Holly and Brendan were both part of my "crew." I lived with Holly for a period in my teenager years, and I grew up with Brendan (he's my cousin as well). Holly's a gal from the urban area downstate and Brendan's a Yooper who enjoys his fishing and hockey probably more than the average male.
The best part with these two was that I was still friends with both of them. Nothing changed after they started dating, got engaged, or after they got married. They were/are still just two of my favorite friends.
Holly's laugh is SOO contagious. It's like the best sound in the world. And Brendan might "seem" quiet and reserved but go on a short road trip with him and some of his pals and you will quickly change your mind.
Being these two are so special, it was so exciting when they got engaged. AND they asked me to take photos at their wedding?! Yeeeee!
Meet Josie. Holly's sister Shannon's baby (Maid of Honor's little girl). She didn't "quite" steal the show but LOOK AT HER!!
We spent the night in a hotel near the church where the ceremony and reception. It was Holly, her bridesmaid Joy, her girlfriend Lacy, her girlfriend Lauren, and her future sister-in-law (and me!).
We stayed up late visiting and laughing before falling asleep. We set an alarm for the big day, but most of us were pretty sleepy.
However, we rolled out of bed and met Holly's momma Janet at the church around 10 am. Holly was making her own cake (MAKING HER OWN CAKE!), so she had to go to the church to put it together. Holly attended culinary school, so YES the cake was amazing.
Look how pretty!! I looove the doughnut setup (donut vs doughnut?).
After we finished the little touches on the decor and the cake, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for the wedding.
Then we started working on Holly's hair. Lauren was the hairdresser and her Maid of Honor helped out. Baby Josie basically hung around to give love and kisses (and help de-stress, how can you get worried/emotional/upset if you're looking at that angel face?).
So then after the gals were all ready (they did each other's hair, I love it!), we climbed into our cars and met at this adorable little park. I'm not sure of the name but if you're from near Brighton or Novi, you'll probably recognize this area!
Brendan hid behind his car until she was ready to see him. He's not a big expression guy, but I saw his eyes lit up and a few tears fall when he got to hug his GORGEOUS fiance. I couldn't even handle how sweet.
So freaking simple and perfect.
So at the park we did the usual family portraits, and while I could include every single combination photo, it really isn't necessary. The family was there, it was cold, we snuggled in blankets in between shots and laughed a lot.
Also, check out the bridesmaids outfits. STUNNING right? Holly found them on Etsy, so shoutout to all you Etsy creators, y'all are amazing.
Let's not forget the best man and groomsman. I looooved the color of the matching belt and shoes combination. Also check out that cheeky little snuggle sesh between Brendan and Davin (the groomsman). If the friendship between these two was summed up in one photo, it would probably be that one.
I had to include a photo of Kathryn and Holly together. Kathryn is Brendan's sister, but they look SO much alike it is crazy! The photo of them is the second from last in this mini gallery.
But while we are speaking of looking alike, if Shannon were wearing a wedding gown, I would think her and Holly were the same person.
Then I sent everyone on their way except Brendan + Holly so I could spend just a few more minutes taking just their photos.
Tip for future brides: take a minute with your photographer. The day is busy, but this dress, the suit, the feelings, the day, it only happens once. Get some priceless photos of YOU + YOUR HUSBAND.
The day went quite smoothly and beautifully! They said their vows in the church, and after we all ate the delicious food that was served. (It is requested to not photograph inside the church, so there are no photographs of the ceremony or reception, you'll just have to take my word that it was perfect :))
Then we sent them off with a little bubble action, and we gave them hugs before they whisked off for some sun in Tuscon, AZ.
Here's to many, many years of happiness and love between these two great people.
Fun little fact, my boyfriend surprised me that night (I thought he was in North Carolina!), and then proposed to me on the waterfront in downtown Brighton. What a crazy beautiful day + night.