I believe in love.

This song makes me smile and think about the wedding day. I smile during the vows that a couple makes to each other. It’s at that moment I believe that they will do whatever it takes to be there for each other. It’s at those moments that I look over at the father and mother of the groom and see their smiles as they hold hands. It’s at that moment that I have hope for unconditional love.

You know it when you see it. It’s the father and mother of the bride holding hands. The mother of the bride wrapping her arms around her husband as they dance during their daughter’s wedding. It’s the groom when he sees his bride for the first time in her wedding gown. No matter what life throws them, they love each other truely and unconditionally, and their ability to work through tough times and good times together shines at these moments. It’s beautiful. The laughter, the tears, the smiles. Pure joy and love is what it’s all about.

Then I read this book and it was like a light bulb went off and things started to make sense.  I quickly realized that Julie’s primary love languages are 1. acts of service and 2. quality time.  Spending time with her and keeping up my end of the chores around the house was what she wanted to feel loved.  I wish I had read this book a long time ago (even before we were married.)  It’s changed my perspective on love and life and I hope that everyone (even unmarried people) have the chance to read this book.  I love my wife and now know how to show her.

Here’s a photo of Megan and Adrian, one of those couples that I knew were in love from the moment I met them and it showed during their engagement session. I cannot wait for their wedding later this year.

A sample engagement session shot on the campus of Michigan State University with Amanda and Ronnie.  The intent of this video is to give you an idea of how I work during an engagement session. Every wedding package includes an engagement session in order to give us an opportunity to get to know each other and to prepare for photography on the wedding day. Lean more about wedding photography by Edward Maurer.

Special thanks to Andy Owen of Owen Video for producing the video.  He’s an amazingly talented wedding videographer and a pleasure to work with.

Music Credit: “I Wish You Love” performed by “Nancy Falkow,” courtesy of Triple Scoop Music.

Lastly, the most emotional day of the entire year was when I captured this photograph.  That’s Joyce in the center. She was the mother of a bride from last year and one of the most amazing people I have ever met.  I believe in you Joyce!!!!!

I met Dana through our gym Oakland County Crossfit. It’s the sport of the future and I was excited when she wanted to go there for some portraits.

The best way to walk is heel toe, heel toe. At least that’s what they tell me. Over the years I’ve really come to appreciate the high heel shoe as I photograph them for weddings and watch brides and bridesmaids walk around in them all day. Normally when walking in heels ladies need to walk heel to toe, but walking in grass with heels changes that theory all together. When I have a bridal party in the grass I’m very conscious of this fact and try to make sure the ladies aren’t in the grass for too long of time.

A year ago today two wonderful people declared to God and everyone that they will do whatever it takes to love, honor, and cherish each other.

A year ago today Katie and Rudy put rings on each others fingers declaring that covenant.

A year ago today we all laughed, we all cried, and we all danced.

Happy anniversary Katie and Rudy.