Beth & Brian are Married!

Beth & Brian were married last Saturday at the Gross Pointe War Memorial. It was an amazingly beautiful day. Blue skies and perfect temps and things couldn't have been more perfect!

I met Beth at the Maniaci's Bridal Show last spring. Beth had won one of the door prizes, which just happened to be a free engagement album that I had donated. I remember hoping that she took advantage of her win, not only because this meant she might book with me, but also because I've found that many people don't cash in from these events. I personally love freebies and am totally stoked if I win anything!

I love that they chose a "First Look" for their day. When Brian dropped Beth off at the salon that morning they were both beaming. And completely relaxed. When I asked Beth how she was doing and if she was nervous at all, she said simply, no. Then she proceeded to tell me how happy that she with their decision to spend the time together before their wedding. They spent the eve of their wedding sipping a bottle of wine and sharing their excitement for the next day.

This is my favorite reason for "First Looks". Couples are so much more calm and relaxed when they get to enjoy the day together with their best friend. They can forgo the nerves and just watch all of their hard planning come together. Many people don't realize that the tradition of not seeing your bride or groom before the ceremony stems from the days of arranged marriages. Weddings were often arranged for financial and political gain and this kept people from trying to back at out the last minute. This has led to the superstition of it being bad luck for the groom to see his bride before the wedding. But I digress...

We started the day at Pintura Salon in Clinton Township where the talented Kelly and Melody did all of the girls' make-up and hair.

Beth's dress was stunning with a beautiful vintage feel to it.

Love this image of the flower girls delivering a few words of love to Brian before the ceremony.

Love the look on Brian's as he sees Beth for the first time since leaving the salon...

During a first look, I just take a step back and try to give the couple as much privacy as I can. I love, love, love capturing these intimate moments.

One of my top favorites from the day!

As I'm typing this, I know that Beth & Brian and having an amazing time in Hawaii! Congratulations you guys and thank you for choosing me to capture your day for you!
Click here to watch the slideshow and view more images from the day!

OP Love Session with Chase

I'd like for you to meet this little cutie Mr. Chase! Chase's mom Kelly contacted me the day before she was being induced to set up our session. This was the youngest subject I had the pleasure of working with. Chase was 1 week old exactly when I shot his session. So cute!

Chase's father hasn't had the opportunity to meet his son yet as he is currently stationed over seas. He's seen pictures through e-mail, but I know he's looking forward to meeting him for the first time when he comes home in November. And I hope that they take advantage of the "Homecoming sessions" we also offer. How awesome would it be, to be there to capture the moment Andre meets his son for the first time!

This is what I love about being part of such an awesome organization. While Chase's father hasn't been able to meet his son yet, he will have an album of images to keep with him while he's stationed away. I know that this has been hard for Kelly, having her husband away and not able to be there for the birth of their first son. They actually live in San Diego, but she chose to have the baby here in Michigan where her parents are. And Andre's parents live in Texas, so I know they can't wait to meet their grandson either. I'm honored to be able to provide this wonderful family with images of their new addition.

Here's a few of my favorites from the day...

Chase was such a good sport letting me pose him for pictures for daddy.

Chase even woke up for a bit so daddy could see his gorgeous eyes!

Kelly, thank you so much for being a part of OP Love. It was an honor to be able be able to give back to you and your family after all you are giving up for us. Thank you Andre, for all that you do.

Michele & Scott are Married!

Michele and Scott were married last Saturday at Lakeland Manor in St. Clair Shores. It was another absolutely gorgeous day! We started of at their house where the girls got ready. I've known Michele and Scott for a while now. Scott works with "my Scott" at the St. Clair Shores Fire Department. I was a little nervous for this wedding I have to tell you. There's something about shooting people I know makes me want to start biting my nails again!

Michele & Scott, I had a fabulous time at your wedding! It was an honor to be there to capture your day for you...

I love that Michele had two completely different dresses for her wedding. A beautiful classic style for the ceremony, and then another stunning dress for the reception.

Michele has the most beautiful eyes

and a killer smile!

The lucky groom!

One of my favorites of Michele, so serene...

Scott is very proud of his Irish heritage, and I just love that he included that in his wedding ring.

When the crowd rose for Michele and her father I watched Scott trying to peek around the guests to catch a glimpse of his bride. I love this image as he finally sees her...

Seeing little ones with cameras makes my heart smile.

Ryan, a fellow firefighter performed the touching ceremony.

I love everything about this image!

I loved their cake topper. It really shows what a fun couple they are!

After the ceremony we headed over to Wahby Park for some portraits. Such a beautiful park!

What a good looking couple!

They wanted to have their wedding in St. Clair Shores so that the firefighters on duty would still be able to attend dinner. And lucky for us they brought the engine saving us a little time for pictures.

Another top fave from the day...

One thing you have to know is that the guys at the department are always trying to come up with new pranks to play on the others. I remember "my Scott" coming home from work one day all excited telling me that I just had to find Aviator sunglasses for him for the wedding. A quick visit to Amazon and within a couple of days we had 20 pairs! Now, this was before Michele and Scott actually booked with me. If it would have been after, I might not have been so open to the idea. Ok. Who am I kidding? I loved it! It made for some great pictures and Michele even donned a pair!

Their first dance as husband and wife

My top favorite image of the day...

Michele & Scott, I hope you had an incredible time in Mexico! Of course I'm pretty certain you did from your facebook status updates! Love it!

If you find yourself needing more, here's a slideshow for your viewing pleasure!