Bill & Jessica's Wedding

July 11, 2009

It's already been a crazy busy summer. Jessica and Bill were falling smack dab right in the middle of all the excitement of photography this year... but we plugged on through and as usual, it all works out. Even the loud and threatening storm that came through the morning of their wedding gave way to perfect sunny skies and a warm but not too humid day. Can't go wrong on a day like that.

I headed out to Ionia with Josh and arrived just as the HUGE bridal party (eight bridesmaids, eight groomsmen, a flower girl and two ushers... wow!) was arriving at Shiloh Community Church. As usual, we got right to work, Josh working with the guys and me posing the ladies. Jessica had a good list for us to follow and we had hardly any trouble getting things done.

The ceremony was short and sweet, with a nice little memorial set aside for Jessica's dad who couldn't be there with them on their special day. Afterwards, we did some group photos and Josh and I had three hours down time while the wedding party took the fun on the road. We've never had to wait so long before, it actually wore us out more waiting than working! After some ice cream at a local spot, we headed to the reception hall, did some decorational photos and waited for the wedding party to arrive.

And arrive they did! Everyone, especially the bride and groom, were having a great time, and I must say that Jessica and Bill's was one of the most fun receptions I've been to this year. Congrats to the both of you, you sure know how to throw a party!

Evan & Sabrina's Wedding

July 4, 2009

When I first pulled up to the site of Sabrina and Evan's wedding the day before for their rehearsal, I KNEW we were going to get some good shots. The W.K. Kellogg Manor House in Hickory Corners is a beautiful wedding location. I met the wedding coordinater, Chris, and she gave me a quick tour of the house. I also took a good look at the grounds outside and was more than pleased to be getting to work in such a perfect place. NOW I definitely understand why they picked July 4, the only day the manor was available in 2009. Good choice, you two!

I first met up with the bride and bridesmaids down at their hotel in Kalamazoo, where we did a few "fake" prep photos (and quite a few real ones too, haha!). I then proceeded to take a few of the wedding party with me on our drive back to Hickory Corners. Being that it was July 4th and around noon, we hit a detour because of a parade on the way there. Luckily my sense of direction found us back on track and just behind the bride and company. I got lost the night before, glad I got that one out of my system.

Josh and the boys were already there and doing some photos. We strategically coordinated our efforts to ensure Evan and Sabrina saw each other for the first time when she walked down the staircase with her dad at the wedding. We got some lovely shots and having the wedding on the lake was wonderful! It was a perfect day for it too. Normally I'm not a fan of COMPLETE overcast, but Sabrina is an eye-closer (love ya anyway, dear!) and the lack of bright sun helped immensely. The ceremony was beautiful and went off without a hitch!

The reception was held at the Doster County Golf Club, where we spent a good part of an hour gallavanting on hole three (and across the course) with the hilariously fun bridal party. We got some very fun shots in the process as well. I wish I could post more, they were a very creative bunch! This was definitely one of the best wedding I've had! Thanks to EVERYONE, you all were great, and congrats to Sabrina and Evan!

Special shout out to Tracy Park with Affordable Elegance, who did the flowers for the wedding. Beautiful job, Tracy, it was a pleasure to work with you.