blog

Standard

Dave & Dana – Southwest Michigan wedding photographer

I’m going to back this blog post back up to when I first learned Dave was engaged. Nah, let’s back it up even further. I’ve known Dave for years through church & close friends – basically a very cool community of people. He is one of the friendliest, most genuine good hearted guys you will ever meet. I often wondered “who would be a great fit for Dave?”

I had that question answered when I noticed a mutual friend congratulate Dave on his engagement on facebook. I made a comment about how that woman was going to have a very blessed & happy marriage with a man who will love her so well….and that is where I met Dana (as we took over Eric’s facebook post and started chatting.) She was sweet, funny, and a perfect fit for Dave. Being asked to join in their celebration made me very happy. Very happy. The plans were amazing….a back yard with light-wrapped trees, a family home and a barn. Dana and I gushed about all the fabulous details that were going to make this pinterest-worthy wedding one for the books.

But then, things changed…..like most brides, the details became overwhelming and started to take over what was really important – the marriage, and the opportunity to celebrate with their closest friends & family.

Burlap was put on the shelf.

Twinkle lights were saved for Christmas.

Handmade chandeliers became another pin on a board, instead of a project in the kitchen.

They got it. They figured it out. What was most important for their wedding day was right in front of them the whole time. They boiled it down to the basics, and cut out what wasn’t necessary.

And it was beautiful.

The flowers were gorgeous (so were the shoes!). The food, incredible. The music, personal. The location, meaningful. The celebration with friends…memorable.

For every “missing” detail photographers LOVE there was a look…an interaction…a relationship….and a family.

The wedding and the reception were perfect. I wouldn’t have changed a thing (though I wouldn’t have minded dumping some of the leftover burlap I have on her!). It was Dana & Dave…and it was beautiful.

Dana & Dave, thank you for reinforcing that what is most precious to photograph is the relationship between two people in love. It’s not the outfits, or the decorations, or the big production. It’s the love. Simple, beautiful, and amazing.

Standard

Senior Photo Season – west michigan senior photographer

Wow, has this been a great start to the senior photo season. I have enjoyed every one of these girls, the energy they bring, and the ways we get to celebrate this time in their lives together.

This year I made the decision to focus on senior girls, and while it is always difficult to turn away work, it has been worth it, as I truly believe this is where I have strength & creativity as a photographer. If you are looking for senior guy photos, my husband Dan is available and booking. But this post is about my girls.

How I approach their senior session may be different from what you have experienced before. Because I want it to be an experience, I start each session by arranging a pre-shoot meeting. Those can be in the studio, in your home, or my personal favorite, we can meet at the mall and go shopping together! Why do I do this? Because it helps me learn more about you, your personal style, and also to help you pick clothing combinations that are flattering, stylish, and timeless.

As we move forward, your locations & any styling items are brought in to enhance your personality. It means a lot to me that you can look back and say “that really captured who I am” in the photos, and not just “these are really nice.”

Oh and did I mention, we have professional hair & makeup available for the session? Like I said…experience! It’s a big occasion…and for any big occasion in my own life, I hire someone else to do my makeup….and I like to do the same for you.

If you are interested in booking your senior session, please contact me soon for pricing and availability, as I have limited dates left for 2013, and I’d love to meet as many of you as possible.

For now, enjoy these lovely pretties.

Standard

Marissa and Phil – Cascade Hills Country Club wedding

I had been looking forward to Marissa & Phil’s wedding ever since their engagement session. Here was one fun-loving energetic couple, and I swear it wasn’t because I would also get to have my first Spoonlickers froyo. Dan may have been a bit excited when I told him the wedding party was going to have “fast fun cars” for the day.

