Melissa’s family hired us based on a wedding we did six year prior. We sat by them at a reception during dinner.  They were so sweet to remember us and to call. I was so flattered and thankful.  Melissa and Kyle had a packed party. You can tell this couple is well loved.  There was a lot of laughing and dancing. Wishing you many more hunting and fishing years together!!!  xoxoxox

How to have an successful Engagement Session with a professional photographer:

1. I alway recommend bringing props to have in your engagement session that may represent who you are and what you love as a couple.  For example, Melissa and Kyle love to hunt and fish together.  I love that they brought a pole and signage that represents a characteristic/hobby that they share.

2.  You don’t have to dress exactly the same. I love variety. Look at a palette that you may like.  They picked orange and blues and then did a clothes change with red and black. I think up to four colors can be successful if done right.

3.  Bring poses you like. If you want to put a little elbow grease into the session, feel free to pin a few pictures poses that you love and we can accomplish them

4. Have fun. This is a great chance to get familiar with the camera and have fun. You can get a great blend of romantic, traditional and creative because we have the time.

A Wedding Photographer point of view of the Hitching Post Wedding Venue:

The Hitching Post Facts:

• On-site props and backgrounds. I like that there is a lot of variety on site.  You don’t have to go anywhere and you have barns, and fields, animals, farm equipment, rustic texture, etc… Lots of options
•  Indoor or Outdoor ceremony site. I do prefer the outdoor location, but in a bind at least you have back up
• Everything at one spot! I love this. It reduces stress by a lot!
• Budget friendly. I think it is pretty reasonable in cost
• The barn inside is very nice.

What could improve at the Hitching Post

They could take care of their grounds a little better, it is not horrible, but it is very rustic. Weeds in the cement cracks and worn down parking lot.

It’s a barn, so it can be hot if a humid August day.

Overall, it is a very nice venue and am always happy to be a wedding photographer there!  I have been there on a great day and a rainy day, and I equally love the wedding pictures.

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Taylor is so smiley and bubbly. She and her girls were a blast to be around.  It was wonderful that they did a first look, one of my favorite things to do on the wedding day.  Greg was all smiles when he saw  Taylor for the first time. And how about that lipstick on Taylor, gorgeous!   Everything went smooth all day and it was a beautiful night for a wedding.  They ended the night sending off some lanterns.  Best Wishes to you both! Wishing you many more years together!!! xx0x0x0

Railside Golf Club Wedding Review

• Golf courses are always a good choice.  My experience as a wedding photographer is golf courses are always a wonderful choice to get married. The grounds are kept up immaculately.
• Railside has lots of photo locations and opportunities. They had a lot of great variety in walking distance, fields, bridge, barn, flowers, bridges
• White tents. I love white tents, it provides beautiful lighting even in darker situations
• Wedding coordination support. There was staff on-site to help with the wedding
• Overall, I really liked this venue and hope to visit there again!

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I have known Lisa and Jeff, parents of the groom for some time, they were trusting, open-minded people that trusted a girl, young in her 20s to sell their home.  They are so uplifting and kind, and I was thrilled when Erica, the bride, reached out to me to photograph their  wedding.  It is always nice to have referrals from friends and family; really it is the only way that you can be sure you are doing a good job for people.

To me, referrals are one of the kindest acts shown to me with being self-employed, because you then know people care about you, too.  That being said, the day was like hanging out with family, I love all the familiar faces and catching up with them all.  Erica has been the most ambitious bride I have seen yet. She was savvy in her wedding planning. She found a wonderful spot for all the lodging and the wedding and reception to take place, with beautiful views of Lake Michigan.

I also am a big fan of these three things:

1. White tent weddings

2. Weddings and Receptions at the same location

3. And beautiful flowers.

All the above were true of this wedding.  These curly things you see in the wedding flowers….. yeah, those are real. It is called curled ferns. So cool.  Wishing you both many more happy years, I am so excited for the both of you!!! xoxoxo

Do it Yourself Weddings

If your going to do a lot of the wedding details and props yourself make sure you have a good team. The last thing you want to be doing on your wedding day is worrying about every little detail.  Erica was a amazing with the details and had a lot of clever game ideas and props.  She made all the flower boxes herself, too.

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Fall weddings in Michigan

Fall weddings may be one of the most popular times to have pictures. My inbox is full and wedding fill fast.  This was the first time I have ever been to Thornapple Pointe Golf course for a wedding. The facility and grounds were absolutely stunning on this picture perfect fall day. In addition, I think this may be one of the most photo opportunities that we have had at one location.   Furthermore, this is an amazing fall setting, there is water, bridges and fields!

Megan and Matthew are so adorable. I loved the way they looked at each other and how excited they both were.  We started the day with Megan’s getting ready pictures and then headed straight to the golf course where Matthew and Megan did their first look.  I love how he gave her the biggest bear hug ever! And how about those clouds in the sky?! Awesome.

We then made our way around the golf carts and rode the carts that know how to drive themselves. Apparently, I have not been golfing in a while, but the carts don’t allow me to fly over hills anymore. We stopped on a hill that gave a breath taking view of the water and all the beautiful fall colors in Michigan! What a fantastic day.  Megan and Matthew’s friends are a riot. We had so much fun with them on the party bus and throughout the day taking pictures.  We had lots of laughs when we threw Matthew up in the air.  Megan and Matthew started the dancing off right, with a elegant first dance.

They also had a variety of themed cupcakes that were delicious!

I was so blessed to be a part of their beautiful fall wedding day!  Many best wishes to you both! To view more pricing for Jamie’s services, click here

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