To Tell the Story

If you know us, ever had the chance to connect with us, or have followed us for more than a day chances are you've heard us talk about the work of telling stories. It's core to who we are, and it's what makes us excited to get out of bed every morning. It directs and inspires us and it's what we firmly believe in.

Storytelling is an old art, but it's something that is so intrinsically a part of who we all are that it will never cease to stop bringing us together. From every corner of the world stories have, and always will, bring people of different walks and understandings together. The ability to help play a role in such a moving force makes us ecstatic.

The chance to help share somebody's journey in a way that countless hundreds can connect and relate to them; the ability to help create a place and moment when we engage with something else other than just a pixelated screen; the privilege to help tell and be a part of a much larger story that is at work in our world - storytelling is an unbelievable tool that in many ways marks who we are as a society, community, and world.

From a small business owner here in West Michigan, to a community working to end the threat of Malaria and extreme poverty half a world away; from a couple exchanging their vows on their wedding day, to a dreamer who has a vision of changing the world for the better - everyone's story is collection of characters and adventures that is telling a much larger story - and it's that story that we continue to chase after and tell day after day. 

That's what we believe in, and that's why we do what we do; to tell the story of who we ALL are, and where we're daring to go next!

Champagne for my real friends, real pain for my sham friends

Holy wow! It's already the end of another year!

2015 was a whirlwind year for us - in the truly best of ways! Our team expanded adding new roles and facets to our filmmaking abilities, we crafted two new webisode series, produced and filmed our first major film, Garden Party, which we are so crazy excited about, shared in some of the most breathtaking wedding days we have had the pleasure of partaking in, captured the story behind a mesmerizing work of art in the form of stained glass, told countless new stories, and grew closer together as a family of storytellers.

Through the thick and thin, the struggles and the triumphs, the moments of difficulty and the highlights of living the dream of storytellers, we have been blessed beyond measure and are so thankful for everything that has happened in this year. This has honestly been one of the best years and we are so excited for what 2016 has in store for us - here's to the dream of filmmaking, and the continued pursuit of to tell the story!

Christmas morning with the Shadow|Shine's

Christmas, and the holiday season in general, really is one of the most wonderful times of the year. Why is that though? Yes, there is the excitement of special dinners, fun decorations, and even gifts. But that's not why it's the most wonderful time of the year. This time of year is made memorable and fulfilling not by the materialism that can so easily overshadow our way of thinking; it's because of the people we spend our time with during these precious moments.

We hope that for you, our friends, followers, and family, that you remember that it isn't about the extravagance of the gift, or even the gift itself that matters - what matters today, and everyday in all honesty, is that we spend time with those who we love, and whom love us in return.

From our office/living room to you and yours, we are wishing everyone an extraordinarily happy and blessed Merry Christmas today!

Cassie+Josh: Grand Rapids Engagement

Happy Turks-giving!

What's Thanksgiving without some Turkeys?! We couldn't be more thankful for the Turkey's that make up our team, and our family of storytellers.

This is always a special day of the year for us as we begin the process of looking back at the year as a whole, acknowledging the many adventures we have all shared and the stories that we have been blessed to tell together. The year is always filled with highs and lows, but we are thankful for both as every obstacle, every triumph, every moment is an opportunity to learn and grow.  

Today, as we take a moment to slow down from the hustle and bustle of life and spend time with those we love, let us reflect on the idea of true thankfulness even in uncertain times.

We hope that everyone has a blessed thanksgiving today and that you are able to spend the day enjoying time with the turkeys you love too!

Emily + Alex: The Cattley Wedding Trailer

We are forever thankful to the brave and courageous service men and women who dedicate their lives to serving our country. The sacrifice, determination, and selfless devotion that they embody is an incredible blessing and example for all. So when the chance comes along to tell the love story of two such people we get excited from our head to our toes. But seriously guys!

Emily+Alex are exactly two such people for us and we were honored, ecstatic, and so thrilled to share in their wedding day this past October. Both having attended West Point, where they met and fell in love, this was a wedding like something straight out of a fairytale. All the groomsmen in their dress blues and whites, Alex looking like Prince Charming, rivaled only by Emily's breathtaking presence, beauty, and gorgeous dress, this was one for the books!

By the end of their day if we weren't already in love with these two we certainly were then! This was a day of many laughs and new friendships for us, and Emily+Alex, their families, and their bridal party made this one of the best days all year! We love these two to pieces and can't wait to see what is next for this breathtaking couple!   

Fall. Flannel. Friends.

We love this time of year, and not just because we get to dawn our favorite flannel shirts; this time of year is full of so many adventures and exciting experiences that we get to share with one another. From late night bonfires, to apple picking, to even silly group photo shoots, there's something so alluring about the change of pace that Fall brings us. To reflect on the passing of summer and to look ahead to the remaining of the year. Here's to the refreshing change of season and the beauty that is Fall!