I started out with Marissa & her girls while they got ready, and Dan headed out to join the guys while they got ready, and then tapped their toes, eager to put “pedal to metal” and have fun. This is one instance where our philosophy towards weddings comes into play. Dan could have spent more time photographing the guys, different poses, taking them around, but what he sensed was they were ready for fun. They rented fast cars, they needed to drive fast cars (within the speed limit, of course, wink wink). As a photographer, I love having plenty of time with my couples to get great shots. What I love even MORE as a photographer is seeing them truly enjoy their wedding day. I want to know that at the end of the day a bride, groom, and their wedding party can say “we had fun doing X, Y, and Z” and have one of those be the pictures, and the other two about their celebration.

So as the guys tore up the town, again, obeying all posted speed limit laws (you can go zero to 60 pretty quickly, I’ve heard), the girls finalized their preparations for Marissa & Phil’s first look. But before that….Marissa got to be presented to her father. There are just some daddy-daughter moments that touch your heart, and this was one of them. For this photographer, it’s hard to take pictures and not cry! This is a dad who loves his daughter for all that she was….is….and will be. We saw it time and again during the day.

Spending time with so many couples throughout the year, you would think it would be easy to just go through the motions, do the work, and not take time to soak in who are couples are, to get to know their personalities, and to not develop a little bit of love for them. Not so. Especially with people like Phil & Marissa, who with their friends, are just genuine. Genuine people. True, honest, and free from pretense.

We loved celebrating with them and for them. We enjoyed their families and their friends. Dan appreciated (more so than I did) the cars. I loved every bit of emotion, every smile, and definitely their glow-stick necklace party on the dance floor!

Phil & Marissa, I hope you don’t need the Florida sunshine to keep you warm – only the memories of this beautiful day, the lovely people who surrounded you, and those perfect vows.

– Lynell & Dan

P.S. I still wish Phil’s dad could have pulled out his old hairdo for this one. 😉

Standard

Nicole & Riley – Windmill Island – Holland wedding

July 27 started like any other late summer day in Michigan. Cool and overcast. Wait, what? Cool and overcast? Yes. Their beautiful outdoor wedding on Holland, Michigan’s beautiful Windmill Island was cloudy and cool. Naturally, we were overjoyed – it was PERFECT for photos, and cooler weather kept everyone more comfortable! If you don’t know this location, it’s a beautiful display of all things “netherlandish” in one location. For the girl whose family “komen uit Nederland” it is a fun place to be, if I can’t be back in de moederland. For Nicole & Riley, it was beautiful lavish gardens and an amazing space to celebrate their love with all their family and friends.

Dan and I started our day as I joined Nicole at Salon Cheveux in Holland and Dan joined the guys at New Holland Brewing Company. Seems about a perfect start to the day, doesn’t it? As they each prepared for the afternoon, they took time to really enjoy each minute with the people closest to them.

As Nicole slipped into her gown, we all oohed and ahhhed as we looked at the intricate work that her mother had put into making this gown truly unique. A simple gown was transformed into an amazing masterpiece by the hours and hours her mother spent sewing individual beads and lace to the dress, making it a one of a kind, made with love. There were so many elements to this wedding that brought in touches of their family history history, combined with a splash (ok, more than a splash) of purple. As Nicole’s maid of honor reminded us during the toast, purple is clearly Nicole’s favorite color.

Nicole & Riley had a tender first look, and then we, along with the awesome videographer team of Sloan and Jenna from Boy Meets Girl Visuals (they were OUR wedding videographers), ran around the island, and then even took a trip down to the the docks in Holland….where just short of a veil disaster, we made some lovely wedding day memories together.

Probably the sweetest, most tender moment of the day was Nicole’s first look with her dad. This is a daddy-daughter relationship that will make you laugh and bring you to tears, often at the same time. It was an honor to watch it, to capture it, and to see the love they have for each other.

Before the ceremony we were able to capture all the wedding party pictures, the family pictures, making it possible for everyone to go straight from their sweet ceremony right into the celebration. Well….not before we took the horse & carriage around the island and made friends with a little herd (is it a herd?) of young frisian horses. We might have all been a little bit excited about this. Nicole is a horse lover, and I’ve become one….at least from a photography standpoint. They are such beautiful creatures, and well, as you may see in a picture….they enjoy bouquets even more than I do.

