If you're a fan on facebook, you've already seen this, but figured I should post here, too ;-)

I was so excited to get the results of ISPWPs latest contest.  ISPWP is one of the most prestigious organizations out there in the world of wedding photography.  I was invited to join a couple years ago, after I placed in PDN's top knots competition .  I've really enjoyed participating in their contests through the years, and have always done pretty well, but this last time I had a first place - and did well enough to place 14th overall - like, in the whole country.  Kind of a big deal, if I do say so myself! ;-) 

So much of what we do as photographers is subjective.  But it is really gratifying to get such positive feedback from a community of respected peers.  One of the things I like most about ISPWP is that it's not a big popularity contest, like so much else in the world of wedding photography.  It's not about who has the hippest blog, or hosts the best WPPI party.  It's just real, working photographers, creating amazing imagery.  It's also not something you can just buy your way into, like a lot of other "professional" organizations out there.  Members are vetted carefully by a panel of pros. 

Here is my 1st place winner, the lovely Deb:

another BEAUT of an album to share, from Ashley and David's lovely meadowbrook wedding last May.

apologies in advance for the slight color cast to these images - probably wasn't the best idea to photograph this album in a room with one orange wall ;-)

beautiful photofront cover (that's Tommy's image - woo-hoo!)


and I just LOVE the vintage-y brown leather we chose - it really works well with the cover photo

the opening page:

Just got in this BEAUTIFUL album that I can't stop looking at!  Lindsay and Bryden's wedding was just lovely - and I'm so pleased to see the story of their day told within this gorgeous book.

the photofront cover is stunning


some closer details:

These past few months I've been designing albums like it's my job!  Uhmm...yeah, I guess it is.  Anyways - though I would share some recent spreads.

When it comes to album design, my personal philosophy is LESS IS MORE.  I am a big fan of clean, simple spreads that feature BIG images.  I always really encourage my clients to not feel pressured to cram every last photo they can into their album.  But rather, to let me pick the strongest, most beautiful storytelling images, and create a true art book. 

some of my favorite layouts from joe and heather's album:

So Tommy and I are really kicking our planning into high gear this month and I am getting super excited!  I am finally ready to reveal our location - which is just awesome.  We are getting married at (drumroll please)....the Palmer House!  It is Ann Arbor's only Frank Lloyd Wright designed home, and truly a gem.  Ours will be one of the first weddings held there, as it's only recently been made available as a rental for small events.  It will be a perfect fit for the intimate dinner-party wedding we are planning.

Here are some cool pics of the house (by Chris Arace)












and here's an interesting video with a little more background




I'll be rockin' a custom dolly couture dress (which my mom thinks is weird - sorry mom!), Tommy is on the hunt for the perfect vintage suit, and we've just hired wedding planner extraordinaire Laura Davis to help us make our vision a reality.  We're also building up our collection of vintage radios for a special surprise ;-)  if you have one to contribute let me know!!  I will say, this whole process has really helped me to see weddings in a new light, and to relate to my clients in way I'm not sure I was able to before.  We are so excited, and will be sure to share more as it all comes together.  Happy weekend!      

Just thought I'd share these super-cute save-the-dates I made for Neil and Erin: