Tree {the Wedding}

Garett & Mikayla Tree

Otter Lake Lodge

You know all those times when someone says “Thank You” and the automatic response is “It was my privilege” and it doesn’t mean anything? Well for this family, it meant a whole lot to say it…  It truly was my privilege to attend… let alone photograph… an event for this family.    Garett and Mikayla are just that special.

 

The handsome Garett was the first to be all ready to go!

I love that boutonniere!

We cordoned off Garett so he didn’t see Mikayla until just the right moment then went to help her finish up with her bridal prep.

As Mikayla’s mom, Lisa, helped with the shoes, she just about had us all in tears as she said… “I don’t know how many times I helped you with your shoes when you were little… and here I am helping you on your wedding day.” It was a moment.

Stunning!

 

 

The sunshine was out! It was a gorgeous day.

Maybe its something about those spruce trees, but I love LOVE this one:

So many favorite photos of this beautiful lady.

Elegant…

We decided to have Buck (Mikayla’s Dad) lead her down to the lake to meet up with her love for his first glimpse of her on their wedding day.

 

She whispers something in his ear before she takes off the blindfold…

As he turned around, his eyes filled with emotion. I love it when big strong guys love their ladies so much they tear up.

 

After a few moments savoring their love, we took some fun photos with the gorgeous scenery.  It was so beautiful that day with great clouds.

 

As the guests began to arrive, so did a sweet little family of geese! One tried to take a nibble off of my second shooter, Heaven, when she got a little too close.

Its starting!

Mikayla’s handwritten vows were some of the most heartfelt (and funny) I have ever heard! She had everyone laughing and crying with her true feelings shining through.

After the first kiss Mikayla and Garett ran down the aisle in their excitement to get to the reception!

Countless hours were spent focusing on every tiny detail.  Custom napkins, ornaments, place settings, glasses, champagne flutes and many more were arranged “just so” to honor this new marriage. I was told that a lot of it was thanks to days of elbow grease lovingly given by Garett’s mom.  I hope she knows how special her efforts were to the couple.

 

Love was shown everywhere! Tiny little details shouted it out!

Hey! There is our buddy Eric, from Alaska Professional Entertainment asking the questions for the always hilarious “shoe game”.  He is such a great DJ.

And then… as  a surprise, Mikayla’s two siblings came out and did a crazy “rap” song they had written… it was so funny!!

There were quite possibly the most beautiful cake and cupcakes… lots of flavors and each one intricately decorated with piles of tasty frosting.

 

Mikayla and Buck’s daddy / daughter dance was so sweet.

The party was only just starting!

Congratulations to Mikayla and Garett!

 

 

Thanks so much for the privilege of being at your wedding!

 

 

Here is a link to the gallery with the entire set of images:

The Tree Wedding {Password Protected Gallery}