Wedding weekend three --- Lisa and Drew

It was the middle of May and I was driving back to work after having lunch with my friend Christy when my phone rang. It was my co-worker Drew. I was sure it would be work related, but since I was on my way back to the office I decided to pick it up. I figured it wouldn't take long to say "I'm on my way back to the office. See you in a minute." Boy, was I wrong. Drew was calling to see if I was willing to take some photos of himself and Lisa to send to T.J. Maxx --- and they needed them done asap. Sure, why not? The three of us spent about an hour or so together at Island Park on a beautiful spring day. One of my favorite photos is Drew smooching on Lisa's cheek. T.J. Maxx must have liked it too because it was everywhere including a big sign on the store's window, gift card holder, congratulations board, etc.

Drew and their minister, Jeremy Selvidge, waiting patiently at the end of the size 8 shoe aisle for Lisa to make her grand entrance. The end of the aisle was an archway that was decorated with red and white roses --- since they had met at work (the Morning Sun newspaper in Mt. Pleasant, MI) their colors were ... black and white and red ... or should that be read?

 Lisa beamed and her tears flowed when she turned down the aisle to see Drew (and their guests) waiting at the end of the size 8s.

Staying true to her colors, the bride wore a stunning white dress and veil with long black gloves and a bouquet of red roses with white tiny flowers dotted in.

When she finally arrived by Drew's side they took hand and stared into each others eyes. It was only then we could see Drew's reaction --- tears of happiness.

Of course when you get married somewhere unique, people are bound to find out and be interested ... next up ... NBC's Today Show. And it didn't stop there. I admit my camera was out, but I was glad I had brought my little point-and-shoot. It got really noisy with lots of clicking when the cameras started going off – their wedding photographer, T.J. Maxx's local store, T.J. Maxx's national headquarters, the Morning Sun, more media, and many family members and friends. In addition there were at least three videographers (a very classy woman from the Today Show and two from AP ... at least I think that's what they said – it got hard to keep track.)

If you get the chance, check out the Today Show this week. From what I understand their wedding will be on-air Thursday or Friday (July 29/30.)

It not only include their wedding ceremony, but they were in town the day before and were there for Lisa and Drew's final boot camp workout before becoming a married couple.

Since they met at the newspaper and that was the theme of their wedding, we all found a wedding version of the Satayut-Ellis Herald Time-News at our seats at the reception. If you aren't aware, Lisa proposed to Drew in a column when she worked at the Morning Sun. Their reception paper told they met, how their parents had met along with stories of the matron of honor and best man and their adorable flower girl plus the menu for the day.

Their wedding was by far the most unusual location I've ever attended which says a lot since I attended one wedding held on the stage the couple met while working backstage and two weddings held on the beach (one in Traverse City and one in Clare.) It was also wedding that was most covered by the media.

I did tell fellow Morning Sun employee photographer Lisa Yanick-Jonaitis to remind me of this next time Drew complained about having to have his photo taken for newspaper promotions. There is nothing we will ever do will compare to the media that was at his wedding.

Congrats Lisa and Drew --- wishing you both have a happy forever after!