Elizabeth Walker Photography

Kristen contacted us about photographing her late summer wedding after having a chance to check out our booth at the K105.3 Bridal Show back in February. The traditional ceremony at Temple Beth Israel in Jackson was beautiful and Rabbi Plaut did a fantastic job of incorporating how Lane and Kristen met and what they love about each other into the ceremony.  The bridesmaids each wore a different color dress and the bright Gerbera daisy bouquets were made by Kristen herself!  After formal photos at the temple, we were off to the reception in the fun and festive atmosphere at Wool E. Bully’s. The cupcake cake from Sam’s made the perfect colorful focal point on the stage and catering was provided by Rocky Top Beer and BBQ.  Thanks Kristen and Lane for choosing us to document your day!

Lane and his best man sign the marriage license in Rabbi Plaut's office.

Kristen is escorted down the aisle.

Under the chuppah.

Kristen and Lane exchange rings.

A kiss after the bubble exit.

The bridesmaids each wore a different color.

A loving moment between the newlyweds.

Kristen's bright Gerbera Daisy bouquet.

Lane and Kristen feed each other cupcakes.

Lane searches for the garter.

The cupcake cake.

Lidija and I had some time to go exploring on Saturday morning before photographing James and Whittney’s wedding so we headed out to Old Mission Point. Here’s a sampling of photos I took during our excursion. Enjoy!

This weekend, we travelled to Traverse City, Michigan to photograph the wedding of Whittney and James. James and Whittney planned an outdoor ceremony at Timberlee Hills. Unfortunately, the cold, rainy and windy weather forced us inside for the ceremony, officiated by Julie Chai, MDiv which included a wine ceremony and the blessing of James and Whittney’s adorable daughter, Nora. Afterwards, the weather cleared a bit and we were able to spend some time outside photographing the families and wedding party. Tables at the reception were named after local landmarks (the table numbers, seating chart, invitations and programs were by Allison Thompson Design)  and the guests were treated to a fabulous dinner followed by cherry cake, chocolate covered cherry favors and bowls of fresh cherries on the table. Thanks, James and Whittney, for choosing us to photograph the beautiful day you planned. Enjoy the sneak peek of your wedding photos below!  

Venue – Timberlee Hills , DJ – DJ B’s Sound Entertainment, Invitations, Programs, etc. – Allison Thompson Design, Cake – Potter’s Bakery, Whittney’s bouquet – Hibbard’s Flowers and Botanical Designs, Whittney’s dress – To Have and to Hold Bridal Boutique and Formal Wear

Whittney's Maid of Honor laces up her dress.

Whittney and Nora, ready for the ceremony.

The programs by Allison Thompson Design.

Julie Chai blesses Nora during the ceremony.

James and Whittney with their attendants.

James and Whittney share a laugh before the reception.

The bridal bouquet.

The tables were named after local landmarks.

The cake was cherry flavored in true Traverse City style.

James and Whittney share their first dance as husband and wife.

James retrieves the garter.

Whittney summons more ladies to line up for the bouquet toss.

The bouquet is caught.

The guys and their cigars.

The reception space at Timberlee Hills.

This weekend I took some time off from work to celebrate the upcoming marriage of my sister Angela. We started with a wine tasting party at Sandhill Crane Winery on Saturday. It was a hot day but there was a nice breeze and the surroundings were so beautiful and the wine so divine that it was easy to relax and enjoy the warm summer weather. On Sunday, we were at it again, this time at The Bon Ton Room for the bridal shower. Matt Davis and his staff provided the perfect atmosphere for our book themed shower and the food by Joyce Rogers was fantastic. Diane Simmons of The Cake Connection created a delicious cake in the shape of a stack of books. Custom invitations for each event were made by Allison Thompson Design. A huge thanks to all of our vendors who made the parties so special and congrats to the bride-to-be Angela. I’m so happy that you have found Justin, the perfect guy for you to share your life with. I can’t wait for the wedding!

Allison Thompson of Allison Thompson Design created these amazing zebra print invitations for the party.

Watermelon and cantaloupe in a crystal pedestal bowl made a colorful, edible centerpiece.

My sister Kim made these cute wine charms as a favor for each of the party guests.

Most of the delicious food for the bachelorette party was from Prime Cuts.

The bride-to-be and guests take a "How well do you know the bride and groom?" quiz.

Angela with the moms.

