Some weddings just stick with you long after the sparklers fade and the last song plays, and Sam and Matt’s wedding at Jacob’s Farm in Traverse City was truly one of those.
Their day was full of joy, laughter, tender family moments, and the kind of genuine celebration that makes you feel lucky to be invited into the story.
But before the wedding day itself, Sam and I had already built a friendship.
A year earlier, I met up with her, her sister Kelly, and their mom over coffee to chat through her timeline, vision, and what mattered most for the big day.
These types of pre-wedding coffee dates are some of my favorite parts of the process, because it’s when you get to see the heart behind the details, and by the time the wedding rolled around, I wasn’t just her photographer, I was a friend who was there to make her and Matt’s day as special as I could.
Getting Ready at Jacob’s Farm
The morning of the wedding was filled with the kind of buzzing excitement you can feel in the air. Sam and her bridesmaids gathered at Jacob’s Farm, joined by her mom, to get ready. There was laughter, and of course… a few happy tears!
I started with detail shots of her dress, her shoes, and the other sweet things she picked out before capturing some candid “getting ready” moment.
When Sam got into her gown, the emotions were running all over again. She looked absolutely radiant. I grabbed a few shots of her and the bridesmaids before her first look with her dad.
Meanwhile, the air outside was filled with the sounds of Traverse City’s Cherry Festival airshow. Every once in a while, a roar of engines would echo across the sky, and we’d try to sneak a peak which added a unique and memorable soundtrack to the morning.
While I was with Sam and her bridal party, my second shooter, Ellie from EM Creative Photography, was with the guys. She documented the groom and groomsmen as they got ready. Once the boys’ photos were wrapped up, Ellie met me back at Jacob’s Farm so we could capture the first look between Matt and Sam.
A Romantic Ceremony in the Woods
The ceremony took place tucked deep in the woods of Jacob’s Farm, where sunlight shone through the tall pines.
As guests gathered and the music began, emotions ran high. When Sam walked down the aisle, there was hardly a dry eye to be found. It was the kind of heartfelt ceremony that makes you believe in love all over again.
Bridal Party Portraits
After the ceremony, we gathered the large bridal party for portraits. And let me tell you, this
group was a dream. Every bridesmaid and groomsman was kind, thoughtful, and ready to jump in to help however they could.
There’s something special about being surrounded by friends and family who are genuinely invested in a couple’s happiness that makes me love my job so much. We also stole a few moments for family photos beneath the trees, followed by portraits of just Sam and Matt in the dreamy forest light.
The Reception at Jacob’s Farm
Where some receptions feel formal or structured, Matt and Sam’s was the perfect balance of meaningful and laid-back. They wanted to spend time with their loved ones, to soak up every moment, and that’s exactly what they did.
The first dances were incredibly emotional and heartfelt. You could literally feel the love and history in the room as parents held their children close, and as Sam and Matt swayed together for the first time as newlyweds.
From there, the evening unfolded with laughter, conversation, and good food. Sam and Matt prioritized connection over perfection, and it showed in every moment.
Once the sun set, the dance floor came alive. Friends and family gathered, shoes were kicked off, and the party truly began. The couple danced hard, surrounded by the people who meant the most to them. It was the perfect way to close out a day full of meaning, love, and celebration.
I’ll always remember this wedding for its joy and the way Sam and Matt poured their hearts into not just the details, but the people.
Sam and Matt, thank you for trusting me to document your day. Being alongside you as your friend and photographer was the greatest honor. Congrats!
The Vendors
- Ceremony and Reception: Cathedral of Trees, Jacob’s Farm
- Photography: Kristina Sobel Photography
- Second Shooter: EM Creative Photography
- DJ: Parker Marshall LLC
- Florals: Amy Kate Designs
- Hair and Makeup: The Hair and Beauty Lounge
- Bar and Catering: Jacob’s Farm
- Dessert: Potters Bakery
- Dress: Gina’s Bridal Boutique
