When I got the call to photograph Melissa and Jerod’s wedding at Douglas Walker Park in Byron Center, Michigan, I was over the moon with excitement! As a Phoenix-based destination wedding photographer, I thrive on capturing love stories in breathtaking locations. Swapping the Arizona desert for Michigan’s lush greenery was such a refreshing change, and I couldn’t wait to document every magical moment of their day.

A Friendship That Led to a Wedding

Melissa and I first connected back in 2019 and early 2020 when I was managing sports photographers for Ultimate Team Products. As a team lead, Melissa often handled my travel logistics, and we exchanged countless messages and calls. Despite all that communication, we only met once—right before the pandemic hit, when she happened to be passing through Arizona. After that, we kept in touch mainly through social media, following each other’s career paths.

During the lockdown, both of us took different professional turns—Melissa pursued teaching, and I fully committed to my photography career. Fast forward to her wedding day, when her mom said something that truly touched my heart:

“You’ve been amazing! Melissa knew from the start who she wanted as her wedding photographer. You were the one thing she was absolutely certain of.”

 

Hearing that filled me with so much joy and validation—it was an honor to capture such an important moment in her life!

Melissa & Jerod’s Love Story

Melissa and Jerod’s relationship began through a close-knit group of college friends in Grand Rapids, Michigan, even though they attended different schools. Their friendship grew over time, and in the summer of 2021, Melissa visited a few times. While there wasn’t one defining “first date” moment, their late-night conversations and shared experiences deepened their bond. It was during a movie night on her second visit that they decided to give long-distance dating a shot—with Melissa in Denver, Colorado and Jerod in Michigan.

Their relationship thrived on shared interests, from their love of fantasy and sci-fi to cooking, working out, and outdoor adventures like hiking, tubing, and kayaking. Every new experience became another thread in the tapestry of their love story, ultimately leading them to say “I do.”

A Michigan Wedding at Douglas Walker Park

Their wedding ceremony and reception took place at Douglas Walker Park in Byron Center, a charming outdoor venue surrounded by towering trees and lush greenery. The natural setting made for a breathtaking backdrop, with soft golden light filtering through the leaves as we captured photos.

What I loved most about Melissa and Jerod’s wedding was how much they valued photography. They understood the importance of setting aside dedicated time for portraits, which allowed us to fully embrace the beauty of golden hour in Michigan.

Sunset Magic in Byron Center

After the reception, we carved out plenty of time for sunset portraits, which was truly a dream for any wedding photographer. The soft sunset Michigan light was absolutely divine, making for some of my favorite couple portraits to date. Melissa was a vision in her stunning wedding dress, and every moment felt straight out of a fairytale.

We explored different areas of the park, capturing romantic, intimate moments that reflected their love story perfectly. The soft glow of the setting sun, the peaceful surroundings, and the joy radiating from Melissa and Jerod made this session one I’ll never forget.

Why I Love Traveling for Weddings

As a Phoenix wedding photographer, I’m always thrilled when couples invite me to capture their love stories—no matter where their journey takes them. Whether it’s an Arizona desert wedding, a lush Michigan park, or a scenic mountain ceremony, I love incorporating each location’s unique beauty into my photography.

Every destination offers something different—from golden sand dunes to rolling green hills—and I truly believe that choosing the right setting adds so much depth to your wedding photos.

Planning a Destination Wedding? Let’s Connect!

Melissa and Jerod’s wedding was a perfect example of why I love destination wedding photography—it’s about more than just taking pictures; it’s about capturing love stories in stunning, meaningful places.

If you’re planning a destination wedding in Michigan, Arizona, or anywhere in between, I’d love to bring your vision to life!