Josh & Samantha: A December Wedding (Howell Wedding Photographer)

December 15, 2012

My first December wedding. It wasn't what I pictured. Instead of lovely, fluffy snow all around, it rained. Bla! But hey, when the world gives you lemons... Despite the weather, Josh and Samantha looked gorgeous. And it was awesome seeing how excited/ecstatic Samantha was to be getting married. No matter what was going on, she rolled with the punches and had an amazing time, with Josh right along for the ride!

Josh and Samantha had a very fun wedding party to work with and all in all, it was a gorgeous wedding, even without the snow. I had fun hanging out with the ladies before the ceremony. And even with the low light in the sanctuary, we got lots of great shots before heading to the reception. Portraits were pushed back until after the dances because of time constraints, which always worries me, but everyone came out with a big smiles and cheerful attitudes, although they were more than happy to be done and get back to their 'red solo cups' on the dance floor! Haha!

Josh and Samantha stuck around a little longer for a few couple's portraits, and even though we couldn't get nice, soft, fluffy snow photos (just waiting to schedule that TTD, guys!!! ;), I think we did okay after all! As has been the norm lately, I loved all the candid reception photos we came out with too. What a fun wedding! Enjoy the newlywed life, you too, and when we get another round of snow... CALL ME! ;-)

Tuxes: Men's Warehouse, Muskegon, MI
Dress: David's Bridal, Grand Rapids, MI
Hair: A Cut Above Salon, Muskegon, MI
Flowers: Memorable Occasions by Bonnie, Oxford, MI
Ceremony: People's Church, Pinckney, MI
Limo: Perfect Limousine
Reception: Crystal Gardens Banquet Center, Howell, MI
Cake: Crystal Gardens Banquet Center
Photo Booth: Shutterbooth, Royal Oak, MI

^Samantha's bouquet was a very eclectic mix of flowers. Very pretty.

^Love the teal (peacock, if you want to be David's Bridal appropriate ;). It's a great winter color.

^Not sure why I love this one of Samantha. It must be because she's glowing!

^A gift from Josh. Beautiful pearls!

^Ready to walk down the aisle?!?!

^Mixed ambient light and flash helped me catch the pew decorations looking very wintry!

 

^Yay! Married!!!

^Our VERY handsome groom!

^One of my favorite bridal portraits all year!

^Would you believe that this cute little couch nook was in the bathroom?!

^Arriving at Crystal Gardens.

^Having a little fun!

^Showing a LOT of leg!

^FINALLY! Some time alone! :-)

^I loved this hallway, such a great dramatic effect it creates when you shoot from the floor!

^Hey! There's my new wife!

^Smashing the cake in the maid of honor and best man's face is always a little messy.

^"Red solo cup, I fill you up..."

^"...proceed to party!"

Maci: 9 Months (Grand Rapids Children Photographer)

January 4, 2012

I'm getting so sad! My two contest winner babies are almost done with their sessions! Little Raygan is coming on this upcoming Saturday for her very last session, and Maci just visited me with her second to last. They keep getting cuter and cuter, and this little 'milestone' experiment for baby photos has been great because I've gotten to watch both of them grow up right before my eyes! It's so exciting!

Anyway, let's get back to little Maci. She wasn't quite as smiley as at her 6-month session, but she had a few in her for us. She's such a cutie, especially when she does smile, and as always, her mom, Maria, had lots of cute outfits for her. Near the end, she wasn't pleased with the selection, but WE thought she looked adorable. One more session, Maci, you've been great!

^Always such a cutie!

^She was wondering why we had her in this box, but she didn't mind!

^Cute leggins, Maci!

^This has to be one of my favorites.

^Although she wasn't a huge fan of the wings, she tolerated it for us!

^Her aunt made this hat for her after seeing mine at the last session :-)

^Beautiful... like mother, like daughter!

Sneak Peek: Nick & Holly

December 29, 2012

It was the last wedding of the year, and we had snow! The full post will come in the next few weeks!

Mark, Brooke, & Athena: A Happy Family (Grand Rapids Family Photographer)

December 14, 2012

It looks like I'm a little behind on the blogging this week! I guess with Christmas, it's not too big of a deal. But I did want to make sure to get Mark, Brooke, and Athena's session in before the new year. Although Athena (a beautiful little girl who is even more pretty when she does smile) wasn't really thrilled about the photo session, we managed to do okay in the end. Brooke contacted me the week before the session and we set it up ahead of time to try to get it in before Christmas. We still didn't have any snow and it was mild for December but I think we did all right! I hope to see them all again soon!

^Mark was usually able to get Athena to smile!

^She's just a little shy.

^Such a cute couple.

^My favorite of them all, I think!

^Gorgeous. I hope I see these two again ;-)

Sneak Peek: Josh & Samantha

December 15, 2012

Just a couple to keep you happy until the FULL post after Christmas. Enjoy!

Couple of the Month: December

Nick and Holly

The last wedding of the year for me is RIGHT at the end of 2012... only three days before New Years! Holly and Nick are hoping for some pretty snow, I suspect. I know I am. I met them on a much warmer day this summer and they are definitely a great couple. The wedding will take place in Lowell, where Nick's family has some history, and then will move on to Grand Rapids for the party. I'm looking forward to wrapping up 2012 in style with this perfect pair!