Today is a milestone for my hubby and I; it’s our five-year anniversary and Friday the 13th to boot! I know it’s such a cliché thing to say, but it is crazy how fast time flies. Today I’ve thought back on all the weddings I’ve had the honor of documenting, I love that I get to play such a huge role on such a special day in the life of a couple. It’s also made me reflect on recent conversations with my younger sibs, in their early twenties, they are hating on marriage for the things (some real and some imagined) it will inhibit them from doing. In a country where independence is worth it’s weight in gold, marriage often gets a bad rap. But, I think it’s because the really great things about marriage are difficult to communicate. You can’t put the scientific method to work when it comes to measuring the benefits of commitment, sacrifice and trust. And I certainly can’t explain what it feels like knowing that time after time, my husband has put his own desires aside to give me what I want. As I have for him, too. At the end of the day, my hubby has seen me at my best, and he’s seen me at my worst (and vice versa) and the fact that we still want and choose to share our everyday with each other, well, that’s a beautiful thing. The truth is people are made to be together; all the best moments in life are shared with the ones we love. To my sibs I can only say, you get more from devotion than devotion takes from you.
The photo above is David and I at our engagement session five years ago. Taken by, JM Studios in Coloma, MI, it’s a really poor scan of the actual image.
What a beautiful day for a wedding at Frederick Meijer Gardens! (I won’t even say what the temperature was… let’s just say that my neck was sweating, I didn’t even know that was possible.) The Chihuly glass sculptures were absolutely stunning. The day before the wedding I spent a couple of hours walking around the gardens, admiring the artwork, and scoping out some great photo spots. My only complaint on the wedding day-There are just too many great backdrops and not enough time!
Nancy & Ryan- What a lovely wedding! Thank-you for letting me be part of it! It was so good to see some friendly faces from the past.
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Ceremony: Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids, MI
Florals: Rachel Barker owner of Dahlia’s Wedding Floral Design
This was truly a sentimental and beautiful wedding, rich in history, ritual and family. These two are blessed to have such a support group of family and friends to wish them well. Cristina’s sister gave a heart warming speech that had me tearing-up. (I have two sisters myself, and it reminded me of the unique bonds I have with each of them.)
Cristina- You looked stunning. So honored I could be part of this! Thank-you.
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Ceremony: St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Grand Rapids, MI
Reception: JW Mariott, Grand Rapids, MI
Make-Up Artist: Erick Gerson, He did an amazing job! Brides, I would definitely recommend that you get professional make-up the day of your wedding, you won’t regret it! You will look amazing! Giving your eyes that extra pop and your skin an even glow for the photographs.
Florals: Creative Events, Nancy
Cake: Kimberly Aya
Daniel J Pesta has been on my list of admirable photographers for some time now. A former Grand Rapidian, he now resides with his beautiful family in North Carolina where he photographs weddings, fashion, and pretty much any subject that crosses his lens. Check out his work: http://www.danieljpesta.com/
Last week, we spent half a day together, for a mini, one-on-one workshop. I was elated at the opportunity to glean from such a talented artist. As we sat in a coffee shop and discussed his portfolio & technique it became abundantly clear: Dan is a man of intense passion. (Daniel “passion-ensity” Pesta, in my own reality of made-up words.) His faith and his love for his family, his craft and his clients were reflected not only in our conversation but also in his images.
I left the workshop with knowledge of advanced lighting techniques and a fresh prospective on my portfolio. My next wedding was only a week and a half away and I couldn’t wait to create images using my new skills. Dan’s passion rekindled my love for the world of light and digital film. This was a great workshop, a leap in the right direction to help me evolve as an artist.
Dan- thanks for being such a passionate teacher. I look forward to a long friendship with you! ~KC
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Ceremony: St. Robert of Newminster, Ada, MI
Reception: Thousands Oaks, Grand Rapids, MI
Event Coordinator: Pearls Events
Florist: Stems Event Design
Custom Stationary: Syd Design
Videography: Deep End Films
I get the question a lot: “What should we wear for our engagement session?” These two get props, they planned their outfits to match the location, dressing with a nautical style. I love the complimentary blue palette they chose. Angie’s summer tank-top and Nate’s nautical stripes set the scene for this shoot, it looks like they’re ready for a day of sailing. The yellow ropes & houses in the background added some great contrast to these images. {Scroll to the end of the post for some tips on what to wear for your e.session.}
Tips on What to Wear For Your Engagement Session:
1.) If you don’t usually wear make-up, at the very least consider a powder foundation. It will even out your skin tone for the photos.
2.) Be yourself, be casual, wear something you feel comfortable in.
3.) Let your outfits compliment each other, avoid anything that too matchy.
4.) Patterns can be distracting, opt for solid colors or simple stripes.
I’ve noticed e.sessions popping up at carnivals on other photographer’s blogs and I absolutely love the idea! A unique, colorful setting to make pictures in brings a smile to my face. We planned this session to make sure a carnival was in town and when we arrived, they were tearing everything down. So while we missed out on the cotton candy, squirt guns and funhouse mirrors, the carnival folk were gracious enough to let me shoot around them.
by kcraw
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