Xplorations

Alison + Jason | Married!

2010-11-23T23:44:00.005-06:00

Last month, I had the pleasure of documenting the intimate orchard wedding of Alison & Jason. I wouldn't have missed this one for the world! My housemate of five years, and close friend of both Kevin and I, married her sweetheart on a crisp fall day out amongst the trees.

Love, love, love. The sun was brilliant, and the wedding was beautiful and earthy.

So happy!

We stole away for a few minutes to get some playful portraits.

These two are so lovely :)

The flowers and little details were stunning. You can tell Alison is an artist!

Sizzle.

I. Love. This. Photo. Everything about it is totally them!

A few orchard-y ring shots...

And on to the party!

Oh these flowers were stunning... beautiful work Jill!!

McClure wedding... how about McClure cider and wine?

Making it official...

A specially-written first dance song by the talented Emily...

Congrats you two peaches!! We are so happy you found each other, you will create a beautiful life together!!

Heather + Matt | Preview

2010-09-29T08:22:00.015-05:00

Heather & Matt were married in a gorgeous celebration at the Blue Dress Barn a few weeks ago. Perfect clear skies and lots of sunshine! With amazing people and amazing details, this wedding was a blast to photograph :). The full preview...

A few details of the girls getting ready, including a beautiful bouquet & card that Matt sent to Heather. What a sweetie!

Heather's mom did a beautiful job on makeup :)

I love it when a daddy sees his daughter for the first time on her wedding day. So special!

The Blue Dress Barn in all it's beauty. Love this location!

The ceremony site...

Gorgeous details were everywhere, courtesy of Heather's creativity and the awesome location!

And the flowers... perfect bunches of wildflowers couldn't have matched the setting any better.

The dress...

Matt was looking quite dashing and was eager to see his bride! One of the kindest grooms I have had the pleasure of working with...

And Heather... wow, Heather... just stunning! The vintage flair of the hairpiece and birdcage veil were perfect.

The sweet saucy ladies and the gents!

Time for the main event... and what a cool ceremony it was! The first look...

Heather and Matt did a Handfasting, a beautiful ritual where their hands were bound together with ribbon that symbolized different elements of marriage. The ribbon was tied into a knot at the end. It was so neat!

Finally! Mr. and Mrs.!

The whole crew... what an awesome bunch of people. They were a handful, I won't lie {ahem gentlemen}, but that's all part of the fun!

And the gorgeous couple...

Priceless. This little girl was so spunky, I was smitten!! She absolutely owned the dance floor at the reception later :).

The rings...

And on to the reception! Heather did such a great job with all of the details, it was beautiful!

Heather and Matt were so sweet, not only together but with their parents as well. Gives me warm fuzzies to watch from behind my camera!

We can see that Heather rocked the dance floor, but this is photographic evidence that Matt DOES dance!! And here is the little pumpkin dancing to her own beat :)

Heather & Matt, thank you for the pleasure of photographing your day, your friends and family, and your love for each other. Wishing you every happiness!

Heather + Matt | Sneak Peek!

2010-09-19T16:15:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of the delightful Heather & Matt at the Blue Dress Barn. I couldn't resist posting a few portraits as a teaser!

Heather and Matt are beautiful inside & out - they are truly wonderful people! I LOVED working with this couple and their awesome families and awesomely crazy friends ;).

Watch for a full preview coming soon...

Meghan + John | Preview

2010-08-25T01:26:00.003-05:00

A beautiful summer day... bluegrass and jars of lemon water... sunshine and antique bicycles... plaid tablecloths and sparkling cider... the gorgeous handcrafted wedding of Meghan and John!

I lived with Meghan for many years and was honored to photograph her wedding, with my entourage in tow... the amazing Kelly Powers backing me up, as well as my fab husband Kevin {with baby Evie in tow under the watchful eye of my sister}.

I'm thrilled with what we captured on Meghan & John's amazing day!

The fabulous Chasin' Steel...

Love you both!!! Congrats!!

Meghan + John | Sneak Peek!

2010-07-22T14:22:00.006-05:00

Meghan & John were married this past Saturday, July 17. I couldn't resist posting a few of my favorite shots of the bride & groom! Many more coming soon...

LOVE these two!!!

Meg, you are lovely!!

Introducing Evie...

2010-07-22T14:12:00.003-05:00

What's been keeping us so busy? Introducing Evelyn Raenna, now an entire month old! Born June 19, 7lbs 7oz.

She's a joy and a challenge and we love her to pieces!!

Frolicking at the Orchard

2010-06-03T19:34:00.004-05:00

Several weeks ago, Kevin and I took a trip to Peru, Indiana to visit McClure's Orchard... and more specifically, to see our dear friend Alison! After living together for 5 years, Alison's travels took her to the Peace Corps in Niger, Africa, then to Utah, and finally she joined Jason McClure at the family orchard in Indiana, where rumor has it, she will someday become a McClure herself! While I couldn't get her in a white dress (yet!), a photoshoot in a blue dress was charming enough to last me for a while! Enjoy...

Big changes coming up...

2010-05-10T17:53:00.003-05:00

Poor neglected blog! There's a good reason for the absence of blogging during the past several months... we're about to welcome a baby into the world! In mid-June, I'll have a brand new model - our little baby girl.

After the 2009 wedding season wrapped up, I worked on winding down from all of my weddings last year, finishing albums and prints, and preparing for the whirlwind that's about to arrive. With the baby due right in the midst of wedding season, I'll be taking most of the season off.

But keep the inquiries coming! If I'm not available, I'd be pleased as punch to refer you to some of the very talented photographers I know.

Liberty + Caleb | Sneak Peek!

2009-12-23T21:18:00.004-06:00

Liberty + Caleb were married on a beautiful, snowy Saturday a few weeks ago. This preview is shorter than usual, but I wanted the happy couple to have a glimpse of their photos before Christmas!

The amazing Amy of Amy Boeve Photography shot this wedding for me, as I have been dealing with a delightful stretch of morning sickness (aka all-day sickness). Thank you so much for your help Amy! Editing the photos is making me realize what a FANTASTIC wedding day Liberty + Caleb planned.

So here's a glimpse into their day...

I LOVE these photos outdoors in the snow... when you plan a December wedding, this is what you hope for!

So sweet...

The gorgeous ladies...

The handsome dudes...

A beautiful reception at the Amway Grand with Christmas flair...

And my favorite... the 80's cover band Starfarm that played at the reception! So flippin' cool!

Liberty + Caleb, I can tell you had an amazing day, and I know from spending the afternoon with you shooting your engagement session that you are a perfect fit. Wishing you so much happiness!!

Sonya + Wilmer | Married!

2009-11-26T12:01:00.005-06:00

Sonya and Wilmer were married on a gorgeous day in October. It may have been a bit chilly, but the sun was out and it was a fantastic day! One of my favorite things: the way Sonya and Wilmer just light up around each other :). Here's a preview of their day... (don't forget to view the slideshow, also linked at the end of this post).

I spent a bit of time with the ladies as they got ready... Sonya's dress was AMAZING!

And the killer shoes...

Sonya and Wilmer chose to see each other before the ceremony so we could take photos outdoors - a great choice to make sure we captured the waning fall light! They had a few sweet moments alone together...

The gorgeous ladies...

I love these two... looks like those flowers smelled good!

The handsome gentlemen...

The lovely bride...

Love this shot! Against the backdrop of downtown Bay City...

We popped into a cute candy store for a few minutes... this shot makes my sweet tooth go crazy!

Then on to Founder's Hall at SVSU... this shot is hilarious! Completely impromptu as well. This just shows you how great the bridal party was.

Another shot of those awesome shoes...

More of the stunning bride. Sonya, you're so gorgeous!

Then on to the ceremony - sweet, short, and intimate.

A few portraits after the ceremony...

Then on to the reception at Apple Mountain in Freeland. I adore these coasters that served as both favors and namecards. The splashes of green were perfect!

Specially requested ring shots - green apples and a golf ball for Wilmer :).

And oh my goodness, the divine cupcakes. Gorgeous presentation!

The first dance...

Dad and daughter...

And mom and son...

Then a packed dance floor with awesome lights!

Congrats, Sonya and Wilmer! Kevin and I had SO much fun shooting your wedding day, and we wish you the very best! Don't forget to view your more extensive slideshow here.

Liberty + Caleb | Engaged!

2009-10-23T22:08:00.004-05:00

This awesome couple is getting married this December. We met up earlier this month for their engagement session. And what fun! Liberty and Caleb are so fantastic, easygoing, completely comfortable and in love with each other. I'm so looking forward to their wedding!!

Here's a preview of some of my favorite images...

This woman can WORK IT!!!

This is what happened when I asked Liberty to "hug" the wall... Love it!!

So sweet!

We even incorporated some ArtPrize works!!

Then we headed back to Liberty & Caleb's house for a few photos with their beloved cats...

Thanks for spending your afternoon with me, you two! I had a blast getting to know you, and I can't wait for your wedding!

Sonya + Wilmer | Sneak peek...

2009-10-22T21:28:00.002-05:00

I don't normally post a sneak peek or wedding teaser, but I know that Sonya is checking the blog this week... so here's a few photos from Sonya + Wilmer's fantastic wedding last weekend...

They are so sweet and fun together!! We took some photos in downtown Bay City...

Stopped in at a candy store...

And ended up at Founder's Hall on the SVSU campus... a wonderful wedding day that was completely true to Sonya and Wilmer (and a delight to photograph!!!)

Look for your full wedding preview in the next few weeks, Sonya and Wilmer! Hope you enjoyed your honeymoon :)

Jeni + Derek | Married!

2009-09-24T20:31:00.000-05:00

Jeni and Derek were married August 29, a beautiful Saturday down in St. Joseph! I had such a great time with Jeni, Derek, and their whole wedding party and families. What a fantastic group of people! The ever-fabulous Christina made the road trip to St. Joe with me and started her day with the guys, while I started with the ladies. Jeni was a ultra-organized bride, which earned her a bit of good-natured teasing, but the day flowed absolutely smoothly, and everyone relaxed and had a wonderful time! (Great job, Jeni!)

** Don't forget to view the more extensive slideshow, also linked at the end of this preview.**

Derek was calm and ready to get married! Jeni was also remarkably calm and collected... and GORGEOUS!

