{Vintage Rose Barn Wedding Photographer}
What a sweet privilege it is for photograph weddings of people I have know for a while, and part of my church family. I have know the bride, Kaleena, for well over ten years and am beyond excited she found the man of her dreams! Their gorgeous wedding was at the Vintage Rose Barn in Gobles, Michigan. What a beautiful venue!! We love to ask the couple to tell us their love story and talk about their wedding day….so enjoy learning more about them below. 💕💕
We originally met in high school but went our separate ways, and then reconnected at the end of 2016. We didn’t date immediately because we had both had tough relationships prior and were hesitant about dating. Our families knew each other from church at Northbridge Church. We connected rather quickly. Steve was very different than any other guy I had dated, which was very refreshing. We both were ready and willing to listen to God at this time. Our love for God connected us and grew us closer together.
Tell us about the proposal….
I didn’t know when he was going to do it, but I knew it was going to happen. On Father’s Day (June 18th) 2016, he took me to Yankee Springs and out to the point on Gun Lake. We walked to the edge of the water and sat down, where he handed me a book. He had worked for weeks creating a scrapbook of many of our adventures up to that point. He had dates, pictures, and little keepsakes from various places we went. The last page of the scrapbook was pictures of and designed like our wedding venue, and he wrote “will you marry me?” on it. Another thing I didn’t know was that he had enlisted my sister to take pictures of the whole thing.
What characteristic to you love most about each other?
Kaleena – his sense of humor and his love for people (especially children).
Steve – her big heart and sense of humor.
What are some fun things you love doing together…
Spend time with family, go to the lake and see lighthouses (South Haven, St. Joe, Holland); go shopping; watch Netflix; go to gaming places (Dave & Busters); watch hockey; overall just spend time together.
I, Melissa, have to step in here and say these two are GOOFY! I loved all the hilarious comments Steve would say during our picture time. He had me laughing through it all. They are NOT serious people at all….and here is a quick example below. 😂
Best part of the wedding day for you…
Steve – seeing Kaleena and her dad turn the corner at the back of the barn to come down the aisle.
Kaleena – the first look moment with Steve, walking down the isle, and having all our family and friends with us.
Kaleena was so great to work with as a photographer. She made sure we had some alone time in this gorgeous barn to create some beautiful photographs. The decor in the barn was AMAZING, and as soon I walked in earlier that day….I knew exactly how I wanted to photograph these two in it. Thank you Kaleena for taking this time with me to get these images, I sure hope you love them as much as I do!!
Steve – my grandfather passed away six days before the wedding, I wish he had been able to be there. Kaleena – I wish I could have soaked in every moment a little bit more.
Remember you’re there to get married – let NOTHING ruin your wedding day, enjoy every moment, and include God in EVERYTHING.
Helping each other work through different struggles, continuing to rely on God through everything, and individually waiting for the right person from God (not settling).
List some of your overall favorite memories together…
Kaleena – before we started dating Steve came to the hospital on Christmas to see me and brought me coffee and a present; he also came to my house and helped me wrap presents; and the proposal, to name a few. Steve – meeting her family for the first time was awesome and seeing her in her wedding dress for the first time.
Living our lives and marriage in a way that will show God to others; learning to love each other the way Christ loves us; loving, honoring, and spending time with family.
Kaleena adds:
Waiting to marry the right one is worth it! Thank God for his guidance and grace in our lives. God’s timing is perfect!
