Very Limited Fall Dates!

Just wanted to give everyone out there a heads up that all weekends from now until December have been booked for engagement, family, baby and other random sessions! As crazy at is is, for example, I have received over 50 inquiries in the last 3 weeks for fall sessions. I am almost booked up for evening sessions for during the week from now until late November; and have a few openings for daytime sessions! Remember, I do the best I can to fit everyone in, but there is one of me, and when I am booked, I am booked! :)

Thank You, A Million Times Over

The responses I have received regarding my baby post a while back have been overwhelmingly helpful and appreciative. I never realized so many people read my blog and actually care about me and about what goes on in my life. I think this just goes to show you how I am not only your photographer- but a person that struggles with issues, just like you or someone you know. Thank you for letting me keep it real on here and letting me use my blog to share with you not only my professional ventures, but my personal ones, too. Many other professionals may possibly think I share too much about "me" and that people don't really care, but I beg to differ. On top of that, I really care about your suggestions and comments- whether it be here or via email (I know it's a PIA to write a comment here- I just have to make it as secure as possible to weed out the penile implants spam and/or extenz spam.)
My photography business was built on personal attention, me wanting people to feel as if they have a friend in me. Because I am all referral based, all of you who contact me to photographer your events of all kinds are the same people I become friends with all of the time. I guess I just try and do a good job of not crossing the line of mixing business with pleasure.
Because of the huge responses I have received from my previous post, I am going to start a public journal about my endeavors as I deal with this whole baby process. I especially think it is a good idea because even if this Invitro doesn't work, we will be foster parenting/adopting. I think it will be a good resource and tool for whatever child we have- when they are older- to see the struggles that their parents went thru to have them in their lives in documentation. Not only that, but although I do not wish my situation on anyone, you could possibly be in my shoes one day and need someone to turn to for help in dealing or just advice in general. In fact, I was one of those girls that told everyone "We will have children by the time I am 30." Little did I know that was not possible until we started trying- and everything about me- every month- was completely normal. I had no idea I would fall into that "can't have children" category.

That being said, today was the big "retrieval" day. I will be putting the whole Invitro process in my new personal blog that will be public- I will post that link here when I open it, probably next week. I want all the happenings to be fresh in my mind as I write it. I have weddings tomorrow and Saturday, and Sunday should be the big "transfer" day (ok, in a short easy story- today after weeks of meds to create more eggs, they were able to go in and take 13(yay!) eggs and stuck them in a petri dish some of hubby's boys. Then they will sit for 3 days to fertilize, then on Sunday the Docs will put the fertilized ones- only 2 or 3- back in me and hope they stick!) Anyway, my point is that I am supposed to be off of my feet for a few days after the transfer and just lay around, especially with my difficulty with endometriosis. It may take me a bit longer to get back to you by email, and my editing is going to have to take a back seat for a few days. Keep me in your thoughts still- I need some baby dust! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Movie Review: District 9

I was oh so fortunate enough to go and see this with my nerd husband and his other nerd friends. I am always interested in horror type movies that involve destruction like Cloverfield, Independance Day and the like.
This movie was better than I thought it would be. I figured the cheese factor would be abundant with alien involvement, but it actually was pretty cool. For an alien type movie I give it 5 out of 5 stars. This reminded me of Starship Troopers- Denise Richards big breakout role.

Movie Review: The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard

Remember the Dentist from "The Hangover"? He is in this one- and plays a damn funny part if I may say so myself. Remember the Asian kidnapper from the same movie? He's in it too. If you were a Sex and the City fan, keep an eye out for Carrie's "jackrabbit" overnighter (aka Harry's best man in his wedding to Charlotte.) This movie was WAY funnier than I ever thought it would be, and I laughed just like I did during "The Hangover." I would call this movie the 2ND funniest movie of the year- with "The Hangover" being number one. 5 out of 5 stars,

Movie Review: Funny People

Ok, I have been totally slacking on movie reviews. The fact is, because I have been going thru all this invitro stuff, I have to behave myself and stay away from bars and such, so my recreational time with the hubby is spent at the movie theatre. We have been seeing alot of movies lately, so here goes the reviews............

This movie was a great dark comedy for Adam Sandler- I love these roles for him. I cannot stand his movies like the Wedding Singer- the same with slap stick Jim Carrey movies- just not my bag. I like these dark roles much better! I was shocked at how many actors played cameos in this flick- Eminem, Ray Ramano, Sarah Silverman stc...
If you are not into hearing "eff this" every other word, this isn't the movie for you. Personally, I thought it was excellent. 4 out of 5 stars.

