I don’t know if Mylee and Leo’s lives are normally serendipitous but since I’ve met them things seem to keep falling in to place. Sure, it’s been the little things, but it’s just another reason that makes their relationship feel right. We started their engagement session on East Ave in downtown Rochester and were stopped in our tracks when we saw the word love scrawled on a brick wall near us. Yes, it’s simple and easily replicated, but there it was just waiting for us. I love each chance to explore and document a part of the city and work with all of the different textures and colors that come with it. Mylee and Leo fit in perfectly in bright and bold blue and they shared different sides of their relationship as we talked, walked, and took some pictures. As they plan for a day that will bring family and friends together and start their lives as husband and wife I’m excited to join them on this journey. I am looking forward to next August, but until then enjoy a more natural and everyday look at the relationship of Mylee and Leo in what we call an engagement session.

When Becca agreed to spend the summer in Chicago playing soccer with the Chicago Eagles she had no idea she would also be meeting the man she would marry. In fact, dating within the teams wasn’t allowed and she was focused on soccer and the ministry that the Eagles has – as was Bobby. They couldn’t stop thinking about each other and spent more and more time as friends. In the short two months they had together there was something between them but the distance was too much. Becca went back to school in New York and Bobby stayed in Chicago as they reluctantly put things on hold. It wasn’t the end for them and when they both found they would be spending another summer in Chicago together they realized what they had was unlike anything else.

They began their long distance relationship which officially came to an end a few weeks ago. If you want to catch up on their engagement story – which is a fabulous one – read this post. I was so happy to join them for their wedding which reunited many family and friends and was a true celebration. They incorporated traditions from both families and used the blue and red tartan of Bobby’s kilt as inspiration to plan the day. The colors were bold and beautiful and it was so fun to photograph.

her custom invitations were made by good friend Margaret Sanford of Nightingale Handmade – and I think she did an amazing job keeping things simple, modern and relevant to Bobby + Becca’s wedding.

custom lanterns were hand made by artist + bridesmaid Arryn Vogan (whose wedding I also photographed!) and were placed down the aisle and in the reception. Nice job Arryn!

one of my favorite pictures to capture – the walk down the aisle. After a bubble exit, we photographed family and headed to a park for portraits

becca + bobby, you not only look amazing you are truly in love and it shows.

the evening’s activities include several toasts and a special tribute song by Becca’s brothers before everyone danced the night away! I apologize in advance for any embarrassing dancing photos :) I only let a few sneak in there.

congrats again you two! To see the full set of photos visit this proofing gallery and enjoy!

The first paper suite is from the modern, urban, and altogether chic Portland wedding of Marianne & Jimmy. It’s also a good precursor to their wedding photos which I’ll be posting tomorrow. Marianne took on the daunting challenge of not only learning calligraphy, not only addressing her own invitations, but writing custom menus for every single guest. Everything was custom and written in calligraphy, save the actual invites + save the dates which were beautifully letter pressed by Oblations Papers & Press. I don’t know how she did it, but she recounted that each day after work she would write a little bit. Marianne, you amaze me. That’s dedication, and I have to say I think it was worth it. As witness to the wedding and details of the day there was something about the beautifully written cards that waited at each table, the handwritten quality and thoughtfulness that went into each piece. In case you are wondering, the artist behind the beautiful handmade tray I photographed the invitations on is Alice Drew, whose work I love & admire.

custom calligraphy wedding invitation01 custom calligraphy wedding invitation02 custom calligraphy wedding invitation03 custom calligraphy wedding invitation04 custom calligraphy wedding invitation05 custom calligraphy wedding invitation06 custom calligraphy wedding invitation07 custom calligraphy wedding invitation08 custom calligraphy wedding invitation09 custom calligraphy wedding invitation10 custom calligraphy wedding invitation11 custom calligraphy wedding invitation12 custom calligraphy wedding invitation13 custom calligraphy wedding invitation14 handmade navy lace wedding invitation01 handmade navy lace wedding invitation02 handmade navy lace wedding invitation03 handmade navy lace wedding invitation04 handmade navy lace wedding invitation05 handmade navy lace wedding invitation06 handmade navy lace wedding invitation07 handmade navy lace wedding invitation08 handmade navy lace wedding invitation09 handmade navy lace wedding invitation10 handmade navy lace wedding invitation11 handmade navy lace wedding invitation12 handmade navy lace wedding invitation13 pink navy wedding invitation01 pink navy wedding invitation02 pink navy wedding invitation03 pink navy wedding invitation04 pink navy wedding invitation05 pink navy wedding invitation06 pink navy wedding invitation07

Our next invitation set was handcrafted by the ever talented Margaret Sanford. You probably remember the fabulous invitations she created for her own wedding, and since then she has been in high demand to create custom paper goods for many other events. I would highly recommend contacting her if you are interested in custom paper goods of your own, and as of next week she’ll be living in the New York City area so you might have to be patient while she moves. Back to what we’re hear for. When Becca + Bobby got engaged, Margaret got started on the perfect paper goods that would go along with the blue and red theme of their Scottish wedding. Never afraid to stray from tradition she came up with a brilliant save the date that featured white embossed letters and the thinnest red thread tied around. I love it. The invitation is similar, but incorporates a band of lace under another loop of red thread. It’s all in the details.

The last invitation is for Liz + Matt’s upcoming wedding in Michigan. I’m know they will have a beautiful suite of paper goods, but since I just have the invite that’s all I’m sharing today. It’s a beautifully put together piece by The Dandelion Patch, a local Virginia stationer. The actual invite is a design by BT Elements, and is put together in Liz + Matt’s wedding colors of navy and pink. The sophisticated design sets the stage for what is sure to be a beautiful day on Lake St. Claire back in my home town of Grosse Pointe! ps – how do you like that corkboard they are photographed on? That’s a Mary Dougherty original from several years ago, and super easy to do!

I hope you enjoyed looking through the full gallery of images, and thanks to the wonderful people who created these pieces and the clients that inspired them and allowed me to post them. I’m continually blessed to be able to work with people like you!

It all began with a new relationship, back in college where Bruce and Janet met. Sure, they learned how to be teachers and took other classes in psychology, language and history… but more importantly they learned about each other. They grew close and learned they never wanted to be apart. Bruce had plans to ask Janet to marry him on a gorgeous afternoon overlooking rolling New York hills, but as engagement plans often go awry, they did. We all know it’s not the actual engagement story but the relationship that matters, and Bruce and Janet have what it takes to make a marriage work. They can roll with the punches, even when things don’t go their way, and enjoy the journey together.

On a sunny spring day in April Bruce and Janet were married. It is always amazing to witness the joining together of two people. Getting to know them as a couple over the past year made it even sweeter. The friends and family that gathered witnessed the start of a marriage that will surely have it’s stories to tell, it’s adventures to go on, it’s celebrations to be a part of. Bruce and Janet I couldn’t be happier for you guys – that the rain held off, that “skull mountain” was successfully covered, that you found each other in the first place.

Janet’s lace Maggie Soterreo dress was perfectly delicate a beautiful – love the lace in that light! The girls arrived at the church to finish their preparation and I love this image of them below!

Janet wore a crocheted anklet made especially for her wedding day by her grandmother. I love photographing those thoughtful details that make up a wedding day.

A palette of bright blue was vibrant against the afternoon cloudy sky. The dramatic light was beautiful to photograph in.

The ceremony that joined them together was compelling. It was personal, meaningful and challenging to both them and everyone in attendance. It was easy to photograph Bruce and Janet afterwords since there was clearly a change that had happened.

While it was a gorgeous and moody day outside, daisies carried the spring theme into the reception, decorating the cake and place card seed packets that were assembled for each guest.

There was food, celebrations and dancing and it was a wedding in every sense of the word. Congrats again Bruce and Janet and thanks for letting me be a part of the day!

