WEDDING: Tim and Abby
Grand Haven, Michigan
It was touch and go whether or not Tim and Abby could have their wedding on the Grand Haven pier like they had hoped. The catwalk is now removed and the boardwalk in under construction but the wedding went off as planned with a perfect golden sunset to boot. Thirty of their closest friends and family were invited to the wedding but they had at least thirty more uninvited guests who shared in their day. There were fisherman, photographers, boaters and teenagers but everyone seemed united in Tim and Abby’s love for a few short moments.
Wedding planner: Pure & Simple Weddings
Reception: Jelly’s
Photography assistant: Jon Mills
WEDDING: Brett and Jaclyn
Greenville, Michigan
Brett and Jaclyn’s intimate backyard wedding was surrounded by fields of corn and close friends and family. Jaclyn wore two dresses that day – – a beautiful intricate gown for the ceremony and a sparkly short dress for the reception. But, I won’t lie, one of my favorite things about this day was seeing her two-year-old son be included in it all. He walked down the aisle with Jaclyn and she held him as they exchanged their vows. He snitched a bite of the frosting before the cake was served and had a kissing contest with the bride. I loved that she was a mother first and a bride secondly.
Bridal gown: Madison James
Reception gown: Kate Spade
Florist: Greenville Floral
Pew rentals: Fancy Fray
Caterer: Brann’s
Wedding cake: Haans Bakery
Tent rental: Dad’s Tent and Party Rentals
Hair and makeup: Thomas & Company Hair Salon
Photo assistant: Maddie Chitwood
ENGAGEMENT: Adam and Whitney
Muskegon, Michigan
I was a little mad at the sun the night I photographed Whitney and Adam’s engagement session at Kruse Park — a place special to their hearts. The sun was out for the first 10 minutes and then it decided to hide from us. Despite my disappointment, Whitney and Adam are so fun, genuine and go-with-the-flow that I quickly forgot that golden light we were hoping for. (However, because their wedding happens to be on my birthday, I’m putting in a special birthday request for that perfect light.)
Whitney and Adam, thanks for being amazing and I can’t wait until September!
GLANCE: Jennifer and Isaac
North Muskegon, Michigan
“Life provides the wind, you control the direction of its sail.”
Isaac took Jennifer for a sail aboard “Wind Tune” on their second date. It worked.
Enjoy this sneak peek and I’ll post more soon. Thanks for the adventure, you two!
The Human Firecracker
Coopersville, Michigan
Go early. Stay late. Listen. Those are three rules that I have learned were so important to be a successful photojournalist. Last week I photographed this wonderful assignment for the Detroit News. I got there early, stayed REALLY late and I did a lot of listening to one of the most interesting people I’ve met in a long time. When that gentleman collapsed among the crowd, slightly injured after his firecracker stunt, he yelled, “No photos! Only her!” I appreciate the trust that John Fletcher “The Human Firecracker” had in me to tell his story visually. Happy retirement to you, John, and thank you.
Read Francis X. Donnelly’s Detroit News story and see more photos here.
