Joe and Erin {South Haven Michigan Wedding Photographer}

South Haven, Michigan Wedding

When Erin contacted me last year to photograph her wedding, I was so honored. I photographed her sister’s wedding seven years earlier, and the best compliment to me is when clients come back….especially for weddings like this. It was so fun to go into their gorgeous family beach home in South Haven again for the getting ready part of the day. So much love, smiles and even some nerves of anticipation from Erin so eager to meet her groom, Joe.

Erin and Joe….I hope you love these images as your “sneak peak”…I will be in touch soon with all the images for you to fall in love with too!!

Joe and Erin met in the bustling city of Washington, DC. It took nearly two years for a “first date” to happen. She was busy travelling back and forth from Africa, he was working on the United States’ biggest solar project. When they finally started dating, it was very natural. Four months in, Joe got a job offer in Davis, California. Erin had to bust out her map AND magnifying glass to find the tiny city. She followed him out there shortly after he moved. They’d only been dating for 7 months. Sometimes, you just know! Davis’ unofficial motto is “middle of nowhere, gateway to everywhere”. Since moving, Joe and Erin have gone whale watching in Monterey Bay, snow showing and skiing in Tahoe, hiking through the magnificent trails of Yosemite & Big Sur, abalone diving on the north coast, and wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma. They’ve been together for three and a half years!

How he proposed….

Joe made fancy dinner reservations…. which piqued Erin’s interest. At the last minute, they decided to meet up with some friends at the Davis Farmer’s Market – which is hopping with good food, live music, and lots of people. They brought blankets and wine and chatted with friends. Joe went off to look at the art booths, which he frequently does. In short order he came back with a large frame, wrapped in brown paper, claiming he found a good piece of art for the house. When Erin unwrapped the package, she discovered that he had made a collage of flowers he photographed from all their travels together. It took her a few minutes to even realize that he’d placed a ring box in her hand! She said yes (even though she’s pretty sure no question was even popped).

What are some fun things you love to do together?
We love to do weekend trips to the ocean, camp, walk our dog, Madi. We love hanging out with family, especially our nieces and nephews.

Let’s talk WEDDING! 🙂 What was the best memory of your wedding day for each of you?
The best part for me (Erin) was exchanging our wedding vows. It was a grounding moment and a reminder of why everyone was there to support us. It was a moment when I realized Joe might know me better than I know myself. Joe – Vows, toasts, chatting, and dancing!

If there was one thing you could change about the day what would it be?
The wind 🙂 In my heart, the day was perfect. I definitely wish I hadn’t gotten so nervous, but I think that comes with the territory. Joe – More siestas!

Any advice to other bride and grooms out there?
For the bride – take moments to be alone. There are so many people around all the time, that you may forget that this day is more than a big party, but its a day for commitment to a person you will spend the rest of your days together. Joe – Plan “enough”and expect minor changes.

Where did you go on your honeymoon?
We’re heading to Indonesia! We plan on continuing our adventure lifestyle by sailing, diving, snorkeling, and hiking in Bali.

What is your biggest accomplishment together so far? Ex. overcoming a difficult experience, accomplishing college together, or just getting married!
Creating a new life in Davis together. We didn’t know anyone and were far from family and friends. It taught it that we need to rely on each other, but also find ways to be independent.

Please add a wonderful special memory if you would like…
For my 32 birthday , Joe and I sat at our kitchen table and rolled all of the change in the house so we could afford to go to Hamilton in San Francisco. It’s one thing I love about us – we adventure together whether is a date to the city to see a musical, or a last minute ticket to Paris for Thanksgiving.

Please list the top three priorities in your life as a couple together now. Things you will strive for together each day….
Build community & family Be excellent to each other Listen and keep each other ‘young’.

I love this image of Joe with the kids….love the fidget spinner making an appearance!!

Instead of a wedding cake….they had an ice cream sandwich/sundae buffet! SO yummy, and with the famous South Haven, Michigan Sherman Ice Cream!!

What characteristic to you love most about each other?
I love Joe’s adventurous spirit, his selfless giving, his goofy personality, and his commitment to family, friends, and us.

I love Erin’s big heart.