Baby Session: Enchanting Charli

Senior Photo Session

Engagement Session

Engagement Session

Engagement Session

Family Photo Session

Amanda and Chris- Wedding Slideshow

***Keep in mind that the photo speed is set to the beat of the music, so be sure to listen to the song while you view the slideshow!
****Contact me for pricing for your own professional slideshow!

Casey and Brian

I was totally excited for this day to come!
Casey and Brian are one of the coolest couples I was able to get my hands on! Totally laid back, trusted in my artistic ways and Casey totally knew how to work the camera!
I started of the day at the University of Michigan Law Quad where the guys were perfectly on time to do their photos. After a few short minutes, Brian's parents arrived for their photos at the quad as well.
Once the guys were safely on their way to the ceremony site (Island Park in Ann Arbor) the girls arrived at the quad for their photo ops, along with Casey's parents.
After about an hour and a half total at the quad, we were all on our way to Island Park for the ceremony.
The ceremony site is gorgeous- perfect for about 70 chairs. There were a few people standing, but that was by choice. If you are looking for an outdoor ceremony location in Ann Arbor and plan on having about 70 people show up to the ceremony, this spot is PERFECT! Once the ceremony was done, we took some photos on the grounds before heading back to the Law Quad for more photos of just Brian and Casey.
We arrived back to the reception right on time when we were supposed to, and everything looked stunning. Family had a big impact on the day- Brian's brother was the DJ and Casey's Sister made the cake for the event. The food even had a specific theme- since the couple was going to Costa Rica on their honeymoon, they opted to follow the culture as far as food was concerned, and it was dee-lish!

Congrats you guys! Love the facebook pics! :) xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Megan and Brandon

What a gorgeous May day it ended up being for the couple!
I had met Brandon and Megan shortly before the wedding day for the first time, since they live out of town. For communication before that, I was in contact with Megan's mom Rose. What fun mom is! We had great conversations from our first meeting and onto email, so I totally felt like a family member when I arrived on the wedding day.
We all had our fingers crossed that the rain would hold off for the ceremony since it was outside at one of my favorite venues- Tina's Country House in Macomb.
Before the boys arrived, I was able to get a majority of the brides family photos completed, as well as the bridesmaids photos. Just as we finished up, it started to sprinkle.
45 minutes went by and it rained in that time period. Once I was ready to get the photos of the guys in addition to the photos of Brandon with his family, the rain had stopped and the sun was shining; albeit some crazy dark rain clouds in the background still lingering. Once the ceremony began, about 7 minutes in it started pretty much pouring. I hid under some bushes to protect my camera from dying from the rain, while one of the groomsmen whipped out a golf umbrella for the couple as they were reciting their vows. I positioned myself perfectly so I could still take photos while the officiant finished the vows in a quick manner. I felt like I was playing the old school game twister under some bushes. It was quite entertaining.
We went inside and took some photos while we crossed our fingers for the rain to stop. Eventually it did, with just enough time to spare to get the bridal party in on time after photos for dinner.
Dinner, of course was amazing. The Alfredo sauce at this place is the best I have ever had- anywhere- which in part is the main reason I had my own wedding here.
The evening was filled with crazy good music, as always by one of my favorite DJ's- Jim from The Part Doctor. All in all, the rain really tried hard to work around us, and in the end the day was perfect! Even if it rained all day- it was the marriage, not the wedding that mattered most that day!

Congrats my darlings! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

RIP Sis; Happy Birthday

Everyday I look around for you, just as I did when I relied on you as a little girl. You were my big Sis, and I had total admiration for you. I thought I knew, just a little about death at 27, but God never prepared me for the anguish and loss of self control I felt as you withered away right before my eyes at only 33. Your 3 boys are so grown now- little men I know you are watching from above. The day you held my hand and cried so hard about how scared you were, gave me comfort in knowing you trusted me to understand life a bit more, as your little Sister.

I'm still mad you died 2 days before the suprise trip I planned for you. But everytime I look out onto the ocean whenever I am near it, I always now, and always will think of you.

Movie Review: 500 Days of Summer

This movie was just ok to me. It may have been slightly better if the frickin' 14 year olds behind us weren't talking the whole time. I got so mad I ending screaming for them to shut up. It scared them so bad they jumped out of their seats.
Anyway, it's got a good soundtrack. Suitable for teenagers. Good storyline, but the characters are a little odd, as if some of the reactions would NEVER take place in the real life. 3 out of 5 stars.

