Candice & Michael's Hawaiian wedding...

Wow . . . I usually post about weddings within days of the event... but this specific wedding ceremony is beyond words. I've tried to write this entry several times now and can't seem to come up with what to say. So... I'll just post a few pics...


CM... I feel so incredibly blessed beyond words to have been a part of your beautiful day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!

Love,
A

and . . .man could they dance...

I played hookie (hooky?) today...

... at least for a couple hours

I decided that after being on my computer all weekend it was time for a little sun in the valley... Santa Ynez. If you haven't noticed it's my favorite place to go escape for just a little bit.

So I was off in my newly washed car (and if you know me well you know what a miracle that is) . . . with the windows down, wind blowing, 90 degree weather . . and country music blaring... I'm a seasonal country listener... when it's sunny and I'm driving into the country its perfect. . . there is a time and place for everything!!

This jaunt into the valley was meant to be for jam making. . .yup . . .what better to do on a ranch than attempt to make homemade jam with two of your best girlfriends... granted I was just around for the picking of the berries. . . my computer called long before the jarring began.

Hey girls. .. I still expect to get some of that jam!!!

May you all find time for those needed breaks from reality to just sit back relax. . . and pick berries!!

Love,
A

Elizabeth & Will are engaged!!!

Okay ... there are soo many adjectives I could use to describe this amazing couple, but I kept it short and sweet... just look at the slide show and you'll see... pictures speak louder than words for sure...

Elizabeth & Will are so flippin' cute, adorable, FUN, lovely, beautiful . . . and for sure GOOFY . . how great is that combo!!

Click here to view a slide show

. . . and by the way I barely posed them ... to re-enact Patrick Swayze & Jennifer Grey (ala Dirty Dancing) was all them, I had nothing to do with it...

Man, I had such a blast shooting their engagement pics. I just know their life together, which will be including a destination wedding in Mexico (... how cool is that), is going to be full of laughter and joy to the point of belly aches.

Thanks you two for making me laugh so hard. I was smiling just as much as the two of you and I was behind the camera. You guys rock!!!

Love,
A

Mackinac Photographers Unite!!!

This weekend is going to be an awesome time to be on Mackinac (I only wish I was there) ... not only is it August, with sunny gorgeous weather for all the usual fun island things to do BUT it is also the 4th Annual Mackinac Island Fudge Festival (complete with Willie Wonka golden ticket contest, a photo exhibition, and of course a lot of fudgie activities).

As part of the festival, for the first time, there is going to be an open air exhibition of island photographers and their more creative works of art. Although I won't be able to be there in person a few of my favorite island images from this past winter will be there---A little bit of cold underneath the hot summer sun.

Saturday, August 23rd
4pm-6pm Art in the Park: A Photographer’s Exhibition-Mackinac Island is home to many award winning photographers. This exhibition is the first of its kind and will take place at Windermere Point with the award winning bluegrass band: Lonesome County, who have been hailed as one of the most diverse and powerful bands in the country.

If you are going to be on the island please swing by, take a look, and support all these amazing photographers. Since it is an exhibition, none of the works of art will be for sale, but if you are interested in any of these 10 x 20 gallery wraps please let me know.

Go have fun on the island for me . . and try to find the golden ticket!!

Love,
A

The camera turns on us...

So Nick's mom (of Daphne & Nick) . . .turned her camera on Brion and me a couple weeks ago . . . thought I'd share the pic... (man, what a fun wedding . . even if the waves were splashing over the break wall onto the cocktail reception . . . see how wet the walkway is in the background)



Just got off the red eye from Hawaii... wow those beaches are amazing. .. I can't wait to go back and explore more...

but for now ...must get sleep . . . must close eyes ... just for ... one minute... zzzzzz

Yet another flight . .. but where am I? Detroit? Hawaii? Timbucktu...

Well, last night I arrived at LAX at 10 pm ready to board yet another late night flight... although this time instead of heading east I headed west . . .

So at 2am when I landed... blurry eyed and tired I look outside . . . wait . .did they go the wrong way . . did I get my trips confused . . . it looks just like Detroit... it's funny how airports in the middle of the night really all do look exactly the same (how else could you explain a Detroit-Hawaii confusion)

Ahhhh . . but when I awoke just 5 hours later (thank you jet lag) and went for a walk on the beach . . . I realized. . .nope, it's a little different! (thank you iphone . . music & camera all in one)

Aloha . . .welcome to Hawaii . .. my first time here, I can't believe it and am sooo excited ... I've never seen anything like it. . .

and to be here... to shoot one of my best friends' wedding ... to the most amazing girl ever... on a Hawaiian beach. . . wow!!

Stay tuned. . .I'm sure I'll be shooting tons!

Have an amazing weekend!

Love,
A

Daphne & Nick: The slideshow

Click here to view the slide show

Just a quick thought about this wedding: It was an event of such sweetness. It echoed the joy and love that you can't help but see in the glances between Nick & Daphne. Plus those smiles and laughs... just check them out!!!

So I mentioned that a couple weeks ago I shot a very special wedding. Not only was this the wedding of my pseudo little brother (his sis is my best friend from college) but it was also an amazing example of how you can plan an amazing and touching event long distance with the help of friends and wonderful vendors. Daphne & Nick live out of town and over the past 6 months (with the help of their sister and friends) threw together a beautiful beach side affair.

Below are a list of the great vendors.

Event Coordinator: Melinda Hellyer Events & Design
Caterer: Pure Joy
Cake: Montecito Confections
Flowers: Grass Roots
Quartet: Aurora Ensemble

and the awesome,

Brion Hopkins as second shooter


It was such a pleasure to work with all of you and I can't wait to do it again!

Best,
A

Sara & Dan: Laughter Smiles & Rainbows. . .

Click here to see the Slide Show

That's what I think of when I think of Sara and Dan . . .there were so many smiles, laughter and jokes yet a tenderness that was unable to be hidden.

And of course as I biked away from the reception, leaving the two of them to dance the rest of the night... a double rainbow appeared in the sky and stretched across the entire island... (hence the reason I HAD to use this song)

My heart warms every time I view these pics. I'm so glad I was able to shoot this wedding and meet Sara and Dan... I just know we'll stay friends...

This wedding's amazing vendors were:

Flowers: Weber's Floral & Gifts

Location: Inn at Stonecliffe, Mackinac Island, MI

Cake: Bella e Dolce