He was the guy who was always able to pick the person in the crowd who needed just a little more lifting up. That person who needed a smile put on their face or a friend. And on that sticky, crowded school-bus in 6th grade on the way to a wrestling match, that person was […]

Sunshine streamed through the windows of Coppes Commons as Ariel floated through the reception hall, finishing up last minute details and arranging the peonies perfectly on the crisp white cake that had just been delivered. Ever since she had met Derrick underneath the football stadium lights in high school, a part of her had envisioned […]

It was under the Friday night football stadium lights that he first noticed the blonde girl with the bubbly laugh. She was lost in conversation with her friend but he was determined to insert himself into the dialogue. His efforts were momentarily lost, as Ariel seemed to pay no attention to Derrick and left mid-game. But Derrick is the guy who knows what he wants and goes after it, so he immediately coaxed Ariel’s friend to give him Ariel’s number and started up a text conversation. When he requested a date, Ariel initially turned him down. Derrick kept pushing- there was something about her that made him never want to give up.

After almost a year of maintaining a steady friendship, Ariel decided it was time. Their friendship blossomed into a relationship and they started experiencing life together hand and hand. Between high school graduation, planning their futures, and dreaming big dreams, they started to revolve their world around one another. After a few years had passed – even though Derrick initially thought he would propose in an additional year or two- suddenly Derrick knew…it was time. One summer morning it just felt right and after asking her parents permission and buying a ring, he proposed at a restaurant that overlooked the lake at sunset, surrounded by their closest family. 

They’ll be married next summer with family and friends witnessing the incredible day that Ariel and Derrick are planning. Since they both grew up in a small town amongst the Indiana fields and crops, we thought it was only fitting that we explore their friends property and soak in the autumn evening. Ariel and Derrick, spending the evening with you was so fun and it makes me so insanely excited to document your day next summer! xx, M

When she walks into a room, it immediately brightens and smiles break out on the friends and families faces that surround her. Even in the most stressful, chaotic moments in life, Kristin pours her heart and soul into caring and protecting the ones she loves most. It was only fitting that she cross paths with Gabe, the guy who always had his teammates back and who is always up for a laugh, a group of friends, and an adventure. Even in the beginning stages of their relationship as juniors in high school, their family could see- this was different. Although they were just teenagers at the time, they supported and cheered each other on in the ways of life just like two old, mature souls would.  

On the perfect, sunny autumn day, happy tears welled up in the eyes of Gabe, Kristen, and all of their witnesses as Gabe turned around to see the woman that held his heart walk down the aisle. From reading love letters in the vineyard just moments before their ceremony, to sneaking outside for a quiet moment under the market lights during the middle of the reception, Kristin and Gabe strived to cherish every moment throughout the day. As the last song of the evening played, they danced alone in the empty reception room as husband and wife. Finally. 

Kristin and Gabe, spending the day with you was a complete fairytale – we felt so welcomed by your family and friends and it was such a privilege to document your day. Wishing you eternal years of happiness and lots of relaxing margaritas in Mexico – xx, M + A