Destination Wedding... to Canada!

Okay, so Mike and Erin's wedding was closer distance wise to me than, say, Ann Arbor, but still... it was an international event and it was nice to be across the river for a change. Erin got her dream outdoor wedding with Detroit's riverfront as the backdrop for their event. Taking photos along Windsor's waterfront was a bit more tricky since they're well into their second month of a city services strike meaning trash is piling up and their lawns are shaggy. Still, we were able to get some nice photos and play around with their wedding party. The reception featured fun toys for the kids and Skye debuted our photo booth frames which gave the guests a fun new prop to play with... which turned out to be a huge success!

Tip Of The Day! LIMOS

Okay, so you've rented a fancy limo and you're all excited about bonding in this cool vehicle. Only it's not cool at all... an issue that happens ALL the time.... car limos air conditioning systems DO NOT WORK! Ever! I've never been in a limo (crammed with bridesmaids and men in three layers of tuxes) where the air conditioning actually cooled anyone down. We're talking very close quarters and a lot of sweating and swearing going on. This is not a pleasant time for anybody and certainly not what most couples have in mind when they're planning their transportation. So, since limos are usually paid (including their tips) before the limo drives one stinking mile, make sure you state in writing that the air conditioning will work sufficiently and have it written into your contract so you're not out all of your fees when the limo does not live up to your expectations. If you're planning a summer wedding, get a bus limo of some type. Girls won't have to do the awkward dress crawl into along the seat and the air conditioning usually works! Just my two cents.

Janeiro & Ronnie

Great couple, California bound... so many great people leaving the state. This couple exuded warmth and made sure they and everyone around them felt welcomed and appreciated. Everyone joined in the celebration and the dancing. Great fun.

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks!

Thanks to my daughter Skye and her boyfriend for letting me use them to try out a new technique. Coming soon... to a wedding near you!

Amy & Tim May 9th, 2009 in Royal Oak

Tim and Amy are the kind of couple everybody likes right away. They've got friends that go way back, they've got new friends, and I'm pretty sure they made some new ones during their wedding day! They got married at the National Shrine of the Little Flower with their reception at the Somerset Inn in Troy. Father Pawel let me at my lights into the ceremony for a wonderful effect of making the beautiful church actually look like it does in real life. We went to their favorite park in Birmingham for some photos with their wedding party and their dogs before dropping in to their favorite bar for a quick toast. The Somerset Inn was efficient and helpful as always and the live band kicked things into high gear. They also provided a room sized screen for me to project my "best of" slideshow onto, which brought the whole room to silence (except for the oohs and aaahs) during dinner. Hadn't anticipated that reaction, but Amy assured me she loved the show and the great feedback her guests gave her. They practiced their dance in the empty hall and were in top form by the time they hit the dance floor in front of their guests.

Melissa & Dennis May 8th, 2009 in Macomb

Dennis & Melissa made it a huge point to make sure they and their children enjoyed and felt included in the wedding. That's a tough thing to balance on your wedding day, but they managed to make it look easy. Watching them encourage their two year old to come down the aisle solo not once, but twice was priceless! We also stopped by a local park for some fun photos, not realizing we'd be competing with upteen prom people vying for the same real estate. So despite the threat of a downpour, we got some fun photos on the playground. Thanks for sharing your fun day and your wonderful children with me!

Ann & Erich - May 2nd, 2009 in Chelsea, Michigan

Great couple, lots of fun and what risk takers... bringing Sparty to an Ann Arbor wedding?!?!

Their church was in Chelsea, MI and their reception was at the Sheraton in Ann Arbor. Erich is a very fun loving and silly kind of guy who obviously loves life and his wife. Ann was laid back and ready to thoroughly enjoy her wedding. We stopped by the rail tracks in Chelsea where we were lucky enough to get a break from crummy weather and get some nice shots. Thanks for a great day!