Corey Talks: Deodorant
Posted on July 30, 2009
My dear friend Heidi has a great post today on her blog where a bride wrote in asking for advice on anti-perspirant. First, you are to go and comment and give the bride your advice. THEN you can come back here and read what one of the best discoveries was for me when I was planning my wedding.
Did you go comment?
I know I know… I’m pushy. But we’ve ALL been there. Not able to raise our hands because darnit, we are NOT SURE!
Ok thank you for commenting and helping a lady out!!
Now… my blog topic of the day, deodorant/anti-perspirant!! Are you excited? Are you starting to get frightened of me because I am? 
Two years ago I was a Knottie. I bounced around and read more often than I posted but I got some amazing ideas from some really clever girls. One of them ended up being life changing and that was the discovery of Certain Dri. There was a topic asking about what deodorant they should use and this bride starting singing the praises of Certain Dri. I was intrigued so I decided to order it. At the time it was pretty hard to find in stores so I just got it from my online love Amazon.com. I have to say, I actually STALKED that package I was that eager to try it. I was getting married, on the beach, in North Carolina, in August, in a HUGE WEDDING DRESS. I was desperate to find something that would cure the inevitable pit stains that were to appear.
Why was I so eager to try Certain Dri? Well I confess, I am a sweater. I don’t know when it started – I suppose that lovely stage of puberty but all of the sudden in high school I noticed that there were times that I would go throughout the day having to not raise my arm in class due to my embarrassing wet spots beneath my arms. This continued through the years and stuck with me throughout my twenties resulting in many embarrassing moments including stripping in a mall bathroom during a date to use the dryer on my pits. I can laugh now, but back then I would rate pit stains as essentially the worst thing EVER. I tried every single deodorant available out there. I tried the men’s versions. I tried the crystals. I tried every single trick in the book to wind up still sweaty and more irritated. When I had heard of this NEW awesome thing on the market I figured it was worth a shot.
The package finally arrived and I have to say it was less than 5 minutes before I had put it on and was on the floor wondering what in the heck I had done to myself. It BURNED. Not to the point of crying but to the point of “ow” and many curses. It warned that this would happen for the first few times of application so I stuck with it. Then came the bit test…. a dress shirt. Every time I had worn a dress shirt previously in the heat, it immediately was stained. I DID NOT SWEAT ONE DROP! I figured it was a fluke so I kept wearing different ones. The skies opened and angels sung – and I finally had the magic stick! WOO HOO!!!! *insert really insane happy dance here*
I have been using Certain Dri now for over 2 years and am still just as happy with it. It itches/burns sometimes still when I put it on (usually because I do it after shaving when they say NOT to) but that pain is WORTH IT.
Why am I making a post about this? I can’t tell you how many brides/bridesmaids I have had (your secret is safe with me) tell me the day of the wedding that they are sweaters and are so sad about their pit stains. I’ve had to photoshop it out when it was really obvious. I have kicked myself EVERY time because I wish someone had told THEM of this magic potion available, over the counter, that will change their life. Heidi reminded me of this post I’ve been meaning to write and I didn’t want to take up her entire comments section so I wrote up more here.
If you are a gal that thinks that Certain Dri sounds like a magic potion for you (it’s unisex so guys too!) you can now pick it up at your local Wal Mart, Target or drug store! It runs about $3.50 or so for a roll on bottle. They also have a stick or roll on that you can use for day-to-day use.
Uncle Bob Giveaway!!!
Posted on July 29, 2009
I’ve thought long and hard how I could pay it forward by doing a photography giveaway but I’ve never managed to figure out anything that would work. I like the idea of giving away a free wedding to a deserving couple, but I hate what happens when that couple has already booked another photographer. I don’t ever want to take someone else’s work away from them. So I kept thinking… and thinking. I finally have came to my first photography session giveaway, my Uncle Bob Giveaway!!!
