Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Top Ten Best Bouquets of 2012 & 2013

(so far :)

Since the blog is a little light on posts this week (don't worry, lots more coming very soon!), I thought I should record all of my favorite bouquets from the past few years (so far). I've already got another I want to add to the list from one of my more recent weddings, but at least for now, we'll just keep it here, from the beginning of 2012 to July of 2013. Those of you who know me or follow my work know how much I love bright colors and designs, and flowers are one of the best places to see just this at a wedding. Naturally, I love photographing them! So check out the awesome floral art by some awesome floral artists.

^Lisa's bouquet, July 14, 2012 by J's Fresh Flower Market.

^Kristin's bouquet, February 23, 2013 by Park Place Design.

^Marjorie's bouquet, July 30, 2012 by Wasserman's Flowers and Gifts.

^Suzy's bouquet, June 23, 2012 by Country Flowers.

^Samantha's bouquet, December 15, 2012 by Memorable Occasions by Bonnie.

^Bethany's bouquet, September 7, 2012 by Leanne (homemade).

^Rachael's bouquet, August 3, 2013 by Liz (homemade).

^Caitlin's bouquet, August 11, 2012 by Florals by Sharon.

^Katie's bouquet, May 3, 2013 by Shelly's Designs Florist.

^Nicole's bouquet, July 6, 2013 by Park Place Design.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Sneak Peek: Matt & Kara

August 24, 2013

Summer has returned and it was a hot and sunny one for Matt and Kara's wedding.It really was a gorgeous day for a gorgeous couple! Best wishes to you guys, and we'll have some more for you soon!








Thursday, August 22, 2013

Mason: Craziest Cake Smash EVER! (Grand Rapids Children's Photographer)

Augsut 16, 2013

It's still hard to believe that Mason has been around for a whole year already. His first session with me wasn't much fun, since the poor little man was a little banged up from his journey into the world. However, he healed very nicely and was a good pal of mine for is 3-, 7-, and 9-month sessions! Mason is such a cutie and I love to snuggle his adorable little self (since he is my friends' little man, I get to do so more often than usual!). I was hoping his mom, Erika, would want to do a cake smash session. I knew Mason would like it. Sure enough, she brought balloons and cake for the little guy, and he loved both. A little TOO much maybe... the photos speak for themselves... check out Mason and the craziest (and messiest) cake smash session EVER!



^He loves his balloons!




^He's turning ONE!


^This one doesn't sit still for long!


^Our set-up in my makeshift studio, my dining room. Works pretty well, I have to say!

^Super cute!



^Yup, he's into it!


^Oh Mason, WHAT are you doing?!?!? Hahahaha!

^Pretty proud of himself!


^This is pure bliss if I've ever seen it!



^What a mess!

^One of my favorites with his background showing up nicely after all the cake carnage!

^Yes, yes he did. He SLID across his cake.

^Aftermath...

^So glad we did this at my house instead of the studio, so much easier to clean up!

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Wes & Carrie: A Lakeside Wedding (Kalamazoo Wedding Photographer)

August 3, 2013

Hope you are ready for this one, it's a LONG post today! Carrie and Wes are a super sweet and amazing couple. I've had the pleasure of working with them quite a few times, through one summer and one winter engagement session, as well as at Carrie's sister Emily's wedding two years ago (although I don't think I met Wes at the time!). They are so wonderful together, which is always refreshing to see in a couple. I don't think they could be more perfect for each other if they tried, so it was truly an honor to be a part of their big day.

Carrie is a big Pinterest fan, and she had lots of cute ideas and details for her wedding. But my FAVORITE part was that she and Wes were getting married at the WK Kellogg Manor House on Gull Lake. I did a wedding there four years ago and I've wanted to go back for so long! I finally got my wish! Carrie and her girls were looking gorgeous (LOOOOOVE her dress!) and we had lots of time for photos before the wedding with her girls. The guys were next, and they were a pleasure to work with as well, which is not always the case, so thanks guys! ;)

After the ceremony, held right on the lake, we got down to more photos. Carrie and Wes really enjoy being photographed (another reason I loved working with these two!) and the wedding party had a good time with them, both at the manor house and when we made it to downtown Kalamazoo for a few more shots before the reception. I could barely handle all the amazing-ness! Their reception took place at Loft 310, another spot I've wanted to work at, and the whole thing was great. People were on the dance floor the whole night and (since they love photos) Wes and Carrie were cool with me stealing them away for a few more on the roof as the sun was going down. 

Kristin and I had a wonderful time at the wedding, and I have to say, this one might be one of my new favorites. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Hair - Lisa Vroegop of Cabellos Salon, Richland, MI
Make-up - the bride and Audrey Trimpe (sister of the groom)
Bridal Designer - Maggie Sottero
Bridal Shop - Bridal Gallery, Grand Rapids, MI
Bridesmaid Dresses - Alfred Angelo
Tuxes - Men's Warehouse
Florist - Dorothy's Floral, Kalamazoo, MI
Ceremony - WK Kellogg Manor House, Hickory Corners, MI
Officiant - Todd TerAvest
Reception - Loft 310, Kalamazoo, MI
Cake - MacKenzie's Bakery, Kalamazoo, MI
DJ - Bob Vick


^The beautiful courtyard behind the manor house. Such a perfect day too!



^Kristin captured the first photos of the guys!










^Love this shot of Carrie's mom, Paula, looking at her with her dress just on.






^Gorgeous lady!





^Love all this color! It was so perfect for the beautiful summer day.



^I'm not usually a fan of daisies, but this bouquet was awesome.




^Awww, I just love Carrie!






^Our handsome groom, Wes, makes his appearance!







^Reppin' State.









^Let's get this show on the road :)









^Emily was my bride in 2011, and maybe Adam will be one of my grooms someday :)


^Super cute!





^An awesome wedding party, if I do say so myself.


















^Our first shots in Kzoo, found this awesome wall while wandering around.





^Well jeez, they are just too perfect together!


^A couple of my favorites from the portrait session.



^Haha, I love Carrie's face here.




^Awww, they like each other!











^They did a little dance when they got in, very nice.



^Jon and Emily! I loved working with them two years ago! Another great wedding (there's a link above, find it!)








^Next on the list of family members to get married... ;)


^Couple kissing game the DJ put on, Carrie and Wes had to mimick each of these kisses.


^Handing her the money ;)














^Party, people!






^A little sunset OCF (off-camera-flash) on the roof, not a bad way to end the night.


My photo
Capturing moments, creating memories.