Looking Glass Photography Blog http://www.lgpblog.biz Contemporary wedding and lifestyle photography serving Michigan and beyond Fri, 09 Dec 2011 03:52:15 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.5 Emily + Cal | Willis Tower, Chicago http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/12/emily-cal-willis-tower-chicago/ http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/12/emily-cal-willis-tower-chicago/#comments Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:28:20 +0000 Kelly http://www.lgpblog.biz/?p=3454 Where to begin??  Emily and Cal’s wedding has been a long time in the making.  Years and years.  And Terry and I have known them at least that long.  Terry used to coach Cal when he was a gymnast at MSU.  Yes… long, long ago- Cal was just a wee babe.  ;)   Well, he met Emily and…. many, many (many) years later…. they got hitched.  And they tied the knot on the 66th floor of the Willis Tower (a.k.a. the Sears Tower, the tallest building in the US).  How cool is that?!  I didn’t even know you could get married there!  The whole weekend was a blast, minus getting lost downtown and having the valet lose our keys (Seriously?  How does that happen??).  Incidentally, did you know that large buildings totally obliterate GPS signal and render it useless??  That’s really good information to have!  :D   The wedding day was jam-packed with all kinds of fun…. Emily and Cal’s first look, complete with Emily getting serenaded by a streetside saxophonist playing “Here Comes the Bride.”  She literally stopped traffic on the busy Chicago streets with her gorgeousness!!  The photos at the foot of the Tower and on the bridge by the river were amazing (and I was in photographer heaven!).  Afterward, their blended Jewish-Catholic ceremony was so sweet and intimate.  Then, there was the party…. oh my goodness, the party.  I’ll just let the images tell the story, but keep an eye out for Cal’s backflip during the reception.  And various other physically challenging dance-moves.  It was incredible!! 

Emily and Cal… I hope you love your images as much as I loved capturing them for you!  I wish you both every happiness… love you!!  xoxo

 

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………………………………..

Dress Designer :: Pattis

Hair/Makeup ::  Kim Piech

Florist ::  Nicole Pandola-Fleur Couture

Cake :: Sarah’s Bakery, Chicago

DJ/Band :: Rob Galtman-Plan it Perfect Entertainment

Honeymoon :: Aruba!!!

Bride occupation :: Physical Therapist      Groom Occupation :: Production Coordinator

How did you meet :: At Michigan State through a mutual friend

Date engaged ::  10.12.10

Favorite part of the day :: The whole day!

Funniest thing that happened :: When the pan handler near the Willis Tower played Here Comes the Bride on his saxophone.

Anything you’d do differently or change if you could relive the day again :: It was perfect

If you did a “first look,” would you do it again? Why? Yes, it was a special intimate momement

Favorite detail :: Loved the flowers and center pieces

First Dance Song :: The Way You Look Tonight- Frank Sinatra

Father/Daughter Song :: Isn’t She Lovely-Stevie Wonder

Mother/Son Song :: A Mother’s Love-Jim Brickman

Cake Flavor :: Red Velvet

]]> http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/12/emily-cal-willis-tower-chicago/feed/ 0 Ginny + Ralph http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/11/ginny-ralph/ http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/11/ginny-ralph/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:04:29 +0000 Kelly http://www.lgpblog.biz/?p=3398  Oh, Ginny and Ralph, how do I even begin to describe you two and the day you became one??  Ginny has this bubbly, magnetic personality that makes you feel like you’ve known her forever.  Ralph is slightly more cool and understated.  Being New Yorkers, it was difficult to get us all in the same room together (we tried for months for that elusive engagement session!).  Finally meeting Ginny for the first time over coffee was like seeing an old friend and I knew her wedding day was going to be something for the books.  :)   It didn’t disappoint.  Their October wedding day was simply perfection… the weather was amazing and complemented their plans beautifully.  After their traditional Catholic ceremony at St. Gerard’s, we played for a while with their bridal party downtown.  They were a riot!!  Ginny’s sisters and friends were oh-so-fabulous as bridesmaids and Ralph’s groomsmen defined the word stylish.  I seriously think that group belongs in magazines!!   The cherry on top was their rockin’ reception… probably the hottest dancefloor of the season!  Ginny even had a wardrobe change into a gorgeous traditional Chinese dress as a nod to Ralph’s heritage.  It was such a memorable night and I feel so blessed to have captured in pictures.  Here’s your sneak, guys… congrats again!! Wishing you much happiness… xoxo

 

Yaaaayyyy!!!

