Sometimes, life asks us to step into something we’ve only done a few times before—something that feels unfamiliar yet somehow meant to be. Weddings aren’t something I seek out, but every once in a while, one finds me.
Weddings come with an added layer of pressure: the responsibility of delivering something that perfectly reflects what the couple envisions. Sometimes that vision is crystal clear, and other times it’s more elusive, but they always know it when they see it. And that layer of pressure? It’s self-imposed. Though every photo session I do is about capturing emotions, connections, and those special fleeting moments, the request to shoot their wedding carried a deeper sense of making sure it was everything they had hoped for.
Shane and Nicole's story is a beautiful reminder that love finds us when we least expect it. They knew each other long ago, but life pulled them in different directions. Nicole often says they weren’t ready for each other back then, but fate had different plans and (finally) their paths crossed again.
A little over a year ago, I had the privilege of capturing their happiness along the shores of Lake Michigan. At the time, they both swore they would never marry again. Maybe it was the disappointments from past relationships that kept them from believing it could work. But as their journey unfolded, something shifted. Love, in its mysterious way, found them once more. And here they are—stronger, surer, and more in love than ever.
This wasn’t their first attempt at love, so they didn’t want the typical luxury wedding. They wanted something real, simple, and true to who they were—a celebration with the people who mattered most. Nicole had one thing she was certain about: the wedding had to be on the water. Lido Key, a place filled with happy memories from years past, was where she felt most at peace. It became the perfect backdrop for their new beginning. The day began under a blanket of clouds, with a chill in the air, but soon the sun broke through, warming the beach in its golden light.
Sometimes, simple is best. The beauty of the day wasn’t in grand gestures or extravagant details; it was in the way they looked at each other, in the quiet moments of joy and connection and with family and friends surrounding them. Their happiness was so palpable, it almost felt like you could reach out and touch it.
Shane and Nicole have truly found their soulmates in each other, and being a part of their celebration was a gift. It was such an honor to be a part of their beautiful day, capturing moments that will stay with them forever. They trusted me with something so meaningful, and for that, I am forever grateful.
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3 Comments
Aug 17, 2025, 2:07:12 PM
Susan Schroeder - This was beautiful. You sure have a way with words. Made me cry.
Aug 17, 2025, 12:20:53 PM
Carole Dorris - Beautifully written and captured, Laura!
Aug 17, 2025, 10:26:23 AM
Ilona Hermann - Congratulations Shane and Nicole! The photos are beautiful and definitely capture the couple in those moments of pure happiness. Well done.