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Margaux + Derek: The Lercher Wedding Trailer

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Margaux + Derek: The Lercher Wedding Trailer

They say opposites attract and that could not be more the case for Margaux + Derek. One of the first things they told us when we met them was that they are complete opposites on just about everything, but despite that, they both fell head over heels for each other when they met in St Louis, Missouri. Margaux fell in love with Derek’s humor, laugh, and goofy but albeit adorable personality, and Derek was enraptured by Margaux’s creative, bold, and graceful spirit. While from the outset they may seem like polar opposites, they without question form a perfect pairing, and you can see it in the way they look at each other – so much care, so much joy, so much contentment.

We were well in love with these two well before we ever got to their day, but little did we know that all of us would have quite the extraordinary day and grow closer and more in love with these two. The morning of their wedding at the picturesque Centennial Barn we could all see storm clouds gathering in the distance. For the most part that was a note that didn’t seem all that concerning at the time, but within just a couple hours we all realized the storm was much worse than anticipated. After tornado sirens went off we all were rushed into the storm shelter where we waited out the weather. No one was quite certain how the rest of the day was going to go but all you had to do was look at Margaux and Derek and you would know everything was going to be just fine. They weren’t perturbed, they weren’t worried. They had waited for this day, and no matter the weather, nothing changed the fact that this was a day of celebrating their love.

At one point Margaux said that she didn’t care if it was pouring rain, she’d still stand outside and recite her vows to Derek because that was how much he meant to her. Needless to say we swooned, HARD, at the moment. While being in the storm cellar there was plenty to be worried about given that a tornado was touching down just a few miles from us, but there was an unwavering sense of calm. These two people, Margaux and Derek, had a love so strong, not even the worst of mother nature could shake their confidence or love in each other. 

Eventually the worst of the storm passed and though we spent most of the day drenched after getting rained on at least another two times, this was one of the most memorable weddings we have ever had the privilege of sharing in. Margaux and Derek are already a beautiful couple that it doesn’t take long to fall in love with, but on top of that they faced a literal tornado and didn’t back down because they knew everything was going to be okay as long as they had each other by their sides. There’s nothing else that we could say that would stand as a testament to their love and their commitment to each other. 

Here's to Mr+Mrs Derek and Margaux Lercher!

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Bye Felicia... I mean, 2016

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Bye Felicia... I mean, 2016

2016 has in the most literal sense been one heck of a year. Both with high points and moments of moruning and sorrow. For our team we celebrated 5 years of storytelling and had the opportunity to help tell so many stories of some wonderful and amazing people around our world. While some days were more difficult than others (as that's just life some times) we each enjoyed the many lessons we learned along the way these past twelve months. But if we are being honest, nothing can quite sum up how excited we are for all the promise and hope held within 2017! Here are just a few of the things that our team is looking forward to this coming year...

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In 2017, I am looking forward to new creative endeavors... to growth, discovery, and wonder. I look forward to connecting with old friends and making new ones. To learning more about myself and the world around me. And not least of all, trying new local pizzas!

-Alan

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The fresh start of a new year is what I am most excited for in 2017. Most people fear the unknown, but I am excited for the opportunity that it brings. The opportunity for growth and change. We can't go backwards, but here's to going forward and all the stories that lie before us!

-Kristin

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While I'm without a doubt looking forward to the bigger things 2017 has lined up, like traveling to new places, finishing up projects that I'm eager to show to the world, and creating new ones that are just ideas as of right now. I find myself almost being more excited for the quiet moments- walks through the forest, movie nights, grabbing a cup of coffee, and doing so with the people that have grown very near and dear to my heart.

-Andrea

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The things I'm looking forward to the most in 2017 are watching films I've never seen, hearing songs I've never heard, reading books I've never read, and creating more stories about love and hope, all with friends or in solitude. Newness, that's what I'm looking forward to the most. Oh, and the new Chik-fil-A locations within short driving distance.

-Adam

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This past year has been quite the adventure, both in good ways and not so amazing ways also. But through it all I am thankful for the blessings that I was able to receive and the lessons that I learned. More than anything I  am looking forward to the many ways that my passions, my art, and my faith will be stretched in 2017. Growth isn't always easy, but it is necessary. While I am uncertain all of what this year will bring with it, I pray that 2017 would continue to teach me ever more what it is to care for my neighbor both here and abroad.

-Matthew

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In 2017, I’m most looking forward to exploring new places, meeting new people, learning about other’s passions, deepening the relationships I’ve already been so blessed with, and taking time to ponder more. I’m also equally excited and terrified to be graduating and figuring out how to be a real person too I suppose. Onward and upward!

-Noah

 
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2017 is going to be great, because my eyes will see new places, my heart will bond with new people, my ears will hear new music, my hands will experience new art and new stories and new connections, as well as hold my very first college degree, which means that I will be in the beginning of a new stage of my life. 2017 is going to be great, because it's a fresh opportunity for all things new!