Our space at The Bon Ton Room just about ready for guests to arrive.

The stack of books cake by The Cake Connection.

Another fabulous invitation by Allison Thompson Design.

The bride's table is set and a corsage by Karmay's Flowers and Gifts is ready for her arrival.

A stack of books accented with fresh flowers served as the centerpiece for each table.

Aunt Cathy turned a pack of gum and a box of chocolates into miniature books as favors for the guests.

This week we’re going back in time to the beginning of the summer wedding season. Mary and Patrick were married on May 23rd at St. Mary Star of the Sea in Jackson, MI. St. Mary’s is one of the most beautiful churches in Jackson and it’s always a pleasure to shoot there.  Following the ceremony, we took photos of the bride and groom and their families at the church and then went to the top of the Blake Building for bridal party photos. It was quite an experience cramming everyone into the elevator (it took two trips) and one of the bridesmaids got to play elevator operator, delivering us safely to the top.  After some time checking out the breathtaking views of downtown Jackson, we travelled to the Country Club of Jackson where beautiful candelabras, created by the Mary’s father, decorated the tables. Following dinner, the happy couple and their guests danced the night away with help from the Kalamazoo Big Band and when the band took a break, everyone was treated to a performance by the groom’s younger brother and sister. Thanks, Mary and Patrick, for choosing Elizabeth Walker Photography to document your wedding day!

The ceremony at St. Mary Star of the Sea in Jackson, Michigan.

The bridal party piled into the elevator for the ride to the top of the Blake Building.

The bridal party on the rooftop. That's St. Mary's in the background between Mary and Patrick!

Mary and Patrick on the Country Club's golf course.

One of the gorgeous candelabras created by Mary's father.

The beautiful wedding cake.

The bride and groom kept things pretty clean while feeding eachother cake.

The first dance.

Patrick and Mary dance during the performance by Patrick's brother and sister.

The guests dance while the Kalamazoo Big Band plays.

The company I use for printing coffee table books is Asukabook. They recently released a new coffee table book, the Book Bound EXD. The new book is a hardcover book with laminated pages in your choice of glossy, laminate or matte and a book jacket, just like  the deluxe book in my current packages. However, this one has a fully customizable book case! If you’re a current client who has just ordered the coffee table book included in your package or have yet to order yours and you’re interested in upgrading, let me know. For new and prospective clients, this book will be included in some of the new package options we’ll be releasing soon. Stay tuned!

The new Hard Cover EXD comes in a variety of sizes.

The book has a fully customizable book case!

The book has a book jacket.

Inside the book.

The book's binding.

Alicia and Jeff were married at St. John Catholic Student Parish in East Lansing, MI.  It was my first time shooting there and I loved it! There’s so much natural light and the layout of the seating gives everyone an opportunity to have a great view of the bride and groom. I hope to have the opportunity to shoot there again soon!  

After the ceremony and some family photos at the church, we headed to the MSU Horticulture Gardens to photograph the wedding party. We started at the back of the gardens and worked our way forward.  My assistant, Sarah, kept track of our shot list while also keeping an eye on the sky which was suddenly very dark. Fortunately, the rain held out just long enough for us to do everything we wanted to at the Gardens.

Alicia and Jeff wanted to have some photos taken of just the two of them at the Capitol. It was still raining a bit but Alicia, the calm, cool and collected bride that she is, didn’t mind getting a little wet. So, we hopped out at the Capitol and because of the rain, had the whole place to ourselves! 

The reception room at the Ramada Lansing Hotel and Conference Center looked beautiful with centerpieces of hurricanes, crystals and rose petals. After a wonderful dinner, dancing, with music by Matt Schultheiss of WED, continued the rest of the night. We couldn’t have asked for the day to go more smoothly or for a happier couple. Thanks Jeff and Alicia for choosing us to document your day!

Jeff and Alicia take a moment to relax at the MSU Horticulture Gardens.

The ceremony at the St. John Catholic Student Parish.

Alicia and Jeff share a laugh during the ceremony.

The happy couple exits the ceremony as husband and wife.

The bridal party at the MSU Horticulture Gardens. Check out that sky!

The MSU Horticulture Gardens offers so many different backdrops!

The brides gorgeous yellow and white bouquet by Flowers by Mary.

Just one image from our stop at the Capitol.

The beautiful room at the Ramada.

Matt Schultheiss from WED kept people on the dance floor all night long.