Summer.Time

I know it's been a slow posting week for me. Believe it or not, I didn't schedule any shoots this week so that I could concentrate on getting caught up, rejuvinated and ready for my amazing August weddings I have coming up. During the past few weeks I've had my final consultations with all of my brides for August and I must say...I can't wait for all of these fabulous weddings! I have super sweet couples and I know I'm going to enjoy this busy month. This weekend I head to Daisy and Greg's wedding in Glen Arbor at The Homestead which I am TOTALLY looking forward to!

Last weekend I went camping. I had scheduled myself this weekend off since last year and fully intended to indulge in summertime activities. Camping and me don't normally go together but I thought for the sake of going outside of my pampered comfort zone, I would pack up my sleeping bag, forgo my blow dryer, and be one with nature.

We camped on Kelleys Island...a small island in the western basin of Lake Erie, about four miles north of Marblehead. I loved this island and the state park had it's own beach and was surrounded by beauty.

I didn't take many pictures, choosing instead to be part of the adventure instead of always documenting, but what I did take, I share with my loyal blog followers.

A sand artist with a sense of humor.


Glacial groves on Kelleys Island. An amazing site. I wish I had brought along a wide-angle lens on this trek. Unfortunately, I had my longest zoom lens so couldn't quite capture how spectacular these were to see.

This island had some adorable old stone houses. I loved this one.
Monday was my friend and second-shooter's birthday. Happy Birthday Angie!
Tuesday I headed to have lunch with my mom. A place where I can relax, unwind and feel refreshed. My parents live on 15 acres of beautiful land and I love grabbing my camera and walking the property to see what I find. That day, dragonflies and hummingbirds.



So that, my friends, is my week in review. I look forward to posting pictures from this weekend's wedding and all of the fabulousness in store for August!

Lisa + Danny : : Engaged!

Thursday evening, Lisa and Danny made the trek over from the east side of the state for their engagement session at Lake Michigan. They knew they wanted their engagement session at the beach and this was Danny's first time ever seeing this great lake! It was a perfect shoot with beautiful summer evening light. It was wonderful to spend time with this couple again and I am greatly anticipating their fabulous wedding in September!






Enjoy your preview you two!

Alexandria + Brett : : Wedding Preview!

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Alex and Brett were married this past Saturday, and I know I say this a million times, but I have amazing clients. Alex and Brett were no exception and were the absolute sweetest couple to work with.

The day started with Angie and I meeting the girls at the Panopoulos Salon in Standale. Alex was sitting there, calm as can be, sipping her coffee and laughing with the girls.

The ceremony was held at Grand Valley University's Cook DeWitt Center, followed by a reception at The University Club in downtown Grand Rapids. The entire day flowed seamlessly...everyone was so great to work with. The amazing Julie Strating was there to work her makeup magic with her assistant Amanda and Barb Hoek created the one-of-a-kind cake.

Just to warn you...there are a lot of pictures. I had the hardest time narrowing them down.




Can you find me in this picture?
So while we were waiting for Alex's finishing touches on her hair, her bridesmaids and I had a little fun with the posters on the wall...each interpreting a different model. The result...quirky fun!
And of course we couldn't leave out the beautiful bride!






Alex had two fabulous and amazing shoes for her day. The ceremony pair:
And one for the reception. As a girl who loves her shoes, I definitely felt a kindredness with this bride!


This girl is gorgeous



Brett isn't so bad himself! He doesn't show it here, but he was being eaten alive by mosquitos here. We didn't stay out long.



Sealed with a kiss!











The shoes...they are fabulous!


Earlier this year I featured a groom with Scrabble cufflinks. This couple is also a lover of Scrabble and Brett was sporting them for his wedding. Love them!







The guest book featured the engagement pictures taken last year at the U of M campus. I loved their session.


For this design, Alex gave Barb one of her invitations and said have fun. I loved the result.
They had cupcakes for the guests and they were snatched up in about five minutes flat!
And I just had to throw this series of pictures in because this truly shows the character of this lovely couple. After they cut their cake, Alex and Brett took the microphone and presented each of their parents with their own little monogrammed cake in the cake flavor of their choice. So unique and so sweet!





Alex and Brett - you were a pleasure to work with and your wedding was incredible. Enjoy your preview and best wishes on your life together!