Laura and Alex’s Michigan Wedding

Posted in Personal, Weddings on August 24, 2010

This was just the beginning of a very fun, and action packed couple of weeks for me as I left California for three weeks to spend some quality time with my family. The first event started off with my nephews wedding and it was a great way to start off this vacation/business trip. Laura and Alex have been a couple for as long as anyone can remember and they finally made it a legal union. They had a beautiful and very colorful summer wedding full of bright yellows, oranges, pinks, and green the grooms favorite color. They exchanged vows at Emmanuel Baptist Church which has been the groom’s family church for generations and the reception was at the Northbank Center in Flint, Michigan. ( Funny enough that is where I had my high school prom and it was so surreal to be there-lets say a few years later.) The day was filled with joy, laughter and a little joking. In fact, Laura’s step dad started the day off with having his shotgun ready as the groomsmen drove up to the bride’s house for photos. One of my favorite parts of the day is when I saw an old barn where I wanted to photograph the couple. We pulled the limo on to the farm,( which I later found out had been in the same family for over 150 years) and just knocked on the door. Good ole Frank was so excited but couldn’t figure out why we wanted to shoot with the barn when he had a lovely pond in the back. It was a great property and we were able to get some of my favorite shots of the day. Besides the ones you see here we were even able to get Laura hanging laundry in her wedding dress. A tease about her new wifely duties. One of the more special memories was their first dance. They did such a great job and it seemed so very natural and not contrived as they spun around the floor together. I have to admit this was the best lift I’ve seen for a first dance. It was very impressive. If you know them they are not a huge couple who shows a lot of affection in public. But you couldn’t help but see the love and the special sweetness the two of them have for each other. To see more of their day click here to view their slideshow and remember to leave them some love on the post below so they know you’ve been here.

Two for One Children’s Smiles!| Operation Smile

Posted in Baby/Maternity, Community/organization awareness, High School Seniors, Kids on August 19, 2010

Each year nearly 200,000 children are born with severe cleft conditions-often making them unable to eat, speak, socialize, or smile. In some places they are even shunned and rejected. Life is hard enough as a child when you look normal. Maybe kids mad fun of your hair, freckles, braces, glasses, or weight. Whatever the case can you imagine how it hard it would be with a facial deformity? It breaks my heart and if your a parent how would you feel if you never saw your child smile. A smile from my kids can make my whole day. You might be asking How can I help? You can help a child with their smile by commissioning me to capture the smile of your child. In September a proceed from each sitting will be donated to Operation Smile, two smiles for the price of one. Since 1982 Operation Smile is a great organization that helps heal thousands of children each year with facial deformities. These medical professionals donate their time in over 50 countries world wide. Many parents can’t afford to pay for the surgery themselves and that is where this organization is in much need. Because of the dedicated medical teams free surgeries have been supplied so that children can live a better quality of life. To find out more about Operation Smile click here and see what your donation can do to help these kids. You don’t have a child you want photographed that’s ok. You can donate to Operation Smile by clicking here.

Bridal Diapers are they for real and who wears them?

Posted in Misc., Weddings on August 13, 2010

OK my neighbor came across this article and I had to share it. I have to admit this is one of the weirdest things I’ve come across that a bride would need to wear. In the article it says that it takes over 20 to take the dress off and on. I”m sorry but I’d get a new dress before I put a diaper on for the day. How uncomfortable and what are you going to change it. Wouldn’t it take as long? Why can’t you have your girlfriends take you in to the handicap stall and hold your dress up. Women have been doing that for generations. I admit if you have a problem then that is understandable but because your dress is too big. It just cracked me up and I hope it makes you chuckle.

http://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/fashionista-blog/bride-diapers