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.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Originally a June wedding was in the works for Keri+Bill.  But a little over a month ago, Keri called me up and said that plans had changed. All of their family was going to be in town for the holidays and no time like the present, right? So a small wedding was planned for the afternoon followed by a fancy session with me and then onto dinner at Mangiamo in downtown Grand Rapids.  The misting rain, while annoying that it wasn’t the gently-falling snow we were all hoping for, actually made the mood enchanting and romantic.

Keri and Bill worked together to make the absolutely charming details for their reception. Felt pom-poms, an owl cake topper, handmade ring pillow, and my favorite…the ’smitton in the mitton’ mitton-shaped favors.  Keri’s tea-length dress and shall along with Bill’s dapper grey suit was perfection.   It was an intimate affair filled with the people they loved and loved them.

Gail VanderLaan truly never disappoints in her amazing floral design.

First of all…HAPPY NEW YEAR dear readers!

So on Friday (AFTER I did my end of year wedding round up earlier this week…), I got to be a part of Keri+Bill’s wedding day and capture some lovely images for this sweet sweet couple. Look for a preview soon and marvel over their adorable DIY details.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Oh Leigh and Tony…you two have the biggest hearts!

Leigh and Tony planned a glam wedding in downtown Detroit last weekend.  I don’t know how they managed it, but the November weather they had…upper 50’s and sunny blue skies…was totally perfect. Upon arriving, Leigh was all smiles and a total knockout. Tony was excitedly counting down until they had their first look.  They were married at Old St. Mary’s Church (such amazing architecture!) in downtown Detroit with a reception followed at The Colony Club (one of my personal favorite Detroit venues).  Alison of Viva La Diva was there to run the day and make sure it was absolute perfection.  Detroit brides…Alison is beyond sweet and amazing. Hire her immediately.

Jamie and Ian of Shutter Speed Productions, a team I adore working with (our bonding solidified a few years ago riding tandom bikes while photographing/videoing on Mackinac Island) were there as well as Jon with Priss Makeup.  The amazing flowers provided by Irish Rose and Shutterbooth was there to provide those must-have pictures during the reception.  One of my favorite elements at a reception is the music and it was rocking with the band Higher Ground.  All in all…a perfectly wonderful and amazing day!  Congratulations again lovely couple ;)!!

Seriously, these cupcakes done by Just Baked were beyond amazing. They are filled with deliciousness and have names like ‘Fat Elvis’. Yum.

Saturday, October 29, 2011 - Troy, MI

Kim and Nick had so many highlights to their wedding day it’s hard to know where to begin.  The ceremony, held at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church was full of rich history and traditions. Afterward, their two pups joined us for their own special session (those who follow this blog know I have a big love for animals!) before the rest of the pictures. We traveled around to some lovely locations, beating the sun going down earlier and earlier this time of year. The light was soft, the temperatures just the slightest chill.

My second favorite part of Kim and Nick’s day….Nick writing and performing a song to his new bride during the reception! Swoon!  The song was so sweet, so heartfelt. I loved watching Kim’s reaction.  Then it was onto party time. The first dance took an unexpected turn when the slow song stopped and these two broke out into a choreographed dance. The tone was set and some greek dancing ensued afterward.  The dance floor was packed all night.

The decor was nothing short of awesome as well, because talent does not run short in this family.  Kim and her sister Stephanie along with Bryce and Nick worked very hard to set up the fabulous decor at the reception, held at The Myth Golf Course.  I loved the streamer banner behind the cake and cupcakes and all of the lovely lanterns hung from the ceiling.  Totally awesome.

Do you die over these cute pink Kate Spade shoes?!

The flowers were some of my favorite of the season…done by the very talented Parsonage Events.