What can I possibly say….this was an awesome day. Perfect weather, g o r g e o u s   flowers, amazing couple, super fun bridal party and great families ~ that’s my recipe for an awesome wedding day… simple as that!!! And when I found out the flower girl was in another Sarah J wedding a few years ago [she was just a little baby]  I was overjoyed to see  how she grew up! So when I met with Sarah & Greg to discuss details, I knew it was going to be a good day just from their list of vendors and locations ~ I asked them what their colors were and their answer was pink, black & bling….I didn’t know ‘bling’ was an actual color until their wedding. Soooo neat and if you know Sarah, you know exactly what ‘bling’ is. I’m so glad to have been part of your wedding ~ Mandy & I had a blast!! Thank you Thank you Thank you !

Ceremony Site: St. Pat’s Historic, Toledo

Reception Site: Nazareth Hall, Grand Rapids, Ohio

Flowers By: Enchanting Flowers, Beth Flores

Dj: Decorative Sound, Michael

 

Here is a shot of me at Amanda & Jason’s wedding…it’s true I do like to have fun when I work ~

For some reason it was a bit chilly and VERY windy on their May wedding day, but we didn’t let it stop us from (a) having fun and (b) getting lots of great photos! Annnnd I found out something about Jason that made my mouth drop open…[he's a harley guy!!] And if I have to share a secret, I looove harleys so I was pretty pumped when I saw his bike waiting outside the church for the photo op ~ I must say Sarah J was a bit jealous of Amanda! The newlyweds met at their friends wedding, they were both part of the bridal party… it really does happen, people can meet at weddings!!! So here they are having their own wedding and sharing it with all their friends, family and whole town of Ottawa. We had a great time as usual – thank you both for letting Rochelle & I be part of your big day! Enjoy the sneak peek ~

I wanted to start with one of my favs…

 

Rochelle & I had a such a great time with Katie & Mike on their big day! The newlyweds actually went to high school & college together but didn’t start dating until late in their college years, which I find such a neat little story! They are such a great couple ~ This was the second wedding in their group of friends that I photographed and I loved seeing some of the same people & friends. Love good ole Napoleon!!! The weather report for Saturday was iffy all week, calling for rain and clouds but once Saturday came the rain was gone. However we were left with a lot of wind….which helped with the laughs Katie & Mike, thank you sooo much for asking me to be part of your wedding ~I hope the honeymoon is going perfect!

 

Okay….so I’m pretty sure I’m surrounded by BABY FEVER…

Within a week or so… Baby Jack was born, I found out I am going to be Aunt Sarah for the 6th time [yah!!!! for Seth & Kristen ~ due in November], I also booked Jocelyn’s newborn session [previous post], received an email filled with photos of a baby from one of my past couples, saw nursery photos from another past bride & groom for their soon-to-be daughter, got news of 2 more babies coming from past couples and received news that one of my best friends is pregnant with her third child. Woa. Babies. Galore. And as my son put it shaking his head “What  is  with  all  these  babies?”  It all just makes me smile, even tear up a bit. To be a parent is simply remarkable….simply amazing. I cannot wait for the future ~ all those tiny toes, little fingers, big cheeks, adorable expressions, chubby legs – I can’t wait!!!

Back to Jack

I was at the hospital when Jack’s older sis was born 2.5 years ago and wouldn’t have it any other way this time around. I’ve had the privledge to know Mom & Dad for almost 4 yrs and honored to call them friends and possibly my son’s in laws if our children continue to date just kiddin!! [they are only 4....] Kidding aside, I’ve enjoyed getting to know the whole family and watching the children grow together and simply be friends. They have helped me personally quite a bit over the years and I’m not sure what I would have done without them.  Mandy [mom] has been my second shooter for almost 2 years now and I appreciate her more and more each day, each wedding we photograph and each park visit or dinner together. Our conversations could last for hours and still never seem complete. Thank you Mandy & John for being in my life ~ As always, it was an honor to record these moments in your life and continue to be there for you.

Mandy & John didn’t know if the baby was going to be John the III or their third baby girl….[which I LOVED and always try to pursuade to parents to keep that a surprise] So as we waited in hallway and when we got the news that baby was a boy, I asked my son to hold up a blue crayon – he of course wanted to hold up two. So without further ado, let’s welcome Baby Jack at the hospital and at home nine days later.