Seriously.  One.  Hot.  Tamale.  :D

He doesn’t even have to try… he just owns it.  :)

*Love*

*favorite*

This dancefloor was seriously out of control…

October 8, 2011

Ceremony :: St. Gerard’s Church

Reception :: Country Club of Lansing

Dress Designer (Bride) :: Robert Bullock

Dress Designer (Bridesmaids) :: Alfred Sung (Dessy Group)

Tux Designer (Groom) :: Ralph Lauren Black Label

Tux Rental (Groomsmen) :: Calvin Klein from Men’s Wearhouse

Hair/Makeup :: Douglas J…and a lil’ bit from the Bride herself

Florist :: Petal & Forrest

Cake :: Cakes A Bloomin’ – chocolate chip with buttercream frosting.  Groom’s Cake :: Udder Creamery – vanilla/Oreo ice cream cake.

DJ/Band :: Adam from Jammin’ DJs. Robert Jones played classical guitar during cocktail hour / dinner.

Transportation :: Country Club Limo for Bridal Party / the classy Shaggin’ Wagon for guests!

Honeymoon :: Maldives & Ireland (logistically it works, we can explain)

How did you meet :: Ralph saw Ginny singing in a cabaret show at Don’t Tell Mama piano bar in New York. After, he picked her up at the bar!

Date engaged :: October 8, 2010 (yes, we got married one year to the date!)

How did you get engaged (as told by the Bride, with help from the Groom):: Ralph recreated our first date in New York: the same dinner, the same restaurant, sat at the same table, after-dinner drinks at same bar.  He told me that afterwards we were meeting his out-of-town friends at the Peninsula hotel’s rooftop bar.  By the time the date part was over and we were on our way to meet his friends, I, having thought for the hundredth time that maybe this was going to be the big night, gave up and napped disappointedly in the back of the taxi.  When we arrived the hotel, we went upstairs to the rooftop bar and looked for his friends, who were suspiciously absent.  We then went to his friends’ room and knocked on the door…when nobody answered he reached into his pocket and pulled out a room key and said, “oh look!  I have a key!”.  When the door opened, I saw the room had been secretly decorated with thousands of rose petals creating a path from the door into the room, candles everywhere, chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne!!!  Dot dot dot, the proposal followed. :)  In the morning, when we walked down to the hotel lobby, we were congratulated by all the hotel staff.  Apparently, Ralph had been secretly coordinating with them to pull off the big surprise.  When we walked out the hotel, there was a black car waiting for us to take us to meet the “out-of-town friends” for breakfast (Ralph told me they were indeed in NYC, just staying at a different hotel).  But instead of telling the driver to go to a restaurant, Ralph said, “JFK airport please”.  What the?!  Yes — he took us to the airport to depart on a surprise weekend getaway to Puerto Rico for 3 days celebrate!  He even did a pretty good job secretly packing for me (and had it arranged to be put in the back of the car without me noticing). He even researched my outfits and beachwear from previous vacation pictures! Funny enough, the only thing he forgot was a toothbrush.  p.s. The  friends were never in New York, nor even in the United States!  Sneaky Ralph.

Favorite part of the day :: ALL of it. The ceremony was amazing. We loved our Priest — he even made the sinners chuckle. I can’t believe how pretty St. Gerard’s looked — flowers can do wonders. It was 80 degrees, sunny, yet the leaves were changing. There was also some amazing ’90s rap music played in the party bus and at the reception. It was heart-stopping to have so much family and friends in one room, traveling from hundreds to thousands of miles away.  It was just perfect!!!

Wedding Wisdom from Bride :: If you are planning an out-of-town wedding, take the entire week prior to go to destination and get everything ready. There just isn’t enough much time to do it in a few days, especially when you want to visit with family and friends! Also, if you really like how you do your own make up, you should probably do it yourself on the big day too.

Wedding Wisdom from Groom :: Leave for your honeymoon the day after! You’ll want to kick back and relax right away.

What or who was indispensable in your planning:: Mother + Father of the bride did lots of legwork in Lansing while I called frantically from New York!! There are many more who helped us so much along the way — you know who you are!

Funniest thing that happened :: There was an episode on the party bus which involved the newly-installed pole, “bait and switch” (i.e. after marriage you reveal your “true” self), an attempted kiss which turned into a lick, and some shrieking.

Favorite detail :: We love the Chinese Double Happiness Symbol, which is traditional for a Chinese wedding. We put it on the hotel goodie-bags and the Ice Cream Cake! We also loved having all my sisters sing at the ceremony as well as my talented friend Steve Edgerly.