After a tasty meal provided by Hope College Catering, the guests were wowed by the tunes of Sweet J Band. It’s always a treat when we get to experience live music at a wedding, and Nicole & Riley’s guests definitely enjoyed the beautiful celebration with them.

As we wrapped up our night with them, we knew we had spent an amazing day with two amazing people….well, with a lot more than just two. Nicole & Riley, your friends & family are a wonderful reflection of who you are – sweet, funny, engaging, entertaining and welcoming. We loved being a part of your day, and thank you for including us!

Standard

Amanda & Aron’s New Era Barn wedding – michigan wedding photographer

Last fall I drove up to New Era (the area-ish) to meet Amanda & Aron for their engagement photos, and met a couple of high school sweethearts who had made it through high school, college, and the start of their careers together. After so many years together they were obviously not just in love, but best friends. We were eager for their wedding, which was at the Barn at Town Corners in New Era, MI. Who doesn’t love a good barn wedding?

As I drooled over all her beautiful details, Amanda said “I wanted a pinterest-worthy wedding.” She nailed it! And the best part was, she was a DIY bride who hand made most of her details. I loved how simple, rustic and pretty they were. (There was also a lot of burlap – I love me some burlap!!).

One thing in their wedding that was obvious was their love for their families. From the ring bearer & rope carrier (for the knot ceremony) all the way to through their wedding party, it was filled with siblings and a bunch of nieces and nephews (7 nieces & nephews). Not only were they sweet, but they were all so adorable! And the little boys – check out their amazing little outfits complete with knee pants & bowties. Pinterest worthy for sure!

Their ceremony took place in front of the barn, and after the guests played lawn games and enjoyed cocktail hour, we all settled into the barn for a tasty dinner & some dancing. Being July 6, it was a bit toasty, so fortunately there was plenty of outdoor room for guests to mingle and enjoy themselves. As the sun set, Amanda, Aron and their guests lit paper lanterns and sparklers as a loving memorial tribute.

Amanda & Aron, we loved being a part of your day, and wish you well as you head off to North Carolina to start this next phase of your lives together – as husband and wife!

– Lynell & Dan

Standard

Birthday giving – will you join me?

So, I kind of have a big birthday coming up. Were this a cold, cruel world, it would involve black balloons and phrases like “over the hill.” Fortunately, all of my friends are kind, loving and wonderful, and would never EVER subject me to the horror of an over-the-hill-style party.

I’m choosing to spend a quiet evening with some dear friends over a tasty dinner & conversation. But I’m also choosing to ask you to join me in giving something back for my birthday.

Just over four years ago I traveled to India on a work assignment and met some wonderful individuals trying to change their world through christian education, in some of the poorest areas of India. Their vision for & dedication to their schools has stayed with me for years. And while I’m no longer with that organization, I am still connected to these schools through another organization, called India’s children. I’m proud to say I’m joining them on their Board of Directors and get to support them through giving & just being a voice for these children.

These schools aren’t what we experience here in the USA when we think of Christian education. I was in classrooms without windows….dirt courtyards within high walls, and cramped conditions. Yet children with big smiles and enormous hearts surrounded me. They were so happy & energetic (aka, they were children)….but they deserve so much more. They deserve books. And desks. And trained teachers. SO MUCH is needed. The conditions are so different from what we can even imagine and process, and it doesn’t take much to make a huge difference. A little goes a long way. A LONG way.

That’s why I’m asking you to join me in combining our “little” and making it go a long, long way this year. If you would consider even a small gift to India’s children, I know in my heart it will make a big difference to a lot of children, and to the teachers & administrators who labor daily to help change their world. I would love to know that on my birthday, I helped bring change to someone else’s life.

If you would join me in giving, please visit our website here: http://indiaschildren.wordpress.com/support/

Please also follow us on facebook and see how & where your gifts are used.

Thank you ALL!

Standard

Nancy and Robert – South Haven beach wedding

Saturday, June 29 started out lovely…..and we were on our way to a beautiful beach wedding in South Haven, to celebrate with Robert & Nancy and their family and friends. There were so many details to look forward to, so many little special touches, adorable flower girls (their daughter), and the fun of having the entire wedding party & event in one beautiful location.

Like a number of our couples from out of town, we had never officially “met” them prior to their wedding. She and I had a lovely skype meeting a few months earlier, but because they are living in Texas, we didn’t meet until the morning of their wedding. Didn’t matter. It was easy, it was comfortable, and sharing in their day, well, I felt like I’d known them both for quite some time!

The mood was relaxed, the friends were excited, and the location – gorgeous! With the colors Nancy chose and the beautiful floral by Elements of Elegance, they achieved what Nancy wanted – a caribbean-style wedding on the banks of Lake Michigan, where she grew up.

As the day progressed….so did the rain clouds. While a backup plan was in place – what Nancy wanted — and deserved, was the wedding of her dreams. I don’t want to hijack my own post for a little soapbox moment, but since it’s my blog, I’m going to take it. As a photographer, I believe beautiful images are important. Oh, I really do. I love having plenty of time in a wedding day to “get everything.” I love time with my couples, exploring location & relationship. I love knowing I’ve got it covered. But when rainclouds come in and you look at a schedule….and at a bride with tears in her eyes….you know in your heart that what is MOST important to the couple is having the wedding day they dreamed of having. I knew we would probably have to cut out some of our picture time – but fewer portraits at the end meant nothing in the face of having a happy bride on her wedding day.

So we waited. It rained. Not much, and it was pretty fast. Guests hung out together, and everyone scrambled to cover electronics & put together a plan to dry off the chairs. The rain passed….and the skies were creamy & overcast, and Rob and Nancy had the most beautiful ceremony on the shores of Lake Michigan, just liked they planned.

Being a two-photographer team, we can work pretty fast and make up lost time, and we did. We got lovely images, and then we went on to the reception to celebrate!

There were so many fun elements to this reception – my favorite being the song & dance performed by her sisters (sorority) – it’s a tradition – and it was neat to see it, and that bond of sisterhood and friendship that is so strong.

It was truly a beautiful wedding, and such a joy to be a part of it. Rob & Nancy, we wish you and your family a lifetime of happiness…..and may every drop of rain in life remind you of your wedding day, and the joy you felt as you promised together forever!

– Lynell & Dan

Standard

Engaged and engaging – Michigan wedding photographer

Dan and I have had the craziest summer so far, between weddings, engagement & family sessions, travel internationally and nationally, phew, it just leaves us all tired and trying to keep caught up with work.

Sadly, this little blog has been neglected in the area of engagement shoots. One lovely addition to the engagement session this year has been that Dan has gotten to come along for most of them. For the groom (and for Dan) it makes the wedding day much easier – there’s no “stranger danger,” and most of them have found a common ground & interest in craft beer (I know, right?).

I wish I had time to dedicate a little love to everyone in each of these, but I think I’ll have to wait for their weddings or I will NEVER get them all on line!

While this isn’t all our couples for 2013 (and snuck one 2014 in there too!), we are excited about each and every wedding this year!

Standard

A mild obsession – laundry

I’ve had the fortune to travel extensively over the past few years, and on one of my first trips I took a picture of laundry that became the start of a series of photographs that I continue to try to take on any international trip. Since then, only one country, the Netherlands, has eluded me in my search for a beautiful photograph of laundry. I guess I just need to go back!

By the time I took my second laundry photograph, I had figured out what made it special for me. Whether a first-world or third-world country, or maybe an “in the middle somewhere” country, we all have a common humanity that must bind us together. None of us is more special than another. I saw that in laundry. At the end of the day, we all have to do our laundry. For some it’s much easier….for some it’s a struggle. There may not be a lot of clothing to wash. It may be an extensive process to get it washed. But in the end, we’re all the same.

I hope to grow this collection over time & location, but for now, please enjoy the following entries into my “laundry in any language” collection.

Standard

Lisa and David’s Virginia Bluemont Vineyard wedding

It seems like every blog post I feel like I start out with begins with “this couple is so special to us because _______” and truly, each and every couple IS special to us. But there are some (sorry, folks) that are so close to your heart that sharing in their day is not only magical, it’s more. I don’t have a word for it – it’s just MORE.

Almost six years ago now I was an assistant photographer to the talented Heather Funk from Miami, Florida. Heather is a friend of my best friend (and became a friend of mine), and I was blessed beyond blessed to work with her. In fact, Heather was someone I can credit with pushing me to pursue photography – she was and is such an encourager! The wedding I assisted at was Lisa’s sister Maria’s wedding to Warren.

That wedding was the beginning of a beautiful friendship with this entire family. Cousin Emily (EMDIZZLE) was here in Grand Rapids, and while the Charnitski’s were scattered all over the nation, every year they came back to Grand Haven, where I’ve been so lucky to spend time with them every summer. I’ve traveled to see many of them, had long heart-to-heart chats, good cries and lots of laughter. I’ve photographed babies, engagements, christenings, birthday celebrations and mourned with them at funerals. They have become like family to me.

When Lisa and David asked us to be a part of their wedding day, I knew it would be special. Lisa and David have been together as long as I’ve known them, and I’ve always known Lisa and David would be forever. What I loved about them was there was no rush. They knew, so they just celebrated by living every day together. Even when they got engaged they decided to just enjoy being engaged before they dove into the planning. I like it. It was like there was no rush into forever….because forever was guaranteed to be there.

On June 20 we hopped a plane for Baltimore and spent a day being tourists in Washington, DC. It was Dan’s first trip, so it was fun to see it all through his eyes. To share again how wonderful this family is, Lisa’s sister, Gina & her husband John graciously let Dan & I stay at their home the first night we were there.

Saturday morning – wedding day – started by joining the ladies at g5 Salon in Leesburg. Normally Dan wouldn’t come along on this part but he knows and loves the clan too, so it was fun for him to come along and join in the fun.

As Dan and I started driving towards the vineyard I started getting more and more excited. I mean, COME ON. This place is full of possibilities. Old homes & barns, fields, hills, and yes…vineyards. It was a photographer’s dream.

We wound up a dirt road, flanked by cherrie trees bursting with fruit, and made our way to Bluemont Vineyard‘s beautiful stable where Lisa would be getting ready. Dan hiked up (via car) to the top of the hill to hangout with his “brother from another mother,” David, and all the groomsmen.

I remember six years ago the fun I had with this family as Maria got ready for her wedding. Today was no different – in terms of fun, tenderness, and a beautiful picture of family. It almost feels too personal to go into how close this family is – – but if you know them, you get it – – and you know that to know them is to love them. All.

(I have tears in my eyes just thinking about them and how much they mean to me). Sniffle, move on.

To more sniffles. When Lisa and her Dad rounded that corner to come down the aisle, I had to lower my camera because I couldn’t see through my own teary eyes. Beauty doesn’t begin to describe Lisa. It radiates from deep within her, and seeing her approach David….it took that beauty and well, blew us all away.

This could be an incredibly long blog post, but I’ll try to keep it short. There were vows….tender looks….big smiles and even some giggles. There was the love & support of family and friends, and most of all….there was an abundance of love. Not just between Lisa and David, but between everyone there & Lisa and David.

I know some wedding blogs gush about the details – all the pretty things – but to me, the prettiest thing of all is the love between a couple and their friends and family’s love for them. That is what a wedding is about. The details are fun – they are a dream to photograph, but what really is the best part to photograph is the celebration of love.

That’s what this wedding was. A celebration, and Lisa & David, we loved celebrating with you, and we look forward to seeing you on the lake!!!

Lots of love – Lynell and Dan