-Chloe

 
 

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Silver and (Squad) Goals: A ShadowShine Christmas Story

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Silver and (Squad) Goals: A ShadowShine Christmas Story

Christmas is such a fun and joyous time of year. From the bright colorful decorations and displays, to the nostalgic feelings of child like wonder that the season stirs within each of us - this is honestly one of the most wonderful times of the year. And while presents and gifts and material things tend to be on our minds for the holidays, the truth is that it isn't what you get that makes the day so festive and bright, it's who you have by your side.

As we begin to look toward the end of this year and think back on all the journeys, adventures, and stories we've been able to share in telling - just this year alone - we are incredibly thankful for this team. These wonderful people and artists that make up our family. The real present is being able to call them friends. 

From our squad to yours this Christmas season, Merry Christmas and may you all have a very blessed holiday season and New Year!

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Aparna + Ankit: Engagement Ceremony

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Aparna + Ankit: Engagement Ceremony

We first met Aparna and Ankit at their engagement ceremony this past August, and though we had already talked with them a lot leading up to that day, it was definitely at the ceremony when we realized how much we adored the two of them. Since then we've already gone on some fantastic and magical adventures together including a gorgeous sunset evening taking engagement photos on Lake Michigan. We can't wait for their wedding this coming Memorial weekend, but we'll never forgot this colorful, fun day when we first met this wonderfully sweet couple and their adorable families. 

For all the ups and downs this year has brought with it, 2016 has been an exceedingly special journey for us simply because of relationships like these that we've been able to make.

May cannot come soon enough!

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Anna + Bryce: Chicago Engagement

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Anna + Bryce: Chicago Engagement

Getting to take your friends' engagement photos isn't complete without hours of laughing, swooning over their gorgeousness, or wishing you didn't have to head back to work on Monday after spending a glorious weekend in Chicago with the two of them. Anna + Bryce are incredibly close to our hearts and we are so blessed by their God-honoring relationship. June 16th will be a day filled with tears of joy, countless moments that are gonna take our breath away, and so much freaking love!

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Avani + Khristoph: The Becker & Bhatt Wedding Trailer

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Avani + Khristoph: The Becker & Bhatt Wedding Trailer

Heaven help us, we are without a doubt in love with these two...

We were blessed to share in so many wonderful wedding days this past season, and one of those that comes instantly to mind is Avani + Khristoph's day. For us being able to witness the coming together of two families, two histories, two different people, and celebrating something that we cannot fully put into words is easily one of the most amazing parts of any wedding. The union, the celebration, the sacredness of it all - it fills us so incredibly much. And with Avani + Khristoph we had the ability to watch two people of different walks and backgrounds bring two families, two cultures, together for one united celebration of love.

On top of that there was no shortage of things to fall head over heels for on their day. From the gorgeous Meadow Brook Hall they set as their wedding backdrop, to Avani's personally designed wedding dresses from India; from an entire bridal party that kept us laughing the whole day, to even getting to work along side some of our favorite event planners, artists, and photographer friends; this wedding brings back so many wonderful memories.

Avani + Khristoph's entire day felt alive with the youthfulness of summer, and while it was arguably the hottest day in all of July, this was a wedding that we had to tear ourselves away from at the end of the night - because all we wanted to do was stay with them and keep celebrating! If we are being honest, we'd go back and spend this day with these two in a heartbeat, no questions asked. 

Photographer: Jill DeVries Photography

Wedding Planner: VLD Events

Florist: Katie Wachowiak

Wedding Dresses: Self-designed and made in India

Mandap: Top That Event

DJ: Martin Smith (Snapfuze)

Hair and Makeup: Alex Emilio Salon; Todd's Room

Venue: Meadow Brook Hall

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Jessica + David: The Ledwidge Wedding Trailer

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Jessica + David: The Ledwidge Wedding Trailer

Though it's rainy and cold outside at the current moment, this trailer has us reliving the best of summer vibes and swooning over what a gorgeous day Jessica + David's wedding was!

When these two first reached out to us in January and asked us to share in their wedding day at Hidden Vineyard we were overcome with excitement and joy. Not only because Hidden Vineyard is probably easily one of our top five favorite venues in West Michigan, but we also instantly fell in love with Jessica and David. Hearing their proposal story and getting to know them better as a couple leading up to the big day was absolutely wonderful and we knew before it even got here that we would have the time of our lives - and we weren't wrong.

From Jessica's spectacular and jar-dropping dress, to an entire wedding party that made us laugh pretty much the whole day; from plenty of teary moments during the ceremony and the toasts at the reception, to adorable and fun sunset dance parties with just the bride and groom, we loved spending this day with these two so very, very much. We're wishing Jessica and David every single happiness in their lives together, and we're praying they never know a moment without laughter!

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