Alaina + Eric : : Preview Gallery!

Alaina + Eric  : : Friday, June 27, 2008

I have really had some amazing weddings this month!  And to end the busiest wedding month was Alaina and Eric's wedding this past Friday.  The ceremony was held in Holland at Christ Memorial Church followed by a reception at the lovely Grand Haven Golf Club...a venue in which this was my first visit, and I have to say that I was very impressed with the grounds, ballroom and staff...amazing!

Between the ceremony and reception, we stopped at a private beach house along the lakeshore for some pictures with Alaina, Eric and their wedding party.  We thankfully beat the storm that was to hit just after we left the beach and were able to get some fun pictures in the sand.

Alaina and Eric, I wish you both a beautiful marriage!

Angie catching me 'in action'

Garen + Matt : : Preview Gallery!

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Garen and Matt had one of those perfect summer weddings...a destination for most...up at the beautiful Ciccone Vineyard in Traverse City.  With a love for wine, their family and friends, and each other, the combination all came together in one perfectly orchestrated wedding.  The entire day was perfect and made complete by a sunset overlooking the vineyard. Truly extraordinary and one day I was certainly glad to be a part of!  And the dinner...definitely one I was glad to be attending!  They had a six-course wine-pairing dinner that is definitely going on my list of favorites.

The day began when we arrived at the Pavlova Salon in downtown Traverse with mimosa's being served while the girls got their hair and make up done for the day ahead.

So sweet!

The locket Garen carried on her bouquet held pictures of her grandparents.  

I think the first time a bride and groom see each other, dressed complete in their wedding attire, is my favorite part of the day.

I wish I had video of this first dance...Garen and Matt totally had the moves down for their amazing first dance!


Garen and Matt, I wish you two SO much happiness in your lives together. It was a pleasure to be there documenting your day!  

Little Leah

Can you believe all the posts today? I'm a blogging fool!  I know I've been a bit off on my blog posts this month.  I knew that June was going to be a busy month for me...but I was completely unprepared for this level of busyness.  I can't complain though...I've had some amazing weddings, fabulously fun sessions and a whirlwind of consultations resulting in a lot of bookings for next year.  Totally exciting stuff!  But I will admit that I'm ready for a little downtime and a chance to unwind and enjoy some of this amazing summer weather we've been having.  

Now onto brighter and cuter things...tonight, Leah's parents brought her in for her one-year session and after all the spring babies that came to see me in April, I've been missing these little ones in the studio.  Leah was one happy little girl and gave cute expression after cute expression.  She was sweet from beginning to end and not only did I adore working with her tonight, her parents were just as wonderful!  How did I get so lucky with all of my great clients?

Tell me those eyes aren't completely adorable!

Now I know that the smiles are the money shots, but I personally happen to love those serious baby faces.  



Happy 1st Birthday Little Leah!

Courtney : : Trash the Dress

Last night, Angie and I met up with Courtney to do a very fun, very urban Trash the Dress session.  I was along for the ride though, as a second-shooter, and not the main photographer.

Angie, my faithful and loyal second shooter, is going finally putting herself out there, opening herself up to be a photographer in her own right.  I couldn't be more excited or more supportive of this decision!  She will still be my fabulous second shooter for weddings, but will start offering sessions during the week.  Go Angie!  I know you are going to go far with this!

To see her blog, and her images from the session, click here.

Angie workin' it!

Welcoming Isaiah

On Tuesday evening, I traveled out to the beach to photograph a very special session welcoming baby Isaiah to this beautiful family.

Back in February, I blogged about becoming a member of the Celebrating Adoption list of photographers across the nation who donate their photography services to families who have chosen to adopt a child.  Kristen called me a few months ago telling me about their new addition from Zambia and I couldn't wait to meet this loving family.  Isaiah is a well-adjusted, adorable little two year old who was ready to show off his beautiful smile.

This was a very family-focused session, and after all of the family portraits, I focused on the fun with all of their beautiful children.  What a loving and sweet family!





