This sweet couple came to me from a referral that was a result of the first wedding I photographed (Maria & Warren’s) as an assistant. In the five years I’ve known that family, I’ve grown to love them and consider them the “family you get to choose.” When Melissa asked Linda if she could use her gorgeous lakeside home as her ceremony site, Linda suggested they use me as their photographer. Soooo glad they did, because Melissa and Scott were a RIOT. Of the riotous type.
I’ve never had a wedding party (sorry other wedding parties) with such quirky/fun senses of humor, and had a day full of “hmm, well, ok” type surprises.
Under the bright (aka blistering) sun on the Sunday before Labor Day, Melissa and Scott said I do, and tied the knot. Well, Melissa did. Scott, well, not so much. If you were there, you know what I’m talking about!
After the wedding and a few formal shots on the beach, we jumped on the trolley to tool around Grand Haven with the wedding party and Nannerpuss. Yes, Nannerpuss. He’s a giant stuffed banana/octopus thingy that is a staple in Melissa & Scott’s life (and photos). He’s on the label of the beer they brewed for the wedding…he was in the formal photos, and he made just about every picture in the gallery during the best man/maid of honor speeches.
Speaking of which….I’ve never had a bridal party cry so much during a toast. And these were tears of laughter….and I know why, thanks to one of the bridesmaids who clued me in. You don’t want to know why, but when you do, it’s hilarious.
I have been so focused on the fun they were having, I forgot to mention the details and the donkey. Melissa hand made so many of her details, from the canvas guestbook/map of Michigan, to cute little jars with m&ms with chalk names on each one…at each seat. You can tell she had fun planning this one.
What’s that? You want me to go back to the donkey? Oh, ok.
Apparently, when Scott was asked what he wanted at the wedding, he said “I’d like to have a donkey.” So half way through the day I’m informed we need to go to the reception site early enough for them to have their photographs taken with the donkey they rented. Yes. I said that. The donkey they rented. This day had us laughing so much we nearly split Scott’s britches. Oh wait, we did.
If you want to spend time with some people who will make you laugh all day long, bring you to tears when you witness them say their vows, and make you want to say “I want to be their friends,” then you should get to know Melissa & Scott (and their families and friends).
This was truly a day to remember…..and to celebrate.
To Melissa & Scott, we say THANK YOU for a memorable day, and Nannerpuss, we miss you.
– Lynell & Dan