Best investment :: Country Club of Lansing was gorgeous and the food was amazing. DJ Adam throws a GREAT dance party and runs a smooth show!!!! We loved ALL of our vendors — Kelly, the flowers, cakes, guitar, & traveling photobooth! 

Favors :: Gold / silver Chinese take-out cartons that each held custom fortune cookies and a Chinese soup spoon that Ralph’s mom got in Hong Kong.

First Dance Song :: We Belong Together, Ritchie Valens (La Bamba Soundtrack).

Father/Daughter Song :: The Way You Look Tonight, Steve Tyrell 

Bridal Party Song :: Thank You For Being a Friend, aka theme song from The Golden Girls. Except it was a version sang by some dude. Not on purpose though and entirely too long. Still funny though. At least to a few of us.

………………………………..

Please leave some love for the lovebirds in the comments area!

]]> http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/11/ginny-ralph/feed/ 0 Krista + Terrell http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/11/krista-terrell/ http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/11/krista-terrell/#comments Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:15:47 +0000 Kelly http://www.lgpblog.biz/?p=3330  My goodness, how I love my 2011 wedding season!  I’ve had some tearfully happy ceremonies, super cool locations, fabulous families and amaaaaaaazing couples.  It’s definitely going down as one of my favorites!  Krista and Terrell are one of those incredible couples and are one of the sweetest I’ve had the pleasure of working with.  They’re just real.  We met a few times before their wedding.  Krista is an awesome planner and Terrell was always with her at our meetings.  Now that’s some serious groom dedication… tagging along with your bride to go over the to-do list with the photog is not always tops on a groom’s “Things I Must Do Before I Get Married” list.  Awesome guy, that one.  But spend just a few minutes with the two of them and you can tell what the deal is:  it’s as if they’ve been together always.  Their laughter is easy, their smiles are frequent and pass between them as naturally as breathing.  It’s great to be in their company.  And to get to cover their wedding!  Oh, it was such fun.  Their bridal party was a blast… I briefly worried I was ruining the images by laughing so much behind the camera.   Good problem.  :D   We ran all around town with their awesome friends, ducking in alleys and crashing apartment stairwells.  Yes, I tend to trespass frequently.  ;)   And for the first time this year, I returned to the MSU Alumni Chapel, which in previous years, has been a ceremony location staple for me.  It was like seeing an old friend! 

A few teasers for Krista and Terrell…. congrats you two!!!  I loved being along for the ride!

 

Terrell, you ROCK!!!  (Krista, are you rolling your eyes??) :D

Superheroes in tuxes.  Might be my favorite groomsmen shot EVER.

So pretty, Krista!!

   

 

Check out that footwork!!

This cake topper looks sweet and innocent…

 But if you didn’t look around the back of the cake, you missed this…. :D

:D

Venues :: Ceremony, MSU Alumni Chapel  Reception :: Hawk Hollow

Dress Designer :: Maggie Sottero

Tux Rental :: Baryames

Hair :: Personal Image Salon & Day Spa

Cake :: Cake Art – Beth Henderson

DJ/Band :: T at Tunes by T  (***note from Kelly… T is awesome.  Go hire him right now. :D )

Honeymoon :: Sandals Grande Riviera, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Bride/Groom occupation :: Terrell – Mechanical Engineer, Krista – Hotel Reservations

How did you meet :: We both worked at Meijer during our summers home from college and met there the summer before our junior year. 

Date engaged :: 2/13/10

If you did a “first look,” would you do it again? Why? Definitely! It really helped calm our nerves and it was so nice to get the majority of the pictures out of the way ahead of time.

Favorite detail :: I loved all the items I purchased from etsy.com. I got a Colts garter (his favorite NFL team), a hanger with my new last name for my dress, and my earrings and bracelet. I also loved our cake topper with the bride grabbing the groom’s butt :)

Best investment :: DJ, photographer and our limo bus.

Wedding Wisdom :: Have a day of coordinator. We had a friend do that for us and it was the best thing we decided to do. She handled everything for us and we didn’t have one worry all day long!

First Dance Song :: “Always and Forever,” by Heatwave.

Father/Daughter Song :: “Your Song,” by Elton John

Mother/Son Song :: “A Song for Mama,” by Boys II Men.

Cake Flavor :: Strawberry, lemon and caramel. They were all delicious!