The flower girl, Kate, with her mom - playing duck duck goose. It didn't work too well with just two players, but I don't think that bothered Kate.

Isn't she just a doll?

Jeni and her dad have such a sweet relationship. Jeni got rather nervous just before the ceremony, while her dad got a little teary-eyed. Beautiful!

I love catching the sweet expressions of the bride and groom during the ceremony...

Kate's sparkly little shoes - so cute!

St. Joseph Catholic Church is just lovely, and full of light.

Married!

Time for a few portraits outside. We managed to get Kate and Drew together and smiling, which I'm told is a small miracle! What adorable kiddos.

We then headed to the reception site for photos. The reception was at Mill Creek Barn (the sister-site to the Blue Dress Barn). Mill Creek was just finished this year, and wow!! It's gorgeous.

The handsome men... also, I must say, it was a delight to be around these guys.

The happy couple! I think the barn was a great atmosphere - everyone was happy, relaxed, and you can't beat the setting.

Aren't they stunning?

The bride with her bridesmaids and bridesmen... Derek also had two brideswomen. Love it! Always do what is true to your life and your relationship :).

The lovely sisters :)

This is one of my favorite shots from the day, when Jeni and Derek were relaxed and getting sweet and cozy.

How handsome!!

These two were such troopers, up for anything we wanted to try! Their portraits were so much fun.

So hot...

Can you believe the detail in these flowers? Amazing.

A few fun ring shots...

And a few reception details...

I love these next two photos, how Jeni and her father are looking at each other.

On to the dancing... the father-daughter dance was so sweet, especially the end...

Beautiful moment...

Like the Blue Dress Barn, Mill Creek incorporates some fantastic details!

These little girls were so adorable to watch. They were dancing machines!

Jeni's dad was not too pleased about Derek going after the garter... it was hilarious.

But he relented, and Derek went to work!

And speaking of a dancing machine... this lady tore it up!! She was an awesome dancer.

This reception was so much fun - the dancing was intense, and everyone was having a blast. The dance floor was packed! Christina and I could have stayed and danced the night away with this amazing wedding party.

Jeni and Derek, I truly enjoyed capturing your wedding day. Your friends and family were a pleasure! Enjoy your preview, and don't forget to view your slideshow for more images! (It may take a few minutes to load...).

Cody + Pete | Married!

2009-09-13T22:08:00.001-05:00

Cody and Pete were married on August 22 - a gorgeous, mild summer day. And what a wedding it was! I loved everything about this wedding, so look out... lots of photos ahead! Don't forget to view Cody and Pete's slideshow for many more photos (also linked at the end of this post).

Cody and Pete were married at the beautiful Sacred Heart church in Grand Rapids.

Emotions overflowed a bit when Cody opened Pete's card...

Some of the classy details with a vintage twist... Cody is amazingly creative!

Getting ready! Another touching moment came when Cody's brother came down to see his beautiful sister... I've rarely encountered siblings as close as Cody and her brother and sister. It's a beautiful thing!

The dashing men... Pete was calm, cool, and ready to marry his sweetie!

The STUNNING bride. Isn't she lovely?

And the gorgeous ladies! Cody did a beautiful job on the colors for her wedding.

And finally, the moment arrived...

Sacred Heart is absolutely beautiful, and Father Ed was extremely kind in allowing us to get great coverage of the ceremony.

Married!!

I adore how purely happy Cody and Pete look in this photo.

We had to use some of the gorgeous light in the church, stealing a few moments alone for the newlyweds.

We then headed to the farm that Cody's parents own. The reception was taking place in a tent on the property. What a beautiful location for photos!!

I think you can tell just how awesome this wedding party was...

Some general silliness that is Cody & Pete...

Love this one!! Cody and Pete are so comfortable, tender, and completely awesome together.

For a change of pace, we headed downtown on a party bus (which was unbelievably fun) for some urban photos.

A little bit different view than what you can find on the farm... :)

Cody is just ridiculously beautiful, inside and out.

Pete is also quite dashing :). It was such a pleasure to photograph such genuine, fun, loving people!

We headed back to the farm for a beautiful reception.

Cody continued the purple & green color scheme, along with great little vintage details - my favorite was the peacock feather detail sprinkled throughout the centerpieces & bouquets.

There were four toasts from the two best men and two maids of honor. Like all great toasts, there was lots of laughter mixed with tears. It was touching how profoundly these two are loved by their family and friends, both as separate individuals and (very importantly) as a couple.

Some gorgeous views of Cody's bouquet. She carried her grandmother's rosary - such a meaningful detail.

And I must say, a farm is a great place for taking ring shots...

The traditional dances were incredibly sweet and emotional. I learned that Cody and Pete's families are not afraid to have a really good time, and they're not afraid to show their feelings - both things I love as a photographer!

Daddy and daughter...

I caught this moment just after they left the dance floor.

Such sweet mom & son moments...

I grabbed Cody for a few more relaxed shots around the property.

Then it was on to the party!

During some downtime, Cody and her brother and sister tore up the dance floor. I was wishing for a video camera to capture the awesomeness!

As was fitting for a reception on a farm, there was square dancing!

Just before Kevin and I left, Cody broke out the devil horns :).

Cody and Pete, it was an absolute pleasure to photograph your wedding day. We had such a blast with all of your family and friends and we loved everything about your day!! We wish you the best of luck in your new life down in Tennessee. Make sure to view your slideshow here! (It will take a few minutes to load).

Katie + Bob | Married!

2009-08-07T09:52:00.002-05:00

Katie and Bob were married in a beautiful ceremony at St. Mary's Catholic Church on July 18. Their friends and family were so welcoming, and the wedding party was an absolute blast. I was laughing so hard during our stop at Spring Grove Park that I could barely take pictures!! Below is the wedding day preview - and here is the more extensive slideshow.

The day started at the house of Katie's parents, as the girls got ready. And wow, was a gorgeous bunch of ladies!!!

The dress.

The sweet little shoes...

... of Katie and Bob's adorable daughter Leah, who was also a flower girl. Just spending a day with them, I could see that Katie and Bob are AMAZING parents and this little girl is so loved!!

Leah was a character. The bridesmaids were making faces to keep her amused...

Katie was stunning!

I love the looks on her mom and grandma's faces when they see her.

Leah was pretty much oblivious to what was going on. She was happy just coloring!

Beautiful...

Meanwhile Kevin was hanging out with the guys, snapping a few photos.

The guys decided to measure just how tall Bob really is. Hilarious!

We then headed to the church and got a few photos of the guys before the ceremony. Since St. Mary's is covered top to bottom in scaffolding, we borrowed another beautiful church across the street :).

Katie, you have the most beautiful smile!! Katie and Bob saw each other in the choir loft before the ceremony and spent a few minutes together.

I just love this shot... such a wonderful family. Leah decided to twirl in the aisle for a few minutes.

Married!!

A few family portraits after the ceremony...

I think Leah was a big fan of the bubbles after the ceremony!

We headed to Spring Grove Park in Jamestown for photos - this bridal party shot is one of my faves :).

Guys... in tuxes... in slippery fancy shoes... on a tree over a stream... not my idea!! But the guys were having a great time.

Yeah, way too gorgeous!!

Then we had a few moments with the stunning bride and groom....

So sweet together!

Katie wanted a few portraits using red balloons like the Sex and City opening credits... she did a fantastic job!!

She is so gorgeous...

Wow. They know how to work it!!

Can you believe their eyes? Stunning!!

I loved this idea - cupcakes for the guests (three different flavors!), and a little tiny cake on top for cutting!

For their very touching first dance, one of the groomsmen played guitar and sang "Something" by the Beatles... wow.

This is one of my favorite shots from the day. I love how Leah is holding on to her daddy's hand. So precious!

Daddy and daughter...

And another daddy and daughter...

Katie's flowers were amazing!

A few ring shots...

And then it was time to boogie!! Looks like Bob was having fun...

This group really knew how to party. What a fun reception!!

Leah was tuckered out after a long, exciting day...

And that's about how Kevin and I felt, tuckered out but happy after an absolutely wonderful wedding. Katie and Bob, we enjoyed photographing your wedding immensely!! Thank you for being so fantastic to us. We know you both (and Leah!) will have a wonderful life together, and we wish you the very best! Don't forget to view your more extensive slideshow here.

Christy + Scott | Married!

2009-07-12T19:48:00.002-05:00

Several weeks ago I photographed the wedding of Christy & Scott - these two are an extraordinary couple, extremely intelligent with an awesome sense of humor and a very laid-back philosophy. Their wedding day was full of laughter, wit and wonderful friends and family.

Christy & Scott's ceremony took place at Westend CRC where Scott's father is a pastor. His father officiated the ceremony as well.

Gorgeous dress, gorgeous church!

Christy's necklace included an elephant and a dolphin, which are symbolic to she and Scott and also appeared on their wedding cake... you'll see!

Christy truly stole my heart when she whipped out her customized converse. See the more extensive slideshow (linked also at the bottom) for more detail on how she customized them...

Christy's wonderful mom took care of the finishing touches.

I think Christy approves of her beautiful reflection!

Meanwhile, Kevin, second shooting with me for the day, captured the guys getting all jazzed up.

Christy and Scott chose to see each other privately for a few minutes, but Scott kindly reenacted the moment he saw Christy...

They are so sweet together!

And this little guy stole my heart... this is Levi, son of Christy's brother, universally doted on by the family. This suit is too cute!

We headed outside for a few pre-ceremony photos - isn't Christy just lovely?!

The fierce ladies (who were so much fun!)

And the handsome (and equally humorous) guys.

I just had to include this photo of Christy and her brothers. Siblings are the best.

Work it!

Some lovely details...

The ceremony was beautiful and heartfelt, and it must have been so special for Scott's father to preside over the wedding of his son.

Married!

The bride and groom made their escape through clouds of bubbles.

Kevin and I then headed downtown with the bridal party for some fun shots.

LOVE this one. Might be my favorite.

Another shot of the converse...

Christy & Scott did such a great job in front of the camera, staying cuddly and relaxed while looking fabulous...

We then headed to the Grand Rapids Cultural Center for their reception, also a Greek Orthodox church... stunning!

The cake... I love how fun and whimsical it feels.

And here we have some of Scott's origami... the dolphin and elephant I mentioned earlier, complete with tux and veil!

The reception hall was decorated with a movie theme. Each table was named after a different movie that Scott and Christy loved, and the film motif was everywhere.

I love this ring shot in the beautiful stained glass windows.

And Christy and Scott looked pretty good with those windows too!

Time for the first dance...

Christy's dance with her father was so sweet - you could tell they have a very special relationship.

Then, the dance floor was rocking for the rest of the night. Kate, the mistress of ceremonies, is in teal - she was amazing the whole day, and even more amazing when she started dancing :)

But Christy's dad really got into it - he did a very special dance that I hope someone recorded!!

I couldn't resist a night view of this spectacular location...

Christy and Scott, we truly enjoyed photographing your wedding. Kevin and I had such a blast with you, your families and your friends. Make sure to watch your extensive slideshow for more images! (It will take a few minutes to load). Enjoy your preview :)

Heather + John | Married

2009-07-06T21:00:00.002-05:00

Heather and John were married on a beautiful Friday afternoon several weeks ago. This couple is so sweet and truly cherish each other. Kevin and I really enjoyed shooting their engagement session last fall. Heather and John's wedding was full of laughter, love, and lots of kiddos! (Heather is a teacher). My fabulous friend Christina shot with me that day, and we had a blast. So here's the preview.... (don't forget to view the slideshow for many more images, which will take a few minutes to load. This link is also at the bottom of the page.)

Heather's sisters and mom helped the lovely bride with her finishing touches.

This little one stole all of our hearts, I think :).

A little gloss and Heather is ready to see her husband-to-be!

Meanwhile, John and the guys figured out his suspenders.

John looked very dashing...

Heather and John had a few sweet moments alone together as they chose to see each other and take all of their photos before the wedding.

Unfortunately it began pouring just before we started pictures, but we rolled with the weather and got some stunning shots!

Wow... what a gorgeous couple!

These are two of my favorite shots...

Heather was an absolutely beautiful bride.

We took the whole wedding party downtown where we could find shelter for everyone, and took some great shots. Aren't these ladies stunning?

The guys were a riot, and also quite a good-looking bunch.

No, I didn't alter their eye color... they really are blessed with such beautiful blues!

We then headed back to the church for the wedding ceremony.

Even though Heather and John had already spent time together before the ceremony, the moment they saw each other down the aisle was still precious.

Heather and John were married at the church where he is a youth pastor, so the location had special meaning.

After the ceremony, Heather and John hosted a special cupcake reception at the church just for her first graders. What an awesome idea!

What do you do when you're full of sugar? Run around and blow bubbles, of course!

This little guy was such a doll...

We headed to the Pinnacle Center in Hudsonville for a beautiful reception.

The first dance... so sweet! And I just adore Heather's dress...

Heather's dad did a pretty good job holding it together for the wedding of the first of his three daughters! You could tell he was definitely a proud papa.

I just love these next two shots...

The wedding party certainly knew how to rock the dance floor, and it was packed the whole time I was there!

Congratulations, Heather and John! Your wedding was wonderful, and it was so special to spend the day with you and your families, capturing your memories. Don't forget to view your slideshow for a few more images!

Kelly + Michael | Married

2009-06-29T15:25:00.002-05:00

Consider yourself forewarned - this post is very long!! You can also view the slideshow for a few more images and a different format than this blog (it will take a few minutes to load.)

A few weeks ago, I photographed Kelly and Michael's wedding with Kevin at the Blue Dress Barn in St. Joseph. What a charming place for a wedding and reception!! I loved the natural, rustic atmosphere and all of the amazing touches the owners have incorporated. Kelly and Michael are wonderful, genuine people - Kevin and I had the chance to spend a little time with them last fall when we photographed their engagement session in St. Joe.

The day started out cloudy and rainy, but the rain dried up just as the girls were finished getting ready and the guys were heading to the barn for photos. What luck! Kelly was a gorgeous vintage-inspired bride with some amazing details. I knew as soon as I saw her birdcage veil and hairpiece that I was going to love this wedding :).

Kelly was so happy!!!

After the finishing touches, she's ready! What a beautiful bride :)

Kelly's color combination of charcoal grey and yellow was fabulous...

The gorgeous ladies... seriously, such a good-looking bridal party.

We headed to the wedding/reception site at the Blue Dress Barn for a few photos before the wedding.

Kevin snapped a few photos of the very dapper-looking Michael while I was with the ladies. What a handsome groom!

Kelly and Michael had their first look in the vintage bridal suite.

Then we headed outside for a few quick photos of the bride and groom.

Then, it was time to get hitched! A few ceremony details...

Michael and Kelly wrote their own beautiful vows. Their ceremony was simple and heartfelt, just like the rest of their day.

Married!!

When you ask for sass, Kelly can definitely bring it.

The handsome men...

A few more portraits during cocktail hour...

Kelly wanted serious faces, like American Gothic, but she couldn't hold that pose for long!

The barn was amazing, with so many gorgeous details and personal touches.

Cake or cupcakes?

Love this ring shot...

I love it when someone's flash goes off at just the right time... great moment!

The dance floor was packed. Kelly and Michael hired a phenomenal bluegrass/jazz/simply amazing band.

Congratulations, Kelly and Michael! Your wedding day, despite a few memorable hiccups, was absolutely wonderful, just like the two of you. Don't forget to view the slideshow for a slightly different picture experience :).

Jeni + Derek | Engaged!

2009-06-22T21:02:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago, I met Jeni and Derek in St. Joseph for their fabulous engagement session. Jeni and Derek are getting married in August at Mill Creek Barn (so excited!!), and Jeni is an admirably super-organized bride. She and Derek are so sweet together, as you'll see in the following photos. They both love nature and being outdoors, and their session definitely reflected that!

We started out photographing Jeni and Derek with their beautiful friend Orion...

After spending time with the horses (I'd never been that close... and it was fun!), we took advantage of the beautiful field.

Finally, we ended up at the pier and beach in downtown St. Joe. What a gorgeous day for photos!!

Jeni and Derek, it was a blast photographing your engagement session. Can't wait for your wedding!!

Ashley + Thomas | Married!

2009-06-14T22:33:00.002-05:00

Ashley and Tom were married on May 30th in Midland - a gorgeous spring day (with an occasional rain shower!). Through a series of referrals, Ashley, now living in Chicago, contacted me and asked about photographing her wedding in Midland - and what a coincidence, I am from Midland and we actually went to the same high school! Serendipity. Kevin and I had a great time photographing their engagement session, and the wedding was absolutely amazing - beautiful, touching, and such a blast!

We started the day photographing the ladies at the church. Ashley was a serene bride, and so happy!

Tom was excited to see his bride...

Ashley's bouquet was stunning - in fact, all of the flowers were amazing (see the slideshow at the end of this preview for more photos).

Ashley and Tom saw each other for the first time when she walked down the aisle - a very touching moment.

Their ceremony was beautiful, held in the gorgeous Blessed Sacrament church.

Married!

Then we headed to Dow Gardens (a Midland landmark) for some photos. I just LOVE the colors Ashley incorporated.

This shot makes me laugh - the rain cleared just after the ceremony, but a few clouds lingered and randomly showered us even though the sun was out...

Aren't they lovely?

This was a special request from one of the guys...

After some bridal party shots, we spent a little time with the bride and groom for some fabulous images...

These red bridges always show up in prom photos (Ashley and I both went to Dow Gardens back in the day for embarrassing prom photos...), but we put an elegant twist on those fantastic red bridges!

The handsome groom...

And the stunning bride...

Ashley carried her father's wedding ring on her bouquet, and he was most definitely there in spirit.

The amazing dress...

Then we headed to the Midland Country Club for a beautiful reception. Ashley and Tom incorporated so many fun details!

I loved these lanterns, providing gorgeous ambiance for the dance floor.

A jazz band played during cocktail hour, and they were incredible.

Look out, ninja Ashley has a knife...

I managed to catch the ringbearer and flower girl... aren't they precious?

The toast Ashley's sister Amber gave was funny and touching, complete with visual aids! I've never seen a speech incorporating graphs and charts!

Then on to the dancing...

Later in the evening, guests were served drinks with light-up ice cubes - they were a hit.

And they also made for a great ring shot...

Ashley and Tom, thank you for choosing us to be a part of your day. It was unforgettable, and we wish you both a long and happy marriage!

To see more images, click here to view Ashley and Tom's slideshow. (It will take a few moments to load)

Coming Soon... Ashley + Tom

2009-06-04T19:09:00.001-05:00

Coming soon... the gorgeous wedding of a couple that are not only stunning on the outside, but so beautiful on the inside...

Can't wait to show you more!!

Amber + Patrick | married!

2009-05-28T17:25:00.004-05:00

A few weekends ago I had the pleasure of photographing a wedding for Jessica of Jessica Cornman Photography. Check out her blog here. Jessica is a fantastic Lansing-area photographer that I met at a workshop a few years ago. She just had a beautiful little baby, so she contracted me to shoot most of the wedding for her clients, Amber and Patrick. It's so wonderful to have a network of photographers that can help each other out!

Here's a few of my favorites that I edited just for fun... :)

I shot a few photos of the guys at Eagle Eye, where the reception was taking place. The ceremony was right next door at Hawk Hollow. Gorgeous location!

Patrick was extremely chill and relaxed, and his groomsmen were hilarious - the perfect start to the day!

Amber was all smiles, and also very calm.

Isn't this a cute chapel? This was just recently built on the Hawk Hollow property.

I haven't seen rice thrown at a wedding in a long time... how fun!

The gorgeous ladies get their turn in front of the camera...

Family photo!!

Party time...

The lovely bride & groom...

What a blast! Thanks, Jessica, it was such fun working with you! And best wishes on your big move, Amber and Patrick :).

Springtime.

2009-05-26T20:20:00.001-05:00

I love spring. Fresh air, fresh flowers, and the chance to get outdoors!

And... the blog drought will soon be over. New work coming soon as another fabulous wedding season unfolds!!!

Take a deep breath and enjoy the fact that spring is finally here...

Oh neglected blog - what have we been up to?

2009-04-04T19:54:00.002-05:00

Happy spring! I can't believe it's been so long since I've updated. There's been plenty keeping me busy, and the slower days of winter have been relaxing too! To atone for my blog neglect, here's some design eye candy for you...

One of my projects just arrived in the mail... Jessi and Andrew's album from their October wedding. It's beautiful! My albums include a suitcase for protection, with embossing and a die-cut cover. Jessi and Andy chose a classic black cover, very snazzy!

Also, my little sister is getting married in just five short weeks. I created their wedding invitations based on their 40's hollywood glam theme. I had so much fun designing these! The invitation also included a custom map and rsvp card, all enclosed in a jet black envelope. Gorgeous!

And finally, we threw my sister a bridal shower a few weekends ago, and I created the invitations for those as well. My sister loves purple & lilacs, so we rocked the lavendar shades! Her invitation was sent in a metallic purple envelope.

Sonya & Wilmer (+ Olive)

2009-03-10T20:38:00.002-05:00

A few weekends ago, Kevin and I headed to Midland to photograph the engagement session of Sonya & Wilmer. What an AWESOME couple!! We were greeted by the adorable and vivacious Olive, their beloved dog. {what a great name!!}

Sonya and Wilmer met at Michigan Tech, so a few inches of snow didn't phase them. In fact, they planned their engagement session to include snow, and luckily we got a nice white blanket of it the day before their session!!

Introducing Olive...

And the happy couple...

The whole family:

Olive was so much fun at the park. She was just a ball of energy. Look at that height!!

Sonya was such a natural in front of the camera... she's going to be a stunning bride :).

Olive wanted to play on the swings too.

What a great-looking family!!

Seriously... top models here, and they don't even know it....

After our time at the park, we headed to someplace warmer. If you've never been to the H Hotel in Midland... wow. After a major renovation, the place is stunning. We wandered the hallway, lobby, and bar for some great shots.

Absolutely fantastic together...

Our session was mostly done, so we all hung out in the O2 bar. I love this ring shot!

Sonya and Wilmer, we are so excited for your October wedding!! It's going to be wonderful, and I'm so excited to capture your special day.

Now, a few fun "behind the scenes" photos...

Kevin shows Sonya how to pose in the elevator... what a model!

Kevin couldn't help but jump into a shot... he sure livens up life, I tell you. Sonya and Wilmer didn't seem to mind.

This is what it takes to get a shot sometimes... especially a cool one with a purple light on the ceiling.

And I leave you with a shot of my husband/shooting buddy in all of his cuteness.

Another fabulous engagement...

2009-02-08T18:08:00.001-06:00

As promised, here is another fabulous engagement from late October. Ashley and Tom live in Chicago, so we met halfway in St. Joseph, MI. It was a chilly, windy day, but we all braved the elements, with great results!

Because it was windy and sprinkling a bit, we started out in the local art museum that so graciously allowed us to shoot for a few minutes.

I just adored the bright colors of the artwork behind Ashley and Tom.

Aren't they a stunning, classy couple??

They are so happy around each other!

And how perfect are these stained glass windows? What a great location!

As serious as they look, Kevin and I nabbed quite a few photos that involved Ashley or Tom making faces... awesome.

Ashley is a stylish, classy gal... I can't wait to capture what she's putting together for their wedding.

This is one of my favorites from their session. It has such a glamorous aura, and such a feeling of love...

After the museum, we bundled back up and braved the weather. Ashley and Tom made it look like a breeze!

Ashley is absolutely gorgeous. Like me, she's a bit camera shy, but look at that smile!!

Showing off that beautiful ring...

I'm so excited to photograph Ashley & Tom's May wedding. It's going to be amazing!!!

Budgets and flowers and cake, oh my!

2009-01-30T21:45:00.001-06:00

I’ve been talking with my little sister about her wedding ideas. She's getting married May 9. Of course, I adore helping her plan and imagine – she’s my only sister! Sisters are very special indeed. Here's a photo from her engagement session, which was so much fun to shoot! Isn't she gorgeous?

One thing we talked about was wedding photography. Since I’ll be standing up in the wedding, I can’t do her photography as well… even though I wish I could! I’ll snap as many photos as I can to satisfy my innate need to take pictures of her, without neglecting my matron of honor duties.

Since she’s on a tight budget, she was talking about how expensive wedding photographers are. When I explained to her why photographers charge as much as we do, it was like turning on a light switch. She got it! And she said that most people don’t know what I just told her. So I thought I’d write about it here.

I was in the same position as my sister. Kevin and I paid for our wedding ourselves, we scrimped, we saved, we made a lot of our own food, and so on. But I knew that people would eventually forget the food, they would forget the invitations I designed, they wouldn’t remember our ceremony – but everything would live on through the photography from the day.

Photography was one area where we didn’t try to cut corners. Our pictures and our album are truly the most important mementoes from that day, when all other details become hazy.

So in explaining this to my sister, I asked why she would want to entrust some of her most cherished photos to someone that only charged a few hundred dollars and handed her the untouched files, end of story?

Here’s what I told her:

1. Good photographers not only have training and experience, but we also have thousands upon thousands of dollars invested in cameras, lenses, flashes, other equipment.

2. Professionals also invest in backup equipment to make sure the wedding day will be covered.

3. Photographers need a really fast computer, as well as very expensive software.

4. Photographers need to make not only a living wage from the 12+ hours we work the day of the wedding, but also the many, many hours editing photos.

5. Professional photographers need to keep our equipment, software, and training up to date, as well as stay on top of other business expenses – websites, online proofing companies, business licenses and accountants and insurance, studio space for some photographers, and the list goes on!

6. And, like any job, the more experience and training you can add to your talent should lead to a higher income.

So you see, this all adds up very quickly! This is why professionals set up their pricing structure the way they do. Not understanding this process can lead to pretty intense sticker shock!

I told my sister that plenty of people hire plumbers for quite a hefty sum, or pay tax professionals hundreds of dollars for their financial expertise, or pay lawyers knowing they are paying for that person’s education and experience. Hiring a photographer is investing in a professional to capture memories from the special day that brides and grooms spend countless hours and dollars anticipating and creating.

As the light went on in my sister’s head, she said that she had never thought of it that way. She said that she was so used to using her $300 point and shoot camera and printing photos at Meijer or Walmart for $0.17 that she didn’t realize what goes into professional photography, or the value of a quality photographer.

So that’s why I’m sharing this story with you! Even if you don’t book a wedding or portrait session with Studio Xplore, I hope this helps you to understand why photographers seem to be so expensive. By hiring a good photographer, you are investing in precious memories of your day, captured by a professional.

New 2009/2010 Brides!

2009-01-30T21:37:00.001-06:00

Calling all 2009/2010 brides...

In the next month I will be tweaking my packages, making a few adjustment to align with what my brides & grooms are asking for. In addition, package prices will soon be raised for all new inquiries.

If you've been thinking of contacting me, don't delay! I'd love to chat with you about your wedding and hear your story. Hope to talk to you soon!

Where have I been?

2009-01-30T21:22:00.001-06:00

Happy Friday! I know, I have been a very bad blogger lately. I've had a nice break after a crazy run of fall weddings, and I'm greatly looking forward to wedding season starting up in 2009!

I have quite a few updates to make, so look for highlights from some of my fall engagment sessions that were never blogged, starting with...

Heather and John! This adorable couple will be married in June. We headed to downtown Grand Rapids on a blustery cold November day, and they were absolute troopers. They threw off their coats when it was time to take photos, and didn't complain at all. Best of all, they managed to not look freezing in their photos! Heather and John have such sweet spirits, and Kevin and I really enjoyed our session with them. Below are some of my favorites!

Heather & John have THE most amazing eyes...

The look on John's face is so loving....

Heather brought out a little sass...

Can you believe the air John got in this jump?? I was impressed. Apparently so was Heather!

Stay tuned, more engagement sessions to come!!

The cutest things...

2009-01-09T20:45:00.001-06:00

Happy new year, everyone! January always brings such fresh hopes - even though it's really just a date on a calendar, it feels like a new start. I truly enjoyed all of the weddings I photographed in 2008. I met such wonderful people and it was an honor to take part in such a special day - so thank you to all of my 2008 couples!

And 2009 brides and grooms, I can't tell you how excited I am about all the incredible weddings I have booked for 2009. I'm looking forward to spending time with all of you and capturing your day!

My new years was small and intimate, just the way I like it. Some of our friends stopped over early in the day to say hello. They brought their youngest daughter, who just turned one. I couldn't help but capture this adorable moment as Kevin introduced Isabella to his favorite movie... Wall-E! So precious as they chill together on the couch...

Aren't they the cutest??

Then my sister and her fiance came over to celebrate, and we all went to our neighbor's house to ring in the new year. Kevin broke out his special hawaiian shirt and scottish hat for the occasion. What a character!!

So from Kevin and I, wishing you a happy 2009!!

Virginia & John :: Truly a white wedding!

2008-12-21T16:09:00.003-06:00

Virginia & John were married December 6 at Our Lady of Consolation in Rockford. Now, Virginia explained to me when we met over the summer that she REALLY wanted a white, snowy wedding. So she prayed for snow, and snow she got! The snowfall didn't quite match the blizzard we're experiencing right now (have you been praying again, Virginia?!), but it was inches of fluffy, perfect snow.

Virginia and John planned a beautiful wedding, and it was every bit as amazing as Virginia had described. But it wasn't just the details she planned that made it amazing. This was the most touching wedding I photographed this year! I'm a big softie, and each wedding is unique, whether it is joyful, emotional, fun, or all of the above. With Virginia & John and their family and friends, the honest, pure and open emotion was incredible to experience, and even got me crying right along!

So here's the preview. Don't forget to view the more extensive slideshow!

The flowers were gorgeous! Only fitting that they should be in the snow...

Virginia's stunning dress.

I adored her shoes. I love it when brides incorporate something crazy & fun!

Virginia's mom got choked up when she first saw her daughter in her wedding gown.

John's mom brought a letter from John, and took him a card from Virginia. How sweet!

Of course, that got the tears flowing...

Virginia used her grandmother's broach for an elegant touch.

There was so much sass & life in these girls!

Virginia was an absolutely lovely bride...

John and the guys looked pretty good themselves! We had so much fun with this awesome wedding party.

John and Virginia did something very unique. They didn't want to see each other before the ceremony, but they did want to be able to touch and talk for a moment. We cleared out the dressing room and hallway and the bride & groom got to comfort each other and share their joy. It was a moment that made me smile and cry at the same time, it was so beautiful.

I wanted to take the two flower girls home, they were so cute!

And this little one too...

The moment they laid eyes on each other...

The ceremony was perfect, and Father Tony was funny & kind.

Finally, the kiss!!

And the celebratory hug!

The wedding party braved the weather and headed out on the party bus for pictures in downtown Rockford. You can see how hard the snow was coming down, but they were such troopers!

John & Virginia had a few moments alone for some photos.

Our last stop was a neat old railroad bridge where the bridal party used some attitude to keep warm...

Then on to the reception with some simply gorgeous details.

The new Mr. & Mrs! Notice the classy cape on John and the nice jacket on Virginia.

More teal & black details.

As you can imagine, the speeches were incredibly touching. What a wedding.

Then it was on to the first dance as husband and wife.

And the parent dances...

Finally, the guests got their groove on!

Virginia and John, it was such a pleasure to be a part of your day. Your families and friends were incredible, and I'm so thrilled I was there to capture the beginning of your lives together. Don't forget to view your slideshow here!

Zephra & Rob :: Glimpse

2008-11-18T22:42:00.002-06:00

Back in early October I flew to Kansas City, Missouri to photograph the wedding of my old college friend Zephra and her dear Rob. We had a photo day on Saturday and the wedding on Sunday. Zephra & Rob have a great story! I met Zephra in college, where we survived art school and the honors college together! Zeph studied in Italy, where she met two traveling friends from the UK, Rob and James. Through subsequent visits and conversations, Zephra & Rob fell in love! That's it in a nutshell, though the whole story is much better! So Rob's family flew from the UK, and Zeph and Rob celebrated their wedding in her hometown.

Zeph is a painter and Rob is also a photographer, among their many other talents, so I had plenty of chances to play with very willing subjects who were just excited about great light as I was! And, to borrow a word from my friends across the ocean, the results were smashing!

Warning, this post is very long, but I just couldn't resist.

Congrats Zephra & Rob!

Zephra looked amazing - so elegant!

This is the lovely Laura, another friend who went to college with Zephra and I. The girls got ready in the upstairs painting studio of Zeph's dad. I just love the color wheel and paintings in the background!

Zephra's bridesmaid Doris had the most beautiful smile! There was so much laughter over the wedding weekend, it was fantastic to be a part of.

Some details of Zephra's beautiful dress that she and her sister Shay spent many hours customizing.

Isn't she stunning?

Zephra and Rob had their "first look" on the steps of the Kansas City Art Museum. I couldn't believe all of the incredible photo locations in KC!

Part of the wedding party and the stunning, happy couple.

Zephra's beloved grandpa enjoyed seeing the bride...

Yes, they look like trouble. And they were.

Great top model poses, no?

And the KC skyline! How perfect! Can you tell I'm excited?

I loved this embrace between Zephra and her father.

And brothers... what more can I say? Brothers are the greatest!

Meet James... the groom's best friend. What a stud! I actually had the pleasure of meeting James five years ago when he showed my husband (then boyfriend) and I around London after Zephra put us in contact.

Spinning...

Part of the bouquets...

Zephra asked me to grab this sweet shot of her grandparents leaving.

As everyone else left to get ready for the rehearsal dinner, Zephra and Rob stayed behind for some bride & groom photos. Sunset in Kansas City? AMAZING.

Zephra, you looked so beautiful.

This is one of my favorite shots of all time...

What I always hope for my friends & family is that they find someone who looks at them with this kind of love...

And the distinction of my favorite image ever taken goes to:

This is the beautiful Zephra's model face...

And this is the face we see all the time, especially around Rob!!

The light... we had a perfect day.

The next day, the girls got ready all over again.

Zeph & Rob incorporated so many creative touches into their save-the-dates and invitations, all the way through to the wedding decorations and paper!

Fancy some tea and biscuits?

Zeph and Rob celebrated their marriage under a beautiful Chuppah overlooking a lake, as her brother-in-law Ty officiated.

Such pure joy!

On to the reception!

The reception included a traditional Chinese tea ceremony in honor of Rob's mother.

The toasts were funny and heartfelt, and the dinner was amazing.

Unfortunately I did not sample the cheesecake, but goodness does it look delicious!

The first dance. Pure sweetness.

The night was finished off with some fun salsa dancing! A clutz like myself could only watch in amazement...

Zephra and Rob, I had so much fun spending the weekend with you. After spending a few hours with Rob I can immediately see why you fell in love with him! And Rob, you have such a treasure in your vivacious wife. Enjoy your years living in the UK (yes, I am jealous), and hopefully we can visit soon!

Kelly & Michael are engaged!

2008-11-16T13:03:00.002-06:00

Back in October, Kevin and I headed to St. Joseph to meet the fabulous Kelly & Michael for engagement photos. Though they are from Chicago, this couple chose to book the Blue Dress Barn near St. Joe for their wedding & reception - I am SO excited to shoot there! Their vision was to find an orchard as well as a train station for their engagement photos, as well as enjoy some food. This is how our adventure played out...

(Don't forget to view the slideshow at the end...)

Kelly & Michael brought their cute dog Wrigley (great name!). He is such a good dog!

Family portrait...

There wasn't much left on the trees that late in the season, but Kelly worked it anyway!

We had an absolutely gorgeous day with beautiful sunshine.

This couple didn't seem to mind when I kept telling them to kiss... :)

Aren't they a lovely couple? I love how Michael looks at Kelly.

Again... wow!

We even found bales of hay. How perfect!

Both Kelly & Michael have amazing eyes! What a dream!

Kelly can certainly reciprocate Michael's loving gaze.

This was the most fabulous sign ever! It was an ad for the Chocolate Gallery, painted on an old barn.

Of course, we had to take pictures in front of the chocolate gallery, and then go inside to sample the deliciousness. Oh, and was it ever yummy.

We couldn't find a good railroad station and we were pretty far from St. Joe at this point, so we worked it on the railroad tracks instead. Michael's job relates to the railroad, so this was a personal touch for them.

I love how they turned out!

Then we found a cute little bar and enjoyed some food & drinks!

Kelly & Michael, we had so much fun with you and Kevin and I are so looking forward to your wedding next summer!!

The more extensive slideshow can be viewed here.

A special thanks to my hot hubbie Kevin who did an awesome job helping me out! Love you babe!

Virginia & John are getting married!

2008-11-08T15:47:00.002-06:00

I met Virginia and John over the summer and instantly loved them! Virginia is such a sweet woman, and she and John are a ridiculous amount of fun together. We headed to Rockford for their engagement session weeks ago, and they have been waiting so patiently for their pictures! Many times couples are nervous or unsure about having their photos taken, but Virginia and John were so natural and just rocked it for their photos!

Without further delay, the highlights! Their slideshow can be viewed here.

I love Virginia's shoes!!!

This couple were jumping pros!

Virginia & John, I am so excited for your December wedding!!

Jessi & Andy :: Married!

2008-11-04T21:22:00.002-06:00

October 18 was a gorgeous, sunny, perfect day for Jessi & Andy's wedding and reception at the lovely Frederik Meijer Gardens. Christina and I had blast with this energetic group! Jessi & Andy kept their wedding small and intimate, with a group of family and friends in a beautiful setting.

Below is the preview, and the slideshow can be viewed here.

Perfect day, no?

Jessi had these amazing earrings! She was so calm getting ready, and excited to get married.

Jessi was GORGEOUS!

The lovely bridesmaids...

The gardens were all decked out for fall.

Jessi & Andy's son Parker - both of their boys are absolute dolls!

Jessi & Andy had their "first look" in the tropical garden before we took off in a golf cart for pictures in the rest of the gardens.

These two make such a beautiful couple!

The stunning bride...

The handsome groom...

Jessi and her mom used to show horses, so we had to get a shot with the da Vinci horse!

Jessi & Andy with sons Parker and Ashton - what a beautiful family.

These girls were fabulous!

Speaking of fabulous, I loved the simplicity of the flowers the girls carried. So elegant!

Andy and the gentlemen...

These boys had SO much fun with the mini-gate in the children's garden. I think they would have stayed all night if they could have.

Are you serious? Wow!!!

We had so many beautiful details to photograph...

Jessi's uncle performed the ceremony while the bride & groom were surrounded by their guests.

I almost ate all of the desserts. Good thing I had a job to do!

I'm so glad I caught this sweet moment between Jessi's mom and her grandson.

I'm sure people thought Christina and I were crazy, but I've never seen such a beautiful floor! Perfect for the ring shot...

Jessi and Andy, thanks so much for letting me share in your wedding day. It was a perfect celebration, and I wish you the very best in your lives together!

Jessi & Andy's slideshow can be viewed here.

Kara & Aaron :: Married!

2008-10-30T21:14:00.002-05:00

Kara and Aaron were married on a gorgeous, sunny October day. They were both so calm and so happy to be getting married. Kara & Aaron, thanks for your patience. This has been an insanely busy season! Enjoy your preview and slideshow...

Kara and Aaron had so many great fall details & colors throughout their day.

Kara and her mom.

Kara's flowers were gorgeous. Her father was ill and was unable to make the trip from Wisconsin, so Kara wrapped his tie around her bouquet.

Kara and her new mom-in-law share a laugh... doesn't she have an amazing smile? :)

They boys were such studs!

Aaron was a great model :). He was so calm and delighted to marry Kara. We took as many photos as possible before the ceremony, since Kara and Aaron didn't want to see each other beforehand.

Isn't she lovely?

Kara's mom walked her down the aisle. Look at the happy groom!

Together at last!

These two had no problem being affectionate in front of the camera. They are such a beautiful couple.

Wow! Those eyes are amazing.

Just can't beat sun-flare kisses!

The beautiful fall-themed cake. Love those colors!

This was a funny moment. Kara is the queen of lists, schedules and organization. Her bridal party made her burn the schedule! In Kara's defense, their wedding day was absolutely smooth and on schedule. But this was some great comic relief!

Time for the first dance - so sweet!

Aaron's grandparents won the "longest married" contest. I can't remember the exact number, but they have been married somewhere around 60 years... AMAZING, and so wonderful so see a marriage that enduring.

The dance floor was rockin' that night!

I LOVE this shot - such a genuine moment where Aaron made Kara laugh out loud.

Kara and Aaron, thanks for letting Kevin and I be a part of your day. We had such a blast. Click here to view your slideshow, and enjoy your preview!

And thank you, cute husband Kevin, for backing me up for this wedding. You are fabulous!!

Jenna & Matt :: September 27

2008-10-18T08:53:00.002-05:00

As you can see, I'm a bit behind in editing - thank you for your patience, Jenna & Matt!!

September 27 was a beautiful, perfect day for Jenna & Matt's outdoor ceremony at Mill Point Park in Spring Lake. There was so much excitement for the wedding! Without further delay - the preview! You can view the full preview slideshow here.

The "princess" got dressed at her house...

The little girls in the wedding LOVED having their makeup done. So cute!

Jenna was so excited and calm and happy.

It got a little emotional when Jenna's bridesmaids saw her in her dress...

Did I mention that there were SO many cute kids at this wedding? You'll see a lot more of them in the slideshow.

Jenna's mom walked her down the aisle. They have such a bond, and it was an emotional walk!

It was a perfect day to get married! Jenna and Matt had a beautiful ceremony at the park. Their pastor was so kind, the sun was shining, they were surrounded by family and friends, and their love for each other was obvious.

Hot pink! I love it.

Married! What a great moment.

I love how happy a bride & groom look as they walk back down the aisle together...

These glasses certainly make it a lot more interesting to hand out birdseed!

Future brides: I overheard these girls deciding they wanted to know what it felt like to walk down the aisle - so they did it together!

Matt & the guys looking very distinguished...

And the lovely ladies!

Then we took a few photos of the new husband & wife. I just love they looked at each other...

The handsome Matt...

And the lovely Jenna...

A quick stop at the beach for some more pictures. Despite the brilliant sun, we made it work!

Then, on to the reception! This was such a sweet detail. Jenna tied her great-grandmother's watch into her bouquet.

Cake time! The cake was so beautiful.

The first dance...

A few reception details - I've never seen a cake topper quite like this!

A little bit different ring shot - I couldn't resist the wedding conversation hearts!

The happy bride & groom! Jenna & Matt, thanks for letting me be a part of your beautiful day. Hope you enjoy your slideshow!

ABOUT

2008-09-26T22:13:00.001-05:00

Cheers! I’m Alexis Crandell-Blackmer. Try saying that name three times fast!

I’m a natural light photographer with a photojournalistic, documentary approach. I strive to capture the moments and emotions of your day, telling your story through honest, beautiful, expressive images.

People describe me as calm, cheery, artistic, intelligent, a thinker, and sweet! I love to observe, contemplate, learn and create. I believe that life is an exploration. There is always a story to be found and a unique way to express what is discovered.

I love to travel (Europe especially), meet new people (and hear their story), sleep in (I don’t get along with mornings), watch people (anywhere and everywhere), read (books and the news), and laugh with my husband (he is hilarious!)

But most importantly, I love to explore, and look forward to meeting you and helping to capture your story.

Leslie & Patrick :: married!

2008-09-22T19:29:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, the day began in a manner that brides and photographers dread... it was the rainiest day of the year! But Leslie and Patrick didn't let the weather dampen their wedding day at all. My second shooter Christina and I headed to Muskegon for the ceremony at the lovely Berean Church and reception at Sherman Banquet Hall.

This group... I don't even know what to say!! They were crazy! I remember the first time I met Leslie and Patrick, I was so impressed by them - Leslie's vivaciousness and beautiful smile, Patrick's kindness and strength, and the love for each other that was evident.

Without further ado, a preview of their day. The slideshow can be viewed here.

First up - the shoes. Gorgeous!

Leslie's dress was stunning - perfect for her!

A little detail shot:

An esthetician and a bridesmaid? What luck!

I had to include the shoes from one of the bridesmaids - so cute.

One of the most touching moments of the day came when Leslie saw her grandpa for the first time. She kept her cool up until that point, but the tears came out when grandpa came to sneak a peek! I think we all got tears in our eyes.

And this is how the guys spent their time before the ceremony... frisbee bowling? They even kept score and had a medal ceremony! Love it.

And now, the lovely bride Leslie. I love how the walls match her stunning eyes.

What perfect fall colors!

Leslie and Patrick's ceremony was simple and beautiful.

The greatest moment: married! You can just sense the love between these two.

Who doesn't love bubbles?

Oh my goodness. can you believe these eyes?

We took a few minutes with Leslie & Patrick to get a few portraits after the ceremony. They had such beautiful smiles on their faces! I wonder why...

What a HUNK! Patrick served a year in Iraq (hopefully he will not have to return). He looked amazing in his uniform.

Aren't they a lovely couple?

Leslie was an absolutely stunning bride. She wore flowers in her hair and a pin that was her grandmother's.

This has sort of a 40's feeling to it - whatever it is, I like it!

In the most wonderful twist of the day, it stopped pouring for a few hours. We were able to take some shots outside and head to downtown Muskegon for a few shots in the park.The lovely ladies had no problem when I asked for a sassy pose.

And look at all of the cute gentlemen... this was one of the few serious poses I got!

Patrick had one special request - he wanted a shot with the flag. I love how it turned out.

These two are so much in love!

You couldn't beat the colors we found for the ring shots...

The first dance. I love those few stolen moments during all the activity of a wedding day, when the bride and groom have a chance to be "alone" together.

Leslie and Patrick, it was a pleasure capturing your wedding day. Your wedding party was awesome and we had a blast! Hope you enjoy your slideshow.

My cute Kevin...

2008-09-20T21:18:00.001-05:00

I just had to post this series from our trash the dress session on the farm a few weeks ago... Kevin was shooting with me that day, and he did an absolutely fantastic job! He didn't know I was taking pictures of him; he thought I was just adjusting my settings. I think he must have sipped the last chunky dregs of his coffee to elicit these expressions...

One thing I absolutely love about my husband is how expressive he is! Life is never dull around Kevin. Plus he's so darn hot!

He took this great shot of me doing whatever was necessary to get the shot I wanted...

Gotta work it!!

Coming soon - previews from Leslie & Patrick's wonderful wedding last weekend!

Trash the Dress {Lite}

2008-09-11T21:31:00.001-05:00

On Sunday, Kevin and I headed out in the gorgeous, golden afternoon light to photograph Kristin and Pat's trash the dress session. We didn't trash the dress, but Kristen did get a few more smudges on her gorgeous dress! We went to a friend's farm (where I am shooting a wedding next August... SO excited!!). The farm was amazing... big red barn, gorgeous fields, shady woods and an awesome front porch. Without further ado, Kristin and Pat's preview!!

Gotta love the red cowboy boots!

We know Kristin loves them.

Note the fresh eggs sign...

Kristin and Pat were SO sweet together. Still so much in love!

Kristin getting her lip gloss retouched... what a cute face :).

She is just lovely...

As I said... LOVELY!

Pat wasn't so sure about this whole trash the dress/photo session at first, but he did a great job!! Check out the sexy shades...

Even though Kristin doesn't like heights, she bravely hung out the second story of the big red barn!

This girl is all sass!!

We just couldn't escape the gorgeous, bright sun.

The next few images are some of my favorites. The love in their eyes... wow, it blew me away when I was photographing Kristin and Pat, and again when I opened the files!

YIKES! Spicy hot!!

This sign was hanging on the garage... it needs no explanation :). Love it!

Are you serious! She is just stunning.

And last but certainly not least... the shoes. Kristin changed out of her cowboy boots into these unbelievable shoes. Very Kristin!

We had so much fun with you, Kristin and Pat!

To view a longer slideshow, click here. This is only a small snippet of what we captured!

Precious baby... part II

2008-08-31T21:32:00.001-05:00

As promised, here are more photos from our Leslie & Bruce + baby Alex session.

We spent a few minutes in the beautiful sun in my backyard, capturing photos of beautiful baby Alex and his oh-so-proud parents. It's easy to see how much they delight in their baby boy, and how much love they all share. We're so happy to watch their family grow! Alex is such a perfect baby, and his parents are absolute naturals. They're even photogenic when the baby starts to fuss! Thanks for letting me photograph your beautiful family, Leslie & Bruce!

Precious baby...

2008-08-27T21:49:00.001-05:00

My friends Leslie and Bruce had baby Alex on July 1. Last week we did a little photo session in my backyard, and here's a little preview of what's to come. Leslie and Bruce are AMAZING parents, and it's so fun to see them in their new roles as mom and dad! These photos were taken just seven weeks after Alex was born. Leslie looks so beautiful and radiant! I can't wait to preview more of the photos!! Such a precious, precious family.

Snazzy New Options...

2008-08-24T15:40:00.001-05:00

Check out our snazzy new slideshows! Click the image below for an example from Chris & Amy's June wedding. This link will jump you to a new webpage, since my blog host won't actually let me embed it here. New clients will see their preview slideshow with this new program and can also purchase a nifty DVD of the slideshow!

August Randomness

2008-08-21T20:27:00.001-05:00

This is a fun picture post of images that were on my camera from the past few days...

Let's start at a wedding Kevin and I went to last Friday. My boss' daughter was married in a beautiful ceremony shot by the fabulous Jen Kroll, who incidentally shot my wedding a few years ago.

We begin with a shot of my smokin' hot husband trying on my co-worker Danni's sparkly shades...

My co-worker Danni created the reception slideshow, and I popped in a few quick snaps from the wedding. Meanwhile, Kevin grabbed my camera and played.

He got this great shot of classic Alexis attitude amplified by my sassy new haircut...

And then we had a few classic poses to capture our cuteness. My hubby is such a babe!!

Shifting gears... our street is undergoing major reconstruction. From two lanes we are upgrading to five lanes + sidewalks. Hooray! Not really hooray, but we are making the best of it and we're thankful for the future arrival of sidewalks on our busy street. This is the view from our front yard.

MAJOR road construction. But what a fun intersection we have now. It's basically a roundabout around the massive equipment. Thank you, Ottawa County Road Commission, for bringing a bit of Europe to my neighborhood.

In a fun twist that mostly nerdy photographers can appreciate, all of our mailboxes were moved to one side of an adjoining street. Neat!

Curiosity in the midst of chaos...

Equipment across the street and marvelous pipes along the side of the road. Anyone want to do some sweet portraits by these monstrosities?!

I wandered into the construction zone and saw the workers' view of my house... kinda cool.

Here we have my hot husband working on his garage. This is the area under construction that will be his new woodworking/carpentry workshop. I LOVE my 50mm 1.4 lens... it captures such beautiful light in the dimmest places.

Last, but certainly not least, our neighbor was helping my husband, and he always brings his dog... Kevin LOVES this puppy! He's not really a puppy, but we call him puppy. Meet Jack. Such a good dog.

Taylor

2008-08-20T16:02:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago I shot senior photos for the absolutely beautiful Taylor. She has a beautiful spirit and is absolutely brilliant! She wants to be either an architect or an engineer - wow! You go, woman!

Kevin and I had fun scoping out some great locations on the beach and capturing her quiet, intense beauty. Below are a few of our favorites...

Hope you have a fantastic senior year, Taylor!

Jorri & Gary: Beach simplicity

2008-08-17T09:45:00.002-05:00

Wow, what a gorgeous day for a wedding! Jorri and Gary were married on August 1st under perfectly clear blue skies. They couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day for their intimate beach wedding. Jorri and Gary didn't want much - just family gathered around them as they said their sweet vows, and a few more family and friends who gathered for dinner afterward. Their day was the purest essence of a wedding - two people who love each other joining their lives together.

Below are a few of my favorite images from their day. You can view the larger preview slideshow by clicking here, choosing "slideshows," and typing the password "Smith" (case-sensitive).

The first look...

The ceremony was simple and beautiful.

I love Gary's expression here...

And Jorri's expression too...

The family showered them with rose petals after the ceremony.

Then the lovely couple enjoyed their first few minutes alone as newlyweds (and got some great photos!)

They were so sweet together!

Check out that bling... Nice job Gary!

I love this beach shot of their stunning rings. It's always a little strange for couples to take off the rings, full of symbolism, that they just put on - but the results are worth it.

Jorri and Gary had no problem cuddling when I asked them to!

Jorri was such a lovely bride!! She has the most beautiful smile, and we saw a lot of it that day.

Geez! How hot are they? Wow!

This was the gorgeous car Gary borrowed as a surprise for Jorri. It looked like so much fun to ride in!

There were such sweet kids at the dinner... I think Jorri enjoyed them too :)

Speaking of sweet kids, there were sweet young men there too. Jorri has three younger brothers. You should have seen the looks I got when I suggested they all kiss their big sister!

Thank you Jorri and Gary for letting me be a part of your special day. It was a truly wonderful wedding, you are fantastic together, and I wish you both the very best!

Exciting! Album is here!

2008-07-17T20:34:00.001-05:00

I've been meaning to post this for some time now! My sample album arrived... a few months ago... but better late than never!

Without further delay, I present the lovely album that is part of several of my packages. This is a very high quality album with thick varnished pages and a beautiful leather cover that is die-cut to display a photograph. The pages are custom designed by yours truly, and printed like a coffee table book. Names and wedding date are embossed in the cover, and the album comes in a durable suitcase to protect your investment. Please contact me if you'd like to see the album in person!

Amy & Chris, June 28th

2008-07-06T19:57:00.002-05:00

Amy & Chris were married on a beautiful Saturday afternoon on June 28^th. The weather turned out perfectly for their outdoor ceremony at Townsend Park in Cannonsburg. The girls had hair & makeup done by the lovely ladies at Design One on Plainfield, and then they headed to a bed & breakfast in Rockford to get dressed. Amy was an absolutely stunning bride!

The ceremony was lovely, and Amy & Chris included their own unique touches. I found out that Amy and I share a love of Josh Groban! We took photos at the park after the ceremony, then headed to Cannonsburg Lodge for a rockin’ reception! Everyone had a great time, and Amy & Chris were absolutely glowing.

Their preview gallery is now online! Just click here, go to “slideshows,” and type “Schrock” (password is case-sensitive). All of the photos will be complete in just a few weeks and will be available online.

Hope your honeymoon was fantastic, Amy & Chris! Congratulations!

Last Ireland post!

2008-06-30T20:24:00.001-05:00

Now we come to the end of our journey. Let’s get some good contemporary Irish music on this final gallery – my favorite Irish boys from a teensy little band called U2. Click here, click slideshows, and enter "ireland5"

On day 9, we visited County Kilkenny and took in some amazing sights. We wandered off the beaten path to explore Kells Priory, an ancient monastic site. You can see from the map in the gallery just how extensive this site was. It took some walking and exploring to reach the site, and again, we were the only ones there (aside from some workers restoring part of the site). We actually started out in the wrong place, started to walk across a field filled with sheep and scattered with sheep byproduct. Afraid of stepping in ick, and also afraid of being attacked by sheep (do sheep attack?), we retreated and drove to the proper entrance of the priory.

Then we headed to nearby Jerpoint Abbey, a very famous landmark near Thomastown. Jerpoint Abbey was constructed in 1180AD, and is still mostly intact, with some beautiful carvings. Luckily, as with much of our trip, we didn’t have to compete with masses of tourists!

Driving through the country was just lovely – hilly, green, curvy and lots of sheep!

We drove into Kilkenny and walked around a bit, but the town was packed and traffic was utterly horrible. We stopped for a smoothie and watched people going about their lives. There was a decent fiddle player performing in a busy alley. In our 20 minutes of sitting, we must have heard “Memories” three times. Must have been a popular tipping song.

Finally, leaving the throngs behind, we headed to our bed and breakfast. Oh. My. Goodness. Ballaghtobin Country House has been in the owner’s family for about 400 years. It was partially destroyed by a fire and rebuilt, but much of the original structure and style remains. And oh, was it lovely. Truly a graceful old house, full of character. The sitting room was full of books! Oh joy! Kevin and I took a stroll around the extensive grounds, taking in the ruined Norman church, huge old trees, lovely gardens and overrun wild growth. Ballaghtobin is still a working farm, and is slowly being restored. We met two lovely old English chaps, friends since childhood and continuing a tradition of vacationing together every year. What else do you discuss with the English but politics and economics? In the library? Over glasses of wine? Oh my, it was fun.

The next day, day 10, was our last day in Ireland. We made our way east to Glendalough (pronounced glen-da-lock). This is the area where St. Kevin wandered in the 6^th century seeking serenity and a place for meditation. But his popularity grew and people sought him out, building churches, living quarters and a school. We saw the upper lake, a ruined church, a waterfall, and we also did some hiking. We could tell that tourist season was in full swing in early May – the parking lot for the lower lake and substantial monastic settlement was overflowing!

Leaving St. Kevin behind (but not MY saint Kevin), we drove to Powerscourt Estate, a 13^th century castle restored in the 18^th and 20^th centuries. Now the estate contains 47 acres of landscaped gardens including Japanese gardens, Triton lake, walled gardens and lovely gates. We spent some wonderful time wandering in the sunshine before we had to drive back to Dublin.

We stayed our final, bittersweet night at the Azalea Lounge B&B, a lovely restored Georgian house from 1917. We again enjoyed lovely Dublin food (Dublin has AMAZING food) and prepared to depart. The next morning we returned to the airport and departed.

Ireland was absolutely fantastic, and we WILL be going back someday! What a dream trip!

Day 7 continued, Day 8, and morning of Day 9...

2008-06-21T13:46:00.001-05:00

Day 7: Killarney National Park, continued.

Click here, go to slideshows, and type “ireland4.”

We finished our time in Killarney National Park with a long hike to a place called “meeting of the waters,” where two lakes flowed into one another. It was absolutely peaceful and gorgeous. We encountered only one other person on the trail, a fisherman headed to a famous Salmon fishing bridge in the park. I say park, but it is absolutely gigantic, with miles upon miles (or I should say kilometers) of hiking, lakes, mountains, etc.

We also drove to a scenic overlook where the view… oh my, it was one of the most wonderful things I have ever seen.

After our hike, we stopped at an enchanting little church that we had passed a few times on the road between Killarney and Kenmare, the Derrycunnihy Church.

Then, on DAY 8, we left Kenmare and drove to County Tipperary. Our first stop was a quick jaunt to the well-preserved castle in Cahir (pronounced “care”). Many castles we visited were run down and crumbling, but this one was largely intact, and some rooms were even furnished! We saw stairways, huge rooms, the dungeon, and even got to climb narrow stairways up to the castle turret and outer walls. It was fabulous!

After our lunch and castle visit in Cahir, we drove about 20 minutes north to our main destination, Cashel. From our B&B window, we could see the biggest attraction in town – the Rock of Cashel, also known as Cashel of the Kings and St. Patrick's Rock. This amazing fortress contained many buildings, most of which date from the 12^th and 13^th centuries. The Rock of Cashel served as the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman invasion, though few remnants if any of the early structures survive (thanks Wikipedia!).

Our B&B, Ladyswell House Cashel, was gorgeous!! The bright yellow door was a great start – the interior was striking, and included a massive library and sitting room. Our room on the second floor contained my absolute favorite feature – a bay window! Not only did the window give us a great view of the street below, but we could also see the Rock of Cashel in the distance, which was lit beautifully at night.

The Rock itself was fascinating – the view of the countryside was unmatched! Unfortunately, it kept pouring during our visit. This wouldn’t be so bad if the ruins actually had a roof! Ah, the charm of Ireland J. It had been perfectly sunny all day, but rain came all of the sudden and continued all night. Luckily my sweet husband rescued me with our umbrella and held it while I snapped a few last photos before admitting precipitation defeat.

From the Rock of Cashel, we could see Hore Abbey (a ruined Cistercian monestary) about 2km away. This is where we headed after checking out on DAY 9. The abbey was, of course, lovely. It provided great views of the Rock of Cashel as well! And Kevin had much fun with the funny entrance gate.

Next, we headed to the Kilkenny area. The last gallery will be online soon!!

A NOTE ABOUT THE GALLERIES

Make sure your sound is on! Fun music accompanies each slideshow.

If your computer connection is slow, it’s best to the let the slideshow cycle through once before you view it (just walk away for a few minutes). That way the photos are pre-loaded.

You can go through the slideshows at your own pace – use the left and right arrow buttons under the photo.

Many of these photos are available as signed fine art 11x14 prints for $49 each. Just email me if you are interested in purchasing any. Make it a gallery wrap (printed on canvas, no need for a frame) for $110.

Ireland days 6 & 7

2008-06-15T20:55:00.002-05:00

Day 6: On the road from Galway and the Cliffs of Moher to Kenmare, with a stop in Killarney.

Click here, go to slideshows, and type “ireland3.”

Running behind (we had to check in at our next b&b by a certain time), we stopped in Killarney. Again, we only made it as far as the church before it poured. Are you seeing a pattern here? The sound of heavy rain made for a serene experience, embraced by the shelter of the church as we explored. And what a gorgeous church it was! A newer gothic revival church, St. Mary’s Cathedral was built starting in 1842.

From Killarney, we drove through Killarney National Park (WOW), with some absolutely insane curvy roads, until we reached the village of Kenmare. This was my favorite village of our whole trip. It was small, compact, and absolutely charming. Kenmare also was our best pub experience. After listening to live music at the Coachman’s, we headed to Crowley’s bar. This was a tiny bar, and on that night there was a woman, the bartender, and an older couple from Australia (a big football/soccer match accounted for the empty bar). Undaunted, we sat down for a drink and had a nice chat with the Australians (on a three month holiday! What joy!) and the bartender.

On their advice, the next day we headed out to drive the Ring of Beara. This is a route along the Beara Peninsula, partly in County Cork and partly County Kerry. Now, you may have heard of the fantastic Ring of Kerry, which is a must on tourist itineraries for the amazing views of the Irish coastline. Well, the Ring of Beara offers the same rugged, wild, blissful views but with almost none of the tourists and no tour buses. Heeding advice from locals and the Australians alike, we were not disappointed. One of my favorite parts was the village of Eyeries, County Cork. The houses were painted absolutely brilliant colors! The Australian couple asked some villagers why they painted them such bright colors. Did they have guidelines or rules or village ordinances? No, they replied- because that area can be so bleak in the winter, they paint their houses bright colors to brighten their spirits!

Then we spent some time in Killarney National Park. We visited Torc Waterfall, and then headed to Muckross Abbey (a former Franciscan friary founded in 1448). Muckross Abbey was another glorious ruin that we were free to wander on our own. Part of it was under construction and was barricaded, but the accessible parts were lovely!

That night, looking for some music but failing, we headed back to Crowley’s. This night it was packed – but the Australians were there too! We sat down with our new friends and enjoyed a few drinks. Then, when we were about to leave, we were told that the music was about to begin. One lone man pulled out his guiter, sat next to another gentleman, and began singing “Bye, bye miss American pie.…” Ha! Unbelievable. Even more amusing was that at the chorus, the entire bar chimed in. Two Americans, surrounded by Irish, being serenaded by an American classic.

After that, the guitar player went around and played while individuals sang. It was utterly lovely. A wonderful grandfatherly man sang a beautiful traditional irish song, someone sang a lullaby, someone sang Janice Joplin, you get the picture. I almost cried when we had to leave, the experience was so perfect.

Next, I’ll have a few more photos from Killarney National Park that wouldn’t fit in gallery 3. Then, on to central Ireland!

Ireland days 4, 5 & 6: Or, I am in love with this place

2008-06-13T19:22:00.002-05:00

More updates! Day 4, 5 & 6 photos are here! Click here, go to Slideshows, and enter the password “ireland2.”

These photos chronicle our journey from little Clifden to Galway, with a detour in Oughterard. We had planned to walk around in Oughterard, but only made it as far as the church before it started pouring. Admitting defeat, we headed to Galway. Devondell Guest House is where our favorite hostess, the charming Berna, met us with tea and a huge assortment of wonderful snacks by a roaring fire. Berna also cooked absolutely amazing breakfasts. We adore her! As I mentioned in my previous post, Galway was fantastic, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there (too short, of course!)

After leaving Galway, on the advice of several knowledgeable people, we detoured to the Cliffs of Moher (phonetically: More). Apparently every self-respecting tourist goes here to admire the sheer 700 foot drop from meadow to the Atlantic! It was absolutely gorgeous – definitely overrun with tourists, but that’s what we were too! It was an incredible view, worth exploring for longer. But alas, we had to be off!

Next installment… on to Killarney!!

Ireland on the brain.

2008-06-12T21:00:00.001-05:00

Here are some of my reflections from our (too) short time there:

GREEN.

Yes, Ireland is very green. Surprisingly, there was also a lot of yellow bushes blooming everywhere, purple mountains, and various gorgeous blues. But lots of green, due to the following:

RAIN.

It is also true that it rains a TON. As you will see in the photos, they sky was frequently gray! Actually I stitched together this great panoramic shot of the Galway sky… blue in one corner, storm clouds in the other! It would pour for 20 minutes, then the blue sky would return for an hour. If you foolishly thought the weather had passed and ventured out, you would likely get caught in another rainstorm! The difference between Ireland and Michigan is that there it rains in spurts and everyone can go back to their business, while here it is grey and rainy for days on end.

OLD.

Many of my photos are of old and ancient Ireland. Actually, Ireland is very vibrant and young, especially in larger cities. However, it’s difficult to whip out your camera in the middle of massive (and fast-moving) crowds of people to showcase modernity in Ireland. It is, however, a marvelous and sometimes crazy blend of old and new.

GUINNESS.

Yes, dear husband Kevin did try Guinness in Ireland. He had to. He didn’t like it in the states, but our taxi driver, a fourth generation Dubliner, convinced Kevin that he must just try it while in Ireland. Try it he did, and a fan of Guinness was born. I, however, continue to despise the taste of beer, but I bravely tried and loved Magner’s Irish Cider (Bulmer’s in the states). Strongbow is good, but definitely not equal.

COLD.

Yes, I am wearing coats, hats, and sweaters much of the time. Ireland is chilly in spring!

DUBLIN.

Stumbling off of our plane at 8am (Ireland time), 1 am our time, with almost no sleep… that was our introduction to Dublin! We had some wonderful wanderings around the city, with wonderful food (so many fantastic vegetarian options!! Woohoo!!) and beautiful sights. Dublin is young, vibrant, and ever in motion.

CLIFDEN/CONNEMARA.

On day 3 we drove to the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise. It was perfect and sunny and warm. We headed to the Connemara region, to our B&B in Clifden. Connemara is wild and stunningly beautiful, containing the tallest mountain range in Ireland. Our B&B was in the country a bit, and was an absolutely gorgeous restored home.

GALWAY.

Ah, Galway. One of my favorite places in Ireland. It is the music and culture capital of western Ireland. This is where we experienced our first craic – we went to Crane Bar, where two musicians were hired to play. By the end of our time there, 13 musicians were playing together – fiddles, guitars, banjos, flutes, an accordion… it was absolutely heavenly. Galway is just a beautiful city, and we found a great sweater shop there too!

I'm back!!

2008-06-12T20:17:00.001-05:00

After an extremely busy few months, I am back to blogging! After Ireland, I was in Boston for a weeklong seminar, then in Lansing for a training event with my company. Then I was just trying to catch up after so much time away! And pictures are here!! I finally have something to show for our lovely trip to Ireland. Since I had so much trouble narrowing them down, and since I know friends and family want to see oodles of pictures, I will be putting them in galleries every few days so as not to be too overwhelming.

Days 1-3 are now ready! Go to “Slideshows” and type “ireland1” and click submit.

Stay tuned for more galleries and snippets!

We've returned... for now...

2008-05-05T17:09:00.001-05:00

Just a quick note - we're back from Ireland! After a long day of travel yesterday, we made it back to Chicago and drove home. We got back around 10pm... which was 3am Ireland time. Yikes!

We had a great trip, and Ireland is just lovely. Wet, but lovely. I keep telling everyone that we're moving there next week :).

I'll post more later, but for now, just two photos...

Off to the green island...

2008-04-22T16:54:00.001-05:00

Oh my goodness. Months of planning and dreaming and anticipation... and we're leaving on vacation tomorrow, finally! We've wanted to visit Ireland for years, and our two year wedding anniversary is in mid-May, so this is a special trip for us. It's sort of like a wedding (not in the emotional, life-changing way, but in the planning way) - so much goes into the details, and before you know it, the big day arrives. How time flies!

Kevin and I will be flying out tomorrow morning, so I won't have access to email or phone. That in itself will be a challenge. But we're going to enjoy our adventure and I will take a million pictures (my lovely husband is so patient with me!). If you contact me during the next two weeks, I will do my best to respond as soon as possible when I return.

Have a fantastic couple of weeks!!

The greatest season of all...

2008-04-19T18:34:00.001-05:00

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain

I took these photos this evening around my yard... it's amazing how quickly the landscape can go from drab to full of life!

To see, or not to see?

2008-04-06T18:34:00.001-05:00

Great question! Some brides and grooms aren’t sure whether they want to see each other before the wedding, or whether they want their first view of each other to be at the ceremony. Of course, this is completely a matter of preference, and as your photographer, I can accommodate whatever you choose!

When my husband and I were planning our wedding a few years ago, I thought that I wanted to wait until I was heading down the aisle to see my husband for the first time that day. That is, until I shot a wedding the summer before my own. At this wedding, the bride and groom wanted a few special minutes to themselves. Only the two photographers were in the sanctuary, and it was a very sweet moment. We then went on to take bridal party and family photos and relax before the wedding. I was sold.

At my own wedding about 10 months later, we did the very same thing. My husband Kevin and I planned to meet about 2 hours before our wedding. Since I’m quite a shy person in front of groups, I cherished the idea of seeing Kevin without a crush of people watching. Only our photographer was in the room with us, capturing the scene from a distance. Kevin and I were able to hold each other, talk, and enjoy a few minutes alone together on our wedding day. Then we took many of our formal photos with our families and bridal party, and finished in time to hide away and enjoy some food while guests were arriving. After the ceremony, we made a short detour for some fun wedding party photos, then proceeded to our reception. What a great day!

I’ve photographed weddings both ways – ones where brides & grooms see each other beforehand, and more traditional weddings where the first moment was reserved for the ceremony.

Some people prefer the convenience of taking most of their posed formals earlier in the day. Others choose to take as many shots as they can without the bride & groom actually seeing each other.

Christy & Brad spend a few minutes together as we all peek...

Kevin and I made the choice that best fit our personalities, and it was wonderful! Consider your own wishes, personalities, and vision for your wedding day, and make the choice that works best for you!

A sweet few moments between the bride & groom...

Things that make me happy.

2008-04-03T20:20:00.001-05:00

Sunshine makes me happy...

And so does my sweet, handsome husband. Look at this great shot I got while he was otherwise occupied! What a babe. I'm a lucky woman :).