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Oh baby!
Just about two years ago I had the pleasure of photographing Jillian & Travis‘ wedding in Muskegon, MI and now I get to see them waiting for their new daughter, Zoe to arrive.
Jillian is a wonderful mother already, and I know Zoe will have a wonderful life with this family. If she’ll ever show up (8 days late now).
Jillian and Travis are still (ok, only after two years) so adorable together, and are obviously still very much in love!
Now Zoe sweetie, your Momma is ready to meet you….time to come out and play!
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Kenny & Becky’s Love, En Fuego
The theme of this beautiful wedding was “fire” – their fiery love for each other was apparent, and not just in the matchbooks and glass flame sculptures on each table at the reception.
I first met Kenny and Becky 9 months ago at Kenny’s sister’s wedding and instantly liked them….and was overjoyed to hear they wanted me to share their special day too. (I love seeing families again!).
Despite the threat of rain, we had an amazing day together, and just like their fire theme represents, I expect a slow, long burn of life long love out of these two!
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Available. (this one is full of goodies, people)
As this whole photography gig has grown/expanded/developed/evolved/more verbs, I’ve struggled with how to make the leap to full time, but more importantly, how to follow God, with a strong dose of patience, and wait on his timing…..and how to leave a job I actually enjoy working for a great cause (www.us.wwcs.org) – well my boss made it easy, by being flexible offering me the chance of a lifetime!
I’ve gone down to just three days a week, Tues-Thurs for now, and am focusing on just our web & creative pieces, which I love….but which also leaves me open to do so much more with photography – not to mention to achieve a new level of balance in my life – hopefully!
So what that means is a lot of things…..but most importantly, it means I have more time to devote to photography.
As part of that move forward, I just signed a lease on some gorgeous studio space on the north side of town (820 Monroe) under the awesome & amazing Amy Carroll and Jenn Lynne! So now I can take sessions – rain or shine! Check out a few shots that I snapped inside the studio today.
Special Offer #1 – Studio Session!
In honor of that, I’m going to do a studio “special” – current rates for the session are $75…but the first three people to book a studio session with me will also get an 8×10 and 8 wallets with their session! Call me at 616-241-2795 or email lshooks@gmail.com to get this special.
Wedding season is quickly approaching, and I have some dates available still – I’ve been just letting things come as they may, because I had to work so hard to balance work, work, and life. With the addition of an awesome assistant, Lexi, and a reduction in hours at work, well, that opens my life up to a lot more scheduling…..
which leads to…..Special Offer #2!
If you are a bride looking for a 2010 or 2011 (2012, I’ll be surprised if someone is planning that far in advance) wedding photographer, here’s a deal for you. Any brides who mention this blog and book a full package before April 30, 2010, you will receive a custom photo book/guest book (from your engagement session) for your wedding day!
And finally….for today, that is, Special Offer #3 (for the discerning Northern Michigan bride)….my good friend and bride, Emily Leary (oops, Emily Heilig) has asked me to be a part of The Nest of Grand Traverse‘s “Queen for a Day” bridal registry event on April 10, from 4-7 pm. For Northern Michigan brides (or anyone for that matter) with great home decorating taste…..this will be an event you don’t want to miss. I’ll be on hand taking pictures at the event, and all brides who attend get to put their name in to a drawing for an engagement session with me ($250 value).
So for now (phew….) that was a lot.
Lynell (lizzie)
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Well would you lookie here? PUBLISHED!
It’s fitting my last blog post was about Meghan and Peter’s gorgeous and green winter wedding….because today their wedding is featured in the Spring 2010 issue of Eco-Beautiful Weddings.
I found this lovely publication by following @GreenWed on twitter (she’s chock full of awesome info, you should follow) – and when I finished Meghan and Peter’s gorgeous wedding, I shot her a tweet with some of the details….and now WE’RE PUBLISHED!!!
Be sure to check it out – it’s at http://www.eco-beautifulweddings.com/spring2010 pgs 123-125!!!
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Meghan and Peter
January 23, 2010
Meghan and Peter are world travelers and they’re about as green as they come..their wedding was fabulous evidence of that.
Their rings were Hawaiian Koa wood bands and the brides dress was made of bamboo fiber (which she found on www.etsy.com).
The ceremony and reception were held at Post Family Farms in a beautiful rustic barn structure, which provided plenty of interesting spots for photos around outside.
Meghan and her father literally danced down the isle towards Peter, who stood beneath a beautiful chuppah that was hand painted by his own mother.
The reception decorations held true to their earthy theme, with beautiful moss filled buckets, bowls of clementines donned with rosemary sprigs, and orchid centerpieces.
Natural beauty and a calm, easy-going atmosphere were effortlessly accomplished by this couple, leaving everyone with a feeling of pure happiness as they left.
To see more of this wedding, click here.
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Melissa and John
October 31, 2009
Melissa and John were married on Halloween at long last, after meeting in college and dating for ten – yes, ten — years. The wedding was held at Castle Farms in Charlevoix, MI.
John made sure there wasn’t a dry eye in the joint with his genuine and heartfelt vows.
The weather was cold, but that didn’t stop this bride from getting some great camera action.. when I asked her if she would be willing to get into a pond in her wedding dress, she replied “Duh, that’s why I hired you.”
Don’t let this shot frighten you, this chick was no Bridezilla.
With a Halloween themed reception complete with glittery orange pumpkins, caramel apple favors, and black feather decorations, I think it’s obvious that this classy couple knows how to have fun.
To see the rest of the photos in this set, click here.
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Christine and Scott
September 5, 2009
Christine and Scott were married at St. Margaret Mary in Allendale, MI.. where they had a traditional Latin wedding mass.
Afterwards, we took a trip down Lake Michigan Dr. and a sweet old couple let us use the barn in their yard for photos..
The reception was held at Alpenrose in Holland. Very fun family! (with some fantastic dance moves, I might add..)
Beautiful programs and place setting cards by Sondra’s Ink and Design
Perfect ending to a perfect day. Click here to view all the photos from this excellent wedding.
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Stacy and Brad
August 28, 2009
This wedding was so sweet, I got a cavity. The ceremony overlooked the hills of northeast Grand Rapids..
Stacy and Brad met in high school on a mission trip and have been best friends ever since.
The best part about this wedding was how obvious it was that their love for Christ brought them so close together; this love rang loudly through out the entire day and night.
These guys brought a whole new meaning to ‘High School Sweet Hearts’…
Their “favor” was a HUGE table of candy, each kind had a special meaning to them.
Adorable? I’d say so.
To check out the full set of photos, click here.
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Aryn and Raj
August 15, 2009
This adorable couple had both their wedding ceremony and reception at Thornapple Pointe Golf Club on a gorgeous day, smack dab in the middle of August.
Before the wedding, the girls had a blast cruising around on golf carts checking out the grounds for the best spots for photos.
Picture perfect table centerpieces created by Dee Mitchell with Elements of Elegance, www.elementofelegance.com
After the ceremony we drove around in a limo looking for more spots to take pictures, where we found a beautiful field of black-eyed susans!
Priceless.
To check out the entire photo set, click here.