Blog-127  

1.  Avoid Heavy Details - heavy details and beading are beautiful but they do weigh down your veil.

2.  One Layer is Best - multiple layers of tulle can be hard to toss.

3.  Fine tulle flies more freely!

4.  If in doubt...test it out before you make your final selection! I find it's best not to totally toss the veil up, but rather have someone reach it up as high as possible, then just a gentle toss from there. 

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* Morgan's veil could not have been more perfect.  It was a single layer of beautiful, light-weight tulle and the light beading all the way around gave it just the right amount of weight to fall evenly and beautifully.  

I have always loved photography!  I’m so thankful that my dad shared his love of photography with me from an early age.  This is an image I took for a 4-H project when I was growing up.

The above photograph was awarded the honor of hanging in the Michigan room at the 4-H headquarters in Washington DC and I am glad I had the opportunity to visit and to see it hanging there in person.   I took it 40ish year ago (yikes 😳) with my first "big camera" that my parents had given me for Christmas. I have fond memories of traveling around the country with my family, that trusty film camera in tow. 

Life happened, I had a family and career in agriculture that took up most of my time, but I always loved taking pictures of my kids and capturing snapshots in time that are beautiful memories that I treasure dearly.   As my two sons became teenagers, I purchased my first Digital SLR camera and found my real passion for photography again that eventually developed into a profitable side hustle and now my full-time gig.   During the past 10 years my business has had many facets…from taking photos highlighting production agriculture for various agribusinesses, senior photos, family memories, and of course, weddings!

The highlight of my summer was taking photos at the Gratiot County Fair For Youth to help them promote the value of 4-H and the fair to our community.  One of my favorite photos was of these two clover buds that was turned into a billboard.

In 2020 I moved to Ludington and opened my photography studio.  I used the studio for Senior portrait and corporate headshots and also some mini sessions.

I have had the opportunity to take many family and senior photos, but the part of my business that has flourished and that I am so enthusiastic about is wedding photography and I am so excited to be transitioning my business to focus primarily on weddings.   I love capturing genuine, joy-filled moments for our couples and the best way to do that is to give each and every couple the very best wedding photography experience possible from the moment they contact us until long after their wedding day is past.   Myself, along with Andy, my partner in life and photography, focus on creating an environment where we can capture these treasured moments.   When a couple's wedding day arrives, and we walk into their bridal suites we want them to feel like they are welcoming friends to the party rather than strangers.   Focusing primarily on wedding clients should help us improve this facet of our business. At the end of the day, we want our brides to treasure having been a "Captivating Bride" because they have beautiful, timeless memories for their walls and albums.

Effective January 1, 2023

• The studio space on James Street in Ludington is closed.

• We will not be taking on new clients for family or senior photos.   If you are a past client (ie:  I have taken your other children’s senior photos and you’d like me take another child’s as well), please feel free to contact me.

• If you already have a session booked with us for 2023…no worries; your session will go on as planned.  😊

While a little bittersweet, I am also thrilled to focus my energy on what makes my heart happy in this season of life and for this chapter of my business and that is creating beautiful memories for my couples that showcase their connection with each other.   

November 12, 2022

Dow Diamond - Midland, MI

Whitney & Jessica created a beautiful winter wonderland backdrop for their wedding celebration.  It may have been chilly and a little blustery outside, but the fireplaces and everyone's' hearts were warm on the inside making it a beautiful day for two beautiful brides.    Love, joy and happiness filled their wedding celebration, and it was wonderful to see their family and so many friends gathered to share their special day with them.    As you scroll through some of my favorite images, I'm sure you will notice all the smiles and even a few happy tears; it's easy to see how much these two love each other and how everyone close to them has embraced their love as well.  There were so many genuine, joy filled moments throughout the day, but I especially loved the very heartfelt vows that shared with each other during their ceremony.

Whitney & Jessica, it was an absolute honor to capture your wedding day memories and we hope you enjoy reliving your incredible day with a few the many, many images we captured.  We wish you all the best as you embark on this journey of life together and create your own happily ever after.  

