I had been looking forward to Megan and Ben’s wedding day since I met them in person at Balboa Island in Orange County, California last winter. They decided to fly out to meet me in Southern California for a long weekend and to photograph their engagement session. We had such a great time that weekend, that when they left, I felt like I had made great new friends! With the successful shoot behind us, and knowing they had selected Carolyn Hefner of the China Closet to provide her meticulous planning services, I only had complete confidence that a great wedding day would be upon us.

The day finally came and did not fall short of spectacular! It began with my meeting Megan at her parents’ beautiful home where she and her bridesmaids were getting ready. David Yarnall, my second photographer, met up with Ben and his groomsmen at the Lexington Hotel in Lansing. It was a beautiful September, Saturday. Michigan State football was in the air at the nearby stadium. Megan and Ben are big supporters of the green and white, and wanted to make sure their guests were not deprived of the football action by incorporating the game into the flow of the day (more on that shortly!).

The photography began early because a late morning ceremony was necessary at St. Gerard Catholic Church. Megan and the girls arrived just shortly before the processional would begin. Megan and Ben’s nieces and nephews participated as the flower girls and ring bearers. They collectively are among the cutest I have ever photographed! After the ceremony, the guests were all invited to enjoy a “pre-reception” back at the Lexington Hotel. Rather than their guests having to find something to do for a few hours between the ceremony and reception, Megan and Ben provided a “tailgate” party for them, complete with hotdogs, chips, refreshments and large screen televisions to watch the MSU football game that corresponded with the afternoon break. It was a great way for everyone to relax and then get ready for the big event: Megan and Ben’s wedding reception at the Country Club of Lansing later that evening. While the guests all relaxed and enjoyed the game, the entire wedding party and I headed over to the MSU campus to photograph fun photos at some of the popular landmarks. It was very cool to be there with the game going on in the background!

Finally, we arrived at the country club for the big party! In addition to the beautifully decorated dining room, Megan, Ben and all their guests danced the night away under a tent outdoors. The reception, as well as the entire wedding day, was so much fun! Megan and Ben are about the nicest couple you’ll meet and I am so happy they are now husband and wife! They compliment each so well! You can see it on their faces in just about every photograph I captured of the two of them together! Check out some of my favorites above and below of the wonderful wedding day story. You can also checkout the highlight slideshow of the whole wedding day by clicking >>>>HERE<<<<

Their all-star list of vendors included:

Planning by Carolyn Hefner of The China Closet
Video by Fifth and Main Productions
Floral by Bellisario Florists
Music by Orchestra 33
Cake by A Piece of Cake
Linens and Decor by Special Events
Hotel for Guests: Lexington Hotel Lansing
Church: St. Gerard Catholic Church, Lansing