Engagement Photos at McCourtie Park
Tiffany and Jimmy won an engagement photo session from me at the K105.3 Bridal Fair and I had a great time getting to know them yesterday at McCourtie Park. The weather was perfect! It was warm but not too warm, there was a slight breeze, the light was beautiful and there were no bugs!! As a result, the park was pretty full of people enjoying the sunshine and taking pictures. I think we ran into at least 4 other photographers! Here are some of my favorites from the day. Enjoy!
My Best Friends’ Wedding
One week ago, Kevin and Julie were married! It was an amazing day in Clark Lake with great venues, delicious food and beautiful flowers. I was honored to be both Matron of Honor and photographer for the day. A special thanks to Torrence Allison for shooting the moments I couldn’t as a member of the wedding party. More details to come but for now, here are some photos. Enjoy!
A Wedding at Stafford’s Perry Hotel, Petoskey
We had a great weekend in Petoskey photographing the wedding of Travis and Julie. I don’t have time to blog all the details tonight but will before long. For now, here’s a sneak peek of the photographs from the big day. Enjoy!
A Backyard Wedding in Ann Arbor
On Saturday I had the pleasure of photographing Nick and Michele’s intimate ceremony at the Ann Arbor Farmhouse, followed by a reception at the Gandy Dancer. Michele had each of her bridesmaids choose a black dress from White House Black Market and the guys kept things simple with white shirts and black pants. I am totally in love with the bride’s dress, which she had custom made by Fancy in New York. The bouquets were made up of silk ranunculus and were by Morgann Hill Designs.
The entire event was very relaxed. Guests were offered drinks upon arrival and the ceremony was short and sweet, lasting only 8 minutes. Post ceremony, the bride and groom posed with their guests for a photo and then guests headed inside for the cocktail hour while the formal family and bridal party photos were taken. Later, shuttles arrived to transport guests to dinner at the Gandy Dancer where spices from The Spice House in Chicago served as both seating assignments and favors and an exquisite dinner was served. Guests were treated to plenty of fun stories about the couple from the Maid of Honor, Matron of Honor and Best Man during the toasts and Nick and Michele also got up to say a few words. After dinner, the couple invited their guests to join them for bowling and karaoke. It was a wonderful day and I’m honored to have been a part of it. Here’s a sneak peek of the photos. Enjoy!
Ceremony Venue – Ann Arbor Farmhouse, Bride’s Dress – Fancy New York, Bridesmaids Dresses – White House Black Market, Flowers – Morgann Hill Designs, Reception Venue – Gandy Dancer, Favors – The Spice House
An exterior view of the charming Ann Arbor Farmhouse.
Hollyhocks grow at the ceremony site.
The groom and his attendants enjoy drinks before the ceremony.
The couple's wedding bands.
The bride and her mother round the corner at the start of the ceremony.
A close family friend reads the lyrics to The Grateful Dead's "If I had the World to Give".
The Matron and Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids watch the ceremony.
The kiss! Happy to be married!
The entire group poses for a quick photo post-ceremony.
Michele signs her new name for the first time.
The bouquet of ranunculus by Morgann Hill Designs.
The entire wedding party.
Nick and Michele. LOVE her ruffled dress!
The farmhouse offered a variety of backdrops for photos. Here's the bride again.
Michele with her family.
Nick with his sisters. You can just feel the love although Nick looks a bit scared! :)
Nick and Michele with Nick's extended family.
Outside the Gandy Dancer.
Nick and Michele take time out on a bench outside the Gandy Dancer.
Michele's "something blue", the University of Michigan Block M.
The reception space at the Gandy Dancer.
Spices from The Spice House in Chicago served as both seating assignments and favors.
The Matron of Honor share some thoughts about the bride.
Michele and Nick react to the funny stories told during the toasts.
The couple thanks their families and guests for participating in their wedding celebration.
A Portrait Session in Under 20 Minutes
I was very, very fortunate to spend three weeks with three of my wonderful nieces this month. They moved out of state last year and it’s been very difficult with them living so far away! Three weeks seemed like a long visit until we were living it. We were so busy with sleepovers, swimming, eating at all of their favorite restaurants and visiting local landmarks that the time completely flew by. We had wonderful intentions to do a very “serious” and formal photos session, meaning Grandma bought them all matching pink tie dyed dresses and I was thinking of props and locations we could use. However, before we knew it, we hadn’t done anything and we were leaving to take them home in 36 hours! We knew we had to spring into action in order to get it done.
My mother-in-law had had a busy day with the kids, trying to squeeze in everything we hadn’t done yet and I worked late that night and didn’t get home from Ann Arbor until much later than usual. It was hot and muggy outside, one of the pink tie dyed dresses was missing (later found in my dirty laundry), and the kids weren’t thrilled about having to change their clothes, brush their hair and take a break from playing inside and venturing out where the mosquitos were biting. Plus, the sun was going down and there was no time to travel so we decided that the back yard would have to do.