]]> http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/11/krista-terrell/feed/ 0 Melissa + Craig http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/10/melissa-craig/ http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/10/melissa-craig/#comments Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:56:50 +0000 Kelly http://www.lgpblog.biz/?p=3271 One of my favorite things about being a wedding photographer is referred clients.  It’s the best feeling to be hired by a couple because their friends were so happy with their wedding day photos.  Melissa and Craig come from what’s now becoming a long line of connected friends whose weddings I’ve covered (thanks Jen and Scott…  and Aubrey and Jon…!).  That makes me super happy… not only did I feel like I knew them before we met, but I knew some of their wedding party, which makes the day oh-so fun.  :D  

And did we ever have fun!!  Prior to their wedding we ran all over East Lansing in their party bus and even made a quicky stop at Jimmy’s Pub, where it all began for them.  Add to the mix a strange fender bender right in from of where we were shooting and you have one very unique day!  The weather was perfect for getting hitched in the courtyard at the Kellogg Center by the fabulous Pam Klusack.  Later, they rocked the night away with their friends and family, packing the dancefloor and celebrating.  Perfect end to a perfect day.  :)

Their son CJ was really stoked to see his mom…

And just couldn’t wait until after the First Look…

:D

 

Yay!!!

:D Work it, boys!!

Melissa and Craig behind her… completely in their own little world…

Dress Designer ::  La Jolie Mode, Chicago

Tux Rental :: Mens Wearhouse

Hair/Makeup :: Bridge Street Salon, DeWitt

Florist :: Lois Snover

Cake :: Bonnie Pond

Video ::

DJ/Band :: Mixxin DJs, Jason Slavin

Honeymoon :: 7 day Southern Caribbean Cruise

Bride/Groom occupation ::

How did you meet :: After the Winter Classic hockey game in 2009 at Casey Moran’s in Wrigleyville (Chicago).  Melissa’s friend Emily wanted to meet up with her high school friends that were in town from Michigan.  Craig was one of the friends!

Date engaged :: February 13, 2010 at Jimmy’s Pub, where we had our first date.

What or who was indispensable during your planning ::  Craig’s mother!  Craig and Melissa work 10-12 hour days most days, and Kristine was there to pick up the pieces.  Also, MOH Tonya…always there for my stressful moments!

Favorite part of the day :: Every bit of it was amazing.  All the family and friends that came from out of town, being surrounded by so much love as we finally got married!

Funniest thing that happened :: OMG – too much.  People playing quiddich and being photobombed at Sparty, the accident happening in the alley as we snapped our pics!  My potato book!  It was definitely a day filled with laughter.

Anything you’d do differently or change if you could relive the day again :: Nothing.  Every bit of it was perfect.  It was our fairytale wedding!

If you did a “first look,” would you do it again?  Why?  Yes!  It was great to have that moment together before everything got started.  And it helped calm our nerves!!

Favorite detail :: Having our son CJ be involved in everything.

Best investment :: A great photographer that put up with my demands. :)

Wedding Wisdom :: Just enjoy it.  We got so stressed up to the day and it turned out just perfect. 

First Dance Song :: I Thought I Loved You Then by Brad Paisley

Cake Flavor :: Three different ones!  Carrot, German Chocolate and Buttery Yellow.  My MOH’s mother made the cake and it was amazing!  We got so many compliments on how good the cake was!!!

]]> http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/10/melissa-craig/feed/ 0 Cara + Kenny http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/10/cara-kenny/ http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/10/cara-kenny/#comments Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:39:29 +0000 Kelly http://www.lgpblog.biz/?p=3215 Cara and Kenny have an ease about them that’s infectious.  They’re like fresh air and sunshine… Cara has this fun, unique style and such a warm personality.  Kenny doesn’t stop smiling from the moment you see him.  Together, I’m convinced, they will solve the world’s problems.  Or at least be a super-sparkly husband and wife team.  ;)   They got hitched at Post Family Farm in Hudsonville, which was the perfect backdrop for their vows.  Fresh, different and relaxed, just like Cara and Kenny. 

Those baby blues are all Cara- gorgeous!!!

Cara and her girls got held up a little on the way to the ceremony.  When she arrived, I asked if she wanted to do the First Look (we had planned to do a bunch of photos that there wouldn’t be time for).  she says, “Of course!  I want to see Kenny RIGHT NOW!!”  She was so excited.  It was adorable.  :)

Kenny was happy, too.  :D

Off to get married!!

This is pure Kenny… as Cara is walking down the aisle, he’s trying (and failing!) to wave away the tears.

Yaaaaaaayyy!!!!

