Merlo Park, Stirling City Ca Wedding Photographer: Michael + Hailey Skytte

Wedding

Jun 21

“The couples who are meant to be are the ones who go through everything that’s designed to tear them apart and they come out even stronger.”

This statement holds especially true for Hailey and Michael. They give off such a low-key, relaxed vibe but they have been through a lot in their journey together and have forged a bond that is unbreakable as a result.

May 28th, 2022 was crisp and dewy as there had been rainfall the evening before but everyone was excited for the wedding ahead and no clouds could dampen their spirits! When we arrived the bride was busy arranging the floral arch at the ceremony site. Time was of the essence and Jena and I were more than happy to jump into action to assist so Hailey could begin working on her hair and makeup. While we worked on florals, a few friends of the families also came to help out and the four of us girls had a blast listening to music and arranging flowers together! Everyone was so caught up in how much they were enjoying their activities that they barely noticed the hours going by; in no time, the floral arch was complete and it was time for Jena to meet up with Michael because it was his turn to look sharp in front of the camera. During this time, Michael gushed about how excited he was to see his bride. He spoke about how he was focused on being in the moment and taking his time to live each second of the day. He was so excited to marry the woman of his dreams he didn’t want to waste any time fussing over getting ready— he had a wedding to get to! However, by looking at the photos you wouldn’t be able to tell that there was any rushing involved- he looked stellar; the epitome of a classic, handsome, and stylish groom.

Back at the venue, Hailey was having her hair done by her stepmom, Shanelle, in the bridal suite. They both have a wicked sense of humor and there was a lot of laughter in the room! Meanwhile, Hailey’s mom Shar, was everywhere! She was like Wonder Woman in the background making sure everything was perfect for her baby girl on her big day.

Hailey was literally shaking with excitement while getting ready and even had a few sips of Champaign to calm her nerves. She wore a gorgeous unique lace gown with a form-fitting silhouette from Unforgettable Boutique which was just breathtaking on her. Her bracelet was a gift from her mother. Some of the more sentimental touches were a tiny bluebird pin that was attached to her bouquet it is an heirloom passed down by the women in her family as well as a lovely gold ring. Hailey and Michael chose not to have a bridal party which created a beautiful moment for her mother to be the one to help Hailey into her dress. After this intimate moment with her mom, her grandmother pinned her blue bird before she went to the chapel for the first look with her dad. There is just something about a father seeing his daughter “all grown up” on her wedding day that creates a connection between the two that is so incredibly wholesome.

When Michael returned to Merlo Park, he and Myron their officiant took a special moment for a prayer at the chapel. It was a beautiful moment to be amongst the trees in the quiet where they could reflect upon all they had to be grateful for this day and every day. They also took an extra moment to remember those who were with them in spirit. After closing out their prayer Michael was ready to greet his guests. The seats were filling and the guests were dressed in shades of purples and creating a lovely compliment to the couple’s perfect day. The music cued and soon the procession started. Michael ushered his mom and Hailey’s mom to their seats and patiently waited for his bride to make her way through the woods. Hailey was a vision. Her father held her steady and walked his little girl to her new beginning. Once Hailey reached the end of the aisle her stepfather joined them and linked arms with her and both her dads gave her away. Michael was beaming with joy, he was smiling so big we couldn’t take our cameras off him. We knew that Hailey would want to remember that handsome grin for the rest of her life. The ceremony was beautiful, Hailey’s stepmom shared a bible verse before Myron lead everyone in a prayer. The couple chose to perform a cord tying ceremony to signify their union. Hailey and Michael shared their personal vows while all of their guests quietly wept with joy and pride. Hailey and Michael exchanged their rings of sapphire blues and sealed the ceremony with a kiss! As the guest trickled down to the reception they stopped along the bridge to feed the rainbow trout. We quickly managed the family formal photos and excused everyone to join in the cocktail hour. We took Hailey and Michael to the top side of the park where they could share a quiet moment together. We took a note from Michael and really lived in the moments for these portraits. We had plenty of time and the couple was relaxed and bringing their modeling “A” game! When we finally made our way to the reception the couple was soon embraced and swept away by all of their lovely guests. Jena and I took this time to capture candid images of the guests and of the details. We even enjoyed a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade a labor of love from the bride and groom. (Yummmmm!)

Soon the bride and groom invited everyone to the dance floor as they shared their first dance, Michael picked out their first dance song when he was working on a fire and every time it came on it brought Hailey closer to him. The song was Cover me up by Morgan Wallen and the moment was emotional, beautiful, and fun. Hailey was joined by her father as they danced to Zoe Jane by Staind a song I had yet to hear at a wedding but was perfectly fitting at this moment. Michael’s mom joined him with the classic Mamma’s don’t let your babies grow up to be Cowboys by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson swaying and singing along the pair giggled. Hailey’s mom then joined her baby for a dance to My Wish by Rascal Flatts where there were tears in nearly every eye watching. It’s moments like these where you may not know the mountains they’ve climbed but you can feel the monument at the moment. This wedding had these moments tucked in their vows, dances, and toasts that brimmed with deep happiness and love where without warning the moment would overflow and take its audience by storm. Hailey and Michael were surrounded by loved ones. But how could you meet this couple and not fall in love with their golden hearts?! We sure “CAUGHT A VIBE”. The toasts further proved the richness of their character and their devotion to one another.

Jena and I feel so lucky to have gained Hailey and Michael as friends and we cannot wait to watch the rest of their lives unfold and see all their adventures.

We hope you all enjoy reliving this amazing day!

Cheers to many years!