But let there be spaces in your togetherness and let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another but make not a bond of love: let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
-Khalil Gibran
If there is anything more fitting than these words for this wedding, I could not come up with it. I couldn’t tell you how long Bethany and Brian had dreamed of saying their vows on top of the beautiful overlook of Lake Michigan at The Homestead in Glen Arbor. And even though the wind was bringing in the storms, we were on the hill just thankful that we could enjoy the view, and more importantly, witness these two beautiful souls bound together.
But before all of that, before we were on top of the hill, you need to know how they met.
“Brian and I met through Facebook. We lived 5 minutes away from one another and had all of the same friends but somehow never met. We talked for a few weeks and then decided to meet in person. They knew pretty quickly that they were meant to be together. The best part about our relationship is that we just get each other. It makes sense that we are together. We dated for 3 years before Brian popped the question on May 21st, 2016 and we will be husband and wife just 364 days later.” For their engagement photos we met at Lake Erie Metropark, it’s one of my favorite hidden gems and after photographing their engagement, I knew we were going to rock their wedding day.
Then Friday arrived and the weather was PERFECT for rehearsal. The grounds look gorgeous. And hundreds of folks were pouring into the resort anticipating the most special occasion. The Livernois and Danz families hosted a fantastic welcome party at Beppis the night before, and I would be surprised if there was much sleeping going on that night…at least for Bethany and Brian.
Which brings us back to the overlook. And a day filled with so many sweet moments. It began with the bride’s mom getting a real first look with Bethany – and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Then I followed Bethany down to the beach where she surprised her dad with an emotional first look. The sands at the beaches of Glen Arbor are like no other in Michigan. We would be heading back down here again for more beach photos later but first, to the over look.
Bethany and her dad took the ski lift to the overlook and the moment she stepped off I watched her take the deepest breath ever.
I know that breath. It’s the breath that says “This is it. This is what I’ve been waiting for. The start of the rest of my life. Take it in, be present.”
And then the bride and groom said I do. The cake was cut. The dances were had. That’s when the party REALLY got started. I have a feeling the Livernois and Danz families are going to be throwing epic parties for years to come because they certainly know how to have fun.
Venue: The Homestead in Glen Arbor
Wedding Coordinator: Lynzie Gotshall
Second Camera: Jeanine Krupp
Floral Design: Kate from 307 Events
Hair and Makeup: Erica at Lily Jade Salon at the Homestead
The Brides Dress: White Dress in Brighton
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Music: Mike Staff
Cake: Ann B’s Cakes