Cara’s mom pulled some strings and got Cara and Kenny permission to view the Grand Rapids skyline from the top of the Marriott building.  Apparently, you have to be very special to get admittance- we were even escorted the whole way by two very large and official-looking gentleman in suits and sunglasses.  Think Secret Service-type dudes.  Fortunately, I was only carrying my concealed camera.  Ha!!  :D   The building behind Cara is where she works.  How cool is that?!

I’m convinced that the cloud behind them looks sorta like a heart.  Yes??

Art Prize!!!

The mural was still in progress and we crashed their party- they were busy painting and building.  See the guy to the right?  He wasn’t in the wedding party.  If you couldn’t guess.  ;)

Cara and Kenny collected all sorts of vintage books, antiques and trinkets for their centerpieces.  So unique! 

I’m normally a little emotional during every mother-son dance- makes me picture Eli and I dancing together on his wedding day someday.    By the time Kenny and his mom left the dancefloor,  I was a mess.  The love between the two of them… it was so sweet to witness.

 ……………………………..

Venues :: Post Family Farm and The Pinnacle Center - Hudsonville, MI

Dress Designer :: WTOO Brides

Tux Rental :: Dunhill Tuxedo

Hair/Makeup :: Hair – Jackie Swinehart-Jordan    Makeup- Hannah Novak

Florist :: Linnaea Floral Design  -  They were amazing!

Cake :: Kristin Longo

Honeymoon :: Pictured Rocks in Munising, Michigan. We are also going to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in November!

How did you meet :: Working together on Mackinac Island in 2007

Date engaged :: November 13, 2009

What or who was indispensable during your planning :: Cara’s Mom!!! She helped with absolutely every little detail. We couldn’t have done it without her.

Favorite part of the day :: Taking a carriage ride together after the ceremony. It was so nice to be alone and take everything in.

Funniest thing that happened :: Our best man’s speech was hilarious! Everyone was laughing so hard!

If you did a “first look,” would you do it again?  Why? Absolutely! It was so nice to be able to take the nerves away and enter into our marriage calmly.

Favorite detail :: Our table centerpieces. We spent the past year collecting them.

Best investment :: Photobooth!!! Everyone had such a good time with it and it kept all the kids occupied during cocktail hour!

First Dance Song :: Make You Feel My Love – Adele

Father/Daughter Song :: Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Mother/Son Song :: Your Song – Elton John

……………………………………….

Congrats Cara and Kenny… thank you for being so awesome!!  Wishing you love and a very happy forever!!!  xoxo

]]> http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/10/cara-kenny/feed/ 0 Katie + Stephen = Love! | Holt, Michigan http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/09/katie-stephen-love-holt-michigan/ http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/09/katie-stephen-love-holt-michigan/#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 01:28:25 +0000 Kelly http://www.lgpblog.biz/?p=3109 Katie and Stephen have to be one of the cutest couples I’ve photographed.  It’s not every day I get to shoot the wedding of high school sweethearts!  Now there’s a unique love… one that has weathered the storms of the growing up years and still perseveres.  So many changes come during that time of our lives.  I stood amazed at Katie and Stephen for having emerged from that together, and now ready to take on the world truly hand-in-hand.   It takes a lot of faith and trust to build something like that.  Just seeing them through my lens after their ceremony… tearful; so peaceful and full of happiness… that’s just it.  That’s what it’s all about. 

    I’m always humbled by love… it can be so powerful.

:)  

 

Katie + Stephen

Dress Designer:: Justin Alexander
Hair:: A student from Douglas J Aveda Institute – East Lansing
Makeup:: after a quick lesson from Sephora, and a few new purchases, I did it myself!
Honeymoon:: La Amada Resort, Playa Mujeres, Mexico
Bride’s Occupation:: student in the Masters of Occupational Therapy program of WMU – Grand Rapids
Groom’s Occupation:: Underwriter at Auto-Owners Insurance Group
How they met:: High school
Date engaged:: January 14, 2011
Groom’s favorite part of the day:: Seeing Katie walk down the aisle
Bride’s favorite part of the day:: I would have to write a book to answer this honestly! Such a perfect day.
Best investment:: GREAT photographer! ;)
Wedding Wisdom:: add as many personal touches as you can; don’t be afraid to break ‘tradition’!
Cake: Strawberry Shortcake & a variety of home-made cookies

……………………………………………..

