Weddings: Jessica and Jeff 9-18-10

Jessica and Jeff’s wedding began at the Kent Theatre in Cedar Springs.  The Kent Theatre is a historical building built-in the late 1800′s originally as an opera house but today serves as a small town movie theatre in downtown Cedar Springs, and apparently a location to hold a ceremony as well as a number of events.  Popcorn was prepared for guests as they arrived as well as other fixings to see a show such as pop and cotton candy.  The ceremony was short, sweet and to the point.  My favorite was the colors of the bridal party.  It almost reminded me of my own wedding with brightly colored gowns of sky blue and the Maid of Honor and Best Man dressed in bright pink.

“Jeffica” are such a fun loving couple which made this wedding such a joy to shoot because I personally feel it’s so important for couples to enjoy the celebration of their wedding day and just to let loose and have a great time.  That they did.  I think it’s safe to say that everyone, myself included, is so happy to have Jeff safely back home from the military so he can start his life with his new bride.  They were full of laughter that day and it brings so much joy to my heart to have couples like Jeff and Jessica to really enjoy each other’s presence.  Their bridal party was no exception in that everyone had a sense of humor and really saw Jeff and Jessica’s wedding day as a really great celebration, which brings me to the irony of their day.

Their reception was held at Christ the King Church in Howard City, MI, where party continued into the night.  From the first speeches to the groom retrieving the bride’s garter, Jeff, Jessica and the rest of their friends and family had such a great sense of humor and me and Chris laughing all night.

It was such pleasure to photograph your wedding, Jessica and Jeff.  Chris and I had such a fun time.  We wish you both such a long and wonderful marriage!!  Congrats!!

Weddings: Katie and Mark 8-28-10

As a photographer in the past few years, I have become a huge fan of Traverse City.  It only was up until 3 years ago, I had my first visit to Northern Michigan’s infamous wine country.  And it was only up until a few months ago I had my first visit to Old Mission Peninsula where the wedding ceremony of Katie and Mark was held.  The scenic drive is amazing as you get to see both bays and at the end of the road is a lighthouse where you can walk around on the beach and take in the beautiful waterscape ahead of you.

Katie and Mark’s wedding was filled with their closest friends and family who traveled afar to attend their celebration.  And the day began at St. Joseph Catholic Church where everyone was scurrying to get ready and make sure the chapel was beautifully decorated.  One of my favorite things about this wedding was Katie’s gown.  It’s very possible that it was one of my favorites of the year.  Made with burnt-out silk and immaculately detailed, it gave the dress a lacy vintage look and it looked absolutely chic on Katie.  Along with Katie’s down-to-earth personality, she completed her gown with a pair of white cowboy boots.  Of course she looked absolutely amazing.  Shortly after the ceremony, the bridal party rendezvoused at Bowers Harbor Winery, a darling vineyard that barely overlooked Traverse City’s West Bay.  Everyone had a moment to have a couple of glasses of wine and really take in the day, which certainly set the mood for the rest of the evening.

It  truly was amazing how sweet and tender Mark really is.  I can see how he is such a lovable guy around anyone.  I also see why Katie and him are a fantastic pair.  Katie’s vivacious personality is fun and kind, which makes her so easy to be around, coupled with Mark’s laid back and mild-mannered personality kind of reminds me a moth to a flame.

The reception was the most sentimental part of the evening.  The quaintness of Northport Bay Retreat was an amazing setting for friends and family to be snuggled together with an amazing view of West Bay in the background.  So many wonderful things was said to the newly married couple that there wasn’t one dry eye underneath the tent that evening.  So much of that hit home for me and I’m so grateful I had a camera in front of my face because I too was an emotional wreck.

Katie and Mark,  it was an honor to have been a part of such a beautiful day.  You both are a beautiful couple that will accomplish amazing things!  Congratulations to you both!!!

Bump: Kate and Matt

I met with Kate and Matt at Grand Park for Kate’s maternity session.  She is six months along and looking absolutely beautiful.  After speaking with Kate and her husband, Matt, it was clear that they are both super excited that their first child will be a boy!  Even though Matt was a little shy for the camera, he was so great.  Watching him be so attentive to his wife brings joy to my heart that their newborn son will be so loved and protected.   Our session was a little chilly and drizzly that day but rain or shine, I always feel honored and privleged to be a part of someone’s new beginnings especially when it’s as special as a growing baby waiting to join the world.

Kate and Matt, I can’t wait to meet this little guy and congratulations to you both!!

xoxo

Wedding: Casey and Chris 7-10-10

Casey and Chris is all about family.  So much so that their four children Maisie, Hailey, Christopher, and Dawson was their only bridal party.  The little ceremony took place at the Point of Grace Church in Coopersville, and the guest list only included the closest family members and a couple of friends.  What I love most about the ceremony was that the children were not only included during the ceremony but also involved.  Each child got to light a little candle during the unity candle ceremony.

I love seeing children dressed up for weddings.  The boys look like mini men and the girls look like little princesses.  Of course the fairest one of them all was Casey.  If anyone looked like a beautiful princess that day, it was her.  Her dress was so big and fluffy and she looked like she was waiting for her prince charming.  Speaking of which, Chris was so laid back and handsome.  His face lit up when he saw Casey for the first time (although I think he was getting a couple sneak peaks).  It was clear how happy they both were about getting married when I saw them smiling from ear to ear towards each other.

Casey and Chris, I wish for you both the very best for the both of you as well as your beautiful and energetic family!  Thank you so much for letting me a part of your very special day!!  I love you all!

Destined: Melissa and John 6-26-10

I’m just going to go ahead and get this out of the way….It was 90+ degrees.  It’s been over a week and I still can’t get over the heat factor and now it’s been in the low 90′s since I’ve been home.  It seems as though the heat from Georgia has followed and its here to stay.  Alright, enough about the heat already!

Over a week ago, I went to Dahlogena, GA to photograph Melissa and John’s wedding at Blackstock Winery located on a massive hill-top overlooking a beautiful mountainous landscape.  What I love about weekend weddings is I had the opportunity to meet Melissa and John’s family and get to know everyone a little better.  Let me tell you, they really are a great group of people, especially, Melissa’s 5-year-old niece, Riley, who became my new BFF.  The weekend began at Melissa and John’s home with a little BBQ of about 30 close friends and relatives who all seem to be from out-of-town all the way from New Jersey, Florida, Indiana, and it goes on.  It was a great introductory of who everyone was and how they know John and Melissa, many of whom knew them from college and work.  The next day was an hour and a half trek north from Actworth into a quaint little town called Dahlogena.  Now for those of you have never been there, I would say it’s quite comparable to Mackinac Island but the town sits in a circle.  If you are not familiar with Mackinac Island, then the best way to describe Dahlogena is that’s a tiny little town with cute little shops and restaurants to pop in and out at.

There were so many special little things about John and Melissa’s wedding.  Melissa had put together (if not her, then close family members) almost every detail of the ceremony and reception.  During the ceremony, Melissa’s brother, Scott, became the “surprise” officiant, while his wife , Devan,  did a small reading.  This wedding was so intimate with so many personal details that encouraged more of the love they have for each other especially when family and friends were their to love with them.  And what I love about John and Melissa is not only watching the things they would do for each other (ex. Melissa bought John a “Fender” guitar as a wedding gift and John smiled for the camera) but they have such a great sense of humor and it was easy to laugh with them.  They also both had a sense of being adventurous.  They were willing to try different things.

Melissa and John, I had an amazing weekend with you guys and your families.  I loved coming to your home and going to Dahlogena.  It really was a beautiful town and I look forward in seeing you guys again!!  My most best of wishes to you both!!!

Be Loved: Jessica and Jeff

Being in love is such a beautiful thing and it was such a wonderful opportunity to be a part of Jeff and Jessica’s love for each other.  These two have been dating for 2 years and will finally be exchanging their vow this September.  It was obvious they both have a sense of humor and when i asked Jeff what was his one pet peeve about Jessica, he said, “Nothing. She’s perfect.”  Now I don’t know about you, but in my book, Jeff may possibly be one of the smartest people I know.  But when it came to showing me how much they love each other, I can honestly say these two were so open to what I threw out to them and what they gave back to me was ten fold.

Jeff and Jessica, I am so excited about your wedding in September.  It will be an amazing day!!

Shawna and Mike

There is something about fall and being with your loved during the cooling color changing season.  I think it has to do with all of the snuggling up that I love so much.  I’m definitely a snuggler and a snoozer for that matter.  When the weather gets colder, I’m like a bear who needs to go into hibernation.  There’s no waking up until it’s time to eat.  Eat, snuggle, and sleep should be my personal motto for the next 6 months.

Sunday was spent with Shawna and Mike at Grotto Park.  They were so cute and snuggly together.  The park was full of color and I always love the stream running through it.  Shawna kept making me laugh because she couldn’t look at Mike without giggling.  I get such a kick out of things like that.  Nonetheless they are such a sweet couple and I enjoyed capturing the silly little cuddly moments with them.

The Outtakes.

Sometimes, you just have to have a little backbone and here he is.  He’s always good about letting me use him as a guinea pig and so I do.

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He's much nicer than he looks.

See, I told you.