Some wedding days stick with you forever. Not just because of the location (this one being at the Delamar in Traverse City), or the weather, or the details, but because the couple radiates a kind of love that people can actually feel. Jordan and Emily are that couple.
From the moment I met them at their rehearsal dinner, I knew their wedding day was going to be something special. They were warm, welcoming, and fun from the start. Exactly the kind of people you instantly connect with and wish to be friends with. Their friends and family were just as kind, and the energy in the room made it feel like one big celebration waiting to happen.
But before we get into the wedding day itself, their story deserves a spotlight.
A Love That’s “Silly” in the Best Ways
Jordan and Emily first met at Michigan State University during their undergrad years, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. 8 years of inside jokes, road trips, skis strapped to the car, mountain hikes, and laughter that fills every room.
They describe their love as “silly,” the kind of relationship full of playful names, goofy phrases, and a shared sense of humor that their friends lovingly tease them about. They’ve spent the last two years living out west in Colorado, exploring mountains and building memories, and now after moving back to Michigan, they are ready to start the next chapter surrounded by the people they love most.
The Rehearsal Dinner
The night before the wedding, I met Jordan and Emily at their rehearsal dinner at The Park Place. I grabbed some shots of them together at the bar, laughing with their family, hugging friends, and enjoying the pre-wedding excitement.
Their personalities shined through every interaction, and I left thinking, Tomorrow is going to be amazing.
Spoiler alert: It absolutely was.
The Big Day
Getting Ready
The next morning, I met Emily and her bridesmaids in their hotel room.
I started with detail shots of the rings, florals, invitations, perfume, and all the pretty things that set the tone of the day. Afterward, I took some getting-ready shots, and finally the moment everyone was waiting for: Emily stepping into her dress.
She looked stunning, and her bridesmaids certainly thought so too! As soon as she revealed her dress, the reactions included tears, gasps, hands over hearts, and then a huge group hug. Her friends love her so much, you could feel it.
The First Look and Private Vows
Next, it was time for Emily and Jordan’s first look, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it was incredibly sweet and emotional.
They took a few minutes to read private vows to each other while I captured everything (from a respectful distance) so the moment stayed intimate.
A Beautiful Ceremony and Dreamy Cocktail Hour at the Delamar
After the ceremony, something I absolutely loved happened: they actually got to enjoy cocktail hour.
Since we were able to get so many great portraits before the ceremony, Jordan and Emily were able to laugh with friends, hug family, and celebrate the promise they just made to each other at their cocktail hour.
The reception began, emotional speeches were given, and then the light outside became perfect! So we slipped away to the dock for more portraits before the sun dipped behind the horizon. Delamar is full of amazing photo spots, but the dock is definitely one of my favorites. The way the evening glow hits the water behind them? Magical.
The Reception
Let me just take a moment to hype up DJ Matt Savage. He’s on my vendor recommendation list for a reason. He knows how to turn a reception into an actual party, and this night was no exception.
The dance floor was full from the second it opened. And then came the moment no one was prepared for: Jordan and his mom performing a surprise choreographed dance. It was epic!
A Day Overflowing with Love
Jordan and Emily’s wedding was the perfect blend of emotion and celebration and the perfect reflection of the two of them: Joyful, genuine, playful, and loved deeply by everyone around them.
Photographing their day was an honor, and I left feeling so grateful that Emily’s mom had stumbled across my Instagram which led them to booking with me. Because it brought these two wonderful humans into my world.
Jordan and Emily – thank you for the privilege of documenting a love story that is so beautifully, perfectly yours!
The Vendors
- Venue: Delamar Traverse City
- Catering & Drinks: Delamar
- Photography: Kristina Sobel Photography
- DJ: DJ Matt Savage
- Florals: Clarabella Flowers
- Hair & Makeup: MI Day Beauty
- Dress: Weddingshoppe (Berkley, MI)
