Friday, September 30, 2011

Jenna: Trash the Dress

September 25, 2011



I've sung the praises of Trash the Dress sessions before, so I won't go in to it too much this time. I will just say how much fun they are. Jenna married her new husband, Charles, just over a month ago, and I absolutely love her photos. But it's always fun to get to play with that wedding dress again. And Jenna was ready to go all out. She brought her "team" along, which consisted of her husband, Charles, for dog wrangling their puppy, Harper; her mom, Jean, for dress assistance; and Mary Jane, her maid of honor, for lifting (see below :).

We spent our time in the morning (chilly but sunny) wandering around the property we chose for the session (the Duggan's, thanks so much!), climbing trees, throwing leaves, getting into the ferns, spinning in fields, riding tractors... and swimming in the pond... or at least wading in. Harper was helpful by adding his cuteness to a few of the photos. What a great time! And even better, Jean says the dry cleaner thinks the dress will be just fine! Do we know how to have a good time or what?

Thank you, Jenna, Charles, Jean, Mary Jane, and Harper for a great shoot!


^The leaves wouldn't come to us, so we went to the leaves!








^Lovely lighting!


^Jenna was pretty impressive spinning in that big dress!



^Nothing more awesome than a girl and her toys!

^Rockin' the cowboy boots, Jenna.



^And the new hubby makes an appearance... in a tree!



^Love it!

^Don't be fooled... Jenna didn't rake this pile of leaves. It was Charles. Credit where credit is due!

^Leaves for Harper!



^Jean told me the dry cleaner found a snail in the dress when she took it in!


^Floating around. Loving this shot.


^Harper joins mom for swimming.


^Thoroughly trashed! Well done.

^Special thanks to the whole TTD crew!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Sneak Peak: Brandon & Whitney's Wedding

September 24, 2011

Despite the forecast the night before, this past Saturday was gorgeous! Whitney looked beautiful and Brandon looked dashing, what a fabulous wedding. Check out a couple quick teaser images. Full post to come!


Dan & Lisa: An Engagement (Grand Rapids Wedding Photographer)

September 21, 2011




We could not have asked for a better evening. I was stuck inside all day and I heard it was a little dreary out, but by the time I left my regular job, the temperature and the sky was just perfect. I was excited to see Dan and Lisa again, who just chose me as their wedding photographer for next year. We did a couple quick shots in the studio before heading outside into the gorgeous evening. I was just so anxious to get outside in such beautiful weather, I could hardly stand it.

Dan and Lisa took me to Riverside Park on the north end of Grand Rapids. I've been by it tons of times but never actually stopped to check it out. It is perfect! There was a big pond complete with ducks and geese, tons of willow trees, a couple huge grassy areas to hang around in, and lots of property along the Grand River (thus the name). Not to mention the timing of the day - just before sunset - was just short of perfection. It's a tricky light to shoot in at times, and you get some interesting colors for lighting, but even then, it's totally worth it.

Although we missed the sun sneaking behind some clouds on the horizon, we did manage to make our last stop at Dan's workplace, where he and Lisa stood out on the 5th floor balcony for me to take a few silhouettes and use Grand Rapids as a backdrop. After fighting with willow tree branches, climbing all over them only to get our hands messy with sap (or whatever it was...), and rushing off to catch the fading light on the horizon, I think we came up with a pretty good session.

Dan and Lisa will be tying the knot next July, and I'll be there, so keep an eye out for them to show up again. Congrats to the two of you, and thanks again for a great time!

^Such a cute couple!



^The willow trees and the aged effect really went well together. What a great spot to shoot!



^They climbed out on this precarious branch, I climbed out on a dangerous root in the water, anything for a good shot!

^Loving the selective focus.




^Lisa, you are beautiful! You'll make a fabulous bride!


^Look out for the ducks...




^In love with Riverside Park! It's huge and has so much character.


^After the crew team passed... :-)






^Here's our sunset!

^Silhoette on the rooftop. Love this one.


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Capturing moments, creating memories.