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Happy Valentine’s Day!  I hope everyone reading this blog had an absolutely wonderful love-filled, chocolate covered Valentine’s Day……I already know that you have been struck by cupid’s arrow

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I decided to blog a hot pink wedding that we photographed a while ago.  Not only was Ivana’s color scheme hot pink, but Ivana and Landry are one HOT couple (as Ivana knows, Brian teased me all day because I was so obsessed with Ivana’s AMAZINGLY pretty eyes).  So…..on to my new crush

In these next 2 photos, Ivana reminds me on Elizabeth Taylor in her hey-day.

Ivana’s bridesmaids were also drop-dead gorgeous….

While shadows on faces are usually something to avoid in portriats, I love the fern shadows on her forehead.

Landry smiled like this the ENTIRE day.  What a great sign!

I always love the photos of the bride and groom during the recessional…..such unbridled joy and happiness.  Definately the most sincere smiles of the day.

Crystal of Affordable Elegance (www.aecclinen.com ) transformed Baypointe Golf Club into a black and hot pink vision……by far one of the coolest and most striking combinations that I have ever seen. 

While their guests were still finishing dinner, we snuck Ivana and Landry outside for a couple of sunset photos. 

…..and then it was back inside for some fun!  I love that they even carried the pink theme into the lighting.

Thanks for choosing us, guys!  I have loved working with you from the engagement session to the ooh-la-la session to the wedding…you are such a picture perfect couple

Jen and Devin had a gorgeous fall wedding at one of my favorite venues, Oakhurst Golf Club.  The sun was so on our side that day.  Providing amazing light for photos early in the day, cloud coverage for the ceremony (no squinting!) and yummy golden light for some beautiful shots after the ceremony.

Jen had the biggest smile on her face the entire day (more on that later

Hot Mama!  I am sure that this will be one of Devin’s favorite shot of the day………because it shows her gorgeous ring, of course

I love how Jen’s mom is looking at her in this image. 

Of course, we can’t leave out Devin. 

This is one of my favorite “getting ready” shots of a groom that Brian has done.  I think it is the perfect definition of a casual portait, too!

Jen and Devin chose to see eachother before the ceremony.  I was so fortunate to have so many couples do that this year.  While I never push a couple to do it if it isn’t for them, I cannot recommend it enough.  Not only do you have more time to do fabulous photos of the 2 of you (rather than trying to squeeze them in during your cocktail hour…..which you end up missing), but you get to really take the moment in.  The emotion that we are able to capture (tears, smiles, giggles, kisses) is something that just doesn’t happen during the procession when all eyes are on you and you have a million things running through your head.  I have had so many couples say that they wished they did see eachother, but none that have said that they wished they didn’t.  So……2009 (and 2010) brides, take note

There is nothing like fall light……it is by far my favorite time of the year to shoot.

I LOVE how Devin is looking at Jen in this image….I am sure she will, too!

My favorite thing about Oakhurst (besides their unique reception room with the soaring ceilings, huge stone fireplace, impeccable staff and amazing food) is the grove of pinetrees that surrounds the clubhouse.  They provide such a dramatic setting for photographs.

Doesn’t Jen look stunning?

My favorite kind of bridal party portrait….fun, fast and casual.

Just before the ceremony, these dramatic clouds rolled in. 

The maid of honor was SOOO excited that her best friend was getting married

Jen had a dream about what her ceremony site would look like……..this is what she envisioned.  How incredibly cool is this?

After the ceremony we snuck off for a couple of minutes to take advantage of the golden light that comes just before sunset.

EASILY my absolute favorite of the day.  This is begging to be a HUGE metallic gallery wrap.

Brian nailed this shot of Devin.

I love all of the details.  Roses, hanging crystals, candles…..and whoever chose the Sanders hot fudge as favors gets an “A” in my book!

