Happily Ever After | Billy & Kelsie | Ann Arbor Wedding Photographer

It is with extreme pleasure that I bring you all another Happily Ever After - Where are they Now? Feature on the blog. Remember Billy & Kelsie? They had an epic wedding in the summer of 2012 - complete with the amazing stop at the UofM Big House thanks to Billy's career in college athletics. Unfortunately, the stadium wasn't available for our recreation of their wedding shoot, but downtown Ypsilanti was the perfect spot.

Just a short note from me - I hesitate to call these features "Happily Ever After" because we all know that Marriage while being one of the most amazing experiences, does not produce happiness in itself. Marriage is sacrifice. Marriage is putting someone else first. Marriage is compromise and resolution. Marriage is deeply rooted Love and Forgiveness. Love isn't just about Feelings, it's about recommitment and saying yes - over and over and over again.

I love - love. I love documenting couples as they say their, "I Do!" It's both the mountain top "high" experience and the deep profound realization of commitment - thick and thin, sickness and health. It's a package that's all rolled up into one.

The reason why I feature these couples a few years later, however is because I believe in Marriage. I believe in it's success. I believe it's worth CELEBRATING.

May you find these posts inspiring in your own journey in (or towards) marriage! I find that when I ask these questions and hear from married couples I am humbled by their love and commitment, but their struggles and by their victories. And I especially love seeing how time makes love grow stronger - and it's so much fun to see couples recreate their wedding day photographs. Enjoy!

1. What is your favorite memory from your wedding day?

It is literally impossible to choose one moment as a favorite. Every moment of the day was incredible. The best part of it all was being able to celebrate with friends and family that travelled from all over the country. It was such a blessing to have everyone that we love all under one roof, dancing the night away.  We could not have been more honored by everyone's love and support.

2. What changes have you gone through since being married?

Ha! The question should be what changes have we NOT gone through since being married? ;) In just a short amount of time, we have been through it all together, including moving to a new city, working through 2 masters programs, starting new jobs, having a baby, and learning to love one another more deeply than ever imagined. People have always said that marriage is a roller coaster, and we have definitely found truth in this. But it is the best ride we have ever been on!

3. Give me three words to describe your spouse.

Sacrificing, passionate, and HOTT (with two Ts ;)

I asked Billy what he would say for me and his response was "intelligent, outgoing, and down to earth"

4. What is the best part about being married.

The best part about marriage is having someone that knows you better than you know yourself and who loves you through it all. To have someone who makes you laugh when you want to cry, to give of yourself in times of need, and to wake up every morning next to your best friend.  To truly learn the meaning of forgiveness, and have a better understanding of love and service everyday.

5. Where do you see yourselves in 10 years?

Where we see ourselves in 10 years: Billy working as a director in intercollegiate athletics, Kelsie working part time as an internal medicine physician assistant and homeschooling 5 little rugrats that make us laugh everyday, while also attending every Michigan football game including yearly national championships ;)

6. What advice would you give to an engaged couple?

 To quote Billy.... "Run." ... upon further questioning his second response was "to go into marriage not because you found the person that will make you happy, but because you found the person you want to make happy, and to use marriage to make you holier."

7. Any ideas on a fun date?

 Our fun date = one v. one basketball followed by a bbq dinner and a movie.