September 17, 2011
It took me FOREVER (mostly because the fall is always my BUSIEST time of the year) but I finally found the time to edit my little sister, Kara, and her husband Dustin's wedding. It took place in mid September up near Frankfort, MI, which is a gorgeous area along the northwest side of the lower pennisula. The only other time I'd been there was in some dreary weather. It was great to see it in it's true form... gorgeous! The temperature was perfect, the sky clear, a beautiful day for a wedding.
We arrived the night before for the rehearsal dinner, and got up early to start the wedding festivities. Since I'm a wedding photographer, I was in charge of making sure all that happened and at least attempted to keep things on schedule. Two of my frequent assistants, Jessica Furrow (of
Jess Furrow Photography) and
Kristin Huyck (designer extraordinaire), were on hand to capture most of the day, the parts I couldn't do myself, as I was doubling as photographer and maid-of-honor all at once! We started getting ready in the salon, which unfortunately ran a little late, thus making us unable to do the girl's portraits. It didn't help that all the bridesmaid dresses were lace up... we had lots of helpful people there to make sure we got it done though! I had time to run to do the guys' portraits with Jess and get back in time for the ceremony.
The church was almost too small to hold all the guests that showed up, but it all worked out. Thankfully it wasn't too hot out or we would have sweat ourselves to death! The ceremony, officiated by Dustin's dad, Tom, was short and sweet, and pretty fun too. I even saw my dad tear up a little bit (he looked nice in his tux, by the way!). Afterwards, the couple greeted the guests and exited the premisis in my dad's 1967 Chevelle, but came back to do a load of family portraits at the church. The bridal party then rushed off to the beach for a few more photos and it was on to the reception!
Greystone Mansion was where we held the party. Dinner was fab, my speech went well (phew!) and we even finally had some time to get the girl's portraits in before it got too dark and we all started partying. It was great to see so many of my family members all in one place! I danced with my cousin Nicole, hung out with a few friends, and generally took the night off from photography from that point on. Jess and Kristin picked up the slack for me, thanks girls. Overall it was a good day, couldn't have gone much better. Thanks to everyone who was there! And congrats to Kara and Dustin!
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| ^Our flower girl, Miss Madison, and her gift for being in the wedding... Kitty. |
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| ^Jess took this photo of Kara's hair in a box... extensions, that is. |
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| ^Kristin's awesome shot of Kara's shoes. |
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| ^Kara's dress, by Jess. |
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| ^Also love this one of her bow by Jess. |
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| ^Jess snaps Molly helping Kara put her necklace on. |
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| ^Danielle (Dustin's sister), Kara, Laura (Dustin's brother's girlfriend), and Ashley (Danielle's daughter). |
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| ^Cute one of Madi and Kara (by Kristin). |
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| ^Me having some fun with the bouquet. |
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| ^My Dad's Chevelle was the get-away car! |
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| ^My new brother-in-law. |
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| ^Dustin and my dad, Joe. |
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| ^Being that we were at a golf course, golf carts were a must. |
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| ^A great shot of the church by Kristin. |
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| ^My mom and Kara (by Jess) |
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| ^Some of Dustin's family (by Jess) |
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| ^The next few ceremony shots are by Jess. |
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| ^Kristin captures the first kiss from the balcony... |
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| ^...and gets this fun photo of my boyfriend, Mike, ringing the church bell to end the wedding. |
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| ^LOVE this shot Jess took of them walking back down the aisle. |
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| ^...and this one too. |
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| ^The shot of everyone in the two families. |
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| ^The wedding party (by Kristin). |
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| ^Having fun on the beach! (by Kristin) |
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| ^Cute one by Jess. |
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| ^My standard walking away shot :) |
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| ^Another good one by Jess. |
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| ^Looks like sunset! Not quite! (by Jess) |
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| ^Jess's shot of one of the centerpieces. |
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| ^Finally we make it outside for the girls' portraits (all by Jess) |
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| ^Got my camera back again... bridal portraits! |
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| ^This is me getting Kara to turn her head the right way. I am glad Jess took it! Love Kara's face! |
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| ^See? Perfect! |
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| ^Cake tasting ;) |
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| ^These figurine represent Ernie (the basset) and Kathy (the orange tabby) who couldn't make it to the wedding. |
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| ^Our awesome Grandma Wanda! |
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| ^First dance time. |
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| ^My last shot of the night... its a good one, so it's time for a break for me! |
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| ^A cute one of Madi by Kristin. |
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| ^Myself and cousin Jeff partying! Hope you all enjoyed the wedding!!! |
