Diamond in the Rough

Ring shots are some of my favorites. I love the challenge of finding new ways to showcase their beauty, even if unconventional.

Wedding Album: The Art Book from Italy

Today my first wedding album from Italy arrived at my doorstep. Now, I have a very long driveway, 200', so quite often our dog will announce the arrival of my UPS driver long before I even hear the doorbell ring. So, when he started barking at the usual delivery time, I frantically dug out my camera to document this special day. In all my excitement, and nearly breaking a leg as I tripped over the dog to get to the window, I managed to capture this completely out-of-focus shot of "the box"!

I'm thrilled with the album! It is a 51-page book, with patented lay-flat pages printed on an art board. The cover is the "Crystal Glance" which is a full image printed beneath a clear acrylic cover.

Crystal Glance cover: full image cover under clear acrylic.

Patented lay-flat binding system:

Looking for a unique wedding favor your guests will LOVE? Try these little duplicate albums! An exact copy of your guest book (designed with your engagement photos), the favor books come in little 2.5"x2" sizes!

Now the fun part! Delivery to the client...

Bridal Look: Professional Hair & Makeup - is it worth it?

YES!! This is the day of your dreams. Any and every excuse for pampering should be taken advantage of on your wedding day! How you look will be recorded in your photos and video footage, FOREVER, and you really want to look your best. A professional hairstylist will have several tricks to keep you looking great from morning until the last dance. Often, these stylist will stay with you throughout the day doing touch ups to any flyaways. Professional makeup artists are also key for helping you to maintain a gorgeous glow, despite all the emotions you will experience throughout the day. Even weather temperatures can affect your appearance and the proper makeup techniques will keep you looking fresh and even throughout the day and evening. Often, it is thought that only brides use a makeup artist. However, men can benefit from a little grooming and yes, even powder, to keep their skin tones looking even for beautiful portrait images that will last a lifetime! I have worked with Erin, owner of Studio Q Salon in Grand Rapids, MI, and can personally testify to her professional and innovative ideas for making your entire bridal party look phenomenal! Check out this clip featured on Fox 17 News just this morning for more ideas and a peek at Erin's handiwork!

Mmmm....Fall

I've been doing a lot of baking this week. Its has been chilly and fairly overcast. There's just something about fall that requires one to turn on the oven and bask in the aromas it emits and cozy warmth it provides. Nevertheless, today was an absolutely perfect autumn day! Fluffy white clouds, blue sky, sunshine and crimson and gold leaves dancing in the cool breeze. This family session was set amidst a grove of apple trees at a nearby orchard. I had to get this sneak peek up because, well, little miss "A" is darn cute! And yes, I stood in line over 30 minutes for a dozen fresh pumpkin spiced donuts. And yes....they were so worth it!!

Happy Fall!

Family Traditions

You have a baby and its a big deal! Then number two arrives, uh-oh! Three? You're outnumbered. But four? Number four keeps the psychiatrists in business! That's why we stopped with three. Seriously, I love this family and all four of their children! They are wonderful friends of ours and when we get together, yup, its one big HAPPY family!

And of course, mom. Not only is she beautiful, she has driven my kids all over, folded my laundry AND cleaned the inside of my microwave. I'm so lucky!!

Night Owls

Ever since my husband caught the bug, the photography bug, that is, we've gotten into a habit of night shooting. Maybe its because that's when the babysitter comes and we can get out....or maybe its just because night shooting rocks! Check out Jon's senior images and you'll see what I mean:

WILL & JILL: MARRIED!

This was NOT a dry wedding! And I'm not referencing alcohol (that post to come later). EVERYONE cried. Bride. Groom. Moms. Dads. I even got teary! Jill, an ER nurse, married the love of her life this weekend, Will, an ER doctor. A match made.....in a hospital. I know it sounds like a soap opera, but these two folks are as down to earth as they come. It was a gorgeous day for an outdoor ceremony at Post Family Farm in Hudsonville. Reception followed at the Bridgewater Place in downtown Grand Rapids. I'm so happy to have shared this beautiful day with them!

End of Summer Nuptials

As cold as it was in August, end of summer weddings are proving to be a PERFECT time to get married! Two weddings coming up this month, both on farms, perfect for fall! This past weekend I assisted at a wedding in Chelsea, MI, with TAK Photography. While the leaves are just beginning to turn, the temps have been lovely!

Backyard reception...love these!

Live band with vintage equipment and a bluesy sound!