What is an Uncle Bob?? In the professional wedding photographer world, we often talk to each other about Uncle Bob (or Aunt Bobbi for gals). “Uncle Bob” is typically a relative or friend of the family that happens to take good pictures and becomes a nuisance to us professional photographers from time to time. Either we a) lose weddings to this person or b) have to work around them throughout the wedding i.e. when they’re on the altar, directing the formals or taking our brides away for their own photo shoot. Either way, it can really mess up our day and our pictures (Uncle Bob’s flash is probably my biggest gripe). However the biggest thing that bothers me about Uncle Bobs are when at the end of the day, the couple is left with images that disappoint and are often just plain snapshots and nothing that they imagined their wedding pictures would look like. I have heard of people that have looked back after Uncle Bob shot their wedding to find out that no images were even in focus, or no images of the bride and groom – there are just plain horror stories about letting someone who ‘happens to have a nice camera’ shoot a wedding day.
My Uncle Bob giveaway is aimed to get those couples at least one nice image of themselves as a couple that they can frame and PRETEND that it came from their wedding.
So here are the details!
Who: Any couples married in the past 5 years with proof that they had a friend/family member shoot their wedding. Images will have to be provided to prove to me that you did in fact get someone that was less that stellar which will be used on the blog along with the new image(s) to qualify for the free shoot. No couples will be accepted that hired a professional photography studio for their wedding photography unless that photography studio went out of business and did not provide photographs to the couple (I know a couple years ago here in Cleveland this happened to a lot of couples who are still fighting for their images). Any couple that meets all of the qualifications will get a free session. Have I mentioned I HATE popularity contests? EVERY couple that qualifies wins a session! Easy peasy!
What: This giveaway will include a 1 hour photo shoot in the style of a Day After Session of a married couple, 1 full size digital image and online hosting of all images.
When: This giveaway will run until the end of August. All photo sessions must be scheduled within a year.
Where: There is no limits where I will travel for the giveaway but all travel costs outside of one hour from my home in North Canton, Ohio will be paid by the couple.
How: Send me an email and title the subject “Uncle Bob Giveaway.” Please include your names, address, story behind your wedding photography and at least 3 pictures from the wedding that Uncle Bob provided you.
Engaged: Jessica and Larry
Posted on July 28, 2009
Jessica and Larry are so much fun to work with. They laugh easily and are willing to follow my lead without questioning which makes them IDEAL clients! We met up last Sunday at Wade Lagoon for an engagement session which began with their adorable puppy and after he was whisked away we went ahead with the session with just the two of them and had so much fun. It was literally the PERFECT day for shooting, lots of great light and mild temperatures. With Ohio, you really can’t ask for anything better – especially the way the weather has been lately.
Onto the pictures… you’ll see this fabulous couple back all in wedding wear in just a tinge over a month!!
Obligatory this dog is soooo cute comments…
The last time I was here I wanted this shot so badly but there were people here that never left so I didn’t get it, yay for getting it this time!
I LOVE this shot!
Gotta have a ring shot somewhere
Married: Becca and Greg 07.18.09
Posted on July 27, 2009
I’ve known Becca since I was around 12 or so, meeting her in middle school where in North Canton, all of the local elementary schools combine. She was always so nice and friendly and while we were never super close, I always thought of her with high regard. We continued to be friendly all through the rest of our years together, sharing some hours together in choir with dear old Mr. Hayward. Ahh, Hoover. How I miss thee. OK… maybe not. After graduation everyone goes their own ways but due to MySpace (snicker now!) we reconnected a few years ago. Before I even started with the idea of being a wedding photographer, Becca told me she wanted me to take pictures at her wedding if/when she got married. She knew that Greg was THE ONE but just wasn’t sure when THAT QUESTION would be asked. Eventually it was – just as I very very very started with this whole shooting weddings for a living idea. Becca saw my early work with landscapes and random people and saw something she liked and told me then she HAD TO HAVE ME no matter what. Awwwh, so flattering.
A hop, skip and a year or so later, she finally nails down a location and things start rolling with the planning and of course I’m on board. I got to go down with Becca and her awesome Mom to see the venue and get ideas for shooting. We had a fun girly day and finished it up with me being introduced to the best thing to hit fast food ever, Chick Fil A Sauce, YUM!
Becca has been counting down the wedding with “I’M GETTING MARRIED” being a often heard cry from her in person or Facebook (does anyone really use MySpace anymore??). She was SO excited to spend the rest of her life officially hitched to Greg! I have to say, it’s awesome to see her so happy. He’s a great guy and treats her the way she deserves to be treated – like the princess she is!