How cute is this couple!  They are also expecting another child later this year so a big congrats to them.


Congratulations to all of you! Isaiah is one lucky little guy.

Rachel + Matt : : Preview Gallery!

Friday, June 20, 2008 

Rachel and Matt were married on Friday afternoon at LaGrave CRC followed by their grand reception following at Cascade Hills Country Club...one of my favorite area venues.

From the time I photographed Rachel and Matt's engagement session last November, I knew that this was a wedding I would be looking forward to. Not only is the couple totally gorgeous, but they are also both totally sweet and thoughtful.  The toasts that were said at their reception told of their wonderful spirit and their love together.  I also got to see Matt's sister Mallory again, but not in the way we normally do. Mallory plays for the Calvin College String Quartet and she actually played for my ceremony nearly three years ago!  We run into each other often, but it was wonderful to see her at this beautiful wedding, dressed up in the beautiful champagne dresses the bridesmaid's wore.  I also got to see one of my December brides, Lindsay, who was also one of Rachel's bridesmaids! What a perfect day and a perfect wedding. Rachel and Matt, many blessings to you both!

I love a candy buffet!

A Drive Home

On Sunday afternoon, Angie and I made our way home from Traverse City from Garen and Matt's amazing vineyard wedding.  I thought it might be fun to take the scenic route home.  We both enjoy spotting something amazing and having the opportunity to just pull off the road, grab our cameras and capture things that we too often just drive right by.

That afternoon it was these beautiful horses...so graceful, so powerful.  I haven't had much opportunity to take pictures just for myself with this busy season underway and it felt great to take a minute to stop and remind myself just why I love photography.  I hope you enjoy these!

Garen + Matt : : Married!

On Saturday, Garen and Matt were married at the breathtaking Ciccone Vineyard up in Traverse City.  The views, the couple and the wine all made for a memorable day.  It was perfect and I couldn't have spent a more perfect day working than with this couple.  I felt extremely blessed to do what I do working at two amazing weddings this weekend.  Look for the very fabulous preview gallery later this week!

Rachel + Matt : : Married!

Wow...what an amazing weekend of weddings this has been!  Friday, Matt and Rachel were married at the statuesque LaGrave CRC downtown followed by a reception at Cascade Hills Country Club.  I know I'm going to have a hard time narrowing down my favorites for their preview gallery later this week.  Simply beautiful and Rachel and Matt could not have been a sweeter or more gracious couple to work with.  Congratulations to this happy couple!

Lindsay + Nate : : Preview Gallery!

I'm not going to lie...I had a hard time narrowing down the pictures for Lindsay and Nate's preview this week.

This wedding was in a word...stunning.  And it wasn't just the amazing setting or beautiful details.  The family, the love, the happiness...all of it was totally fabulous.

Lindsay and Nate met at Hope College and Nate even proposed to Lindsay just outside of the chapel in which they were married.  The story I learned of their love and lives together was sweet and touching, and the touches they put into their day reflected that perfectly.  

Their ceremony was in Holland at Hope's Dimnent Chapel and their reception at the fabulous Amway Grand Plaza.  It was a day to remember and a beautiful start for this couples' lives together.

This dress...stunning!

Don't you love when the boys show their love?  

Foregoing the traditional cake, Lindsay and Nate instead chose a dessert buffet and it was a total hit!  With tasty treats to sample and decedent cheesecakes to taste, the guests were totally loving it.



Lindsay and Nate, your day was perfect.  I wish you both many blessings on your life together!

Heather and Steve : : Engaged!

I met Heather a few years ago when she was our intern at the CPA firm that I used to work for.  She and Steve were then just dating and I remember distinctly hearing that she didn't think she would ever want a big wedding.  Well...here they are, a few years later and planning a very fabulous wedding in the fall.  And how lucky am I that they hired me to capture it for them!  Yesterday evening was their engagement session and I learned that this couple is quick to smile, quick to laugh, and very comfortable behind the camera.  I know that their wedding is going to be an amazing one and it was so sweet to watch them love, play and laugh behind the lens.

Can't wait to see you both again in October!

Little Morgan

Yesterday I headed out to Grand Haven to meet little Morgan, an adorable little one who is turning one next month.

While we had a wonderful time playing in the sun and the sand yesterday, Morgan wasn't as convinced that the beach was her favorite place to be.  It was her first time putting her feet in sand and she preferred something less dirty, thank you very much. But as cute as this little one is, we had no problems getting some cute shots.

Jim and Tena : : 50 Years

A few months ago I received an email from a very sweet girl who wanted some photographs of her darling grandparents for their 50th wedding anniversary.  Last night, I traveled to their home and met a couple who reminded me dearly of my own grandparents. The same Dutch nick-knacks, the same pride and love when they talked about their own children and grandchildren. The entire session was such a treat.  And to see two people who have been together and still in love...it was beautiful.

Recreating the classic ring shot. I would love to see the original from their wedding!

Katy + Josh : : Preview Gallery

Katy and Josh were high school sweethearts over ten years ago and as life has it sometimes, the couple went down different paths and lost touch.  A few years ago, though, they ran into each other, reunited and the rest...they say...is history.

Katy and Josh got married at one of my favorite area venues, Egypt Valley Country Club, on Friday, June 13.  I have a special love for this club is this is where Jason and I said our vows to each other and held our reception afterwards.  So it was very reminiscent to be there last week shooting this amazing wedding.

The weather didn't cooperate for too many outdoor shots, but right after the ceremony we were able to sneak out for a few pictures on the course, right before the skies opened up and poured down on the earth, just minutes after we all walked upstairs to join the guests for cocktail hour.

With an emphasis on fun and throwing a true party, the reception was a laid-back hor'dourves reception with not even so much as a head table.  Who needs a head table when there is a big dance floor and dancing to be done!

One of Katy's fabulous bridesmaids made these little finger sandwhiches...and I couldn't resist sampling one so that I could tell you all how amazingly tasty they were.

One of the sweetest parts of the day...Josh's grandfather came outside while we were taking a few pictures of the newly married couple and asked if he could sing them a song.  It was so sweet, so thoughtful and truly brought tears to my eyes.

Josh is actually a noted dancer and their first dance was SPECTACULAR!  So much dress swooshing and amazing dance moves.  

Spots Open for Our Marathon Trash the Dress Session!

Trash the Dress sessions are all the rage right now and Aletha of Pearls Events, Jen of JK Photography and myself are holding a Marathan Trash the Dress session next month on Sunday, July 20.   And guess what? We have two more spots open for anyone who wants to get in on the action!

Here are all the juicy details and no, we don't set out to literally 'trash' your wedding dress.  Once cleaned, it should be just fine for boxing, preserving, etc.   Just in case you were wondering ;)

Session to be held at Silver Lake Sand Dunes (about an hour north of Grand Rapids).  The cost is $175 which covers hair and makeup and the CD of your session.  This is a bargain folks!  Want to bring your hubby? By all means! No extra fee attached.

It's first come, first serve and you will need to contact Aletha to reserve your session spot  or for additional questions/information.  

This is going to be an incredible time so be sure to sign up.  You won't regret it!

Lindsay + Nate : : Married!

Lindsay and Nate were married at the beautiful Hope College Chapel on Saturday, June 14 followed up by an opulent and very fun reception at the Amway Grand Plaza.  Look for the preview gallery later this week!

Katy + Josh : : Married!

Katy and Josh were married on Friday, June 13 at Egypt Valley Country Club. The wedding was perfect, the reception a true celebration.  Look for their preview post later this week!

Bree + Brad : : Engaged!

Bree and Brad are a couple that I've truly been excited to get to know over the past few months and on Thursday they met me downtown for their engagement session...after having to delay it the week before because of all of that crazy weather we were experiencing.

This couple enjoys spending time together over a glass of wine and that's exactly how we started our session. We went over to Bloom and they waitstaff was sweet enough to let us take over for a little while taking pictures and sipping wine.

And as if I didn't think this session was amazing enough...they jumped into the fountain! I love them!  

Thank you two again for a rockin' session last week.  And the Oberon...seriously, that totally made my day.  Can't wait for your wedding in October!

Little Katie

Spring Grove Park in Jamestown is one of my favorite area parks in which to take clients for sessions.  It's beautifully landscaped with a little creek running through it and lovely pathways. Better yet, it's about five minutes from my house!

Thursday afternoon I met Katie and her parents there to do a session with this cute one-year-old.  She gave her signature cute expressions and bright open eyes and I happily snapped away while she explored the surroundings around her.  



How often do busy parents get to get all cute together and have their pictures taken? Not often!  I happily snapped a few of Annie and her husband Eric together.  

New Posts Coming Soon!

So Friday the 13th came a little early for me last week when on Thursday morning, my PC took a terrible crash and left me crying and frustrated at my desk.  How dare this happen in the midst of the busy wedding season!  Thankfully, I don't keep files stored on my computer so I wasn't worried about the loss of any information, but I still needed to do something ASAP.  So I grabbed my purse and headed straight on over to the Apple store to purchase a Macbook Pro...a decision I have been pondering for a while now.  This seemed a good a time as any to make the leap!  

While I am now a happy Mac owner, I am still getting used to the changes and with two weddings this weekend and all of the frustration, I am a little behind on my blogging.  But fear not, I had some FABULOUS sessions on Thursday and two amazing weddings this weekend I can't wait to share with you all so stay tuned for new posts coming soon.  

Sarah + Dan : : Featured!

I am totally excited to share with you all that Sarah and Dan's wedding is going to be featured in The Knot Southern Michigan Wedding for Spring/Summer 2009!

Aletha blogged about this last night, as Sarah and Dan's wedding was the first wedding that she put her fabulous coordinating skills to use. I also shamelessly took the beautiful collage she put together and used it on my own post today. You just did such a great job Aletha!

Sarah and Dan were married last October and Sarah did a truly AMAZING job at not only doing her own flowers, but putting so much time and effort into all of the fabulously amazing details. The colors, the centerpieces and gorgeous green, ivory and chocolate brown touches were rich and lovely. A photographers dream to photograph.

Congratulation to Sarah, Dan and Aletha. I'm so excited about this feature!

Jamie + Ian : : Celebrating the Bump!

Yesterday some familiar faces stopped by the studio for a maternity shoot...the fabulous and lovely Jamie and her husband Ian, who are expecting their first baby this summer.

Jamie, Ian and I have worked together for countless weddings...they producing amazing videography with their company Shutterspeed Productions. Unfortunately for me, with this little one coming I haven't been able to work with them as much this summer but am hoping that the opportunity arises itself again next season.

But I digress...

Last night was all about photography, and photographing their the excitement of their soon-to-arrive little one and that beautiful glow Jamie has about her. Tell me this isn't one beautiful mamma-to-be!











Delicious and magical sun flare...love it!

Can't wait to meet that little one, guys! See you soon at Boatwerks!

Little Abigail

You know what's fun? Seeing my past clients. You know what's more fun? Seeing them go through all of the big changes that life brings.

Last spring I photographed Dave and Catrina's wedding and this spring I got to photograph them again, with their new little daughter, Abigail. I was so excited to see them again and meet this little one!

Abigail's only a month old, but already she was holding her head up, looking at the camera and very aware of her surroundings. I had so much fun posing her and seeing all of the fabulous outfit changes during the session.





It's a baby...on a bike! The fun of this picture is that I photographed Dave and Catrina on their bikes for their wedding last year. We had to do this one!



This outfit was actually one that Catrina wore as a baby herself. So cute, that 70's fashion!

Congratulations on your little one Catrina and Dave!

Allie + Paul : : Wedding Preview!

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed Allie and Paul's wedding this past Saturday. The day started off with Angie and I arriving at Allie's parent's house to get ready. As soon as I saw Allie's amazing dress, I knew that it was going to be a good day. Not only was her dress beautiful, her details were exquisite. With pink and green colors everywhere, I was in photo heaven. I must say, however, that I am a bit biased as my own wedding colors were pink and green. Such a striking combination of summer colors!

Both the ceremony and reception were at the beautiful Frederik Meijer Gardens with another fabulously delicious Barb Hoek cake. The evening ended with a spectacular lightening show and guests dancing through the night.






I have to give major props to Paul, who suffered with a migrane on his wedding day. My own husband suffers with these and I am all too aware how deabilitating these can be.

Hanging out before the ceremony...












Boys will be boys...












Oberon is perhaps my favorite beer in the summertime. This couple definitely has good taste!
Another fabulous Sweet Cakes Design by the infamous Barb Hoek





Congratulations and blessings to this wonderful couple. Can't wait to see you again in Chicago for your Trash the Dress session!

Lightening Over the Gardens

So last night as Angie and I were packing up the car with our gear from Allie and Paul's wedding at the Frederik Meijer Gardens, we saw the lighting streaking across the sky and immediately knew we had to try to capture what we saw.

After a few tries, I nailed a few shots, which is harder than it looks. But in the end I think I walked away with some pretty awesome shots!

Congratulations Michele!

Michele, one of my near and dear friends, graduated Davenport University a few months ago with her bachelor's degree. I couldn't be more proud of her and this amazing accomplishment. Working full time and going to school in the evenings took up a lot of time, energy and is an amazing commitment. This afternoon was her open house so we could all celebrate together.

This is such an exciting year for Michele as her and her boyfriend Steve are recently engaged and planning a destination wedding somewhere beachy and exotic next spring.




A rare picture of myself, hating having my picture taken, while Julie snaps a few pictures.


Remember this little guy? It's little Andrew!
Congratulations again Shell! You deserve all the good things to come!

Allie + Paul : : Married!

Allie and Paul were married yesterday outside at the beautiful Frederik Meijer Gardens, thankfully before all of the crazy storms moved in.

There will be more pictures in their preview gallery later this week, but suffice it to say, this wedding was simply beautiful, with the ceremony right in front of the beautiful outdoor waterfall.

Congratulations Paul and Allie! Your wedding was perfect!

Family.Farm

Last Christmas, Tiffany purchased a gift certificate from me for her parents so that they could all get together for a family picture this summer...something this family hasn't done for quite some time.

She asked if I would be willing to come out to her family's farm and I couldn't have been more excited to have the opportunity to photograph this lovely family here. The tall grass, the red barn...so perfect!

With some crazy weather threatening on and off storms all day, we were all happy to see the skies parting and the weather clearing for their session.

It was great working with you all and I hope you enjoy your preview!

Ginny + John : : Wedding Preview!

I arrived at Wabasis Park in Greenville early Saturday afternoon to photograph the wedding of John and Ginny...a couple who kept their wedding simple and beautiful and true to themselves.

Their ceremony was held outdoors at this lovely park with all guests surrounding them in a complete circle. It was intimate and beautiful, with everyone holding hands part-way through, so as to bless the couple.

There was much love and laughter as many hadn't seen the sweet couple in quite some time. Ginny and John both live in Oregon and it was quite a treat to see so many loved ones in one day. I was honored to be a part of their day, and kept the style of photography in sync with the style of their wedding...natural and real.



Ginny and John are avid Scrabble fans and John had these custom-made cuff links for the wedding. They spelled out his initials...a "J" and an "M"
Ginny actually made her bouquet and flowers herself...going to a local farmer's market and tying them together. They were such vibrant colors and fit in perfectly with the woodland surroundings.

Their ceremony was definitely my favorite part of their day.


I love seeing the groom's face as he sees his bride for the first time. He just loves seeing his bride for the first time that day.

The brothers all look on.








There is nothing more fun than a few embarrassing childhood stories from one's siblings.
These champagne glasses were from Ginny's parent's wedding and were made a special part of their day too. Something borrowed.


Congratulations you two!

Sandra + Michael : : Engaged!

Sandra and Michael are a nature-loving and super sweet couple who is getting married this August. When I met with them last fall to talk about their wedding this summer, I remember chatting with Sandra about how she would love to find a field of wheat on her wedding day and have a picture taken in the middle of it with her and her betrothed in their wedding finery. Our visions match completely and I am totally scouting out areas that we could accommodate this request on their wedding day. What an amazing picture this would be!

Yesterday evening we headed out to the lush campus of Aquinas College for their engagement session. I haven't shot here much but think I'm adding it to my list of favorite areas!

Anne + Lee : : Engaged!

Yesterday afternoon I had the pleasure of seeing Anne and Lee again for their engagement session downtown. This sweet couple is getting married this October and I had so much fun catching up with them about their upcoming nuptials!

Elizabeth + Blair : : Wedding Preview

Elizabeth and Blair were married on a truly perfect spring day. With threatening weather forecasts, we all kept our eyes on the sky during our time in downtown Coopersville, but needn't have worried at all because the day was absolutely perfect with partly overcast skies...a photographer's dream!

Some of my favorite parts of the day were when Blair and Elizabeth saw each other for the first time on the train tracks and when a city worker came up afterwards to ask if we would like the keys to get inside the train (are you kidding me?!). It was also a totally great day of being around such a fun and energetic group.

Elizabeth has an amazing eye and not only put together the flowers herself, but also designed the programs and had some truly amazing and personal touches for her wedding. And her dress and her necklace were absolutely stunning!



I was totally in love with her hairstyle and the simple headband tiara she used.




This bride is truly talented....look at those flowers!


While we were lucky not to see the rain, Elizabeth was totally prepared with these big, dramatic black umbrellas and we simply couldn't let them go to waste.



The groomsmen received these beer steins with their names engraved on them. How could we not have these in a picture?!


This vintage look is just too tempting with these train tracks.




Elizabeth designed and made these programs for their wedding ceremony. I love the design...simply perfect.

And this totally impressed me! Blair and Elizabeth blew up this picture from their engagement session this past March for their guests to sign. How perfect this picture worked for this!



Congratulations Elizabeth and Blair! Blessings on your marriage!

Making Sunlight My Friend

I know this seems an odd title to a post, but ask any photographer to go photograph on the beach during the day and they will shriek with fright because of the harsh overhead sunlight creating unsightly and unflattering shadows.

I don't want to shriek with fright anymore so decided to learn to work with Mother Nature rather than against her.

Wilson Sarkis, a talented and award-winning photographer, led a beach workshop today in Ludington, thanks wholly in part to the fabulous team of Becky and Rob of Alway Photography, who organized this event and made it possible for me to go to a beach all day and count it as work.

I think it's extremely important to continue learning in anything that you do in life, and today was a fabulous day of photographing gorgeous models in less-than-ideal lighting situations. There was no fancy lighting, just the use of reflectors and I walked away feeling a little less scared of the sun. I think I totally deserve a gold star.

This lovely newlywed was just married last fall and was too sweet to model for us in her gorgeous gown this morning.

The fabulous Kari Douma stepping up and helping out.
I always like to find new perspectives...I simply couldn't resist the bride's veil floating over the driftwood.
Jen rocking out her 70-200mm lens.

There were a lot of them on the beach today! So excited to see some of my fellow photogs from Grand Rapids and meet some new ones!

We had some crazy beautiful models workin' it for us today!

Never have I thought to myself, "hey, I should wrap a bunch of tulle-like material around a frame and use that on the beach"...but it totally worked! Thinking outside of the reflector box.
Pretty right?


And Jen, once again, posing by a cute little hut we found on our walk back to the car. We're not scared of a little sun anymore!