We met at the Traverse City Airport and got ready for one of the most spectacular memories of my life.
After the Pre-Flight checks we were ready for take off!
Once in the air, I couldn't stop taking photo after photo as this experience was HEAPS more than I could have imagined when Kevin asked me to photograph him and his dad.
We soared above Traverse City, the planes seemingly floating around each other in a perfectly orchestrated dance. Our pilots were in constant communication with each other to make these images flow seamlessly.
There are some things that you truly have to experience to soak in the emotion of a moment. My hope is that you can experience some of what we felt while flying that day.
Soaring over the Bay.
Kevin performed a few stunts for us-Did I mention he was an amazing Aero Sports pilot? He performed not only at our beloved town Cherry Festival but he also was involved in multiple air shows in surrounding areas.
We wrapped up our sky adventure and headed back to base.
What truly touched my heart is the bond of Father and Son with flying. Kevin's dad got him started at a very young age.
"Kevin William Copeland, 29, of Williamsburg passed away on July 30, 2017 as a result of an on coming distracted driver accident. Kevin was born September 23, 1987 to Terry (Ziabkowski) and Gary Copeland. He is survived by his loving parents, sister Christy Augustine, an aunt,Judy Tabaczka, and cousins and their families. Kevin graduated from Elk Rapids High School in 2006. After high school, Kevin attended and graduated from the Northwestern Michigan College Aviation Program and Davenport University business degree program. He had a love for flying at a young age. His dad, a corporate pilot, started taking him flying to airshows as soon as he could walk. Kevin was his best co-pilot. They currently had been building a plane together in the family farm hanger. He had a talent for teaching and became an aviation instructor. Kevin also had a love of thrills doing aerobatics. Kevin and his Super Decathlon plane, Belle, competed and flew in airshows all over the region including the National Cherry Festival and Wings Over Northern Michigan. His parents and family members were his best fans always supporting him in his love of aerobatics. At the time of his death, Kevin was an air craft captain with Air Services, Inc.. Kevin always had a smile on his face, a gentle voice, and was a friend to all. He had a gift to fly."
Looking through these photos brings me so much joy of memories past. Kevin was an amazing person, friend, and all around stellar human. Photographing him doing what he loved is a memory that I cherish.
He took me up in his plane months prior to this shoot and proceeded to do a few stunts with me along for the ride-again, one of the best memories of my life. My legs were like noodles after that and my adrenaline was jacked. It gave me a whole new respect for stunt pilots and their skillset, training, and talent!
"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hovering there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through the footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I’ve topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew.
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high un-trespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God."
Always in our hearts-we won't ever forget you!
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What a beautiful summer day at Brys Estate Winery in Traverse City, Michigan.
Brys Estate is nested on Old Mission Peninsula-one of my absolute favorites for getting a glass of wine and enjoying a charcuterie board amongst the vines.
Namic had contacted me in hopes of planning the perfect surprise proposal for his now fiancé. I was so impressed with his attention to every detail!
I conversed with the friendly staff of Brys Estate and photographed delicious wine while awaiting their arrival.
I had my eye on the entrance and in pulled their car! You see, beforehand I get the car make, color, model, etc to be sure I don't start photographing the wrong couple! My heart started thumping as well, I get SUPER excited for proposals and have to hold back my own happy dance!
I continued to pretend to be photographing wine, staff members, and floral arrangements while Namic and Sarah made there way onto the bridge. I felt like quite the stealthy sneak master at this point and began to snap away discreetly.
As soon as Sarah said YES! I leapt out of hiding and finished photographing their special first engaged moments.
Their happiness and joy were absolutely beautiful! I gave them a few moments to enjoy their wine and spread the good cheer to family and friends!
We then decided to take a few stunning images of the happy couple around the gorgeous Estate.
The Lavender was AMAZING! If you haven't been-GO! Make it a Summer must do!
We arrived at the Bavarian Inn Lodge to begin photographing this phenomenal wedding day!
The details from the shoes,dress, rings, and jewelry are some of my favorite images to capture at the beginning of the day.
Carrie looked absolutely stunning in her dress and we prepared to meet up with Mike for the first look!
They chose the Frankenmuth Hart Old One Room Schoolhouse as the location for their first look which was quite fitting considering they are both teachers! This quaint, historic schoolhouse is absolutely charming!
After the first look we headed around to the side of the schoolhouse to an amazing bridge where we took some stellar images of these two while we waited for their bridal party to arrive. Having a first look takes a lot of stress away from the wedding day as you are able to get the majority of your posed photos with your bridal party and also the two of you before your ceremony even begins! It opens up the door for you to fully enjoy your cocktail hour and reception with your guests.
The overcast day made for perfect, even lighting (a photographer's dream!) This wedding party was also a photographer's dream as they were all full of laughter and jokes!
They were also excellent students!
After we photographed the bridal party we headed to the Palmer Schau Platz Memorial Park Band Shell where Carrie and Mike vowed to spend the rest of their lives together. It was simply stunning! Up until this point it had been a cloudy day but the sun shone through and cast its glamorous glow on the entire scene. You could feel the joy and happiness in the air as it radiated from every guest in attendance!
Don't worry-he saved the ring!
We then made our way to Frankenmuth Brewery for the reception! What an amazing venue for a wedding reception! The ambience, the view, and the excellent staff made for a flawless evening!
This gorgeous wedding was also pulled of flawlessly by the amazing direction, coordination, and organization of Meg with Mitten Weddings and Events. We can't recommend her enough!
Congratulations Carrie and Mike! We absolutely loved being a part of your spectacular wedding day!
On a gorgeous September day, we had the pleasure of being a part of an intimate elopement at the Jolly Pumpkin in Traverse City, Michigan.
The day was balmy with just a hint of Fall in the air and we couldn't have been happier with the gorgeous lighting we had for photos. A peaceful sense of excitement surrounded the day and we were absolutely ecstatic for the gorgeous couple paired with a gorgeous Pure Michigan setting!
Every detail was exquisite! We absolutely LOVE shoes and these wedding shoes stole my heart!
The atmosphere in the Jolly Pumpkin is inviting, warm, and romantic.
While Katie was getting ready, she had this absolute radiant calm about her persona.
The setting was absolutely stunning. Glenn stood in anticipation as his beautiful bride walked towards him across the lush, green grass. Birds singing overhead, the bay in the background, and a soft light surrounded the entire captivating scene.
I was quite overtaken by the beauty and intimacy in all its entirety!
Joy radiated from the two of them as they finalized their vows to each other.
After letting the two of them have a shared moment we utilized all of the phenomenal locations around the Jolly Pumpkin to capture their adoration for each other.
Being a part of this truly captivating elopement was highlite of our year. Congratulations Glenn and Katie!
Cheers to your happily ever after!
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