The day arrived and I spent the day taking pics of her and the girls getting ready and all the fun stuff that leads to the final walk down the aisle. While the skies threatened rain all day, there was not a drop that fell at all on her wedding day. Everything went off perfectly, the way that Becca envisioned it. The ceremony was short but meaningful and full of laughs and the recessional was perfect – them literally running down the aisle to the Dueling Banjos and leaving in their getaway car.
The reception was much of the same perfectness. Beautiful toasts, heartfelt dances with special loved ones and magical laughter was abound. The night wound down with Becca’s favorite thing, karaoke. Have I mentioned that Becca is a country singer as well as moonlights as a DJ? She is and she does! Kicking off the night was Greg’s son, then Becca’s son brought down the HOUSE with his rendition of “Boom Boom Pow” and rounding out the children was Becca’s daughter sung some Lady GaGa with a friend. The final kicker to all of these kids with some serious pipes and amazing talent was the flower girl (niece to the bride) singing some ABBA.
Now I’m going to mention something that was going on behind the scenes as a little tip for photographers. After the ceremony, my camera was dropped, breaking my 24-70 lens to the point that it couldn’t be used. I was easily able to recover, using my prime lenses to take up for the lengths I was missing …. but how many photographers out there have backups to your lenses? I hear time and time again on forums that you must have backups of bodies (which I have double of) but how often do you hear backups of lenses. If I didn’t have my primes with me, I would not have been able to shoot virtually ANY formals due to the restrictions of the venue on where I could shoot. I literally would not have been able to back up enough without either running into a wall or an area of the venue that I was told if I set foot on I’d be thrown out. Even if your backups are off-brand, I strongly urge all photographers to make sure that you’re not only carrying backups of camera bodies but the major focal lengths as well (a wide angle, a mid-range and a telephoto).
Now… onto the pictures and a final THANK YOU to Becca and Greg for choosing me to capture your day!
Vendors:
Cake Artist: Litty’s Cakes
Ceremony/Reception/Catering: Lakeside Center
DJ: DC Sound Productions
Florist/Decorations: Joy Monastra
Becca and Greg had a bet that the other would cry on the wedding day. Becca tried VERY hard to be the one that didn’t cry, but Greg was sneaky and sent over a beautiful letter with the clincher – earrings that were VERY unexpected. She cried, but it made for a beautiful moment!
I love when flower girls are particular about petal placement!
Becca and Greg’s kids – Max, Lexa and Austin – walked down the aisle to a prerecorded song which Becca sang.
When I first saw this image when editing, I thought it was a final squee of glee from Becca knowing that she was getting married. She later corrected me telling me that in fact, she was stepping on her dress and about to fall!!! Luckily she righted herself and no one was the wiser.
A sand ceremony with all the kids! I loved this idea!
The getaway!!!!
One of my very favorite bridesmaids pics EVER. One of Becca’s bridesmaids had a picture of her trying to “run” away and her bridesmaids holding her back by her dress. However when we recreated this, Becca ended up falling but wasn’t hurt and laughed and laughed. Made for a great moment!
The guys were just as much fun as the girls!
Yummy light + awesome love = win!
My couples make my job so easy…
Boom boom booooom….. boom boom booom!
Finishing the night (for me at least) singing to her new hubby!
Engaged: Sarah and Zack
Posted on July 21, 2009
On Friday I picked up Sarah and Zack and we went up to Cleveland for our engagement shoot. The entire way there Sarah and I chatted like old friends. I knew we were kindred spirits when we both spotted and “ohhhed” at a sunflower that is growing through the grate on I-77N just past the 480 split (keep an eye out for it in the median, it sure makes ME smile). We finally got into downtown and found a meter (not an easy feat when there is a tribe game!) and started our journey through downtown Cleveland. We wandered down to East 4th Street and then back to our car for a quick wardrobe change and then to the park that is next to The Old Courthouse (what is the name of it, anyone know?) where we got some more ‘park like’ pictures for the end of their shoot. They were so much fun and such troopers – while on 4th we got some hecklers that kept making some comments at us and they kept smiling and going along with what I was telling them to do. After our shoot we headed over to Tremont and they treated me to a yummy meal at Lolita, making them my new favorite people!!! It was DELICIOUS!
Thanks to both of you for coming out and playing with me for the evening, for the awesome meal and for choosing me to capture your wedding! I can’t wait! Look for them next May!!
