TERESA + BRETT A picturesque fall wedding at the Sanford Historical Museum

Teresa and Brett had the most romantic wedding day and ceremony at the Historical Museum in Sanford. Both Teresa and Brett grew up in the area and the Clare Z. Bailey Memorial Chapel, which now has a permanent residence at the Historical Museum, holds a special place in Teresa’s heart for many reasons. The little chapel was built in 1881 in Averill, MI and was located very near the property Teresa grew up on. It was moved to its new location at the Museum in 1979 and restored to its original state in 1981 and 1982. In 2020, the entire village of Sanford was devastated when a heavy few days of rain caused two major dams to fail! This resulted in Sanford being virtually underwater. The neighboring cities of Midland and Gladwin were also hit hard - but Sanford took the worst of it - their city was basically gone. Teresa was was very instrumental with digging in, putting in long days and months to help the people in her community restore their lives -along with so many others. So as you can see - the little chapel, which has survived so much, holds special meaning for these two! It’s still standing and has been restored once again.

The entire day was beautiful and even though it rained on and off throughout the day - everyone kept a smile on their face! Teresa looked absolutely stunning in her gorgeous beaded gown and was positively glowing all day! The rain didn’t stop us from getting the most amazing portraits - you’d never have even know it was raining except for the couple of portraits that we decided to bring out the umbrellas when the drizzle got a bit aggressive:) Teresa’s son Dallas was so adorable and I think he had the most fun of all! It was sweet to see him getting ready & hanging out with all the guys:) It was the most heartwarming, to see the relationship he has with his “bonus” dad Brett! Those two have such a bond and mutual love for one another it was really special to watch them together! The three of them make a pretty amazing family!

The celebration continued at a local restaurant venue. One of my favorite parts of the night was when the maid of honor and best man gave their speeches! They had everyone doubled over with laughter - truly some of the funniest this wedding photographer has heard in a long time! The most sentimental moment of the night was when Teresa, Brett and Dallas took to the dance floor together and danced to “My Boy” by Elvie Shane. So emotional!

It is just the beginning for this new family of 3 - but I know, as the story goes, they’ll live happily ever after….:)

Enjoy just a few of my favorite images from their day!

Photographer - Hello Beautiful Images by Melissa

Second Photographer - Kelley Salem Photography

Wedding Officiant - John Engler, One Church

Wedding Coordinator - Emerald Events by Sara Morrow

Hair - Wendy Czarnik - @wendyczarnik

Dress - Three Diamonds Bridal, Sanford, MI

Brides Florals - Allora Floral, Meredith Myers

Reception - Red Oak Lounge

Cake - All Good Things Bakery

DJ - Rhythm Management