Margaux + Derek: The Lercher Wedding Trailer

They say opposites attract and that could not be more the case for Margaux + Derek. One of the first things they told us when we met them was that they are complete opposites on just about everything, but despite that, they both fell head over heels for each other when they met in St Louis, Missouri. Margaux fell in love with Derek’s humor, laugh, and goofy but albeit adorable personality, and Derek was enraptured by Margaux’s creative, bold, and graceful spirit. While from the outset they may seem like polar opposites, they without question form a perfect pairing, and you can see it in the way they look at each other – so much care, so much joy, so much contentment.

We were well in love with these two well before we ever got to their day, but little did we know that all of us would have quite the extraordinary day and grow closer and more in love with these two. The morning of their wedding at the picturesque Centennial Barn we could all see storm clouds gathering in the distance. For the most part that was a note that didn’t seem all that concerning at the time, but within just a couple hours we all realized the storm was much worse than anticipated. After tornado sirens went off we all were rushed into the storm shelter where we waited out the weather. No one was quite certain how the rest of the day was going to go but all you had to do was look at Margaux and Derek and you would know everything was going to be just fine. They weren’t perturbed, they weren’t worried. They had waited for this day, and no matter the weather, nothing changed the fact that this was a day of celebrating their love.

At one point Margaux said that she didn’t care if it was pouring rain, she’d still stand outside and recite her vows to Derek because that was how much he meant to her. Needless to say we swooned, HARD, at the moment. While being in the storm cellar there was plenty to be worried about given that a tornado was touching down just a few miles from us, but there was an unwavering sense of calm. These two people, Margaux and Derek, had a love so strong, not even the worst of mother nature could shake their confidence or love in each other. 

Eventually the worst of the storm passed and though we spent most of the day drenched after getting rained on at least another two times, this was one of the most memorable weddings we have ever had the privilege of sharing in. Margaux and Derek are already a beautiful couple that it doesn’t take long to fall in love with, but on top of that they faced a literal tornado and didn’t back down because they knew everything was going to be okay as long as they had each other by their sides. There’s nothing else that we could say that would stand as a testament to their love and their commitment to each other. 

Here's to Mr+Mrs Derek and Margaux Lercher!

Photographer: Willow Noavi Photography

Florist: En Gedi Bridal Floral Design

Wedding Dress: The Ultimate Bride| St. Louis' Finest Bridal Salon

Hair and Makeup: Olivia Riley Design

Wedding Cake: Holland Cakery & Sweets

Catering & Bar: The Vault, Bars by Butch

Vintage Rentals: Something Borrowed Vintage Staging & Rentals

Venue: The Centennial Barn

DJ: Underbite Entertainment

Bye Felicia... I mean, 2016

2016 has in the most literal sense been one heck of a year. Both with high points and moments of moruning and sorrow. For our team we celebrated 5 years of storytelling and had the opportunity to help tell so many stories of some wonderful and amazing people around our world. While some days were more difficult than others (as that's just life some times) we each enjoyed the many lessons we learned along the way these past twelve months. But if we are being honest, nothing can quite sum up how excited we are for all the promise and hope held within 2017! Here are just a few of the things that our team is looking forward to this coming year...

In 2017, I am looking forward to new creative endeavors... to growth, discovery, and wonder. I look forward to connecting with old friends and making new ones. To learning more about myself and the world around me. And not least of all, trying new local pizzas!

-Alan

The fresh start of a new year is what I am most excited for in 2017. Most people fear the unknown, but I am excited for the opportunity that it brings. The opportunity for growth and change. We can't go backwards, but here's to going forward and all the stories that lie before us!

-Kristin

While I'm without a doubt looking forward to the bigger things 2017 has lined up, like traveling to new places, finishing up projects that I'm eager to show to the world, and creating new ones that are just ideas as of right now. I find myself almost being more excited for the quiet moments- walks through the forest, movie nights, grabbing a cup of coffee, and doing so with the people that have grown very near and dear to my heart.

-Andrea

The things I'm looking forward to the most in 2017 are watching films I've never seen, hearing songs I've never heard, reading books I've never read, and creating more stories about love and hope, all with friends or in solitude. Newness, that's what I'm looking forward to the most. Oh, and the new Chik-fil-A locations within short driving distance.

-Adam

This past year has been quite the adventure, both in good ways and not so amazing ways also. But through it all I am thankful for the blessings that I was able to receive and the lessons that I learned. More than anything I  am looking forward to the many ways that my passions, my art, and my faith will be stretched in 2017. Growth isn't always easy, but it is necessary. While I am uncertain all of what this year will bring with it, I pray that 2017 would continue to teach me ever more what it is to care for my neighbor both here and abroad.

-Matthew

In 2017, I’m most looking forward to exploring new places, meeting new people, learning about other’s passions, deepening the relationships I’ve already been so blessed with, and taking time to ponder more. I’m also equally excited and terrified to be graduating and figuring out how to be a real person too I suppose. Onward and upward!

-Noah

2017 is going to be great, because my eyes will see new places, my heart will bond with new people, my ears will hear new music, my hands will experience new art and new stories and new connections, as well as hold my very first college degree, which means that I will be in the beginning of a new stage of my life. 2017 is going to be great, because it's a fresh opportunity for all things new!