This is when the hecklers started… but you would never know looking at the images, they are pros!
I love weird walls!
Guys always want a shot by this poster!
Too bad Barbara wasn’t Corey…
Yummy rim light!
…and the couple is pretty awesome themselves!!!
It’s not easy finding places that the guys like AND the girls like is it? Luckily, this one suits both, pretty flowers and a football stadium!
I pretty much ADORE this ring shot, then again, I ADORE Sarah’s ring!
True Love can’t be Photoshopped in!
Corey Talks: Locations for Pictures (West)
Posted on July 21, 2009
Yep, it’s another photo location post!! I do not know the West Side much at all, so please bring on the recommendations for photo locations!!!! I am CONSTANTLY tweaking these lists as I find new locations so always check back!
Avon Lake
Veterans Memorial Park
Lake Road, Avon Lake, Ohio
One of the few beaches that have pubic access on the west side, here you will find a boardwalk along with a beach, great for those sunset shots!
Cost: Free
Berea
Baldwin Wallace College
275 Eastland Road, Berea, Ohio
A beautifully landscaped college complete with historic buildings makes this a perfect place to stop for portraits during your wedding or engagement session. Jenna and Doug’s ceremony took place here and we used the area around the chapel for their pictures after the wedding.
Cost: FreeThe Big Quarry
The Big Quarry used to be a stone quarry but it eventually filled up with water and was abandoned and is now a beautiful lake in Berea. Since the water is so calm it makes for beautiful reflections – one of my favorite things to seek out for portraits!
Cost: FreeMill Stream Run Reservation
Valley Parkway, Berea, OH
This park is a simple type of park but still has a lot to offer for photography locations. I went here this past fall with Jenna and Doug for their engagement session where we started out at Music Mound and ended up on a trial.
Cost: Free
Elyria
Ely Square
Located in this square is a gazebo, open green areas and a fountain. This was a “must stop” place for Nooriya and Randy and I’m glad we did!!!
Cost: Free but they do require the gazebo to be reserved for weddings.
Lakewood
Lakewood Park
14532 Lake Ave., Lakewood, OH
This park borders Lake Erie and has a paved brick walkway along the shore. At the east end of the walk, there is a beautiful skyline view of Cleveland (weather permitting! Also located here are playgrounds and Old Stone House. I stopped here with Tracy & Dan for the end of their engagement shoot.
Cost: Free
Lorain
Lakeview Metropark
1800 West Erie Avenue, Lorain, Ohio 44052
Lakeview Metropark has almost everything someone would want for a photo shoot. There is a beach, gazebo, historic rose gardens and much more to this picturesque park on the lake.
Cost: Free
Westlake
Crocker Park
25 Main Street, Westlake, Ohio
Small village, shopping, interesting features. Not your common location but there is a lot of nooks and crannies to shoot in here. Dehanna & Craig chose this location because it’s where their first date and engagement took place at.
Cost: Free
Other Photo Locations
Cleveland
East (Mentor/Willoughby)
South (Akron/Canton Area)
Married: Nooriya & Randy
Posted on July 20, 2009
Last Saturday was SUCH a great wedding! I love all of my clients but this one was one of those weddings that you come home from on a wedding high. It was worth driving through a monsoon for!!!
Nooriya and Randy booked me last year and I’ve been looking forward to their wedding for a long time. The ceremony was beautiful and tailored to them, starting with a Liturgy Dance and it also included a sand ceremony. After the ceremony they had a light reception for the guests while the receiving line was going on – which I really found to be not only YUMMY but also a great idea! We then stopped at Ely Square in Elyria before heading to the reception at DeLuca’s in the Park for some pictures. The reception was another amazing event, again tailored to perfectly suit the couple. They started off with the first dance and cake cutting and after dinner danced with their parents and had a dance in honor of Michael Jackson before opening up the floor to open dancing which included some awesome moves from darn near every guest that attended. Sometimes receptions can hit a lull where it’s not always easy to find the kodak moments but this event was literally bursting with them! I had such a great time!
Thanks to you both for choosing me to capture your day!! Also thanks to Nicole for assisting me!