I mentioned how Jen smiled from ear to ear the ENTIRE day.  As I was editting their images, I was struck by just how happy she was.  Isn’t this what all of the planning/stressing/preparation is for?  I can tell just by looking at the photos that she enjoyed each and every moment…

Thank you, Jen and Devin, for choosing us to be a part of your wedding and allowing us to capture all of the happy moments :-)  Keep smilin’!

Suzy has a smile that is so contagious, you can’t help but feel happy when around her.  Suzy and Chris and their family and friends made us feel so welcome when we photographed their wedding this summer.  Although their reception was held at Glen Oaks in Farmington Hills, being the HUGE Michigan State fans that they are, they decided to have their ceremony at the beautiful horticultural gardens on the campus of Michigan State.  And when 2 of Michigan State’s finest alumni tie the knot, you KNOW Sparty is not going to miss that party!   

Dana and Scot are one gorgeous couple!  We had been looking forward to photographing their wedding since we met first met them.  There are some people who just always look good in front of the camera and they are those type of people!  Not only are they easy on the eyes, but they are are such a genuinely sweet couple. 

Dana’s dress was exquisite! 

It is easy to see where Dana gets her good looks…..her mom, Julie, is so pretty.

Like so many of our couples this year, Dana and Scot chose to see eachother before the ceremony.  I love this photo of Dana wiping away the tears when she first saw Scot.  Many people think that when the bride and groom see eachother before the ceremony, emotion is lost….I dare you to look at these next 2 images and say that!

The positively stunning bride.

I LOVE this image……..definately my favorite portrait of the 2 of them!

Oooooh, but I really like this one, too!

Seriously…..how gorgeous is she?

Look at that smile!

Look at those eyes!  With Dana’s smile and Scot’s eyes, they are going to have beautiful babies

The ladies looked fierce.  I love seeing past clients at weddings.  We photographed Nikki’s wedding earlier this year (third from the right).

Ok, so this is something that is usually pretty typical to see at the end of the night…..but this was before the ceremony!

I love this photo of Grandma watching as Dana and Scot signed their Ketubbah. 

After the ceremony, we snuck outside for a couple of sunset shots….look at how everything is bathed in such a warm, golden light.

The ballroom looked spectacular.  Dee Dee Hoffman (www.ddhpartydesign.com ), along with Breath of Spring, transformed the room with flowers, candles, chivari chairs, gorgeous linens and uplighing.

Think Dana was scared?

Dana and Scot, thank you for choosing us to photograph your wedding and be a part of such a wonderful wedding.  We had so much fun with you, your friends and your families….thanks, again

We photographed Vanessa and David’s wedding way back in…..well, let’s just say it was HOT outside!

Vanessa and David met in New York, where they both currently live ( I LOVE New York….the city, not the reality show ;-)  Their wedding was an elegant affair that looked like it jumped from the pages of Grace Ormonde.  With their dark hair, gorgeous smiles and ridiculous good looks, it is easy to see why these 2 fell for eachother. 

Vanessa got dressed at the Kirk in the Hills, an amazing church where the ceremony took place.

Anyone who is a Sex and the City fan will see the resemblance that David has to “Big”.  Funny thing is that he has that same charisma….a little bit cocky (in a good way and a smile that probably gets him out of a lot of trouble!

Vanessa is drop-dead gorgeous!!!

These next 2 are my some of my favorite portraits ever:

Kirk in the Hills is a gorgeous church……..BUT, they do not allow photographers into the sanctuary during the ceremony, even for the procession.  We were able to capture a few in the “holding area”, but this is one of my faves that we got during the procession.

Now those are genuine smiles!

Loooooooove this one:

The reception was at Meadowbrook and the details were exquisite:

Since it was raining when we arrived at Meadowbrook, we weren’t able to get outdoor photos before the reception.  Later in the night, we convinced Vanessa and David to sneak away for a couple of minutes for a couple of portraits in the mansion…….I definately think it was worth it!

Vanessa and David, the only thing better looking than your venues was the two of you!  Thanks for being so incredibly good looking and making our jobs so easy ;-)  Now….go enjoy some Pinkberry for me!