Katie and Stephen… thank you for including me in your celebration!  Here’s to a beautiful future!! xoxo

]]> http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/09/katie-stephen-love-holt-michigan/feed/ 0 Catherine + David: Newlyweds | East Lansing, MI http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/09/catherine-david-newlyweds-east-lansing-mi/ http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/09/catherine-david-newlyweds-east-lansing-mi/#comments Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:08:08 +0000 Kelly http://www.lgpblog.biz/?p=3060 I’m getting that feeling again, that “I’m falling behind” feeling.  I hate that feeling.  I really thrive on besting myself- as in, if the last wedding took me 4 weeks to process, I’m supergirl if I can get the next out in 3.  And so on.  I’m not besting myself lately.  Having two kids under 3 years old AND keeping my full-time business happy is proving to be much more of a challenge!  Especially this time of year, when things get crazy with weddings, meetings, sessions and seniors.  And I actually pared down my workload this year due to the arrival of my Lily!  Every wedding and session gets the same amount of time and attention, no matter how behind I may be.  My hope is that my awesome clients appreciate all the hard work that goes into making their images art.  Thank you, everyone, for your patience… I promise, it’s worth the wait.  :)  

Catherine and David got married in August at a gorgeous church in East Lansing, River Terrace Church.  Getting married in East Lansing provides so many sweet opportunities for diverse photo backdrops… campus is just full of fun little spots.  I love how many options there are in such a small area!  I also adore the emotion from my couples lately- that’s one of my favorite parts about a wedding.  No matter how cool and collected you appear to be, being united with your best friend can really open the floodgates.  There were a few tears shed during their first look, but from that point on, it was huge grins and loads of laughter.  After becoming Mr. and Mrs, they celebrated at one of the Lansing areas best reception venues, Eagle Eye.  I think they partied long after I left!!

Here are some favorites… enjoy!

 

Catherine + David

……………………………………………..

Honeymoon:: Traverse City, MI.

Favorite part of the day:: Dancing with each other and our guests!

First Dance Song:: “Proof” by Coldplay.

If you did a “first look,” would you do it again?  Why? Yes! Definitely would do it again. It was so good to have a couple minutes just to ourselves and it really helped calm our nerves too!

Wedding Wisdom:: If something goes wrong on your wedding day, just let it go! Don’t hold onto it and let it ruin your day, because something will go wrong!

………………………………………………

Congratulations, Catherine and David!!  Much happiness!!!

]]> http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/09/catherine-david-newlyweds-east-lansing-mi/feed/ 0 Megan + Joe tie the knot! | Grand Rapids, Ohio http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/08/megan-joe-tie-the-knot-grand-rapids-ohio-2/ http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/08/megan-joe-tie-the-knot-grand-rapids-ohio-2/#comments Thu, 01 Sep 2011 03:04:24 +0000 Kelly http://www.lgpblog.biz/?p=2961 Oh, where to start on this one?? Megan is my gorgeous cousin. I spent many hours as a teenager chasing that blonde curly-haired little girl around- she was the definition of adorable. I have the fondest memories of those days. We’ve become close again over the past few years and I realize great distance and time can deepen relationships- you realize how important people truly are. So thankful for late night Facebooking! :D After a while, I noticed I wasn’t hearing from her much… that usually means one thing- there’s somebody wonderful consuming every waking moment. She seemed to “sparkle” when she talked about Joe- trust me, when you find the one who makes you sparkle, hang on tight!  She just kept talking about how much fun he was and I knew this guy was different. :)

When she asked me to shoot her wedding, I was psyched. And a double bonus- the wedding would be at Nazareth Hall… where Terry and I tied the knot ourselves 9 years ago. How sweet to shoot a wedding there! They planned an incredible day with ocean-inspired details from their home state of South Carolina… handmade pottery centerpieces, palm tree favors and shells collected by Megan and Joe on the beach. They even had a cake complete with a topper replica of them playing beach volleyball, one of their favorite things. So cute! Despite the CRAZY stormy weather that seemed to last ALL day, just as Meg was about to walk the aisle, the sun snuck out. The evening light filtered in through those tall windows- it was perfect. And Megan… she was radiant. Stunning. She and Joe couldn’t stop smiling during the ceremony. It’s something to witness, two people in love.  And to see these two sooo happy as they start their journey together… okay, I’m about to bawl on my keyboard. ;)

Meg and Joe, I’m so blessed to have captured your first day as husband and wife. I wish you a blissful happily ever after. Love you!!

 

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Megan + Joe :: Married July 22, 2011

Dress Designer: Enzoani
Tux Rental: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair: Cara Contris
Makeup: Krystol Kratzer
Florist: Todd Sheets with Downtown Deco
Cake: Nancy Ortinau
Video: Jeff Faykosh
DJ: The Class Act
Honeymoon: Riviera Maya, Mexico
Bride: 5th Grade Teacher       Groom: Graphic Designer for IKON

How we met: The first time we met was on the beach volleyball court attached to the Windjammer in the fall of 2007. We continued playing against each other in Charleston’s indoor volleyball leagues for the next few years.

Date Engaged: Joe proposed at sunset on November 18, 2010 on Sullivan’s Island beach

Who was indispensable in our planning: Mother of the Bride- Pam Kuhlman- We didn’t realize how difficult it would be to plan an Ohio wedding from South Carolina. My mom helped with basically every detail of the night. We could have NEVER done it without her!

Favorite Part of the Day: Wow, this one is really tough! There are so many things that come to mind. Being able to spend the day with my mom, sister, grandma, and cousin was awesome! The suspense of walking down the stairs and seeing Joe for the first look was magical. And definitely the more intimate setting down in the Grotto with just Joe and Megan and Kelly for pictures.

Funniest Thing that Happened: Brother of the Bride, David, and the Maid of Honor’s good friend, Tara, have had a long standing “Ice war.” David asked the DJ to play the song Ice Ice Baby during which an Ice bottle was brought out on a platter for Tara in the middle of the dance floor. Besides this, any moment that Gerardo was on the dance floor was pretty entertaining.

Anything I’d do Differently: Have Joe propose earlier so that we would have an entire year to plan the wedding!!! haha… 8 months was NOT enough time. All of the Saturday nights were booked as well, so we had a Friday wedding. It would have been nicer to have an earlier ceremony to have more time in between ceremony and reception for pictures and just enjoying every moment a bit longer!

Would you do a “first look” again? Absolutely! I especially was very nervous about being in front of that many people, so it helped ease some of my nerves. Also, since it was a Friday wedding, we were already crunched for time, so it was nice to get many of the family pictures in before the ceremony!

Favorite Detail: Cake Topper. We found a website that molds and fires customized clay figurines. We sent them pictures of our faces and of my updo and dress as well as Joe’s tux. We wanted a beach volleyball topper since everything was themed that way and volleyball was how we met. For the last several seasons we’ve been playing on the same indoor team, I as the setter, and Joe as the middle hitter. We had them create a topper with the bride setting the volleyball and the groom attacking. It was awesome.

Best Investment: Our pre-marital counseling at SeaCoast in Charleston was an amazing experience for us to grow together spiritually even more before the wedding. We had a phenomenal mentor!

Wedding Wisdom: You will spend months trying to plan every second of a perfect day and something WILL go wrong whether it’s big or small. Don’t lose sight of the important part… at the end of the day, you will be married to the love of your life!

First Dance Song: Smile by Uncle Kracker… a few days after getting back from the honeymoon, Joe surprised me with Uncle Kracker tickets at the Windjammer (the place where we first met). We took a wedding picture of us dancing with the lyrics written on top of it and Uncle Kracker signed it for us.

Father/Daughter Dance: I Loved Her First by Heartland
Mother/Son Dance: My Wish by Rascal Flatts
Cake Flavor: Peach and French Vanilla
……………………………………………….

]]> http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/08/megan-joe-tie-the-knot-grand-rapids-ohio-2/feed/ 1 Maria + David get married! Part II http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/08/maria-david-get-married-part-ii/ http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/08/maria-david-get-married-part-ii/#comments Thu, 25 Aug 2011 21:13:45 +0000 Kelly http://www.lgpblog.biz/?p=2819 Yesterday I posted Maria and David’s super-sweet First-Look session.  Here are the details of their big day… I’ve had the opportunity to witness the vows of some pretty amazing people and Maria and David are no exception.  They’re just… awesome.  I knew the first time we met that I just had to cover their wedding.  They’re one of those couples that are so easy and comfy together… like a tee and jeans.  Like they’ve been together for eons.  The excitement they shared to get married was so adorable and I’ve been looking forward to their wedding for a very long time.  Their wedding was equally adorable… there were handmade and organic details infused here and there- it was perfect for them.  Dinner and dessert were in the conservatory, followed by dancing under the tent in the warm July breeze.  A perfect day, with partying into the perfect night.

Maria’s dress was handmade and soooo pretty…

One of my fave moments of the day.  Group hug!  So cute. :D

Another favorite.  Their parents- so happy!

Maria’s bridesmaid made these cupcakes AND their cake.  This girl deserves serious respect- they were yummmmmy.  And pretty to boot.

Another handmade detail- perfect bride and groom replicas, right down to the tie and earrings! :D

 Maria + David :: July 15, 2011

Dress Designer :: Etsy vendor  Ellana Couture  (Etsy rocks!)

 Suit ::  Men’s Wearhouse 

 Hair/Makeup ::  Douglas J Aveda Institute

 Florist ::  Petal & Forrest  

 Cake ::  Kati Garrison (Bridesmaid)

 DJ/Band ::  Ed Delacruz (one of Maria’s fellow teachers)

 Honeymoon ::  Montreal

 Day Jobs ::  David and Maria are both teachers – he teaches English and she teaches Art.

Their Story ::  David and Maria’s first official meeting was at Meijer (near the milk and eggs).  Maria was doing weekly shopping with her roommate Kati and David was doing bimonthly shopping with his roommate Nathan.  Nathan and Maria knew each other through a mutual friend (the lovely Jen Roberts) and were taking a typography class together.  When they stopped to say hello and discuss the joint purchase of a pack of card stock for the most recent project, David and Maria were introduced.  David handed Maria her half of the aforementioned card stock later that evening (something David took note of and Maria hardly recalls) and the rest is history…

 Date engaged ::  December 24, 2010

 What or who was indispensable during your planning ::  Our family, friends, and Etsy.com!  : )  

 Favorite part of the day ::  Reciting our vows to one another.

 Funniest thing that happened ::  It’s a tie – the train rolling through just as David was about to say his vows and driving off into the moonlit night with a bunch of tin cans tied to the back of David’s car (courtesy of Maria’s Mom).  Approaching the Bed and Breakfast, some guys taking a break from their shift outside said, “Congratulations!” and “…at first we thought your muffler had fallen off!”

Anything you’d do differently or change if you could relive the day again ::  Nothing.  It felt like a fairy tale.  

 If you did a “first look,” would you do it again?  Why?  YES!  We were so glad that we decided to do a “first look”.  Both of us agreed that we immediately felt more relaxed (our stomachs had been in knots from all of the excitement) and ready to GET MARRIED!  It was a very special moment and it allowed us to celebrate the rest of the day together, hand in hand.

 Favorite detail ::  Having Kati, one of the bridesmaids, make our cake/cupcakes was very special to us both – she did a phenomenal job!

Best investment ::  The location – the MSU Horticultural Gardens and Conservatory were absolutely breathtaking.

 Wedding Wisdom ::  Enjoy the whole process of planning and having a wedding, don’t sweat the small stuff, and get married in a garden ; )

 First Dance Song ::  To Sheila by The Smashing Pumpkins

Father/Daughter Song ::  Love the World Away by Kenny Rogers

Mother/Son Song ::  In My Life by The Beatles

……………………………………………..

Love and happiness to the new Mr. and Mrs!!  It was a joy being a part of your celebration! 

 

]]> http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/08/maria-david-get-married-part-ii/feed/ 1 Maria + David get married!! Part I http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/08/maria-david-get-married-part-i/ http://www.lgpblog.biz/2011/08/maria-david-get-married-part-i/#comments Wed, 24 Aug 2011 20:26:25 +0000 Kelly http://www.lgpblog.biz/?p=2795 I usually don’t do two-parter posts, but First-Look sessions have been on my mind a lot recently.  And, as I have such adorable examples lately, I thought I’d use the lovely Maria and the handsome David.  I’m sure I’ve said this before a trillion times, but I love when couples suggest a First-Look.  Let me count the ways it’s so fabulous…. 

1. It’s killer ROMANTIC.  Seeing that beloved one for the first-time, alone, is such an intimate and emotional experience.  They can spend precious private time together; time they won’t likely get again for the rest of the day.  They can really take in what’s about to happen. 

2. The photos… I’ll let those speak for themselves below.  :D  

3. We get to take our time creating incredible posed shots of the couple and bridal party, not worrying about ”taking too long” to do photos.  Obviously, every couple wants amazing, interesting and unique posed photos.  Getting those shots does take time.  The easiest way to get them is to build it in pre-ceremony, so that the stress and hustle to fly through them is removed from the equation.  A bride isn’t as pretty when she’s stressed out.  Just sayin.’

Just one more thing- I’ll get to those yummy photos in a sec.  Three of my four July weddings chose to do a First-Look. I encourage it, but many couples still opt to not see each other until their walk down the aisle.  And I love them anyway, of course.  ;)   But maybe it’s a sweet little trend starting?  A new tradition?  I’m hopeful!!   

 

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