest moments. A year of cherishing the unique story that coincides with each couple – from a new husband […]

They met in a quiet sort of way. It was unexpected – almost total happenstance. She had just purchased her dream car and was searching for someone who could educate her in rally racing and guide her in the right direction. A friend connected her with the right guy, and on a whim and a gut feeling, she met an almost complete stranger at his house to talk shop. It wasn’t long until Brook realized that he was more than just the right car guy – he was the right guy in every other way, shape, or form. 

Hours after the initial introduction, they found themselves still talking. Not just about cars, but about life, dreams, and the adventures they hoped to have. Brook knew that Allen was the one just as quick as Allen had stepped into her life.  The feeling was mutual, and they found themselves making the dreams and adventures that had always sat in their heart a reality. They’re personalities were matched in laughter, a no-nonsense approach to life, and the craving of adventure and something more. 

In true Brook and Allen fashion, they knew that they wanted to celebrate their engagement and marriage in a quiet, simple way. After Allen had slipped the ring on Brook’s finger, they celebrated, just the two of them, for a few weeks until they were ready to announce the decision that would change their life. They knew that they wanted their union in marriage to be the same- no fluff, no fuss – just them. On a breezy autumn weekend, they escaped to the mountains of Tennessee with a freshly inked marriage license in hand and only a few family members knowing that they had tied the knot. They spent the long weekend as husband and wife, hiking the trails of Chattanooga, Tennessee, exploring waterfalls, cliffs, and caves that were all brightly painted with the autumn colors. 

Brook and Allen, spending the weekend with you in the mountains was such an incredible way to cap of 2017 and I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to witness the magical love you two share and letting me spend the first few days of marriage with you. I can’t wait to see the adventures you two create with your life. xx, M

She claims she first noticed him when he started leaning over to cheat off her papers in science class. While he readily denies the cheating, Kevin thanks his lucky stars that he happened to sit next to the smartest (and prettiest) girl in the class. A friendship soon sparked and Sarah started sharing homework tips instead of Kevin stealing them. They quickly blossomed into high school sweethearts and as graduation loomed in the distance they started planning how they would embark on the next chapter of their live by each others side. 

They spent their college years attending Purdue football games, sporting the black and gold, and talking about their future. Through the post-college long-distance phase, with Kevin in Florida and Sarah in the Midwest, they remained steadfast and by each others side.  When they were finally reunited in the same state, on a drizzly July evening right before a Cubs game, Kevin nervously took Sarah to a rooftop restaurant in the heart of bustling Chicago and asked her to be his wife. Before he could even get all of the words out, Sarah screamed her answer with tears streaming down her cheeks. 

They’ll be married next summer after dreaming of the day since they met on day one. To say I’m excited is an understatement – Kevin and Sarah, you two are the bubbly and brightest souls and I can’t wait to celebrate with you next summer when you finally tie the knot! Counting down the days – xx, M

Everyone who witnessed the small intimate ceremony that day all noticed, and already knew, the same thing – Samantha and Travon were unlike most couples. As two kids who met at the beginning of high school, they spent almost the next decade growing up together as best friends, confidants, cheerleaders, parents, and holding each others hearts. Their worlds revolved around each other and their daughter, and that’s the only way Samantha and Travon could have ever imagined it. 

Finally, after all the years of doing life together, they promised each other a lifetime of love and happiness below the market lights of a warehouse, surrounded by only the closest of family and friends. Even on the day that celebrated how far they had come and how far they would go, they spent the day hand-in-hand and strived to cherish every moment. 

Samantha and Travon, witnessing and documenting your day was the greatest honor and I love how you love one another. I can’t wait to see how you take life on as a team and how you take on the world side by side. All the love- M