Vendors
Cake Arist: Cakes Candy and Flower
Ceremony: Second Baptist Church of Elyria
DJ: Plum City Entertainment
Florist: Sandy Thompson
Reception/Catering: DeLuca’s Place in the Park
Videographer: Schehera McKissack
Wedding Coordinator: Alice Robinson
LOVE this groomsman shot, these guys were so much fun to work with!
This is a great example of my method of “posing” – I put my couples together and just capture the moments that naturally happen. Makes my job easy when they are this sweet and tender together!
Having such stunning brides doesn’t hurt either, isn’t she so pretty???
Randy was pretty handsome himself too!!
One of my favorite first dance shots!
Randy’s brother giving him some riff during his toast!
Randy sweating over thinking what else was going to come out of his brother’s mouth!
One of the Maids of Honor dancing in honor of Michael Jackson.
Always gotta have a ring shot!
…or two!!!
Corey Talks: Why Photographers Cost "So Much"
Posted on July 12, 2009
One thing that I never had to question when I was a bride was why I paid what I paid for my photographer since I knew before I even started shopping that there’s a lot behind the scenes when it comes to photography than just ‘pressing the button.’ However I am starting to realize that there are a lot of people out there that don’t realize what all goes on behind the scenes and why quality photographers charge what they do. I’m here to hopefully demystify that a bit for you and help you see why photographers charge what they do (well when they aren’t from Craigslist!). Dollar amounts do not always equal value in training, experience and artistic ability but more often than not if they are charging “that much” and often get “that much” it is because they are worth it.
The Hours Worked
What most brides and grooms think of when they think of what they are paying for their photographer is strictly the shooting time and any other items in the packages. When I show up and shoot an 8 hour wedding, yes, there will be times where I may not be shooting (i.e. during dinner) but for the vast majority of those 8 hours save for maybe those 10 – 15 minutes I’m eating, I am shooting. Even if there is a lull, I’m still thinking about the shoot, where to shoot or keeping my eye on what to shoot. I’ve worked many different jobs in my time and I’ll be the first to admit that at my past 8 hour workdays… I did not fully give 100% to those 8 hours like I do now. There would always be a chat with a co-worker about lunch, or dinner or whatnot. We all have done it! There are also downtimes too for weddings but you’ll rarely find me ‘down’ – I seem to always find something to do – the bride’s hair, makeup, bustling the train, bouquets… whatever I can do to help out the bride and/or groom I’m on it.
The Eye
Another part of what that fee for is simply that you are paying for your chosen photographer’s eye of the world and the training behind that eye. Everyone sees the world differently and each person takes away something different. For example, Picasso, Monet and Van Gough are all very famous painters – yet they all have a distinctive vision and use of their artistic eye. It’s very much the same thing when it comes to photography as each photographer sees a situation differently. I firmly believe that clients should also be looking at each photographers style as much as they are looking at price because in the end if you aren’t happy with the images and the style that they were taken in, no amount of money saved will counter that feeling of loss.
The Training
Even the most talented eye still has to know what they are shooting and how to shoot it and this is where the training comes into play. Your photographer should know everything about shooting in every type of light and situation and in manual modes. Program modes don’t cut it when it comes to wedding photography due to the varying extremes of situations we find ourselves in. Your photographer should be able to take you into any situation and shoot it – sun, dark chapel, rain – everywhere! Then there is the whole matter of lens choice. There’s a reason that some pictures look a certain way and it’s not JUST about the settings – it’s also about the choice of the lens shooting the scene. It all goes back to training and what part of that hourly fee is for – paying a photographer that is qualified to shoot the event.
The Editing
By far the one thing that most people do not think about is the massive undertaking in editing that comes AFTER a wedding is photographed. Each photographer is different but I choose to shoot my weddings in a RAW file format. So after the wedding I have to edit the RAW files to final images before I even touch Photoshop for the final edits. Currently for me it is taking about 8 – 12 hours of total edit time per 8 hour wedding, however I am VERY quick when it comes to editing (I’ve been working with Photoshop for over 10 years). Most wedding photographers easily have anywhere from 20 – 40 additional hours of work once they get home before digital proofs are ready to be seen. If you take the average of an additional 20 hours of ‘work’ you’ll find we’re already up to 28 hours worked for an 8 hour day.
The Gear
Anyone with a camera can take a picture, but it takes the right camera equipment to shoot a wedding. The cameras that most pros use cost upwards of $2000. Digital SLR cameras do not have built in lenses like point-and-shoot cameras do, so then you have to buy lenses. Professional Wedding Photographers will have many lenses that they carry – and each of those lenses can cost up to $2000 as well. Then there are flash units, batteries, and memory cards… it adds up!!! In addition to all of this gear, a true professional should have back up equipment available to every item – cameras, lenses and flashes. Each wedding that I attend, I have quite a lot of money hanging on my shoulders (thanks to yet another product that to me is essential, Shootsac). Are you eyes huge yet? Then add in the expensive computers that we have to use. In the past three years of pro work, I have literally melted down 3 PCs. I am now using a Mac Pro, which wasn’t cheap but it is worth its weight in gold. If THAT isn’t enough cost for you… there is the programs that we have to purchase to work on the images. If you’re ever bored, check out how much Photoshop actually costs – it isn’t cheap! All of this adds up to a LOT of money that we have to spend to shoot your wedding – and keep spending as gear wears out, technology changes and we learn new things.
The Experience
Finally, the one final reason that photographers charge so much is because they have the experience to back them up as to why they charge what they do. With each and every wedding I am constantly learning and applying that knowledge to future weddings. I can honestly say that my first professional wedding I did a great job at – but I know SO MUCH MORE now. I can’t imagine any other professional wedding photographer saying anything different. Everyone does start somewhere, but they will charge accordingly. You could get lucky and get someone that starts off handling weddings like they’ve been doing it their entire lives – or you could get someone that has no idea what they were getting themselves into and the photography will show it. Are you willing to gamble on your wedding photos for a few hundred dollars saved?
I hope that this blog helped future couples understand some of the reasons why photographers charge what they do.
Have any questions you would like answered? Agree or disagree with me? Comment and let me know!
Married: Deborah + Scott 07.04.09
Posted on July 10, 2009
This past Saturday I had the pleasure of shooting the wedding of Deborah and Scott. The day was a great day for a holiday AND a wedding! I started off the day with Deborah and her family and bridesmaids at her house taking pics of everyone running around getting ready. We then headed off to St. Michael’s in Independence (what a city to get married in on the 4th eh??) for the beautiful ceremony. Rather than doing indoor family portraits, Deborah chose to do then outside a gazebo nearby – which made my trigger finger VERY happy because outdoor portraits are always so much better than indoors! After a quick stop at McDonalds (LOL!) the bridal party and I headed downtown for some shots before ending up at The Old Courthouse for the reception. I have never been to The Courthouse so I was completely floored by how STUNNING the location is! WOW! All that marble and detailing is just amazing!!
Have I mentioned how awesome Deborah is? Because she IS! She was her own florist, putting together all of the flowers for the bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages. She also did all of her own decorating for both the church and the reception – majorly featuring feathers. I LOVED it and was stunned to hear she rocked it all on her own!
When I left the party was still going strong and it seemed to be a safe bet that they had a great night that went on far longer than I did!
Thanks to both of you for allowing me to be there for your special day!!!
Vendors
Cake Artist: Michael Angelo’s Bakery
Catering: Silver Service Catering
Ceremony: St. Michael’s, Independence, OH
DJ: A-2-Z DJ Service
Florist: Bride
Reception: The Old Courthouse
Deborah’s dress so was unique and stunning!!!
Rings on top of Deborah’s bouquet that she made!
Have I mentioned on this blog what a big reader I am? Well I am a HUGE reader and this book is one of my favorites… so I had to do a ring shot on it!
Deborah checking things out!
Final touches!
Showing off the awesome green J. Crew shoes.
I loved the varying colors of green that Deborah chose for the bridesmaid’s gowns.
The new Mr & Mrs!!!
Scott looking quite dapper!
Deborah looking beautiful!
They are so cute together!
The night before they had taken the “last single kiss” here so I had to take a “first married kiss” (well not really first first…) shot here as well!
This random guy with a bubble maker wandered by during our session in the park and provided some bubble ambiance!
Relaxed portrait of all of the bridesmaids!
Having a quiet moment in the shadows of Cleveland Browns Stadium. Scott did NOT dig this location idea being from Buffalo he’s a die-hard Bills fan.
A final pose before going to the reception!
Julia, Scott’s niece, did a great job of keeping the dance floor warm for when everyone else decided to dance!
View from the balcony of The Old Courthouse while the cocktail hour was going on.
The ostrich feather centerpieces that Deborah made – they are so beautiful!
Ring shot on one of the peacock feathers that were on the cake.
First dance!
Y-M-C-A!
Most of the day, you would never know it was the 4th of July but on the way out of The Old Courthouse I saw it lit up for the day, so I had to get a shot of it!
Thanks again!
Married: Maureen & Mark 06.27.09
Posted on July 9, 2009
As I mentioned before, the location that Maureen and Mark chose for their wedding was nothing short of spectacular! Atwood Lake Resort is so stunning and gorgeous!!! Even though we stayed within Ohio, it very much was a destination wedding in my opinion! Another great perk was that their friends and family were able to stay onsite of their wedding and reception so it made for a lot less stress the day of the wedding since it was easy to pop in and out of where everything was to check up on things and do all those fun last minute to-do’s!! When my assistant Nicole and I arrived, the girls were doing just that – finishing up some last minute details – so we busied ourselves by taking some detail shots as everything got set up. Finally the girls were able to get dressed and I immediately fell in LOVE with Maureen’s dress – and flowers! I know I say this a lot, but she was a beautiful bride! We were able to keep her well hidden from her groom until she made her way down to the ceremony location to the sound of bagpipes. The ceremony was overflowing with emotions and love as they said their own vows – Mark’s vows were killer – about everyone afterward was crying including me. After the ceremony I got some pics of the families, bridal party and got my favorite picture ever of the bride and groom before letting them go to their reception.
Maureen and Mark had a great reception! One of my favorites EVER – very low key and just more of a party. They did a formal introduction and went straight into their first dance. The toasts were given as well as the blessing by Mark’s father and then we had one of the most amazing meals I’ve ever had at a reception, delicious! That was IT for the ‘wedding activities’ and the rest of the evening was spent dancing, socializing and enjoying themselves. No cake cutting, no tossing of items, no fanfare – just good times. The DJ kept things hopping on the dance floor and guests were able to cool themselves down outdoors and relax if the music and dancing got to be too much. The sunset was spectacular so I nabbed the bride and groom for a few more portraits when it was just right and spent some time afterward taking some portrait shots of the Groom’s mother and friends. We ended the night after a hilarious dance interpretation to “Paradise By the Dashboard Light” by Meatloaf.
Thanks to both Maureen and Mark for choosing me to capture your day! It was amazing and one of my favorite weddings ever (hmm I say this a lot… guess my clients know how to throw a wedding!)!!!
Vendors
Ceremony/Reception/Catering: Atwood Lake Resort
Cake Artist: Camelot Cakes
DJ: Bill Manos, (330) 966-1331
Florist: Baker Florist
I really wanted to take this outside but the groom was prowling around so I stuck with the good-ol standby of the dress in the window
Maureen’s shoes were so pretty that of COURSE I had to get a shot of them… with the amazing flowers!
I love butterflies and had to get a shot of one of the many butterflies that were flying around the area of the ceremony.
Maureen being escorted by her brothers to the altar led by the bagpiper.
Mark wiping a tear from Maureen’s eye after his vows to her.
The new Mr & Mrs!
Bridesmaids & Bride – aren’t their bouquets gorgeous? I wish you could SMELL them in this blog, YUM!
The picture I keep talking about??? This is it, I LOVE it. I don’t know what it is but it’s one of my favorite shots ever.
The B&W shot isn’t bad either, but I still just adore the color one.
Maureen and Mark make my job so much easier, their love just jumps onto the lens!
Gorgeous settings and lighting helps too… aren’t they gorgeous!
Dancing to Barry White’s “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love” – so perfect!
Getting creative with the ring shots… and then I realized how gorgeous the sun was over the landscape and went in and got the bride and groom for some more pictures.
Yet another picture of theirs I adore, they are so sweet together.
Spectacular sunset!
Indoors they were cutting a rug…
…while outdoors they were more relaxed and I took some shots of the groom’s mother with her friends and family with the sunset as a backdrop.
Ending the night was an interesting dance interpretation… which was funny and a great way to end our night (but not theirs!).
Thanks again!! Stay tuned for my fourth of July wedding!