Pinckney resident John Fletcher, 51, walks around handing out T-shirts before performing for the last time as Ghengis John the Human Firecracker during the Conestoga Bike Fest in Coopersville, Michigan on Saturday, June 28th. Fletcher’s firecracker suit had more than 10,500 firecrackers and he was hoping to set a Guinness World Record for most firecrackers ever ignited while strapped to a person’s body. © Detroit News
Pinckney resident John Fletcher, 51, takes a break from handing out T-shirts to snuggle with his dog “Little Bit” before performing for the last time as Ghengis John the Human Firecracker during the Conestoga Bike Fest in Coopersville, Michigan on Saturday, June 28th. Fletcher’s firecracker suit had more than 10,500 firecrackers and he was hoping to set a Guinness World Record for most firecrackers ever ignited while strapped to a person’s body. © Detroit News
Pinckney resident John Fletcher, 51, dances before performing for the last time as Ghengis John the Human Firecracker during the Conestoga Bike Fest in Coopersville, Michigan on Saturday, June 28th. Fletcher’s firecracker suit had more than 10,500 firecrackers and he was hoping to set a Guinness World Record for most firecrackers ever ignited while strapped to a person’s body. © Detroit News
The Pink Floyd tribute band “In the Flesh” takes the stage right before Pinckney resident John Fletcher, 51, performed for the last time as Ghengis John the Human Firecracker during the Conestoga Bike Fest in Coopersville, Michigan on Saturday, June 28th. Fletcher’s firecracker suit had more than 10,500 firecrackers and he was hoping to set a Guinness World Record for most firecrackers ever ignited while strapped to a person’s body. © Detroit News
From left, Al Potter, 45, of Muskegon, Marjorie Samlow, 46, of Fruitport, and Amy Van Hees, 29, also of Fruitport, listen to the band Eighth and Amsterdam before Pinckney resident John Fletcher, 51, performs for the last time as Ghengis John the Human Firecracker during the Conestoga Bike Fest in Coopersville, Michigan on Saturday, June 28th. Fletcher’s firecracker suit had more than 10,500 firecrackers and he was hoping to set a Guinness World Record for most firecrackers ever ignited while strapped to a person’s body. © Detroit News
Pinckney resident John Fletcher, 51, right, tips his hat to festival goer, Matt Keasey, 47, of Grand Haven before performing for the last time as Ghengis John the Human Firecracker during the Conestoga Bike Fest in Coopersville, Michigan on Saturday, June 28th. Fletcher’s firecracker suit had more than 10,500 firecrackers and he was hoping to set a Guinness World Record for most firecrackers ever ignited while strapped to a person’s body. “It’s time to hang up my proverbial hat and take a bow one last time as a daredevil,” he said. © Detroit News
Pinckney resident John Fletcher, 51, jumps on a table to show off his firecracker suit before performing for the last time as Ghengis John the Human Firecracker during the Conestoga Bike Fest in Coopersville, Michigan on Saturday, June 28th. Fletcher’s firecracker suit had more than 10,500 firecrackers and he was hoping to set a Guinness World Record for most firecrackers ever ignited while strapped to a person’s body. © Detroit News
Pinckney resident John Fletcher, 51, performs for the last time as Ghengis John the Human Firecracker during the Conestoga Bike Fest in Coopersville, Michigan on Saturday, June 28th. Fletcher’s firecracker suit had more than 10,500 firecrackers and he was hoping to set a Guinness World Record for most firecrackers ever ignited while strapped to a person’s body. “It’s like being strapped into a lightning bolt.” Fletcher said. © Detroit News
Pinckney resident John Fletcher, 51, performs for the last time as Ghengis John the Human Firecracker during the Conestoga Bike Fest in Coopersville, Michigan on Saturday, June 28th. Fletcher’s firecracker suit had more than 10,500 firecrackers and he was hoping to set a Guinness World Record for most firecrackers ever ignited while strapped to a person’s body. “It’s like being strapped into a lightning bolt.” Fletcher said. © Detroit News
Pinckney resident John Fletcher, 51, performs for the last time as Ghengis John the Human Firecracker during the Conestoga Bike Fest in Coopersville, Michigan on Saturday, June 28th. Fletcher’s firecracker suit had more than 10,500 firecrackers and he was hoping to set a Guinness World Record for most firecrackers ever ignited while strapped to a person’s body. “It’s like being strapped into a lightning bolt.” Fletcher said. © Detroit News
A crowd rushes to the aid of Pinckney resident John Fletcher, 51, after he collapsed at the end of his performance. Fletcher performed for the last time as Ghengis John the Human Firecracker during the Conestoga Bike Fest in Coopersville, Michigan on Saturday, June 28th. Fletcher’s firecracker suit had more than 10,500 firecrackers and he was hoping to set a Guinness World Record for most firecrackers ever ignited while strapped to a person’s body. “It’s like being strapped into a lightning bolt.” Fletcher said. © Detroit News
Pinckney resident John Fletcher, 51, was helped to a table to await the Crockery Township Fire Department who took his vitals after he performed for the last time as Ghengis John the Human Firecracker during the Conestoga Bike Fest in Coopersville, Michigan on Saturday, June 28th. Fletcher suffered a bloody nose from the firecracker explosion. Fletcher’s firecracker suit had more than 10,500 firecrackers and he was hoping to set a Guinness World Record for most firecrackers ever ignited while strapped to a person’s body. © Detroit News
Pinckney resident John Fletcher, 51, was helped to a table to await the Crockery Township Fire Department who took his vitals after he performed for the last time as Ghengis John the Human Firecracker during the Conestoga Bike Fest in Coopersville, Michigan on Saturday, June 28th. Fletcher’s firecracker suit had more than 10,500 firecrackers and he was hoping to set a Guinness World Record for most firecrackers ever ignited while strapped to a person’s body. © Detroit News
Pinckney resident John Fletcher, 51, waves to the crowd before performing for the last time as Ghengis John the Human Firecracker during the Conestoga Bike Fest in Coopersville, Michigan on Saturday, June 28th. Fletcher’s firecracker suit had more than 10,500 firecrackers and he was hoping to set a Guinness World Record for most firecrackers ever ignited while strapped to a person’s body. © Detroit News
The OTHER Camera: Kyle and Lauren
Chicago, Illinios
Over the past couple of years, I’ve assisted in shooting a handful of beautiful and unique weddings with some super-talented photographers. I know that each one of them has helped me grow in some way and I’m forever grateful.
The workload from my own weddings has kept me from getting around to editing these but my computer told me in a spinning-wheel-of-death kind of way, that I needed to make room and purge some files. It’s funny how my to-do list is sometimes dictated by the squeakiest wheel.
Thank you, Emily Alt, for trusting me to shoot alongside you at Prairie Productions in Chicago. These are a few of my favorites from the day.
WEDDING: Nolan and Hilary
Chicago, Illinois
I know I sound like a broken record when I say that I love couples that make their wedding day uniquely their own. But it’s true. Nolan and I have been friends for years. (He’s responsible, actually, for me meeting my husband – – who actually second shot with me. How serendipitous is that?!) Anyhow, I was pretty sure Nolan’s wedding would be full of artistic touches because he already has great taste (hint, hint: HILARY!) Well, I was right. They found a great artist co-op loft for the ceremony and dinner. And the dinner was before the ceremony (cool, I know) Their dog, Henry, was there for it all. He even snitched one of the desserts unbeknownst to the guests. (The secret is out now!) They wrote their own vows. Hilary said to Nolan that she will remember “that marriage is a marathon and not a sprint.” I could go on and on about how great this celebration was: they made their own centerpieces and thank you gifts, they were married by relatives, the bridal party was Hilary’s two brothers and Nolan’s two brothers, their guests made pies, Nolan’s mom made his wedding band and Hilary wore her grandmother’s, they walked over to their favorite watering hole after dancing to their favorite band. To me, it was what a wedding is supposed to be like.
Nolan and Hilary, may your marathon be long and happy.
Venue: High Concept Laboratories
Catering: Yonder Catering
Nightcap: The Hideout
Music: Golden Horse Ranch Band
Groom’s ring: Town Hall Studio
Renbarger Family
Portage, Michigan
I love families that play a little during their photo sessions and play the Renbargers did! We actually weren’t expecting snow during our session but down it came and the little ones had so much fun catching snowflakes with their tongues. The cold kept our session short but I’m so glad they were up for the outdoor challenge. Here are a few of my favorites!
“Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.” – John Ruskin
Mott Family
Montague, Michigan
A toddler who is expressive and loves to read (no, REALLY loves to read) + a Boston terrier who is just as expressive and waits for crumbs dropped by the toddler who takes her eating “very seriously” + a really fun (and hip) couple = a really great family photo session.
Thank you, Motts. You were incredible. Oh, and now that I heard you added another Boston terrier to the mix, we should do this again sometime!
WEDDING: Justin and Amanda
Muskegon, Michigan
Justin and Amanda picked up my business card at my favorite local sandwich shop in town. The two set up a time to meet with me and I quickly realized that I recognized them both. I had photographed Justin as a firefighter during my newspaper days and Amanda works at the pediatrician’s office where I take my kiddos. Sometimes, stars do align.
With all the serendipity set aside, what made this day wonderful for me was how Amanda wore her emotions on her sleeve. I’ve never seen a bride laugh so easily and fight back tears so courageously. Amanda was nervous, lightheaded, happy and in love — and she (and Justin) allowed me the honor of documenting the roller coaster of the day.
And one final thing, Justin wrote a love letter to Amanda for her to open before walking down the aisle. She was too emotional to read it, too fearful that the tears wouldn’t stop once they started, but I got the chance to photograph the letter. I didn’t dare read it for the words weren’t meant for me but I focused in on one single word: SOULMATE.
Indeed, Justin and Amanda, you are soulmates and I wish you years of love.
Ceremony: Westwood Reformed Church
Reception: Dockers
Florist: Chalet Floral
Cake: Giggles Goodies
Hair and makeup: Salon 297
Photo Booth: Rhythm of the Night Entertainment
DJ: Quality Sound
Catering: Harris Hospitality
Second photographer: blinkPHOTO
Natalia
Muskegon, Michigan
I love Natalia for being so unique. Vintage clothing, a viola and her tutu-wearing pug probably topped my most interesting senior session this year. And, we had some amazing light and a kind local who let us “borrow” his farm for the day. Congratulations, Natalia, in all your future endeavors.
Hull Family
Traverse City, Michigan
The Hulls are special people. Over the years, I’ve been blessed with Mrs. Hull’s homemade fudge, had a private flight over Harbor Springs in the airplane Mr. Hull built himself, been kayaking, hiking, ice-skating, sledding, skiing, seen a hockey game or two, had a competitive game of croquet and had more good conversations than I can count. I’m glad we’re passing the friendship down to the next generation. My hope is that I’ll always be there with my camera to capture it all.
(NOTE: Oh, sure, there are some standard group family photos but I just wanted to share a few of my favorites of these wonderful people.)
GLANCE: Evan
Muskegon, Michigan
Here’s a little peek from Evan’s senior session. Evan is awesome and here’s why: after accidentally getting locked inside a local marina, he scaled the chain-link fence like a Ninja to free ourselves, he shared his hoodie because I wasn’t prepared for the temperature drop (shame on me) and, lastly, he wins the can-stand-without-any-props-and-not-look-awkward award. Thanks, Evan, can’t wait to share more!
WEDDING: Ryan and Emily
Crystal Mountain, Michigan
I have a confession to make. You know the show The Bachelor? I watch it. I also watch sappy movies. What gets me more than Hollywood love, however, is REAL love. Emily and Ryan have had a long-distance relationship for years. She was in med school in Florida and Ryan was founding a tech company in San Francisco. From coast to coast, they always found a way to make it work. During their wedding vows Ryan said, “YOU are home to me.” No episode of the Bachelor or any Nicholas Sparks movie could top that.
I have another confession. Emily and Ryan’s wedding was one of my favorites. Besides the whole real love thing, they had amazing friends and family (I mean even Emily’s dad took the time to give me some sound business advice!) It might have also had something to do with that the pouring rain stopped in time for the wedding. It might have had something to do with the fact that one of my best friends in the world, Carrie Turner, helped me shoot this wedding. It might have had to do with the beautiful location and amazing staff at Crystal Mountain. It might have had to do with how much FUN Emily and Ryan are. I mean what bride and groom spontaneously decides to go down an inflatable slide after they get hitched?!
Ryan and Emily, may your love always feel like home.
Second photographer: Carrie Turner
Venue: Crystal Mountain
Videographer: Epic Motion
Florist: Field of Flowers Farm
Cupcakes: Cake Connection
Invitations: The Print House
Dress: Paloma Blanca
Wedding gown sash: Susan Brennan
Reception dress: Anthropologie
Bride’s boots: Ariat
Bridesmaids gowns: Jim Hjelm
Disc Jockey: Double Trouble DJ’s
Band: Mike Davis Trio
GLANCE: Justin and Rachel
Charlevoix, Michigan
This past weekend I had the joy of heading to one of my very favorite northern Michigan towns for a wedding. It was the first time I met the bride and groom so I learned a lot about them as the day progressed. For instance, I found out that Justin has liked Rachel since kindergarten. I know. How sweet is that? The most wonderful thing of all, to me, was not the gorgeous location of the ceremony, nor the big beautiful barn where they celebrated but that everyone talked about how different Rachel and Justin are from each other. These two took those differences to create one amazing love story.
“I know there is strength in the differences between us. I know there is comfort where we overlap.” – Ani DiFranco
WEDDING: Nate and Andrea
Muskegon, Michigan
“The world’s favorite season is the spring.
All things seem possible in May.” – Edwin Way Teale
Days before Nate and Andrea’s spring wedding, rain threatened their celebration. I think I checked the extended weather forecast compulsively for days but when May 4th arrived, the sun came out, trees and flowers were blossoming and two people that have loved each for years, tied the knot. When true love is involved, all things are possible indeed. Andrea and Nate, may sunlight always follow your marriage.
And thank you, Emily Zoladz, for assisting me with photographing this wedding. Your images helped capture this day perfectly.
Ceremony: First Presbyterian Church
Reception: Watermark 920
Cake: Sugar and Spice
Florist: Wasserman’s
Dress: Bridal Elegance
Disc Jockey: Moments in Time
Hair and makeup: JW & Co.
Mondays with Mom
June 24, 2013
The third Monday: As I made breakfast, I told Yuri and Harper to find something they wanted to do until it was time to eat. Yuri grabbed a book (which he decided to try to read upside down and backwards) and Harper grabbed an animal — so typical and so expected but I love it just the same.
After we ate, I decided to dig out all the photos I could find of my father who passed away last month at a much too young age of 57. I told every story I could remember to tell them about their Pap. You see, my parents divorced when I was too young to even remember. I lived off-and-on with my dad until I was Harper’s age — just ready to start kindergarten. But anyone who knows me, knows that my memories stay with me. I told them how my dad would drape my little legs over the handlebars of his motorcycle and drive down the country roads of Unityville, Pennsylvania. I told them how he would laugh because I was scared of the “eyes” that grew on potatoes when they rested in the bin a little too long. I told them how he indulged my sweet tooth and let me eat sugar cookies for breakfast and how he would let me comb his hair hours at a time. I told them how my dad teased me that, although I didn’t inherit his height or his wild nature, I sure got his ears.
Yuri captured the sweet photo of Harper listening to one of my stories and Harper took the photo of me smiling. As I edited the images for this post, I looked at the photo of my dad dressed as a cowboy in his fifth-grade school picture next to the photo of me smiling and I noticed I inherited a lot more than Danny Kessler’s ears. I see our smiles are the same. My eyes crinkle in the same places. Our chins are identical. A few freckles dot our cheeks. My time with my father was far too short but my memories will stay with me for a lifetime.
Mondays with Mom (and 20 others…)
June 17th, 2013
The second Monday: They say home is where the heart is. My special day set aside for Yuri and Harper was shared with twenty of my family members that gathered at Shrine Mont in Orkney Springs, Virginia for a family reunion. They came from New Jersey, Connecticut, Virginia, Texas, Michigan, Missouri and Kentucky. Trust me, a posse of young cousins was much more intriguing to Yuri and Harper than their old mom but I still shot a few images (and Jon shot one too) to document a slice of the day. Then I set the camera down and let it all sink in. I let Yuri and Harper form new relationships. Yuri learned to play chess (well, sort of) with his big cousin, Andrew. Harper rode on her Zanny’s back pretending she was riding a horse as the Virginia sun transformed her freckles. We put together puzzles, hiked, read books and swam. We talked and talked some more. Yes, without a doubt, everyone called Virginia home and we all left with our hearts better for it.
Jon shot this image of me carrying a tired Harper on a hike.
