I think that we need to start this blog with the story about how Mike and Terra met because it is absolutely adorable! The saying ‘Mom always knows best’ rings so true in this case. Michael’s parents have been lifelong friends with Terra’s grandparents going back 35 years. Michael’s mother even threw a baby shower for Terra’s mom in honor of Terra’s arrival to the world. Even though their families were lifelong friends and both attended the same high school and church, the two never formally met until a fateful day during the summer of 2015. Terra’s grandmother Barb had been visiting from Florida, and was deeply saddened that she hadn’t been able to see Nancy while she was in town. At Michelle and Terra’s suggestion, Barb invited Nancy to stop by for decaf coffee. It was while Nancy was on her Macbook scrolling through photos of the past year, specifically those from her son Benji’s wedding in Mexico that spring, that the matchmaking alarm dinged in Nancy’s head! Terra recalls that it wasn’t just a coincidence that every photo Nancy showed her was of Michael. The plan was in action, and as Nancy left that day she made sure that Terra knew Michael would be returning to Grand Rapids soon for a friend’s wedding. For the next two weeks Nancy persisted by texting and calling Terra to see if she would be in town while Michael was home. When news of this got back to Chicago, Michael freaked out and thought his mother made him sound desperate. He immediately asked for Terra’s number and left the now infamous voicemail apologizing for his mother’s relentless phone calls and promising her he wasn’t some grown up living in his parents’ basement. On June 25th, 2015, Michael was greeted at the front door of the Stacy House by two shirtless “men”, Terra’s brothers Jason and Cody. Terra got the thumbs up from Cody (for the first and only time) minutes after. That night they had their first date at Founder’s Brewery and at 2 AM closed down Yesterdog, an old stomping ground from the high school years. They were inseparable the rest of the weekend; Michael met Terra’s entire family and was invited by Michelle to be Terra’s date to a family wedding in Chicago the following weekend—the weekend she was set to move to Las Vegas. Fast forward two years to April 8th, 2017 when Michael finally got down on one knee and proposed to Terra on ‘Lincoln Meadows’ at Breckenridge Ski Resort, and she said “YES!” Their love of the outdoors led them to have their wedding at Jackson Hole atop the Tetons at 9,000 feet.
This wedding was one for the books! The whole day was absolutely gorgeous. Their ceremony was mid mountain and included a stunning flower alter created by Lily & Co. The entire ceremony was full of love, laughter, and some tears. They released butterflies to honor the family member who has passed. They topped the ceremony off with an incredible dip for their first kiss as husband and wife.
The reception was a blast complete with an amazing live band (New Soul Brigade) who put on quite a show. It truly seemed like everyone was having the time of their life.
Terra and Mike, from the moment I met you, I felt so welcomed. Your day was incredibly fun and it was my priviledge to photograph it. Thank you for your flexibility when our “plan A” didn’t work out for the first look, you were so accomodating and I think the portraits from 10,000 feet up were worth it! I wish you the best time on your honeymoon in October to South Africa!
