Saturday, August 30, 2008

Kaitlyn + Jon : : Trash the Dress!

Kaitlyn and I have worked together a lot in the past year...from shooting her sassy boudoir session, to having her assist for a session last summer, to her attending our photography workshop, I have enjoyed getting to know this girl and her fun-loving attitude.

When she contacted me last month to see if I might be able to shoot a Trash the Dress Session for her and Jon's anniversary, I eagerly flipped open my calendar and we made our date. As much as I had gotten to know Kaitlyn, Jon I hadn't met yet!

The session started out dramatically...with getting a phone call from Jon saying they were stranded on the highway! I quickly rushed to their aide, put them in my car and we continued with our session anyway. Those two looked amazing! We were all still ready to rock it out and rock it out we did.


I always like to start by getting some fun shots, sweet shots, and shots that won't ruin the dress just yet.


After we played around downtown a bit we headed over to Riverside Park. The sun was setting and the air was cooling down. It was an absolutely perfect night for their session.







I have to give major props to Kaitlyn for these shots. When we originally talked about their session together, she mentioned she would love to get in the water. Well, this water was a tad...well, slimy. And while she looks so calm here, so serene, it was not the case. But she looks simply beautiful!

To finish our session, they had brought two small, scrumptious little cakes to smash into each other. A perfectly delicious way to end!




Kaitlyn + Jon - I absolutely loved working with you two last night! Happy Anniversary and I hope you both enjoy your preview!

Friday, August 29, 2008

Erick : : Senior Session


I first met Erick, my friend Michelle's son, nearly 9 years ago. Never did I imagine he would grow up so quickly or that I would be shooting his senior pictures while he rocked a seriously fabulous 80's wardrobe. The shoes, the neon, the snowboard...it all made for a totally rad session. It also certainly didn't hurt that the camera loves this kid.


A little "behind the scenes" styling action from Michelle.
Totally lovin' these shoes.









Loved working with you both yesterday guys! Erick - I hope you enjoy your preview!

Sara + Joe : : Preview Gallery

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Sara and Joe are a couple that I have gotten to know well over the past year and from talking to them about their vision for their day, I knew it was one that I was going to enjoy immensely! And even the rain that came during as we were at Reed's Lake didn't dampen anyone's spirits. This couple shrugged their shoulders, hopped in the limo and we came up with plan B. Love them!

The colors were a rich palette of deep oranges and purples and Sara's dress was simply stunning. The flowers came from Modern Day Floral, which brides-to-be...if you are looking for a florist, call Jennifer today. Her designs were beautiful and I was thoroughly impressed.

Their ceremony was held at the First United Methodist church in downtown Grand Rapids and the reception at the ever-fabulous Meijer Gardens. The cake was another amazing Sweet Cakes creation, which is always one of my favorite parts of the reception.







Some of the beautiful details of the day
This dress was seriously stunning. It was absolutely the perfect dress for Sara.




I love this pocket watch that Sara gave Joe as his wedding gift. One side with a picture of his bride...perfect!



I love this part of the day! Joe and Sara chose not to see each other until the ceremony. I always love seeing both of their reactions the first time they lay eyes on each other.





















The skies opened up seconds after this shot was taken.

So what's a wedding party to do when the pictures are cut short by rain? Head off to have a few beers at a favorite hang-out!
While the wedding party enjoyed their time hanging out, Sarah, Joe, Angie and I went over to the theater next door for some pictures. We asked if we could sneak into an empty theater for some pictures and they obliged! Who's going to say no to a beautiful bride on her wedding day?







Sara and Joe - I wish you so much happiness in your lives together. I couldn't have been more honored to be a part of your day!