Kristen and Greg

Considering the mild summer we have had for 2009, this day was pretty warm! it certainly was a lovely day for Kristin and Greg though- no matter what temperature!
I started the day off in East China at Kristin's parents house where her and her girls were getting ready. It just so happens, that Kristin's Grandparents lived right next door to her parents! This is a rural area with abundant farmland, so there were plenty of options for pre-ceremony photos, especially since Greg and his groomsmen were getting ready at the Grandparents home!
After some photos of the girls, I went next door to get the photos of the guys on the farm. I raced back to get the photos of Kristin leaving with her dad in his 1929 Model A car- what a beauty! Ok, I am selfish here- I liked it best because it was a great prop for the photos!
From there I headed over to the church for the ceremony, which might I add was complete with bagpiper; then over to Golden Hawk Country Club for the reception. While guests were arriving, we all went onto the golf course for photos. The bridal party was super accommodating and did every crazy thing I asked them to do- perfect! Once I was finished with the bridal party photos, I finished up with just Greg and Kristin- then we headed inside for dinner to the unique and scenic ballroom!

Congrats Greg and Kristin! It was a complete honor to be a part of your day! And I will never, ever forget our adventures in Brush Park, LOL!!!!!!!

Jamie and Mike

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh......
It was finally time for this wedding! It was exciting because the couple had booked me back in 2007, so it was like I knew this couple forever! How awesome a day!
The skies were sunny all around, and it was pretty pleasant outside- not too hot for this May wedding-perfect!
I met Jamie and her ladies at the hotel where they were getting ready. There, Jamie was an awesome bride and had her dress hanging, invitation ready, jewelry sparkling clean and some other cool details items out and ready for me to photograph. After the details were done, Jamie got dressed and we were on our way to the church- The Academy of the Sacred Heart. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this church- not only for the gorgeous chapel but the the sweet brides dressing room and the FANTASTIC grounds. You seriously don't need to go anywhere else for photos if you get married at this church. Just make sure you purchase enough time for photos after the ceremony if you want all of them done there- if you can even do that!
Once I arrived at the church I took the guys out into the back courtyard for their photographs, then we went in a prepared for the ceremony. After the formal photos were complete, we headed over to one of the Metro Parks for photos. After pleading with the officer to let us take photos even though the park was closed, we were lucky enough to be able to spend about 40 minutes there doing so.
After the park, on we went to Club Monte Carlo for the reception. The couple purchased some up lighting from their DJ, and I must admit how beautiful the room looked with this extra bit of lighting! If your DJ or other entertainment offers up lighting, definitely purchase it! it makes a big difference in the ambiance of the room!

Congrats you newlyweds! I miss you already! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Lisa and Nick

What a nice day it was!
I was lucky enough on the May day to work with such an awesome couple like Lisa and Nick. Totally laid back, just went with the flow. Lisa was one of the totally cool brides that didn't care her dress got dirty- she knew it was going to anyway after walking around in it all day! Like she said "I'm gonna make the most out of this dress- and do whatever I need to do to get cool photos!" Which is exactly why you will see a photo below of her sitting on the grass without a care in the world! I love you Lisa! Speaking of girls, this is a good tool for you to keep in mind. I always have you and your dress' best interest at heart. I would never ask you to do anything I wouldn't do in my own wedding dress. I won't ask you to walk thru mud, sit in an area that isn't completely dry or even lean up against a building without me checking for dirt first. But in the end, remember that these are your wedding photos- once the day has come and gone, you don't want to have any regrets that you sacrificed some really awesome photos because you didn't want a little dirt getting underneath your dress. Keep in mind that club soda can get almost any stain out, as well as chalk sticks are a good cover up. Keep some chalk in your emergency bag! Just always remember I have your best interest at heart, just like my bride Lisa did!
Anyway, on the the main event.
After we got some photos of the girls getting ready at Lisa's home, we headed over to the church for the ceremony. This ceremony was pretty cool because unlike most churches, I was allowed to move around for photos. Of course, I assured the Deacon that I am not an obnoxious photographer that lays on the ground or even does things to make guests notice me at all. After all, we are in a place of worship.
After the typical group photos, Lisa, Nick and I along with the bridal party headed outside on the church grounds for their photographs. We were tight on time so we just stayed there and made the best out of the grounds- which were just fine.
After the photos there, we headed over to Lakeland Manor for the reception. I really love this place- the food is always excellent, and the staff is wonderful.
The whole day went sensational, and I am so thrilled to have been there to be a part of it!

Congratulations you two- and Lisa thanks for making me aware of that store- I LOVE it! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo