ceremony @ St Thomas

It's funny - I've been living and shooting pictures in Ann Arbor for over a decade now - and this is the first time I've photographed in our famed graffiti alley!

bouts and bouquets by the lovely Lisa @ pot and box - the cranberries were flown in fresh from the bog, and an homage to Matt's Boston roots ;-P

LOVE this shot of Erica, who was so totally NOT fazed by a little bit of rain ;-)  (pssst!  you would have seen this already if you were a fan on facebook!) 

and some photos around the UMMA, where the reception was held.  super-cool venue!

so, at every wedding I shoot, I always make sure to get *at least* one nice portrait that I know the moms will love ;-)

and onto the reception!  I just loved what lisa did with all these rad vases and flowers!  so simple but so beautiful!

superyummy cupcakes from the cupcake station

LOVE LOVE LOVE this shot that Tommy snagged

some dancefloor action

We had a great time working with Gene and Ashley from twofoot creative at this wedding.  We were able to grab some nice new headshots for them during a break in the action

congrats matt and erica!

The fact is, good wedding photography is expensive.  And so are beautiful, well-made albums. These are not the junky ones that you can make yourself online!  I'm talking about top-quality heirloom albums here, beautifully designed and sourced from the finest bookbinders out there.  They are an investment and will last a lifetime (and beyond!). 

I've been meeting with a lot of brides and grooms lately who are struggling with their photography budgets and frustrated at what it all costs.  As a recent bride myself, I can certainly relate!  My best advice for couples out there is to prioritize.  And to remember that when it's all said and done, your photographs are pretty much what you're going to have to remember your wedding day.  If budgets are tight, consider a coverage-only package for now.  You'll still get amazing photography (and your digital files!), and can always come back when you are able to invest in an album.   

and the Saturday party, at Andiamo.  Super-cute theme and sparkles everywhere!

The balroom looked amazing bathed in purple uplights!

medha and salim's big entrance:

here's tommy telling me to 'talk to the hand' - LOL.  we have such a great working relationship ;-P

this was was SUCH a fun group and they really knew how to get down on the dancefloor! 

Congratulations Medha and Salim!  I hope you guys enjoyed your celebration as much as we enjoyed photographing it! 

this was my first Indian bride where I also got to see her in a western wedding dress.  love the juxtaposition of her gorgeous henna with her gown....

this perfume was a wedding-day gift from Salim and smelled divine!

this little guy was cracking me up throughout the ceremony!

some outdoor portraits

check back tomorrow for part two - the hindu ceremony and reception! 

we had the perfect fall day and the sweetest light ever for some outdoor portraits

lovely ceremony in the courtyard of Cafe Cortina

and the perfect end to a perfect day - some dancing under the stars....

thank you Cari and Gabe!  Hope you're having a fantastic honeymoon! 

a closer look at the blind embossing

opening page:

my two favorite spreads:

and the closer:

thanks bret and elana for being such lovely people to work with ;-)  Hope you love the album.

and a reminder to all my clients:  the holiday deadlines are fast approaching!  so, if your design is in limbo, we need to get moving soon in order to ensure you have your book this year!! 

sisters ;-)

there's my husband!!!  (still get a kick out of saying that) - isn't he cute ;-)

ceremony in the garden of the michigan league

and the YUMMIEST cupcakes at the reception - each table had their own selection! (from the cupcake station)

congratulations guys!  xoxo