Thursday, August 18, 2016

Tory & Krysten: A Summer Wedding (Mid Michigan Wedding Photographer)

July 16, 2016

Working at Krysten and Tory's wedding was such a pleasure. One of the most flattering things to hear is how excited someone is to have you be the one to photograph their wedding. Tory and Krysten made me feel this way from the start, like there was no other choice for them. And I thank them so much for that! Way back in October last year, we had our first session together for their engagement photos, and it was lots of fun (and MUCH colder!) so I knew these two would be a great couple to work with on their wedding day.

On first arrival, my second shooter, Mandy and I were a little worried about where to do portraits... more on that later. But we were floored by the amazing decorations waiting for us inside. Krysten told me that they were having paper bouquets and decor. What she didn't tell me was how amazingly talented her new mother-in-law is! I can't rave ENOUGH about these gorgeous designs and how well done and perfect all the paper decorations. And there were so many, they must have taken forever! Jean, you've got some talent!

Next, I have to rave a bit about the weather. You all know how much of a scorcher this summer has been. Tory and Krysten were blessed with one of the VERY few cooler weekends and I couldn't have been happier (especially since I was about 11 weeks pregnant and very nauseous ;). It was a beautiful day and RIGHT behind Forest Edge, we discovered a beautiful willow tree. Mandy and I did a lot of playing with light and we are not sorry for it in the least.

The reception was great. The food was perfect. What a wonderful day we all got to be a part of. And the best part? Probably all the happy tears and excited smiles from the bride, groom and their families. All day. Seriously, all day long. I'm sure I cried more than a few times myself! A room more filled with love would have been hard to find!

Congrats to you both. You are absolutely perfect for each other and I couldn't be happier for the both of you!

Make-up: Ulta, Midland, MI
Hair: Ashley Holley
Bridal gown & bridesmaid dresses: David's Bridal
Tuxes: Men's Wearhouse
Ceremony & Reception: Forest Edge Banquet Hall, Freeland, MI
Officiant: Scott Parks
Flowers and Paper Designs: Jean Rowley
Videography: John Main
Cake: Mary's Creative Cakery, Shields, MI




^Sidenote: love that tattoo!





^Aren't these amazing?!?





^Handmade, like everything else. So impressed.


^Yay for a lovely first look.


^Tears of joy!








^Brotherly love :)




^Post ceremony elation, always fun to see.






^So sunny, but NOT hot!!!



^Seriously. She made all of these. Wow. (I'll stop now)

^The first of the light playing images...





^Oh willow trees, how I love you!



^Awesome shot from Mandy, thank you!




^Groom's are silly.



^A few more awesome details to share. Adorable.






^So polite :) But seriously, you shouldn't waste cake (and this was a GOOD one!)







^Loving the first dance lighting!









^Mandy is the queen of the close up!



Monday, August 15, 2016

Sneak Peak: Nick & Kelsey

August 13, 2016

All I can say is WOW. With all the curves that were thrown Friday and Saturday, this wedding could have been a disaster, all of the key players, ESPECIALLY our beautiful bride, Kelsey, showed the true meaning of grace under pressure and as a result, everything was perfect. I'm so impressed with absolutely everything and can't wait to show you guys more of this amazing Bay Pointe Inn wedding in the near future.









Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Anwelli & Bola: Getting Married (Grand Rapids Wedding Photographer)

July 22, 2016



It's finally August. This summer has been such a scorcher. Being pregnant on top of all the heat has NOT been pleasant. However, on this hazy summer evening, following a really hot and humid day, it was a pleasant surprise for a little relief from the heat and some awesome modeling from Anwelli and Bola. They came all the way from the east side of the state (where they are getting married next year) for their engagement session in Grand Rapids. We definitely made the most of the time we had.

First stop was outside the building my new studio was in. I'd been wanting to shoot there for ages and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. Anwelli and Bola chose some traditional African outfits for the first part of our session and it worked great with the setting. We then moved on to their more formal outfits and I couldn't have loved the shots at the Downtown Market any more than I do. That wall of plants... I can't even...

It got a little dark for our last set of photos so I kept them to a minimum. But overall our session was amazing and now I'm even more excited than I was to kick the 2017 summer season off with these two. Already counting down the days!

^Love these outfits. They worked so well for our shoot!


^I've got to play with the light a little bit, right?



^So sweet.






^Their cheek kisses rival some of the best I've gotten lately!

^Still love this shot, might be my favorite.



^This wall is the coolest.




^We couldn't get into the Market but this worked as a consolation.






^So sweet!


^We lost the light a little too quick but I got a couple gems anyway ;)



My photo
Capturing moments, creating memories.