Venue:  Dow Diamond Events

DJ: Nightlife Entertainment

Cake Artist: The Gourmet Cupcake Shoppe

Florist: The Village Green

Hair Stylist:  Lydia Beissette

Makeup Artist: Emily Roggon

October 15, 2022

Ludington, Michigan

The fall color in Ludington was just stunning for Conor and Ashley's wedding day!   The day was a bit chilly and blustery, but the air was filled with so much joy and love that it warmed everyone's hearts.   As I sorted through the amazing images from their special day what captured my eye was the genuine, heartfelt emotion that was evident throughout.  From the spontaneous (completely unplanned) first look with the bride's dad to the fun and laughter that was shared amongst friends and family to the moment when Conor and Ashley said their "I do's"; love and joy was present.   I hope you enjoy these moments as much as I did as your scroll through a few of my many, many favorite images from their wedding day!

Conor & Ashley, we hope you enjoy reliving your wedding day as you look through these photos.  It was an absolute honor to capture these memories for you and we wish you all the best as you begin this new season in life as husband and wife.

Wedding Venue:  Cornerstone Baptist Church

Reception Venue:  Sterns Hotel & Wedding Venue

Cake Artist:  Violet's Bakery

DJ: Sound Waves Entertainment

Hair Stylist: Safari Sun

Caterer: Gloria's Ann's Catering
 

September 24, 2022

Birchview Outdoor Wedding & Event Center

Linden, Michigan

Jonny & Kelcie had a beautiful wedding celebration at the Birchview Outdoor Wedding & Event Center in Linden, Michigan.   It's a lovely venue with so many beautiful spots for photographs.  The day may have started out rainy and drizzly, but it didn't dampen the spirits of all the friends and family who came out for the joyous occasion and thankfully the rain finally did stop in time for their ceremony.    There are so many wonderful memories that are highlighted throughout this blog post, including an anniversary dance for Kelcie's parents who were married on this same date 34 years ago.  I especially love some of the candid moments we were able to capture that show the love and connection with their families; from hugs and laughs and even some happy tears.  As you scroll through all these special moments from their wedding day, be sure to notice all the sweet images with their precious baby girl, Reighlyn.    

Jonny & Kelcie it was an absolute honor to capture your day and we wish you the very best as you begin this new season in life as husband and wife with your sweet daughter.   We hope you enjoy reliving your wedding day with some of our many, many favorite images from your big day!!!

September 10, 2022

Alma, Michigan

Cameron & Carly had a joyous celebration of their love surrounded by their friends and family in Gratiot County, Michigan.   Their wedding date was very special as Carly's parents' anniversary (33 years) was the day before and her grandparents' anniversary (67 years) was the day after.   There is a very treasured photo during the reception with the three couples sharing a special dance together in honor of the anniversaries.   There really are so many wonderful memories highlighted throughout this blog post from Carly's first look with her dad to photos with Cameron & Carly's sweet puppy Cleo at their beautiful country church.  As you scroll through these incredible moments from their wedding day, one thing you are sure to notice is Cameron and Carly's connection with each other and that the happiness they have found with each other is evident from the smiles on their faces.  

Cameron & Carly we wish you the very best as you begin this new season in life as husband and wife and truly hope you enjoy reliving your wedding day with some of our favorite photos from your big day!   

Wedding Venue: Doig Chapel - Michigan Masonic Pathways

Reception Venue: Pins Bar & Grill

Videographer:  Annie Laurenz

DJ:  Doug Shankel

Portrait Venue: Saravilla Bed & Breakfast

Caterer: Shepherd Bar & Grill

Florist: Pretty as a Peacock

Cake Artist: Kennedy Beebe

Hair Stylists: Glamour at the Bella 

Makeup Artist: Brittini Davidson

July 15, 2022

Little Flower Barn, Lake Isabella, Michigan

AJ & Riley's wedding day was just incredible from the beginning to the end and through the sunshine and the rain.   It was full of amazing details that were near and dear to their hearts including their horses and their dog, Grace.  Then there was AJ's vintage pickup truck that Riley drove up in before walking down the aisle...every time I look at the pictures of her in the truck I will always smile remembering her reeving up the engine and seeing the smiles on the faces of the groom and the guests.   After the wedding, like true dairy farmers an ice cream social was enjoyed by their guests before the the reception.   AJ & Riley had an abundance of friends and family that came to celebrate with them...and celebrate they did.  Fritz from Revolution Entertainment did an amazing job playing tunes that the crowd loved and Riley even got 97% of her guests to make a big circle around the whole venue for the "Chicken Dance."   They truly made their day unique and special in so many ways, but most importantly it was a beautiful celebration of their love and commitement to each other.  It's a day I'm sure they and their guests will always look back on with fond memories. 

AJ & Riley it was truly an honor to capture this special moment in your lives.   Thank you so much for entrusting us with your wedding day memories.  We hope you enjoy reliving your wedding day through a few of our favorite images highlighting your day and we wish you both the very best as you begin this season of life as husband and wife.  

Cake Artist: Marilyn's Cakes

Caterer: Jenny's Catering

DJ: Revolution Entertainment

Hair & Makeup: Shabby 2 Chic Hair Boutique

Ice Cream:  Doozies

Florist: Kate Upton

10/17/2021

The Lake House Venue, Ludington,  Michigan

David and Claudia had an incredible Pure Michigan wedding.   They chose an amazing waterfront venue that provides the best that Ludington has to offer and add to that one of the sweetest couples you could ever hope to meet and you have the recipe for a very special day.  This is a couple has beautiful souls complete with wonderful families and their day was joy filled from beginning to end.  David and Claudia share a wonderful connection that you'll so easily recognize as you scroll through a few of my favorite images from their special day.   Their wedding day was a beautiful celebration of their love.

David & Claudia, thank you so much for entrusting me with your wedding day memories.  It was truly an honor to capture this special moment in your lives.  I hope you enjoy reliving your wedding day through these images and  I wish you both the very best as you begin this season of life as husband and wife.  

September, 18 2021

Ithaca, MI

Logan & Gabby's beautiful fall wedding in the pines was full of friends, family and festivity; yet complete with intimate moments especially for the two of them.   They were both so relaxed throughout the day and the joy they felt about marrying each other was evident by the look on their faces.  As you scroll through a few of my favorites from their wedding day you'll notice the love and kindness they share with each other and with everyone around them.  It filled their day from beginning to end and I truly felt blessed to capture it in these images.   Their wedding day could not have been more perfect, from the venue, to the support of friends and family to the beautiful weather Mother-Nature delivered; I'm sure it's everything they dreamed it would be and more!  

Logan & Gabby, I hope you enjoy reliving your wedding day through these images for years to come.  Enjoy this season in life as newlyweds and may you always look back on it with the fondest of memories.

 Florist: Sweet Beets Floral  

Hair Stylist: Glamour at the Bella

Makeup Artist: Makeup by Sara

DJ:  Kadella Entertainment

Second Photographer: Rachael Claeys

October 3, 2020

Ludington, Michigan

Tyler and Brooke’s intimate Ludington beach wedding was an incredible celebration of their love for one another.  When they couldn’t get married at their original venue because of the pandemic restrictions, they decided they definitely didn’t want to put off getting married even if the big celebration with friends and family had to wait.   It may have been a chilly and drizzly October day, but it sure didn’t put a damper on the joy and love they showed for one another and the setting was just as beautiful as their love.  After the ceremony when the drizzle turned to down pour we made the best of it and captured some unique wedding memories out on the pier.

Tyler and Brooke, I was so happy to capture your wedding day memories for you.   I hope you truly enjoy this time as newlyweds as you look forward to October 2, 2021 to celebrate your one year anniversary in the biggest way with all your family and friends present.  I certainly wish you both the very best in this new season in life as husband and wife.

September 26, 2020

Ithaca, Michigan

Hayden and Britnee’s wedding day was incredible in every way!  Getting married in 2020 in the midst of a global pandemic is not for the faint of heart, but Britnee handled it all in stride and the result was a dreamy outdoor wedding and reception.   All the details came together beautifully and even Mother Nature cooperated fully.   In chatting with both the bride and groom while they were preparing for the ceremony it was evident that they were both ready and excited to get married to the love of their life and best friend!  As you scroll through their wedding day memories you’ll notice so much joy and happiness, not just in the faces of the bride and groom but also on the faces of their family and friends.  Hayden and Britnee’s wedding was a beautiful celebration of their love.

Hayden and Britnee, thank you so much for entrusting me with your wedding day memories.  It was truly a pleasure to capture this special moment in your lives.  I wish you both the very best as you begin this new season in life as husband and wife.  Enjoy this time as newlyweds and I hope you always look back at this time with fond memories.

Second Photographer – Rachael Claeys – Rachael Isobel Photographer

Florist – Flowers by Patty Macha

Cake Artist – Lacey Beogher

Band – Jedi Mindtrip

Caterer – Black Forest Catering

Hair Stylist – Kelsey Poscal

Makeup Artist – Lacey Gepford

February 22, 2020

Ithaca, Michigan

Adam & Lacie were just recently engaged and were planning a February 2021 wedding, however when Lacie's Dad was diagnosed with cancer they decided to move their wedding date to February 2020 and planned their celebration of their love in just two short weeks.  Their day could not have been more perfect, from the family and close friends who came together for this special occasion on short notice, to the incredible February day Mother Nature provided.  It was certainly a privilege to capture this special and intimate occasion for them.

Adam and Lacie, you launched right into married life without question that it was the right thing to do and with so much grace.  If you handle all of life's challenges with as much thoughtfulness as you did in planning your wedding, you're sure to have a long and happy marriage.  I hope you enjoy reliving your wedding day as you scroll through a few of my favorite images.  I wish you both the very best as you begin this new season in life as husband and wife!

December 14, 2019

Alma, Michigan

What dreams are made of is the best way to describe Logan and Morgan's wedding day.  These two did an incredible job planning their big day filled with lots cozy winter details.  The color palette of dusty pink and navy mixed with lots of greenery made for a quintessential yet non-traditional December wedding and all the elements came together beautifully.  Lots of special moments were planned throughout their day, from their first look at the pines, to sharing letters not only with each other but also their parents.  Then there was Morgan's first look with her dad, writing and sharing their own vows and roasting a s'more in lieu of cutting a cake.   As you scroll through their photos and you take in glimpse of all these special aspects of their day that you also notice the love, happiness and joy in the faces of Logan and Morgan and all the friends and family that were a witness of their celebration of love and commitment to one another. 

Logan and Morgan, it was certainly a special treat to not only be the Mother of the Groom, but to also capture (with the help of my good friend, Marvin Hall) these special memories for you.  It has been a pleasure to watch your relationship blossom and mature over these past two years.  Your deep connection is evdident in so many facets of your lives and I look forward to watching your relationship continue to develop as husband and wife.   I certainly hope you enjoy reliving your wedding day through these images for many years to come.  Enjoy this season in life as newlyweds and may you always look back on it with the fondest of memories.  

November 09, 2019

Venue at 501, Clare, Michigan

Thomas and Megan's wedding day was stunning from beginning to end.  Mother Nature tried to throw us a curve ball by adding a  splash of winter into their fall wedding day, but Megan was laid back and easy going and it never seemed to phase her a bit...plus she and the rest of the bridal party get kudos for tolerating the extra chilly temps for outdoor portraits.   It's always special to watch families come together to celebrate with the bride and groom as they commit their lives to one another and Thomas and Megan's day was no exception.   Their day was filled with loving kindness from beginning to end with lots of laughs sandwiched inbetween, which is the perfect recipe for happiness.

Thomas and Megan, I hope you thoroughly enjoy this sampling of memories from your wedding day!   These are memories that you can treasure for lifetime and that your children and grandchildren can cherish for theirs.  Thomas and Megan, make sure you relish in this new season in life as newlyweds and I wish you a lifetime of happiness together

October 19, 2019

Petoskey, Michigan

WOW!  It was truly an incredible day in northern Michigan and it helped make Corey and Allie's wedding day picture perfect from beginning to end.   Every single wedding day is a beautiful day in my book, but when Mother Nature cooperates so fully, it's definitely a little extra special.    The color pallete of teal and navy with splashes of raspberry and orange was perfect with the fall color that was beginning to pop and equally as stunning against the backdrop of the Little Traverse Bay.    Corey and Allie's wedding day was just as sweet as they are.   God was the center of their day, just as I am sure it will be the center of their marriage.  It was truly a blessing to be a witness to the love and devotion that they have to each other and a God centered life and their commitment to be encouragers to each other.   As you browse through their wedding day memories, you can't help but notice the tender love they have for each other and Corey's uncanny ability to make Allie smile and laugh.   It's a beautiful connection when you can love deeply and thoroughly enjoy one another's company, whether it's over a third cup of coffee or a run in the woods.  Stay focused on that joy and simple pleasures in your lives together and always treasure what you share.

Corey & Allie, I hope you enjoy reliving your wedding day through these images.  You have some beautiful memories here that will last a lifetime and beyond.  You made it a priority to have a solid footing in your marriage, don't forget to work just as vigilantly as you begin to build the foundation as a family.  Enjoy this time together as newlyweds and may you always look back at this season in life with fond memories.

October 12, 2019

Bucks Run Golf Club - Mt. Pleasant, Michigan

Chase & Erin's wedding day was a beautiful celebration of their love.   Erin did an incredible job planning all the details for the occasion and the color pallet of navy, blush and rose gold definitely set the tone for a romantic and dreamy wedding day.  The day was a blustery (alright downright WINDY) and chilly for an outdoor wedding and then there was a power outage at the venue and few other minor hiccups along the way that are inevitably a part of every wedding day. However, Chase and Erin kept their eyes on the prize (each other) and didn't let those minor little things take away from the big picture that it was their WEDDING DAY!  They were both excited for this day; the day they would begin building their future together as husband and wife and they didn't let anything take away from that joy.  As you scroll through their wedding day photos you can clearly see the extraordinary love they have for each other.  You can see it in the smiles on their faces and with the intensity that they gaze at one another.  

Chase and Erin, thank you so much for letting me be a part of your wedding day and for entrusting me to capture such a special time in your life.  It has truly been a pleasure to get to know as you planned for your big day.   Cherish this time you have as newlyweds and I hope enjoy looking back at it with fond memories.  I wish you all the best as you begin this new season in life as Mr. & Mrs. Roberts. 

October 5, 2019

Saint Louis, Michigan

It was a perfect October day for Brock and Jessica's fall themed wedding.   Their celebration was filled with beautiful moments from beginning to end.  Jessica radiated joy throughout the day with her fun loving spirit, and Brock clearly adores Jessica with all his heart.   One thing, I especially loved about their wedding was Jessica's brother, Lane, was her "Man of Honor" and it was a privilege to witness the evidence of their close relationship throughout the day in lots of special moments.  Lane never missed beat on his duties when it was time to fluff the train or hold Jessica's bouquet.  As you are scrolling through their wedding day memories take note of those wonderful moments and you will surely also notice the happiness that was evident throughout the entire day...not only from the bride and groom, but among all their friends and family as well. 

Brock and Jessica, it was an honor to witness and photograph your celebration of your love for each other and to capture your special memories.  I hope you enjoy reliving these moments each time you look through the images from your wedding day.  I certainly wish you all the best as you begin this new season in your life as husband and wife.  

August 31, 2019

Little Patch of Heaven - Carson City, Michigan

It was a gorgeous August day for Kyle and Jacey's wedding at the Little Patch of Heaven.    The venue was the perfect backdrop for their country themed wedding and to create their own little patch of heaven as they celebrated their love for each other with their family and friends.  As you scroll through the photos from their wedding day you'll notice Jacey had lots of pecial little touches planned from a first look with her bridesmaids and dad and a first touch with Kyle before the wedding.  As I sorted through the photos from their wedding I often found myself smiling at the genuine display love and happiness that was evidient throughout the day and I hope these moments make you smile as well.  

Kyle and Jacey, I hope you enjoy reliving your wedding day through these photographs.  You made some beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.   Enjoy this time together as newly weds and may you always look back at it with fond memories.   I wish you all the best as you begin this new season in life as husband and wife.