I'm posting over at snip & scribble today about my awesome experience at Easy Canvas Prints.
Here's a little sneak peak:
Ever since we had Emily’s 1st birthday photo shoot, I’ve been dying to use the images somewhere around the house. I didn’t want to go overboard, but I did want to show off the only professional photos we had as a family. Enter: Easy Canvas Prints.
The first time I ever had my picture taken professionally was after I got my braces off, around the age of 13. It was part of the whole orthodontic package, and made me feel like a superstar, sort of. Next, senior pictures at the age of 17, and a family photo somewhere around 18. Finally came my wedding, and the whirlwind of photo ops along with that.
I think it was after the wedding proofs came back, that I really realized how much I valued a good photo. Since then, I’ve been dreaming up occasions to have a photo session again — anniversaries, new puppy, future baby bump shots, and the list goes on.
If you can, think about using the same photographer for all of these monumental moments. That way when you flip back in your photo album, or hang up a selection of framed prints, they’ll all look cohesive and focused.
Above, a selection of photos from one of my favorite local photographers, Kaela Lang of Kaleidoscope Photography. Kaela has photographed everything from weddings and engagements to babies and families. She has a way of capturing the most beloved moments, and has some great location ideas as well. If you’re in the Mid-Michigan area, you should definitely schedule a shoot with Kaela. Check out her blog for more inspiring photos.
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I love weddings situated over long holiday weekends, like Memorial Day Weekend! The timing can be very convenient for traveling guests, and the destination can serve as a nice little vacation for out of towners!
Your wedding events will have a little more breathing room as well, and won’t need to be crammed into a blur of two or three days. Not only will you have your rehearsal dinner and wedding day bliss, you’ll also have a few days afterwards to recoup and visit with family and friends in town.
Holiday weekends can be very busy though, so if you’re thinking of trying this for your wedding, reserve your weekend on guests’ calendars early by sending festive save the date cards well in advance!
Have a wonderful and relaxing weekend everyone!
The photo above from Kent Meireis Photography Blog.
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I love this real wedding featuring Kelly + Terrell, over at the whitebox wedding {photo blog}.
It’s real, fun, and and filled with color! The shoe shot originally attracted me to the blog, and once I was there I was completely amazed at the attention to detail. The wedding is filled with playful and coordinating details that all come together to compliment this casual outdoor venue.
I love it, and wish I was this brave with color!
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Have you ever wanted to be a supermodel, or strut your stuff in a high fashion photo shoot? Bella Rock Studio can make it happen. They photograph some amazing weddings and engagements, all in that high fashion style. You’ll look like you jumped straight off the pages of Vogue. Lisa at Bella Rock Studio captures your glowing moments and sets up some pretty fun and fresh shots.
I love this series of images from Jamie & Carmen’s wedding on 12.5.08!
Another spectacular photographer to spotlight… Brian Dorsey Studios out of New York City.
I’m drooling over all of his city shots, especially this one of Susan & Damian. It may be because I’m a small town girl, or it may just be because Brian can capture some amazing moments out there. Either way I love the thick contrast between two people and the concrete jungle, it's absolutely breathtaking.
Take a look at the blog for more big city love!
There are a few ways to complete this activity; by using a professional photo booth, or by rigging up a station including a backdrop and a camera, with help from your wedding photographer. Throw in some fun props for some creative improvising!
I like these types of photos, because theyre planned and will be enjoyable to thumb back through after the wedding, unlike that photo of your Uncle Mark eating a mouthful of cake.
Fabric swatches from Amy Butler and Repro Depot.
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Finally, the day has come! I’ve had spring thoughts in my head ever since March officially started, and even though I know it could still snow here in MI, I’m happy.
Here is a gorgeous spring engagement session shot in April of last year by HyStudio.
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These shots are from one of my favorite Michigan photographers; Jessica Johnston.
The rehearsal dinner is an important part of the wedding lineup, and often gets forgotten about, from a photographic standpoint. I recently read an article about a new trend with wedding photographers, as they take on the rehearsal dinner also! You can read more about it here, at wedpix.com.
I’m definitely liking this new trend, after all, it’s usually an intimate event with your closest friends and family. Not to mention, it’s an evening
If you’re set on capturing the rehearsal dinner, it may be a good idea to see if your wedding photographer will make an appearance for a few hours, that way all of your photos will have the same angle and feel.
If it’s way out of your budget, see if a few of your relatives or friends will stand in as wedding photographer for the evening. They’ll be thrilled you asked, and you’ll get a few alternative views to your special evening.
Images courtesy of Melissa Schollaert Photography.
View blog reactionsLove this photo by Mel barlow, its so playful! This is one of those inspirational moments that should help encourage you to have some fun at your wedding! Let loose and don't be afraid to act a little silly. Many of our favorite wedding shots are the result of being a little playful, they're unique and personal... so get out there on your big day and create some unforgettable memories!
I am loving the style of Grise Photography! I came across their beautifully designed site (complete with a playlist) and was enthralled in the moments Jenny has captured. I seriously cannot believe some of these shots... she has managed to portray the bouquet toss in a totally different light (I'm still laughing out loud), along with many other priceless memories from her clients.
First off, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Well, I'm Jenny! I am proud to call myself a professional wedding photographer, but I'm also a fiancee (getting married next May!), a stepmommy-to-be, a vegetarian, and a strong animal lover. Besides my photography, interests include crocheting, music, painting, clay sculpture, dancing, singing, jogging, traveling, good wine, vegetarian sushi, the color red and meeting new people! I'm an "Office" and "LOST" dork, too. You should know this about me. Oh, and I love 80s music.
How did you get started with wedding photography?
Ever since my first assignment in my first photography class in high school, I've been hooked. While a student at Indiana University in Bloomington, I studied studio art with an emphasis on photography. During that time, I was also working at a local bridal salon where I met the first bride I would ever photograph: Sandra! I'll never forget her or her husband, because they gave me a chance to do what I've always dreamed of doing and I've never looked back. Their wedding was July 2005.
What would you say your artistic style is, when shooting weddings?
I call it artful photojournalism. What's important to me is to capture events and emotions as they happen, when they happen. I am not at your wedding to direct, but to observe and document the natural unfolding of things. While doing this, as much as I can play--with angles, light, color, contrast, etc.--I will! It's my pride and joy to constantly challenge myself as an artist, to always look for new ways to be creative, and in doing so, create photographs that really communicate to the world who this couple is!
Do you have any photographic recommendations (do's and don'ts) for brides to keep in mind for their wedding day?
Be sure you mesh well with your photographer before your wedding day! This is the vendor you'll be spending your whole day with, so if you don't get along, it's going to be a long day. By the time the day comes, the most important thing is to relax (as much as you can!) and be yourself! I know, I know, easier said than done when you've got someone following you around with a camera all day, you're wearing an ivory silk dress and carrying flowers. But remember: You're not a "bride" or "groom", you're YOU--first and foremost. And you're marrying the person you can't imagine living without. That is what to focus on above all else.
This image caught my eye, to say the least. Upon further investigation, I found the team of Aric Lampert and Casey Burnett who make up the Aric Alan Photography Team. They're currently based in Lubbock, Texas, and have a website and blog chocked full of amazing moments.
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