We shot these photos in literally 19 minutes, I used the bare minimum in photo equipment and while the kids’ hair and clothing wasn’t perfect and it wasn’t the “formal” session I had originally envisioned, I think these photos really represent the girls’ personalities. Lesson learned? Sometimes, less is more and it doesn’t matter if every hair is in place and everyone’s outfits are perfect. SO, grab your camera or a photographer and don’t wait for “perfect”, but capture your family as they are for a true slice of life perspective. Enjoy!
Angela’s Baby Shower – A Teddy Bears’ Picnic in Grass Lake
Last weekend was a my sister Angela’s baby shower and friends and family gathered at the Whistle Stop Park and Grass Lake Depot for the festivities. Ang collected teddy bears when she was growing up so the decision was made to have a Teddy Bears’ Picnic theme.
We wanted everything to be bright and colorful and one of the first vendors we booked was Allison of Allison Thompson Design, for the invitations. Allison’s work is amazing and she has now done wedding invitations for my wedding and one of my sister’s wedding, two bachelorette parties, two bridal showers and a baby shower. She’s also done invitations, programs and more for many of the weddings I’ve photographed over the years. I’ve wanted to opportunity to work with The Ballooney Bin, in Jackson, and what could be better for a baby shower than big, bright balloons? The Whistle Stop Depot has super high ceilings and balloons in the shapes of honey bees and flowers added color and fit the theme perfectly. They also made great take aways for the children in attendance at the end of the party. Brightly colored pots with either petunias or rye grass growing in them and a pinwheel stuck in the middle served as centerpieces and we had Madeline’s Heavenly Harvest make mini honey bears with personalized labels as favors for the event.
Homemade salads and lemonade were on the menu and Teddy bears from Ang’s collection “picnicked” at the table displaying the incredible cake by Lynne Markiewicz. It was my first experience with Lynne and definitely won’t be my last. Not only was the cake decorated perfectly, it tasted as good as it looked! A picnic blanket covered the table and we asked guests to sign it with their names and well wishes for Angela and baby.
It was wonderful to have so many of Ang’s friends and family in attendance and they’ve definitely made her well prepared for the arrival of her little one. I can’t wait to meet my new little niece or nephew! Enjoy the pics below!
Venue – The Whistle Stop Park and Grass Lake Depot, Invitations – Allison Thompson Design, Balloons – The Ballooney Bin, Cake – Lynne Markiewicz, 517.782.0237, Picnic blanket and children’s picnic set – World Market, Table clothes and service – Party City, Favors – Madeline’s Heavenly Harvest. Angela’s corsage – Designs by Judy.
An exterior of the Depot in Grass Lake.
Super cute baby shower invitations by Allison Thompson Design.
Bumbling bees and bright flowers from the Ballooney Bin added color to the space.
Guests arrive bearing gifts.
Bears from the mom-to-be's collection "picnic" around the awesome cake by Lynne Markiewicz.
The detail on the cake was incredible and included the adorable bee from Allison's invitations which was also used on the favor labels.
Instead of a traditional guest book, attendees signed a picnic blanket with well wishes.
Brightly colored pots were planted with petunias and rye grass and sparkly pinwheels finished the look.
A "garden" of balloons from the Ballooney Bin adorned the gift table.
The youngest party-goer flashes a smile for the camera :).
Traditional picnic food including chicken salad, jello and lemonade were on the menu.
Mini honey bears with custom labels (there's that cute little bee again) were provided by Madeline's Heavenly Harvest.
Angela rushes to put onesies on a clothes line, while talking on the phone and holding a baby, in this shower game.
In another game, guests had to match up baby animals with their names.
Time to ooh and aah over adorable baby gifts!
Ang and friend, Sarah, laugh while Ang opens gifts.
Kevin and Christina – An MSU Wedding
I had a wonderful time yesterday documenting the wedding of Kevin and Christina. We started off the day with photos of Christina getting ready at the Holiday Inn Express in East Lansing before hopping a 40 and 8 ”train” to travel to the MSU Demonstration Gardens for bridal party photos. After spending some time at the gardens, it was time to head to the MSU Alumni Memorial Chapel for a beautiful ceremony that included 4 readings by the couple’s loved ones. Post-ceremony, we boarded the train again and were off to visit the MSU Stadium, the Spartan Statue and the Kappa Delta sorority house for more photos. We were a bit worried that rain would ruin our plans but although it was a little cold and windy, the rain held off until we reached Eagle Eye Golf Club for the reception. The Hillside Room at Eagle Eye looked stunning with floral arrangements by Petal and Forrest and beautiful cake by Beth Henderson of Cake Art. Following dinner and the couple’s first dance, Uptown DJs got the party started and the guests dance into the night. Thanks, Kevin and Christina for choosing me to document the beautiful day you planned. I’ve loved working with you guys and hope you enjoy your sneak peek below!
