I have had some of the most adventurous couples for 2016 who have taken full advantage of the beauty a Michigan winter offers. These two sweethearts braved the cold for their engagement session, trekking through some of my very favorite hidden gem locations in Kalamazoo. I am so excited for this couple's April wedding, partially because the bride Jessica has the most gorgeous color palette and my pal Spring Sweet will be designing her wedding florals, but also because groom Dana is so obviously in love with his girl. And that makes wedding day my very favorite! Here are a few of my favorites from our time together! 

Processing: Indie Film Lab//Portra 400, Portra 800, Delta 400//Contax 645

1. Gold French Market Hanger

This French Market Hanger is one of my top suggestions for brides, BHLDN has a few options of really lovely hangers, but this antique gold one is my very favorite. When you've spent countless hours and time choosing the perfect dress for your wedding day, it is nice when the photograph for your album isn't marred by a plastic or ugly wire hanger. Your dress can be stored or hang on this hanger after the wedding is over, and becomes a really beautiful heirloom gift to pass down generationally!

2. A Beautiful Get-Ready Robe

Watercolor florals, delicate lace and romantic silk robes are in for getting ready in. Ditch the sequined bedazzled "BRIDE"  tank and opt for a soft, feminine frock to get your hair and makeup done in. With a range of colors, you can find one that pulls from your wedding day color palette to ensure your entire album looks seamless from start to finish. My current favorite is the Floraline Robe, but also am a huge fan of the Plum Pretty Sugar for BHLDN robes (pictured above).

3. A Stunning Ring Box

This might win as my favorite wedding day accessory for brides. These gorgeous velvet wrapped boxes by The Mrs Box are just too good. Options for a serif or calligraphy monogram in silver, gold or rose gold. Send this to your groom because every bride needs a beautiful place to store her most beautiful piece of jewelry!

4. Keepsake Vow Books

I love these books so much! What a sweet keepsake to write out your vows to one another in such beautifully gilded journals. With one for the bride, and one for the groom these sweet little books can easily be tucked into your wedding day heirloom box to keep this special memory and the sweet words you spoke to one another alive forever! 

5. Beautiful Shoes

Are beautiful shoes a splurge for wedding day? Sure. But you tell me when else in your life you will wear stunning beauties like these Badgley Mishka jewel-crusted pumps above? Treat yourself on your very special day and find shoes that speak to you and make you feel like the most beautiful woman in the room all the way down to your toes. Added details like this will photograph beautifully and add to your wedding day album, so it is a win win!

This snowy winter engagement session is one of my all time favorites. When you live in the cold north, you have to embrace it. When couples decide to be adventurous, and brave the icy winter, it can make for a beautiful session and Shauna and Dave's engagement photos prove that! I always say that I get the best couples, and I really mean that. Shauna and Dave are so in love, and so up for anything that our time during their session was nothing but fun. I already love what I do, but doing it with such fun-loving bride and groom makes it that much better. Shauna did a great job pulling a few wintry props and I am smitten with these sweet photos! I can't wait for their wedding next year in Canada at Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery!