A few weeks ago I sat in my office, watching snow fall from my office window.  Those big, perfect fluffy snow flakes that even for those that hate winter, have to take notice and smile. It was one of those days I was inspired by the snow. The perfect white that covered all the dark and dreariness outside.  And it’s also just about the time of year that I haven’t shot any weddings in a few months and dearly miss photographing lovely people in love!

So a fun shoot was definitely in order and I knew that I couldn’t do it without collaborating with sweetie-pie Daisy of Pixel&Hank (remember some of our other fun shoots?).  And my dear friend Jamie and I have been talking for way too long about collaborating on something lovely together.  Jamie is the owner and talented videographer of Shutter Speed Productions and I just love her to pieces.  A few months back, the sweet couple featured here contacted me about the possibility of doing a ‘trash the dress’ session and I knew they would be perfect for this! I have known Jen since she was just a youngin’ and it still blows my mind she’s a married adult now.  She and Matt have big hearts and Matt loves this girl a lot.  For him to shiver through the session, rocking out a polka-dot bowtie in the middle of the woods…well, he didn’t do it for any other reason than for her alone ;).

A huge big thank you to the talented Stacy Jensen who came out to do hair and makeup (she rocks and it’s just not a collaboration without her) and to September’s Bride for the tux Matt wore.  And of course my parents who let a troop of girls take over their house and property.  Look for a little cameo from my little pup Tanner J. and my sweet little goats!   And make sure to click on the video link at the end of the blog post to see Jamie’s video of our shoot!

LOVE from Shutter Speed Productions on Vimeo.

I first met Kayla last fall when she asked me to participate in the Girl’s Dream Fair for junior high girls.  I was instantly knew this girl was a girl who lived life to the fullest.  When she casually asked me earlier this summer about the possibility of doing a ‘trash the dress’ session at the camp she worked at with the beloved horses  at the ranch, I literally squealed and we put a date on the calendar.  She wanted the session to be laid-back…just her and her dress, and the horses she loves.

Last week, I arrived at Grace Adventures wearing, per usual, inappropriate footware for the session ahead.  Kayla arrived, with her excited smile and beautiful dress.  Before we started shooting though, we had to heard the 35 horses up near the barn.  I want to be a cowgirl.  I loved this!

Kayla had me laughing through our entire session…I actually may have to do an entire other blog post just of the outtakes of this session!  This was a session of firsts for me as well…some of the areas we wanted to shoot at were available to us by horseback only. So up onto my horse Yankee I climbed, gear and all.

A big thanks to Kirk, who came along with us.  Kirk works at Grace Adventures Camp as well and is a budding photographer.  He held my horse as I shot, helped me with my gear and was an indispensable assistant.  Thank you again Kirk ;)!

(I always like to mention as well…this dress was not harmed (other than a wee bit of horse slobber) in any way during this session.  For those considering a session like this, September’s Bride in Holland has a special deal for all those who bring their dresses in to be cleaned after a ‘Rock the Frock’/Trash the Dress session)

Kirk! Holding Yankee and his horse Dollar

So I have been staring at this screen for far too long trying to think of words to fully explain how much this shoot meant to me to be able to be a part of.  Elements of Elegance is the fabulous planning and floral business started by my dear friend Dee.  When Dee and I first met (nearly 10 years ago now…my how time flies!) we were both working in corporate America, dreaming of bigger things but not exactly sure where that would lead us both individually.  Dee has always been an amazing floral designer and I wanted to encourage her to follow her dream.  Today, we both stand here as business owners, both working in the wedding industry!  And we got to collaborate together!  Oh how sweet it is!

I love styled shoots because it allows us creative types to play and showcase something different. Not under the time constraints of sometimes hectic wedding timelines. To collaborate and have some fun.  This session was done near Dee’s house in Allegan, under a warm fall sky with some brilliant late-day light.  A huge thanks to the following list of amazing people, friends and vendors who were more than excited to help out the lovely Dee ::

Spirit Custom Make Up
Special Occasions Linens
Sondra’s Ink
A-1 Rental
September’s Bride
Pixel & Hank
Food - Trish Grandler
Hair - Christie Grabowski
Setup, Planning and Floral - Elements of Elegance

This session proved just how loved Dee is and how much we want to encourage her dreams.   I love you Friend!

Dee’s beautiful friend Sue looked stunning in this stunning vintage gown courtesy of September’s Bride!

And Sue and John are married! I love that they modeled together for this!

The below little cuties look like they could be Sue and John’s…but they are actually the adorable son and daughter of Trish who made all of the incredible food for our session. They were perfect little models.

I had no doubts Loren was going to rock this dress (believe it or not, the dress she is wearing has been in my closet almost a decade.  It’s an old prom dress I picked up for $20 and knew it would eventually come in handy)

Lynell - you are beautiful!  Lynell is also a photographer, and from experience, I know it’s an odd sensation to be on the other side of the camera.  You rocked it girl!

Shannon was one of Dee’s brides from earlier this summer. Her blue eyes are absolutely stunning! And I loved this dress she was wearing.

Lastly, a huge thank you to Dee’s husband Mark.  Who even though he (not so) secretly thought we were a little crazy asking him to drag random pieces of furniture out into the middle of a field, he did so willingly.  He also built the above arch used for our mock wedding set up. Mark - you are amazing!

To celebrate their first year of marriage, this adorable couple decided that a ‘rock the frock’ session was definitely in order!

For any out there unfamiliar with the term ‘rock the frock‘ (or ‘trash the dress’ as it’s commonly termed), it’s generally a session to celebrate love, have some fun, and for us girls, to wear that fabulous gown again!  Lindsey and Dan were married last November and wanted some fun and artistic shots around Grand Rapids.  An added bonus, taking part in the ArtPrize fun happening in our little city!  It was a great session and the strong wind gusts brought extra ‘rock the frock’ drama!

I adore these next two shots - they demonstrated some of the awesome dance moves they rocked out at their wedding last year!

To end our session, Lindsey and Dan made some lovely tunes together on one of these pianos placed all over Grand Rapids.  Adorable!

What better way to celebrate an anniversary than re-donning your pretty wedding dress and being romantical together for your first wedding anniversary?

A ‘Rock the Frock’ (also commonly known as ‘Trash the Dress’) session is not a session to destroy ones wedding outfits, but a great reason to put re-wear a dress and pose prettily for the camera. Again. ;).

I love these sessions…no time limit, no worries of guests waiting for you to arrive to the reception.  Remembering how much you love the person you are married to.

Kelley + Joe - Thank you so much for allowing me to document this for you! I wish you all the best on your many next years ahead ;).