We always find ourselves wishing Petoskey, MI was just a bit closer to Grand Rapids. It's always been one of our favorite cities to shoot in, and lucky for us Molly and Connor invited us (and our drone ) to join them up in Petoskey for their elegant affair! We love all the special moments we were able to capture along the water with these two!
Here's the couple's words from their questionnaire on how they made love work:
"We met in our now favorite city - Nashville, Tennessee. Molly and a group of her girl friends drove down from Columbus, OH on a birthday trip for bridesmaid Hana, while Connor flew in from Dallas, TX for a trip to visit a group of college friends staying at groomsman Matt Brandon's apartment. What started as a normal weekend getaway trip for both quickly changed when they went out to a bar called "The Stage," which is where they first met. From then on, we were inseparable - spending many weekends and all of our airline miles travelling back and forth to visit each other.
We quickly knew we were meant for each other, and soon enough Connor made the decision to move up to Columbus, OH and return to the midwest, where Connor grew up (Jackson, Michigan). After two years of dating, Connor decided to propose in Molly's hometown of Fairfield, CT over Memorial Day weekend!"
Our day both started and ended on Walloon Lake, with the couple choosing the gorgeous Walloon Hotel as their starting-off point. We had a great time getting to know Molly and Conor, and hear their unique story on how, despite meeting in a state neither of them were living in, they came together to make things work. After On-Site Bridal by Brenda had finished the girls' hair and makeup, both bride and groom were able to open up their gifts from the other. With each of them gifting the other a fancy new watch, we saw that it was TIME () to head down to the docks for a first look.
After Molly got to see her man, it was off to the Emmanuel Episcopal Church to be wed. Connor was brought to tears all over again upon seeing his bride walk down the aisle to join him in front of God and all their friends and family. An Irish blessing, a song by friends, a unity candle, floral by BLOOM, a ring exchange, and a tender kiss; this ceremony had all the right touches
A bubble sendoff from the ceremony lead the couple on to their stunning reception at the Walloon Lake Country Club! Sincerely, Ginger Weddings & Events had done an amazing job with the day up unitl this point, but oh my did they knock it out of the park with reception space. Gigi & LaClede linens and plateware, Simply Sweet by Jessica cake and dessert table, and Elysium Experience DJ'ing made for an amazing evening, and one we're sure not soon to forget.
As always, Ashley Slater Photography was a delight to work with throughout the day, and we were so happy to capture Molly and Connor's perfect day alongside her!
Cheers to a life full of nothing but the good times, Molly and Connor!!