-Chloe

Silver and (Squad) Goals: A ShadowShine Christmas Story

Christmas is such a fun and joyous time of year. From the bright colorful decorations and displays, to the nostalgic feelings of child like wonder that the season stirs within each of us - this is honestly one of the most wonderful times of the year. And while presents and gifts and material things tend to be on our minds for the holidays, the truth is that it isn't what you get that makes the day so festive and bright, it's who you have by your side.

As we begin to look toward the end of this year and think back on all the journeys, adventures, and stories we've been able to share in telling - just this year alone - we are incredibly thankful for this team. These wonderful people and artists that make up our family. The real present is being able to call them friends. 

From our squad to yours this Christmas season, Merry Christmas and may you all have a very blessed holiday season and New Year!

F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

Earlier this summer we reached another pretty big moment for our family - we reached 2,000 likes on Facebook! So, naturally, we had to dedicate that achievement with something special and we knew just what to do - throw a Friends inspired photo shoot overlooking our beautiful and gorgeous city, Grand Rapids!

Thank you to all of our wonderful and amazing followers, friends, and family who have supported us from the very beginning - cheering us on in the moments of joy, coming alongside us in those seasons of difficulty, and joining us on this exhilarating journey of storytelling. Here's to that continued adventure - and of course, the many amazing friends we have still to meet!

Oh... and remember - we'll be there for you ;)

Lauren + Bryon: The Rue Wedding Trailer

There are few things that make us as happy as a bubbly, smiley, loving couple on their wedding day - it's kinda why we love doing what we do. So when we had the opportunity to spend the entire day with Lauren+Bryon, one of the most bubbly, happy, and kind couples you could ever hope to meet, we were on cloud nine!

After seeing the wedding films we created for his cousin, Whitney, Bryon, and Lauren reached out to us asking if we would share in the wedding with them as well, and we are so overwhelming glad they did! Not only was this our first Chicago wedding, which was exciting in and of itself, Lauren and Bryon had their reception at the gorgeous and fantastically ritzy Arlington Park Race Tracks. But those are just two small reasons why this day was so much fun. From two wonderfully supportive and caring families there celebrating with these sweethearts, to two beyond adorable nephews who dressed up as jockeys for the reception, there was no short supply of giggles, smiles, and moments you couldn't help but swoon over. 

We are often spoiled with the most amazing couples in the world, and Lauren+Bryon are without a doubt on that list. Wishing these two, now and always, the absolutely happiest in all their journeys together as Mr+Mrs Rue!

Photographer: Bella Vie Studio - Kristin Cashmore

Florist: Petal Peddlers

Wedding Dress Designer: Volles Bridal - Maggie Sottero Designs

Band: Libido Funk Circus

Cake Designer: Central Continental

Venue: St. Peter Lutheran Church, Arlington Park

Five Years of Storytelling

Five years of storytelling is a truly special moment. From the adventures that have led us across the country, and across the world, to the stories that made us laugh, and those that brought tears to our eyes; storytelling for us is about bringing people to people. To realize, to take a moment and fully recognize, that this has been the journey we have been on for the last five years is unbelievably humbling. To be a part of a much larger story that encompasses our entire world, and to be able to share the stories of those we meet along the way on our own journey - it's indescribable.

For five years we have grown together, we have overcome challenges together, and have continued to learn what it is to be storytellers who love unconditionally, together. From humble beginnings in a college dorm room, to now traveling the world to help share the stories of those in need - and also those working to create a world of peace, a world we all want. It's hard to believe where we are now and who we have become as a team, and more so as individuals. 

This year we are celebrating an ongoing journey of storytelling, a continuing adventure; looking back and reflecting, but also eagerly looking ahead to the future. Dreaming of where these next five years will take us, and all the new adventures we'll be going on. And while no one knows what tomorrow may bring with it, we are excited nonetheless, because we are a family of storytellers who tell stories that bring people, to people.

To Tell the Story

If you know us, ever had the chance to connect with us, or have followed us for more than a day chances are you've heard us talk about the work of telling stories. It's core to who we are, and it's what makes us excited to get out of bed every morning. It directs and inspires us and it's what we firmly believe in.

Storytelling is an old art, but it's something that is so intrinsically a part of who we all are that it will never cease to stop bringing us together. From every corner of the world stories have, and always will, bring people of different walks and understandings together. The ability to help play a role in such a moving force makes us ecstatic.

The chance to help share somebody's journey in a way that countless hundreds can connect and relate to them; the ability to help create a place and moment when we engage with something else other than just a pixelated screen; the privilege to help tell and be a part of a much larger story that is at work in our world - storytelling is an unbelievable tool that in many ways marks who we are as a society, community, and world.

From a small business owner here in West Michigan, to a community working to end the threat of Malaria and extreme poverty half a world away; from a couple exchanging their vows on their wedding day, to a dreamer who has a vision of changing the world for the better - everyone's story is collection of characters and adventures that is telling a much larger story - and it's that story that we continue to chase after and tell day after day. 

That's what we believe in, and that's why we do what we do; to tell the story of who we ALL are, and where we're daring to go next!