Boys :)

The other day, I met up with the Winoweicki family at Frederick Meijer Gardens to get some shots of Alex, 2 and Owen, 4.  With these two very energetic boys, each time is different.  It's challenging to keep up with them and nearly impossible to get them to sit still. So, what I like to do is simply follow them around as they run, jump and play and try to just get some candid shots of them being themselves.  Here's a few shots that I thought were cute.

Small town-big wedding

Last week I was in the tiny town of Vogel Center, MI...you haven't heard of it? I'm not surprised! This town may be small but, the wedding I was photographing there was anything but.  Eight bridesmaids, eight groomsmen with two ring-bearers, a flower girl and two ushers.
Upon arrival at the church, I knew I was in the right place...I saw approx. 7 pick-up trucks lined up at the back of the parking lot and thought ah, the wedding party is here!  I noticed that one of the crossroads nearest the church was the groom's namesake. I thought that was kinda funny but cool at the same time.
The bride had the most beautiful eyes...icy blue. I wished we had more time for photos outside but, when you get that many people together for formal photos, you're usually pressed for time.
I had a great time and both families seemed very happy to be sharing their big day. I was even offered a nice comfy bed at the farmhouse of the maid of honor...I took her up on that offer and we had a big country breakfast in the morning. On my way back to Grand Rapids, the first song on the radio was "Take Me Home Country Road" by John Denver. It seemed very fitting! :)

blue sky sunshine

I grew up in an area of Michigan where the fields stretch out as far as the eye can see and you can watch storm clouds roll in from miles away. Last weekend, I traveled to Caro, MI to photograph the wedding of Barb Leisse and Jan Hess. The ceremony took place at Indianfields Park by the Cass River and the happy couple released butterflies at the close of their nuptials. The weather was great, blue skies and sunshine, and everyone was happy to be a part of the celebration. Just after dinner, we went outside and noticed a rainbow to the north. They couldn't have asked for a better evening.

Lizzy senior session

It's been too long since I've had a senior session...
This girl is so beautiful that I really wanted more time with her but the heat and schedule conflicts prevented that. We were in the Thumb of Michigan which can be a challenge since the terrain is so flat for miles but, there is a nice little park on the Cass River where we went. Lizzy was a great subject subject and I think I may ask her if I can work with her again pro-bono just for more portfolio shots.

Jason and Tammy

I travel out of town for most of the weddings that I photograph, so for this wedding last weekend, I left early so I could grab a bite to eat in downtown Ann Arbor. I love Ann Arbor almost as much as I love Grand Rapids.
The wedding took place in the quiet town of Milan. The sister of the bride was a co-officiant and assisted the pastor, that was pretty cool. I was a little worried when the pastor requested that I not use my flash, usually they don't mind. However, I felt cheated because all of the guests decided to take pictures and use their flash. Oh well.
The couple rode away in a 1948 Kaiser Frazer, I wanted to spend an hour with the couple and the car but hungry guests awaited our arrival and we did not have much time for photos. darn!

Dan and Stacy

Last weekend I photographed the wedding of a co-worker, Stacy. I work with Stacy at Lincoln Country Club, part-time, which is where she had her reception. It was so strange being served and waited on by my co-workers. Dan and Stacy have been together for years so it was exciting to see them finally tie the knot. Stacy kept giggling during the ceremony, I think it was because she was just so happy! We took some goofy photos out on the practice green of the golf course and if we had had more time, we would've went for a spin on a golf cart!

Cass City wedding

I recently traveled to the Thumb again to photograph a wedding of a family friend. I love going back for "business" purposes. The ceremony took place north of town at the father of the bride's farm. It was such a beautiful day, a little on the sunny side, but perfect temperature and a slight breeze. The reception was at a hall in Bad Axe, MI and the couple gave all of the guests a bottle of homemade BBQ sauce, it was delicious!

Barb and Jan engagement session

Last weekend, I traveled to Caro, MI to meet with and photograph a couple who are tying the knot in September. I had a blast with them and, as you can see from the photos, they had a pretty good time too. We did so many goofy shots, I was lovin it!

Nick and Cindy

Better late than never! Last month I photographed a good friend's wedding, my first this season, and it was such a great day. It rained throughout the entire ceremony but, it didn't matter in the least. The ceremony took place at Caledonia Lakeside Park May 21. Here's a quick look at some of the images from that day.

Viewer discretion advised.

Last weekend I attended Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School drawing session and the Burlesque show Shimmy Shack Burlesque that followed. I did some drawing while I was there (like everyone else) but, also brought along my camera and was pleasantly surprised at the amount of available light on the tiny stage. I was able to keep the ISO low on the camera, which is nice. It was an impersonation show with the likes of Betty Boop, Lucille Ball, Amy Winehouse and Janet from Rocky Horror. The characters were hilarious the Sazarac Lounge has a good selection of micro-brews which is always a plus! Here's a peek.