Mondays with Mom
June 10, 2013
This summer I decided to stay home every Monday with Yuri and Harper. Oh sure, my editing to do list will inevitably grow to what will seem like an impossibility to accomplish but they will only be 4 and 6 once I figured. I already feel like they are growing much too fast. Often I tease them I want to put books on their heads so they will stop growing. They always giggle. Not only do I feel guilty being so busy but I’m always photographing everyone else’s magical moments. But not this summer. Every Monday, which I’ve decided to call “Mondays with Mom” I will spend the day doing things together and I will photograph it. It’s more for me – – a way to remember but I hope you’ll enjoy our journey, too.
The first Monday: I made pancakes from scratch in our old cast iron skillet, we had a creativity session with modeling clay and I even threw my Virgo tendencies to the wind and let them mix colors. They also got to stay in their pajamas until after lunch and I let them pick out their own outfits. (I wasn’t lying when I said I threw my Virgo tendencies to the wind!) We “popped some tags” at Goodwill, did a whole lot of snuggling and reading and went to the park where we played and explored nature. I even gave Yuri a photography lesson. The last two images are his.
“Life, love, and laughter – what priceless gifts to give our children.”
Phyllis Dryden
These are Yuri’s images. (Can I brag? Dang, he’s good!)
Grounded
Blue Lake Township, Michigan
Every once in awhile, I get a chance to be creative with something other than people. It’s fun to focus on texture, shape and light instead of emotion, laughter and moments. Don’t get me wrong, people are my real passion but I enjoy a timeout — a chance to take a visual breath. Besides working with the two wonderful owners of Carnivore Hunting Products, I didn’t have to leave my home. I’m always rushing away to photograph weddings in some beautiful location but, on this day, I walked out my front door and onto the 28 acres that ground me. Looking up, I saw my sweet 6-year-old son watching me work from our bedroom window. “Yes,” I thought to myself. “I needed this. He needed this.”
GLANCE: Dave and Stephanie
Muskegon, Michigan
Dave and Stephanie live in Chicago but Stephanie’s heart is so connected to the place she grew up that the two were married on a private beach in Norton Shores where she spent so much of her youth. I love when couples connect the dots to make their wedding more than just a ceremony but a reflection of their lives. Every detail of their day had a story, a purpose and a reason – – but mostly it was full of love.
Veterans Day
Muskegon, Michigan
Today I was hired to photograph the Veterans Job Fair aboard the USS LST 393 in downtown Muskegon. As I wandered around looking for things that caught my eye, I saw the Muskegon High School’s JROTC practicing before Posting Colors. This young teenager was so proud, dignified and honorable. Instantly, he made me feel patriotic and hopeful. Ironically, when I got back to my office, I received a phone call from my sister saying that my father, also a veteran, was nearing the end of his battle with terminal cancer. I’m not sure why but the two events seemed relevant. Intentional. I know today isn’t November 11th – – the day set aside to honor veterans but that’s just what I want to do — thank those that have sacrificed so much for this great country. Shouldn’t EVERY day be Veterans Day?
GLANCE: Nate and Andrea
Muskegon, Michigan
So, I think this may be the most amazing dress I have ever photographed. And, I must have prayed so hard for nice weather that the Rain Gods actually listened this time. Congratulations, Andrea and Nate. Your wedding was gorgeous — just like the dress, the weather and YOU. Happiness always.
WEDDING: Chris and Merrill
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Back in November, I was asked to photograph this really great wedding. That bride had a sister, Merrill. Four months later, it was her turn. Two wonderful celebrations done as uniquely as their personalities. With a March snowfall that dusted Grand Rapids, Chris and Merrill shared their wedding day with thousands of St. Patrick’s Day revelers. Joey, their dog, made an appearance, too. But my favorite part of the day was when Merrill surprised Chris (and Chris’s family) with a video from his sister who is deployed. And I must say, that this couple had the best first dance song of all time. Chris and Merrill, may happiness continue to follow you all the way to Japan.
Ceremony: Grand Rapids City Hall
Reception: Bistro Bella Vita
Invitations: Papers Plus
Cake: Rita Girl’s
Florist: Eastern Floral
Shoes: Kate Spade
Dress: Encore
Suit: Michael Kors
Musicians: Bob Thompson Jr. Entertainment
Kendra Stanley-Mills Photography 