Accommodations -Holiday Inn Express, East Lansing, Hair – Jaclyn Renee, RED the Salon, Bridesmaids dresses – Raylia Designs, Bride’s gown – Moni’s in Farmington Hills, Rings – Trenton Jewelers, Transportation – 40 & 8 of Jackson County, Ceremony site – MSU Alumni Memorial Chapel, Reception site – The Hillside Room at Eagle Eye Golf Club, Flowers – Petal and Forrest, Cake – Beth Henderson of Cake Art, Favors – Handmade truffles by Pam Quinn, DJ – Uptown DJs.
Christina looks in the mirror as the final touches are made to her wedding day hair.
A bridesmaid and Christina's mom use crochet hooks to button her dress.
Kevin and Christina see eachother for the first time on their wedding day.
The couple poses for a photo on the train.
The women of the bridal party at the MSU Gardens.
A full length shot of Kevin and Christina at the Gardens.
The entire group at the Gardens.
The happy couple!
A prayer during the ceremony at the MSU Alumni Chapel.
The kiss!
Married!
Christina's veil is caught in the wind.
Having some fun at the MSU Stadium.
Partying on the train.
The guys at the Spartan Statue.
The cake by Beth Henderson of Cake Art.
The tables were named for MSU landmarks.
Instead of a traditional guestbook, Kein and Christina chose to have guests sign an MSU jersey.
Cutting the cake.
Kevin takes a bite.
Kevin's cousin and best man gives a toast.
The couple reacts to the speech by the best man.
The couple listens to the speech.
Kevin and Christina share their first dance.
Getting down to music by Uptown DJs.
The Hillside Room after dark.
Shedding Some Light – Real Estate Photography
Last week I was contacted by Jen, a long time client of mine. Her house is on the market and she wanted me to come out and photograph it for the real estate listing. Of course, the listing agents are usually the ones to do this and hers already had. However, most real estate agents bring along a trusty point and shoot camera and most point and shoot cameras don’t have the wide angle lens capabilities to photograph an entire room, unless that room is in a mansion! Also, real estate agents’ expertise is real estate and not properly lighting a room for a photograph. As a result, many photos in real estate listings are dark and don’t truly showcase all of the great features a home has to offer. Jen is hoping her house will sell quickly and is hoping that some professional photos of her home will give potential buyers a better idea of how great her home is and bring them through the doors.
If you’re selling your home and want some great photos to show it off or, if your business is selling homes and you’re interested in partnering with me to sell more, get in touch with me! You can email me at liz@elizabethwalkerphotography.com or call me at (517) 262-3662. Here are some of the photos I took, with the “before” photos taken by the real estate agent for comparison. If you’d like to see more and/or if you’re interested in this beautiful home for sale in Brooklyn, Michigan, click HERE. Enjoy!
The original listing photo was shot straight on but I did one at an angle to give a better idea of how large the house is.
Better lighting and a wider lens makes all the difference in showing off this great living room.
The peaceful master bedroom.
A wider lens allows a better view of this cute kid's room.
K105.3 Bridal Fair
On February 19th I spent 6 hours meeting and chatting with couples planning their weddings at the K105.3 Bridal Fair, held in the American 1 Federal Credit Union Events Center at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. I’ve done the show several times in the past and it’s always a fun day full of cake samples, fashion shows, door prize drawings and more. I love that not only do I get to meet so many brides and grooms but it’s a chance to catch up with other wedding professionals as well. Bridal Fair attendees who meet with me before May 1st and end up booking with me will get their choice of a complimentary engagement photo session, trash the dress session or an extra hour of coverage on their wedding day. I’d love to chat with you about your photography coverage so please consider setting up a meeting with me today. You can email me at liz@elizabethwalkerphotography.com or call me at (517) 262-3662.
My booth at the 2011 K105.3 Bridal Fair
A Snowy Session at Hidden Lake Gardens
Kevin and Christina are getting married in May and while they booked me quite awhile ago, they waited to do their engagement photos in hopes of catching a wintery landscape and snow covered trees. We originally planned on shooting in January but the weekend we picked was lacking in the snow department so we decided to wait for our back up date. It was just barely snowing as I was prepping my bags for the shoot but when it was time to leave the house, I stepped out into a winter wonderland. Kevin and Christina wanted snowy engagement photos and that’s exactly what they were going to get!
Since we were shooting at Hidden Lake Gardens, we decided to take advantage of the conservatory first. The “jungle” was our first stop, followed by the “desert”. After we were done inside, we moved out into the snow and with the help of towels, plastic bags and an umbrella, were able to stay relatively warm and dry. The amount of snow coming down was a challenge at times but Christina and Kevin were such troopers and we got some amazing images as a result. I had so much fun with them and am looking forward to their big day. Enjoy the sneak peek below!
