Jessica and Mike’s Trash the Dress Session

Jessica and Mike’s wedding day was amazing but we weren’t able to get a lot of photographs at the beach due to the weather conditions (see previous post).  We offered to do a “Trash the Dress” session to get more of the great beach photographs we all hoped for.  We met Jessica and Mike at Camp Geneva and spent some time on the beach before heading out to Spring Lake.

Just joking around on the wedding day Steve says to Jessica, “You should water ski in your dress!”  Well, Jessica thought that sounded like a fun idea so she talked with her parents and made plans to go out on Spring Lake for some amazing, fun photo opportunities.  We love having the chance to do something new and this was definitely a first for us!  We had such a great time and got some wonderful photographs.  Thanks to Jessica and Mike for being so fun to work with and to Jessica’s parents for being so accommodating!  Be sure to watch the slideshow at the end for more of the session.

Take a look at this video…….

Family Photos at Tunnel Park

We had a great time last week with Kelli and her kids at Tunnel Park.  They all had a ton of energy and spent some time running down the dunes before we started.  We played around on the dune, in the tunnel and in the grass before ending the evening with a gorgeous sunset. 

Kelli is co-owner of the marvelous Paint a Pot in Holland and the new Peek-a-Boutique which is opening soon.  Can’t wait to check it out!

Wedding show September 25, 2009

Denay and Pete’s Wedding

Denay and Pete’s wedding took place on Saturday, August 29th at St. Francis Church in Holland.  After living apart (Pete has been living in Tennessee for the last year) their planning and patience paid off.  All of the details were wonderful – the flowers, programs, guest book and so much more!

Denay began her morning getting her hair done at Body Perfections Salon then went to her home to have the marvelous Julie Strating do her makeup.  Meanwhile the groom, groomsmen and some other guests were running a 5K.  Yes, the groom ran a marathon the morning of the wedding (see the evidence below).

The ceremony was beautiful and afterwards Denay and Pete left the church amid a flurry of bubbles.  The bridal party boarded the trolley and after some formal photographs we headed out to the beach.

We stopped at Centennial Park on our way to the Alpen Rose and had some fun with the bridal party.  Then the party began!  Thanks so much Denay and Pete for allowing us to be a part of your day, we wish you all the best and a great start to your life together in Tennessee!

Courtney’s Senior Portraits

Courtney came in for our basic Studio and Downtown session last week and we had a great time.  We started in the studio, walked around downtown Holland and ended back at the studio.  Courtney goes to Zeeland West and does competetive dance.  We hope you have a great senior year!

Mia’s Senior Session in GR

We met Mia and her mom in the parking lot of the Ford museum in downtown Grand Rapids to start her “Urban” portrait session.  We did a lot of walking and a quick change in the JW Mariott and got some great photographs.  We ended up back at the fountain by the museum and played around with some colors for fun.  Mia was very easy going and super casual and we had a great time.  Thanks Mia and have a great senior year!

Mackinaw City and Island, 2009

This summer we decided we wanted to head back up to Mackinaw City for a few days and found the wonderful Mill Creek Campground just two miles outside of Mackinaw City.  We opted to rent a cabin with a bathroom since my requirements for a place to stay were running water and a place to shower every day, preferably one not shared with strangers.  We left first thing Monday morning and stopped in Petoskey for lunch.  When we finally pulled into Mackinaw the boys had finally fallen asleep and missed that wonderful first view of the bridge.  We got checked into our cabin and took a long walk up to the camp store to check out the pool and playground.  The main road runs along the lakefront with a great view of the bridge and island.

On Tuesday we ventured into Mackinaw City to see what we could find out about taking a trip to the island and to shop around a bit.  We did photographs of the boys for the second year in a row by the bridge and had a nice morning.

Jonah at the Mackinaw Bridge

Jonah and Zachary at the Mackinaw Bridge

Jonah

Run!

Fun in the water.

Lighthouse in Mackinac

Wednesday morning we headed out and got on the 11am ferry to the island.  The boys LOVED the ferry ride and Zachary screamed he was so excited.  It was well worth the cost.  We walked along the main street and decided to find somewhere to grab lunch.  Honestly, this was tough and we went from place to place trying to find something decent and not insanely overpriced.  Settled on a place off the main road and had an ok lunch.  Then we went and rented bikes to ride around the island.  We got situated with the boys in the Burley and off we rode.  Kind of.  I haven’t been on a bike in about 10 years and while it’s true, you never forget how it still takes a bit of getting used to.

We had a great ride.  It’s a beautiful trip around the island by the water the entire ride and the mountains and rock wall on the other side.  It took us a little over an hour to complete the approximately 8 mile ride with a few stops along the way for photos or to break up the fights going on in the Burley.

Steve with Jonah and Zachary on the ferry to the island.

Jessica on the ferry.

Ziggy cold but loving the ride.

Steve and Zachary

Jessica and Jonah

At the British Landing site, about 3-1/2 miles from the city.

Getting crabby in the Burley.

Arch Rock

This church has been on site since the 1860's or 70's.

Thursday we took our time packing up and headed down to Cross Village for lunch at the Legs Inn.  If you like Polish food and a great view this place is a must see if you are in the Harbor Springs area.  We spend the rest of the afternoon making our way home and wish we’d spent another day or two on vacation!  It always goes by so fast then you need a vacation to recover from your vacation!  We had a great time and highly recommend the Mill Creek Campground if you are planning a trip to Mackinaw.

Jessica and Mike’s Island Wedding – In the Chapel

We were beyond excited to photograph Jessica and Mike’s wedding and only recently did their engagement session.  I knew they were going to be amazing to work with when Mike kept the conversations rolling during the e-session asking questions about funny wedding happenings and what our favorite weddings have been and why.  It’s easy to see how in love these two are and we are blessed to go to Engedi with them and to have been able to work with them on such a happy day.

Jessica and Mike had envisioned an island wedding on the beach and reserved Camp Geneva for their ceremony site.  The beach was decorated with bamboo poles and shells and was truly beautiful…until the dark clouds rolled in.  We were able to photograph Jessica and Mike seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day on the beach but never made it back to that site.  After waiting until the last possible moment (their master and mistress of ceremonies were amazing and so helpful wanting so badly for Jessica and Mike to have the wedding of their dreams) they had to go to the back-up plan and move the ceremony to the chapel.

Everyone pitched in and the bamboo poles and shells were brought in and fastened to chairs and the chapel decorated in record time.  It was a beautiful ceremony and while we know Jessica and Mike were disappointed they didn’t let it get them down – after all, they were still getting married and would be husband and wife no matter where the ceremony took place!

After the ceremony we took the final portraits between bouts of rain and headed off to Post Family Farms in Hudsonville for the reception.  The band was amazing and the favors were mason jars for you to fill with your favorite drink (what a great idea).  The food was great – baked beans, pork barbeque, salad, rolls and more.  Jessica and Mike cut a small cake and cupcakes were served to the guests.  Tables were cleared and the dancing got under way.  It was beautiful and the rain didn’t dampen the spirit of the day at all.

Congratulations Jessica and Mike!  We look forward to knowing you as you begin your life together!

August and September News and Specials

Hello everyone!  We recently sent out a newsletter alerting all of our friends and clients about our current specials but wanted to be sure that everyone knows what great specials we’re offering in the next month.

 Our August is nearly full and September is filling up FAST.  Seniors, this is the best time to schedule and complete your Senior Portraits.  Now through September 15th book a regular Senior Portait session and get one half off.  This will allow you to get more great looks at a great price!  And don’t forget that all of our sessions include unlimited time, unlimited poses which mean unlimited possibilities!  Plus you are welcome to bring a friend or two for some fun photos!

Family Portrait Mini-Sessions are being scheduled now for September 7th and 8th.  This is a great time to get some fun studio portraits of the kids or your whole family.  A 30-minute session is only $25 and includes some great “day of only” print packages.  Plus, meet a minimum order of $300 and we’ll give you a CD of images and the printing rights.

Want outdoor photographs at the park or the beach?  Normal sessions are only $100 and include unlimted time and poses.  Plus you receive 20% off of orders of $100 or more for the first 30-days.

Weddings 2010!  We have just introduced our new wedding packages and prices and are so excited to offer a huge variety of options plus our popular wedding packages that include two photographers, unlimited cover and a one-of-a-kind album.  Call or email us today for winter coverage details – prices start at only $1299!

Plus, don’t forget we will thank you for your wedding referrals with a $100 credit that can be used toward any session or prints.  Love our work?  Please tell your friends!

Our Favorite Vacation Spot in Michigan

Our family loves going to northern Michigan to spend some quality family time and we are very blessed to have friends who own vacation rental homes in and around Traverse City.  Blue Lakes Vacation Rentals has homes in Traverse City, Frankfort/Arcadia and Harbor Springs.  Each of the homes is unique and beautifully designed.  The homes are fully furnished which makes them super convenient and in the summer and fall most of the homes have a complimentary pontoon boat and kayaks.

Our favorite time to go is in the late fall.  The colors may have already faded but it’s a quiet time and often there are still some beautiful days to enjoy.  We’re hoping to head up again the last week of October if any of the homes are still available! 

http://www.bluelakesvacationrentals.com/  

All photographs of homes provided by owner.  We hope to take our own when we visit this fall. 

The Barn Cottage - The first home we visited and fell in love with. Has a great "hayloft" with a fantastic view and the kids love playing there.

Cedar Lake Lodge - We stayed at Cedar Lake Lodge last October and had wonderful weather. Visited a great pumpkin farm just up the road and Moomers Ice Cream. Yummy.

The Farm House Cottage - We've been able to visit the Farm House Cottage but have never stayed there and are hoping to this fall or maybe next spring. Beautiful open living room with a view down to the water.

The Landing on Long Lake - This is one home we have not been able visit but can't wait to check out. This home is located near the Sleeping Bear Dunes.

The School House Cottage - Another home we have visited but not stayed at but plan to soon. Has a fantastic "bell tower" with a telescope.

The Surf Cottage - This home is located along the Tunnel of Trees on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, need I say more?

The Beach House - Another of our family favorites. This home has a small sandy beach right on Upper Herring Lake and the master bedroom has the most beautiful sunrise and sunset views.

Another great thing about these homes is that most of them include the free use of a pontoon boat and kayaks during the summer months.  During the winter several of the homes are located near Crystal Mountain and there are plenty of nearby areas for snowshoeing and taking out the snowmobiles.  Check them out and see if they would fit your winter, spring, summer or fall getaway!