I can’t believe that as I write this, Andy and I are getting ready to celebrate two years of dating. That number seems so small compared to the number of memories we’ve created and the years that lie ahead of us. We’ve filled the past two years with love, laughter, friendship, and growth, to the point that it doesn’t seem possible that we’ve only been in each other’s lives for two years. During this time, we’ve taken numerous vacations and getaways, survived a kitchen remodel and our first six months of truly living together, sold one house, grown KLEM Studios into a studio space, launched a second business, changed job roles, gotten ENGAGED and started planning our own wedding!

There are some places in this amazing country of ours that are so beautiful, they bring tears to our eyes. They’re so captivating, we’re moved to silence, just standing in awe of the incredible vista before us. Zion National Park absolutely fits into that category, which is why so many people are inspired to elope there. Surrounded by its towering red rock walls, or standing on top of a mesa looking down on the Virgin River, there are so many possible places to elope and start the next chapter of your love story. Most of the National Parks allow elopements and ceremonies to take place within their boundaries, but many of them have rules/suggestions when it comes to getting married in their specific park.

Melissa had always dreamed of saying, “I do!” in a castle. Living in lower Michigan, she didn’t think that would be possible, until she came across Castle Farms in Charlevoix. It was the absolute perfect venue, and the canvas on which she could create the perfect wedding day.

Melissa and Kirk’s love story has been evolving for a number of years. They met, briefly dated, went their separate ways, and then found their way back to each other. They realized how great they were together, and the beautiful family they could have together.