Beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony on Gull Lake at Kellogg Manor House

We are always excited to go to Kellogg Manor House to photograph a wedding, its such a special place here in the Kalamazoo area, full history, beauty and charm…and perfect venue for a wedding right on Gull Lake.

Renee and Ryan were a joy to meet on their wedding day….so incredibly easy going and grateful. I enjoyed every minute of my time with them on their wedding day. They asked us to just photograph their ceremony and family pictures…..so that was really fun to have a short yet very sweet time with them. Enjoy hearing from them all about their big day and their love for each other.

• Please tell us your love story….how did you meet? 
  We met at a very small bar in Climax ~ The Harvester On Cinco De Mayo. We had a very close circle of friends but had never met. On June 10th, 2016 we decided to make it official and go from friends to dating.

• Was there an official proposal? 
  We were hiking at Pictured Rocks on July 3, 2017. He proposed on a cliff overlooking the lake. It was perfect.

• What characteristic to you love most about each other?
  Ryan is the happiest, most respectable and loving person I have ever met. He is the best father a kid could ask for.

  Renee is a loving an devoted mother, she is tactically transparent and has a heart of gold.

• What are some fun things you love to do together?
  Our friendship started with golfing so that is first. We love to travel and often take spontaneous trips. Whether its going to movies, camping or staying at home, we are happy as long as we are together.

•  What was the best memory of your wedding day for each of you?
  Renee – I loved the actual ceremony. I could see how much he loved me when I looked at him. It will be something I cherish forever.

  Ryan – When I first say her walking down to me in her dress. We went all day without seeing each other and I filled up with emotion when I saw her. I couldn’t hold back the tears as she made her way to me.

• If there was one thing you could change about the day what would it be?
  That it didn’t go by so fast! You are constantly pulled in directions of your guests and getting through the next event, before you know it the day is over and you are exhausted. We wish we had more one on one time to enjoy the day.

• Any advice to other bride and grooms out there?
  Renee – Don’t feel as if you have to follow protocol of a “typical wedding” make it your own since it is your day.

  Ryan- Enjoy the day as it is one of the most important days of your life.

• Where did you go on your honeymoon?
  We went out west hiking and horse back riding through the mountains of Wyoming. It was amazing.
• What is your biggest accomplishment together so far? Ex. overcoming a difficult experience, accomplishing college together, or just getting married!
  Blending our families. Ryan has a 4 year old daughter and I have two boys, 6 and 4. Learning to deal with other parents as well as making sure the kids are equal was so important to us. We feel as if we are doing a great job so far.

• Please add a wonderful special memory if you would like…
  When Ryan talks about the proposal or the time leading up to it, we hiked and hiked and hiked. I Couldn’t understand why we kept hiking. He finally said it was because he was so nervous and even though he knew I was going to say yes, it was so nervous. In fact, when he went to propose he said all he could get out of his lips were “would you marry me”. He said he had so many great things to say but they just wouldn’t come out 🙂 Ryan and I exchanged notes prior to the ceremony. I remember opening mine up and having to stop several times to avoid tears running down my cheeks. After the wedding we both agree as to how special those words are to us and glad we exchanged those prior to seeing each other.

• Please list the top three priorities in your life as a couple together now. Things you will strive for together each day….
  To be the best spouse to each other Raise the children to be kind, smart and successful. Support each other as we take our careers to the next level.

• Anything else you would like to add? Please do so….
  We were so happy to have our children in the wedding and be a part of such a special day. Additionally we were married by Ryan’s Captain from BCFD. The fact that someone who meant so much to us was able to join us as husband and wife made our day perfect.

Such a beautiful little family they have created together!! We so wish them all the best here at Gregersen Photography.