Eyliana + Matt | A Miracle Spring Wedding | Hydrangea Blu Barn | Rockford, MI
Monday's Forecast for Friday: 80% chance of rain
Wednesday's Forecast for Friday: 80% chance of rain
Thursday evening's Forecast for Friday: 80% chance of rain
Friday Morning: ......how is that possible?
A storm that had plagued the forecast map slowly rolled in on Thursday evening, giving a much needed sprinkle to a dry Michigan, while simultaneously dampening the spirits of the bride and groom. Matt and Eyliana's big day was the next morning, and as the evening darkness rolled in, everyone involved with their wedding said a final prayer before they went to bed. The sun rose on Friday morning, with the rain still pattering on the leaves, but....the forecast showed a change. For four days straight, the forecast had never changed; but on Friday morning, everyone's forecast apps opened with the beautiful words: "10am: Cloudy but no rain." And just like that, the wedding day of Eyliana Cook and Matthew Holly began with hope and excitement for what was to come!
If you remember Eyliana and Matt's Engagement shoot from last winter, you'll remember that we described them "glass-half-full" kind of people. True to form, as we took their bridal portraits, someone commented how it was a little windy and chilly outside. Without missing a beat, Eyliana immediately piped up and exclaimed, "Well yeah, but this is nothing compared to how cold our engagement shoot was! This is way better!" We were always blown away with how positive and hopeful these two were in the past, but after meeting their families, the mystery was finally solved as both the Cook and the Holly families were perfect pictures of grace and excitement during the day. From praying with Eyli's parents at the beginning of the day to sitting with Matt's family during the reception, we can now clearly understand where Eyli and Matt get their beautiful spirits from.
Although Hydrangea Blu Barn has been around since 2012, Eyliana and Matt's wedding was our first chance to spend time at this adorable wedding barn venue just north of Grand Rapids! The day after the wedding is a time of "decompressing" for us as we get to talk about the wedding, the things we loved, and the things we want to repeat! It took almost no hesitation for both of us to comment "We WANT to shoot at Hydrangea Blu again!" From the barn filled with dancing guests to the beautiful grounds complete with white fences and pagodas, we continually found ourselves stumbling upon new and exciting areas that had our creativity flowing over the entire day. However, while the food was amazing, the venue was perfection, and the party was thrilling, all of it paled in comparison to the precious moments when Matt and Eyliana would look at each other and softly say "Can you believe we're married?"
Matt and Eyli, every moment of your day so perfectly captured "you," not only as individuals, but now also as a couple! From the worship service at the end of your ceremony to the way that Matt glorified God in his toast, you both truly shine with the light of Jesus. As you both begin this life as "one" instead of two, make sure to lean into each other and ultimately Jesus as you guys begin to tackle life as the "Hollys." Woah...now that was pretty fun to say! We love you both so much and we can't wait to see where you both end up! Cheering you on from Michigan! All our best!
J + A
Eyliana + Matt's Amazing Wedding Team
Wedding Dress: Caela Scott Bridal
Your Ring: James Allen
Bridesmaid's Dresses: Caela Scott Bridals
Men's Suits: Jos. A. Bank
Makeup Artist: Anna Perry
Venue: Hydrangea Blu Barn
Catering: Distinctive Catering
Cake Artist: Smutz Girls Sweet Shoppe
The sun starting peeking through brilliantly as we began bridal portraits! We took as many photos as we could not knowing whether or not "sunset bridal photos" would happen if the weather changed for the worse. Little did we know then, but hours later the evening sun was ALSO going to be amazing for their second set of portraits!