She had made her decision a long time ago. The way he made her laugh, the way he served others, the way he opened up to her in a way only she knew. These were some of the things that made their love unique; that made her fall in love in the first place. She stood in front of the mirror calm and assured. This was the day she was waiting for, and choosing to marry Sean was the best decision she made.

In a nearby room surrounded by his groomsmen, Sean quietly buttoned his vest and put on his tie. He could hardly believe the day had come, that Jessica was going to be his wife. He thought about the many cards he had written to her, the one he gave her today, and those he would write in the future. Today was the beginning of something new.

Surrounded by family and friends, Sean and Jessica were married and started their lives as husband and wife. After knowing both Sean and Jess from my college days at Houghton, it was such a privilege to also be a part of their wedding and document the day. It was a celebration, and party, a reunion, and everything a wedding should be.

The day took place at Westminster Chapel, over in Mendon New York, and it was my first time shooting at that location. It’s a gorgeous church and reception space so that everything can take place there. I meet Sean and Jess there to start documenting their day.

The wedding bells rang and the newlyweds exited the church through a sea of bubbles. The bridal party then headed to nearby Nazareth College for some photos on their grounds. 

you two look so good together, and jess you’re simply gorgeous! we had to get another running image like the one from the engagement session, and I love the motion and life in this one

As fun as it is to watch the bride and groom cut the cake, I also love to see the crowd’s reaction to that!

The night did not end, there was much more dancing, laughing, talking, and celebrating but I’m going to end with this last image that I love of the rings. Leave Sean + Jess some love and write a comment! After that, head over to their proofing gallery so you can see all of the images for yourself.

I hope life in Virginia is treating you well, Sean and Jess and thank you again for letting me be a part of your day!

The clouds were rolling in yesterday and the sun was bright enough to light the moon and sky up perfectly. I loved that you could see the rain from the clouds far away and it was dramatic enough that I brought out my camera to document it. Just a little weather small talk.

A conservatory is the perfect hideaway during a cold winter day. Filled with lush plants and bright colors you wander through the themed rooms and easily forget the snow outside. Conservatories seem to be a somewhat outdated thing, although I really do hope they stick around. I’m talking like they’re an animal on the verge of extinction, but any northerners who endure harsh winters know how important it is to be reminded of life outside of the cold.

When Elizabeth and Jared were planning their engagement session I naturally suggested the Belle Isle conservatory, and trusting my opinion we met up there a few days after Christmas. Not only is it interesting inside, but the outside of the conservatory also boasts some architectural history and visual interest and as you can see it was a beautiful day. Together the variety of light and locations in the photos create a complete set that I really love.

Did you know that Elizabeth and I went to high school together? In fact we were both in photography together so she can vouch for my early interest. Oh, that was back in those ancient days when we used something called a darkroom… I’m not sure if you’ve heard of it. I’m going to have to dig up some of my high school work and show you guys – you’d like that, right?

Snow angels? yes. They were up for anything. I didn’t capture the process as well as I did the kiss afterward. Mark your calendars for August when they’re getting married because I know I’m going to shoot some amazing photos at their wedding!

A palette of navy and plum set the tone with rich color in a crisp and rainy day. The plans had been made months in advance, as they usually are, and the details came together for Stefanie and Nate’s wedding. When I arrived to the house the girls were getting ready in, it was bustling with activity. You could feel the energy and excitement as everyone prepared and I jumped right in and started documenting.

The bridesmaid’s ensembles were perfectly planned and I loved details and the color combination… and the wedding dress? Made by a friend and tailored to fit perfectly!

Not only can Stef work it (as you can see above) she is so much fun. Why would the wedding day be any different?

The guys prepped at the church, and contained their excitement for a few photos before the ceremony. Afterwards, we headed back to the same area and hid from the rain in this amazing spot:

So gorgeous, what a couple – I love the natural photos that happen in between everything so much.

with the bridal party we headed to a famous Fillmore spot, which was perfect with it’s big porch.

