Emotion-filled wedding in a wooded glen | Clarkston, Michigan | Emma + Anthony

“Our soulmate is the one who makes life come to life” — Richard Bach

Emotions tend to flow on a wedding day. As wedding photographers, we see the joys of a new family coming to life, the nerves as the planning comes to a culmination, and even tears shed as memories and loved ones are remembered. But for Emma and Anthony’s day, one emotion ran through the entire day: anticipation. This sensation can best be summed up by a single phrase Anthony proudly proclaimed as he walked to the place where he would see Emma for the first time: “I’m just so ready to marry her; to marry my best friend.”

The Morning at the Station

A calm peace covered the venue as the morning light dawned. Emma and Anthony’s people gathered around them early in the morning for a final walkthrough and a chance to imagine what this moment would feel like when it became a reality later on in the afternoon. The two groups split up, with Emma and her girls retreating to Shepherd Hollow’s beautiful bridal suite and Anthony and his friends to prepare for the afternoon ahead. Even in the morning, clouds rolled across the sky, ominously threatening to ruin a perfect day. And yet, Emma and Anthony were unfazed, excited for what lay ahead.

Portraits and Memories at Shepherd’s Hollow

Once Emma was prepared for the day, she and her mother stepped out into the light-filled hallway of Shepherd’s Hollow to spend a few quiet moments together. Across the grounds, Anthony confidently strolled over to a solitary corner of the station, his hiding place while Andrea prepared Emma to see the one she would soon call her husband. After a few moments for portraits, Emma and Anthony started to notice something as the day moved closer to the ceremony: the clouds had changed. Dark and ominous before, over the course of their bridal party photos, the grey clouds started to lift and even allow tiny bits of sunlight to come through. They hoped that this would be a sign of things to come.

The Ceremony and Cocktail Hour

And thankfully, they were rewarded for their hopes. As if on cue, the sun finally broke through the wall of clouds as Emma descended down to the guests waiting in the open courtyard. Under the shadow of the Station at Shepherd’s Hollow, Emma and Anthony were finally able to see their dream become a reality, amidst the cheers and celebrations of all that held them dear. The crowd dispersed as Emma and Anthony spent a few quiet moments alone before joining everyone at cocktail hour, eager to reconnect with friends and family from all parts of their lives.

The Reception

Once seated, everyone in attendance was met with the a beautiful cascade of traditions, culminating in dances that blew away the entire room. Ironically, the rain came back just as their last portrait time began, but instead of being an inconvenience, it became a beautiful “book end” to remind them how the day began and the blessing of the beautiful weather  they were given for the ceremony. Instead of prolonging the reception and making their guests wait, Emma and Anthony flew to the dance floor and as the music began to play, the couple was surrounded by friends and family alike, ready to celebrate long into the evening.

The Congratulations 

Emma and Anthony, we feel as though our time with you on your wedding day came and went by like the blink of an eye. Thankfully, even though we had little time together, the time we were blessed with was so full of beauty and memories, and at the center was the beautiful story you two have crafted thus far. We still remember laughing with you on our first zoom call, and those laughs echoes in our mind as you both saw each other for the first time, said “I do”, and danced the night away. Here’s to many more years and laughter and joy, you both deserve it.

All our best!

J + A

All photos are property of Josh and Andrea Photography LLC.

The Vendors

• Photographer: Josh and Andrea Photography
• Venue: Shepherd’s Hollow
• Videographer: Elite Wedding Co.
• Florals: Fleur and Bloom
• Hair Artist: The Makeup Loft
• Makeup Artist: The Makeup Loft
• Cake Artist: Sweet Heather Anne
• Live Band/DJ: Elite Wedding Co
• Catering: Shepherd’s Hollow
• Men’s Suits: Men’s Warehouse
• Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Azazie

If emotion-filled weddings tug at your heart-strings, you can find another wedding filled with emotion here.