This year the dominant color I have seen at weddings is purple.  I’ve seen a lot of eggplant and really dark purple, also dusty purple and dark blue.  Enjoy a few purple themed pics today!

I don’t know where to begin…I have been eagerly waiting for this wedding for 18 months! I’ve known Kristin for almost ten years, I feel like she is my second little sister. And even though I know she is way too young, I call her mom, Marie, my second mother. I love them both and was so very honored to be asked to spend the day with them. Phil and Kristin, your love for each other is contagious. The best part is seeing you laugh together, smiling, loving. May God bless you both as you continue to grow in your love for each other. All my love ♥

DJ:  Moments In Time Disc Jockeys, Joe Lober

In honor of another wedding Saturday, I thought I would post a few shots of bridal up do’s and down do’s that I’ve seen over the past few years.  I was actually planning on going to cosmetology school up until my senior year of high school, so I’m always interested in the hair and make up of the day.  If there is one piece of advise I can give to my brides, it is to have your make up and hair done for the day.  I also cannot say enough about adding in some fake lashes, they make such a difference in pictures.  A lot of my brides are nervous while getting their make up done, saying it is too heavy or that it doesn’t feel like what they would wear.  I always try to reassure them, a little heavier than normal is good.  You will thank yourself once you see the photos.

Every year it seems that one specific color dominates the wedding scene.  Last year, 2010, it was orange.  I loved seeing that awesome pop of color throughout the wedding season, it always looked great pictures.  I thought I would share a few of the pictures today.  Enjoy!

Ray and Rosa, first I want to say thank you so much for choosing me to be a part of your special day. I believe it was meant to be when you found me through Google. The love you share with each other is inspiring and it extends from you both to everyone around you. I’ve never seen a closer family and I completely fell in love with all of you by the end of the night. I’ve decided I want to be a Minerva sister too ☺ And even though the day did not go completely as planned (thank you Lord for the gazebo, it wasn’t much protection, but it was enough), your love for each other was the glue that held it all together. May God bless you both as you begin this awesome journey together as husband and wife. Enjoy!

Florist:  Horrocks

Reception Venue:  English Hills Terrace

Ceremony Venue:  St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church

DJ:  Me ‘N’ Mrs. Jones Mobile Music

Videographers:  Sunrise Video Productions

To see the beautiful slideshow, click here.

In honor of another wedding Saturday, I am showcasing some of the engagement pictures I have taken over the past two years.  Engagement sessions are a fun way to meet the couple before the wedding day and get to know them a little better.  Many couples ask me when they should do the engagement pics and I always tell them whenever they feel like it.  Most people do them about one year before the wedding, but if you have a short engagement, you can do them as soon as you get engaged.  I’ve also had couples do them up to 18 months before the wedding.  All personal preference.  The first photo in this bunch of pictures is my wedding couple for today.  Looking forward to your special day Ray and Rosa!

I had the opportunity to photograph Kim and Nick’s wedding in South Bend, Indiana.  The wedding and reception took place at St. Mary’s College.  What a beautiful place for a wedding!  So many spots outdoors and indoors to take awesome wedding shots.  And Kim was a beautiful bride.  I’ve been waiting for one of my brides to wear a wedding dress from the JCrew bridal collection, and she did.  Thanks again Nick and Kim for allowing me to spend this very special day with you and your families.  Enjoy!

To see the slideshow from the beautiful wedding, click here.

Here is a full sneak peek from my wedding last Saturday.  Blake and Bryce were married at Laketown Conference Center in Saugatuck.  It was quite warm, but a beautiful time was had by all.  I love outdoor weddings (when the weather cooperates) and love the pics I’m able to take outdoors.  These pics are some of my personal favorites ever and I hope you enjoy!

Venue:  Laketown Conference Center, Saugatuck

DJ:  Moments In Time Disc Jockeys, Joe Lober

I love wedding details!  They are a favorite part of my day at every wedding.  Saturday’s wedding had an apple green color scheme, with green, black and white as the main colors of the day.  Following are some of the detail shots from the wedding.  These colors were perfect for a hot July outdoor wedding.  All I can say is the attention to detail was stunning!  Enjoy.

I have been so very busy the past week!  I had two weddings last weekend and have been hard at work editing pictures the past two days.  Needless to say, I have been a bad blogger.  I completely ran out of time this morning to post anything.  So today’s post will be a sneak peek of the wedding I photographed on Friday.  While the day started with some rain (they say rain is good luck on the wedding day), it did clear up enough to allow us to hit a local park in Holland for beautiful outdoor pics.  Enjoy!

Cake:  Cake Occasions, Hudsonville

Floral Design:  True Vine Creations, Jenison

Catering:  Above & Beyond Catering, Holland