What a beautiful wedding, and I loved documenting everything. Congrats again to Stef and Nate and enjoy your first Christmas together!

It started Thursday night. I thought, might as well paint while I a watch a marathon of nbc’s lineup. Matt had left that afternoon for nationals, so it was possible to have everything be a complete surprise. As with any redecoration it’s hard to know where to start, but I finally decided on the things I wanted to do:

#1 REPAINT  The aqua color was nice during the day (because of the light) but at night it changed and was too dark. It didn’t really pull the room together and I thought it was throwing everything off.

#2 CHANGE THE CURTAINS I wanted to hang the curtains to make the window look larger, and I also wanted a lighter color to brighten the room.

#3 ADD LIGHT I wanted to keep our couch in the same spot (it’s hard to arrange with all of the doors) but I thought be adding light behind the couch it would really brighten everything – this meant putting some sort of table back there.

Since I was starting with paint  I rushed to Lowe’s and made a quick decision on a blue ($31). Campy was ready to help so I had to choose something fast. I don’t usually do well with quick decisions, and this was no exception. I guess I had to take one step backwards before I could move forward; maybe it was more like 3 steps backwards. Honestly, I don’t know what I was thinking, but I had them mix this blue that was so vibrant, so dark, well… you can see it below.

Of course, when I first put it on I thought – yikes! and then, maybe this will work. So, I kept painting until 1 am until I had almost all of the room done so I could really see what it looked like. I woke up the next morning and new it was a mistake. This time, I needed a new color – I thought “something blue-gray, kind of like a cloudy day.” I consulted a few diy and home decorating sites to hopefully point me down the right path, but since I was already repentant I knew I’d make a good choice this time. I went for more paint ($31)- only this time I went to home depot and not lowe’s – and found a color called ozone; I went for the behr paint + primer, since I knew I had a lot of color to cover. I was going to keep the whole project a secret from Matt but since it started as such a disaster I told him about the painting. You can see below the first blue was the middle swatch of the top stack, the second color the top swatch on the bottom stack.

Friday night I went to work re-painting, making sure to put it on thick so I only had to do one coat (it worked). I felt better already. At first the color looked  gray against the garish blue it was hiding, but when the room was finished it was the perfect combination of smoky blue I was looking for.

Painting behind me, I moved on to the building portion of the makeover. I thought building the table I wanted behind the couch would give me exactly what I was looking for, and I also settled on a valance to hide the hardware and expand the feeling of the window. After a trip to the farmer’s market I bought the wood needed ($60) to complete my projects and had everything cut to size. I used screws and some wood glue as reinforcement to put everything together, it was simple to create the pieces I needed. Of course, I couldn’t have done it without another set of hands so it was great to have Campy help – lexi watched on and wandered around as we tried to keep her away from the glue.

Next stop was the fabric store, where I bought what was needed to create an upholstered look to the valance and curtains for the side ($40). I also wanted to hang a fabric above the couch – I wasn’t sure how I would do it or what it would look like, but if it worked I thought it would add some nice interest and texture to the wall.

I covered my wooden valance frame in batting and then layered the fabric over it, using a staple gun to secure. Thankfully I cut the fabric in half, because like any good pair of dress pants, it needed two layers. It was at this point, that Matt arrived home early to a disastrous house with us mid-project. Oh well. At least he could help us now!

It was Sunday when we finished everything up. The table was painted white, the new blinds were hung ($80), fabric piece for the wall was made, and we all worked on hanging the valance. Of course the measurements were off the first few times, but after double checking and marking several times we got things right and secured the valance to the wall.

When all was said and done the living room make over was complete and now looks like this:

Do you love the transformation? It was a lot of work but honestly not that hard and completely worth it, especially for a grand total of $242 on supplies. Now we are ready to hang things on the walls, get a few new pillows, and start enjoying the space. Can’t wait for thanksgiving!

ps if you are going to start your own makeover start today! don’t leave it until the night before :)

red truck, white dress, blue sky… just thought I should share what my 4th of July looked like!