Mike and Hillary Maninga

August 10, 2019

Ahmeek, MI

Let's get started with a more detailed look at Mike and Hillary's wedding day...

Hillary's wedding day began bright and early at Citrus Salon for hair and makeup.  Hair by Alexadrea Larson, traveling down from her salon.  Bridal make up by the wonderful Gisele Ryan.  Bridesmaids, Sarah and Jamie, had their hair done early in the morning and were already out of the salon to put their makeup on themselves by the time I had arrived.  Mother of the bride, Janessa and Cheridan were at the salon with the bride. 

After the salon, we went up to the Ahmeek Firehall for the Bride and Bridesmaids to finish getting ready.  I was able to spend some time with Hillary's beautiful dress and cute shoes to get some much needed shots!  There just happened to be an apple tree right next to the firehall that worked out perfectly, special thanks to Jaime and Sarah for finding me locations for dress pictures! 

Reminds me of Snow White with the deep colors and the apples.

Hillary even had hockey pucks detailed with their wedding date and names!  Pay attention to future pictures in the collection, you will find hockey themed throughout the day! 

As a wedding photographer you tend to help with multiple tasks and I am always happy to assist.  The bride and her bridesmaids all had lace up dresses, and if you have ever laced up a dress you know it can take a while.  This was one of the tasks I was happy to assist with!  Mother of the bride of course had to assist her daughter with the lacing of her wedding dress. 

Jaime and Sarah assisting with Hillary to put on her cute little flats.  Theses girls always seemed to be smiling and having a good time!  I can see why Hillary chose them to be her bridesmaids.

Hillary helping her father with his boutonnière, it was hockey themed of course!
 

Next step in the day was to go to the ceremony site.  Hillary and Mike married at a family property in Ahmeek.  The little river, trees and homemade arch made a simple yet beautiful backdrop to their ceremony.

Hillary rode in style from the firehall to her ceremony site in the Ahmeek fire truck.  Her father drove her to the ceremony before walking her down the aisle.

Let the ceremony begin...

Right at the end of the ceremony there was an announcement over the radios, congratulating Hillary and Mike on their wedding and wishing them the best!  It was such a heart-felt unexpected moment.

It was always a good time with Hillary and Mike's family and friends. Right in the middle of the receiving line, we started hearing a fire alarm going off.  And here is this gentleman at the end of the fire truck just looking like he is up to no good! Ha.

Hillary and her littlest best friend.  She was sure to send me pictures of this little guy beforehand to make sure I knew he would be a part of the wedding!  How cute is he?!

Just like Hillary to arrive in such a style, it is only fitting to leave in no less of a style!  Hillary and Mike rode the back of the fire truck all the way to the firehall!

After everyone gathered at the firehall, we all loaded on the party bus and went to Esrey Park.  We almost didn't go up to Esrey Park, but I am so glad for Hillary and Mike that we all went!  Theses are the kind of wedding pictures I live for!  

Honor Roll Park in Ahmeek was also a scheduled photo stop on the party bus tour in the Keweenaw.  Honor Roll Park is where Hillary's parents were married and it was a definite stop site!  We also had to get all those hockey themed pictures done!!!

Off to the reception...

I must say it was a first for me to photograph the couple signing their wedding license in an actual firehall garage, but it was fitting for the couple.

Hillary and Mike's sister surprised Mike with a Groom/Sister dance.  The song was Mike's mothers favorite song.

Thank you Mike and Hillary for having me as your wedding photographer and instantly making me feel welcome!  It was a great day to spend with you!  I enjoyed all of the happiness and laughter you both naturally make happen.  I also loved that Hillary wanted to capture all the moments she could with everyone to the point where she was notifying her guests that they were not allowed to leave the reception until a photograph was taken with them.  The blog is only a small piece of the photos and emotions captured throughout the day.  If you want more, you will need to ask Hillary for the rest of the collection once it is complete!

Dear Mike and Hillary, 

I truly wish you all the best in your marriage!!!