Happy One-Year Anniversary, Kristen and Paul!

Photos by Leah Renee Photography

leahreneephotography.com

One year ago today, our gorgeous bride Kristen married the love of her life, Paul. The wedding took place at St. Francis Church and the reception at Ranch Rudolf, both in Traverse City. Cowboy boots, tangerine-colored bridesmaids dresses, a meadow full of daisies, and kisses on Grand Traverse Bay are just a few of the things that make me love these wedding photos. And take a look at Kristen…she is one beautiful young woman.

Kristen and Paul met way up north at Michigan Technological University. She shared with me some of her fondest memories while dating Paul:

Our first date was one of tried and true Upper Peninsula fashion…bird hunting in a Toyota pickup. Other memories include watching a meteor shower on the hood of his truck while listening to Kenny Chesney’s greatest hits; the countless miles we drove through the Baraga Plains; or the time he taught me how to shoot a 12-gauge. In the early days of our relationship, I let him know I liked him by catching insects for his bug collection and I knew he liked me because he would make me peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for our field trips.

There’s no doubt that Kristen loves Paul. Yet finding the wedding gown of her dreams? That proved a bit more challenging. What does a bride do when she still hasn’t found the right dress after visits to numerous bridal salons and the frustration starts to set in? Make a list, that’s what she does! Kristen did a bit of online research and found a bridal shopping tip – make a list of 6 words that would describe the perfect dress. Kristen’s words were:

lacy, romantic, natural, flowing, delicate, light

One of our favorite designers, Augusta Jones, appealed to her so she made the long trip down from Northern Michigan to check out our inventory. Kristen recalls:

When I met my bridal consultant, Najla, I read her my list and told her I liked an Augusta Jones dress called Juno. She was extremely helpful and didn’t waste time with dresses that weren’t right for me. She went straight to the good stuff! She helped to guide my decision and it was clear she had a lot of experience helping brides find the perfect dress.

When I tried on Juno, I knew it was the right one. It just felt right and it gave me goose bumps. I felt like a bride. I felt beautiful.

Kristen grew up in Traverse City and studied Ecology and Environmental Science at MTU. She’s an environmental consultant doing work in the Upper Peninsula. Paul grew up in Channing, which is in the far west of the U.P. He has a degree in Forestry from MTU and is a Forester for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in Indian River.

I can’t thank the ladies at Mimi’s enough for all they did to help me with my wedding. I am so glad I found them and will always have fond memories of my visits there. I can’t wait for my sisters to get married so we can go back!

We Love you, Kristen!

Happy Anniversary!