Tyler and Lauren | A Fall Michigan Wedding at The Barn at Monterey Valley

This wedding day is such a special one to me. I’ve known Tyler and Lauren for about as long as I’ve been married to my husband, Ryan. I love that when you get married, you not only have a best friend for life, but a whole new family of cousins, grandparents, parents, and nieces and nephews. 

Lauren is Ryan’s (and now MY) cousin and ever since becoming a part of this new family, she and her family have always been such kind and welcoming family members to me. They served Ryan and I on our wedding day in such a meaningful way. I will never forget the endless words of encouragement from Lauren’s mom as we decorated our wedding venue. You can always count on having a meaningful conversation with Lauren and her family. The love they have for others and their care to connect is so abundant. 

When Lauren asked me to be the photographer at her wedding, I was SO thrilled. I knew this wedding was going to be such a special and joyful day. I also loved getting a little bit of a family-member “backstage pass” of their wedding planning details. Hearing Lauren’s mom share the elaborate story about finding their wedding venue BEFORE Lauren and Tyler even got engaged was one of my favorite stories to hear about! 

As their wedding day got closer, I remember talking to Lauren about how she had been checking her wedding day weather almost daily (even a month before her wedding) knowing full-well that Michigan weather is nearly impossible to predict! Haha! I am, however, happy to report that her wedding day prayers were answered and the wedding day was one of the most gorgeous fall days we had in Michigan! It was sunny, warm, and the trees were full of color! It was an absolutely stunning day! 

Everything about Tyler and Lauren’s wedding day went so flawlessly. I probably told these two that their wedding day was “perfect” probably 42 times haha! It was just that. The kindness and heart these two have for each other is just beautiful and emanated throughout their day. I especially loved how intentional they were about their wedding day. Lauren had a promise ring of her created into a necklace that she wore. The two of them had a private moment together reading each other personal vows. They even picked out a favorite liquor to share on their anniversary. 

Tyler, so sweet, wore his heart on his sleeve on his wedding day. Tears were shed during their first look, their personal vows, and during their ceremony. Oh goodness he made it hard for ME to keep my composure during these moments. His emotions for Lauren were all-encompassing even in the way he gazed and smiled at her all day. 

From the kindness to the intentionality, the tears to the kisses, and the sunshine to the sweet gazes, this wedding was one for the books. Tyler and Lauren, even on your wedding day, you showed so much love to Claire and I. Thank you for your abundance of warmth, patience, and generous love. I think it goes without saying (but I’ll say it anyway) that the two of you are the loveliest couple. I have so much faith that the two of you will continue to compound your love for one another and each other through this unity. I’m so excited for your MARRIAGE and wishing you two all the very best! <3 

Sending you so much love, 

Ellen