Archive for the ‘Weddings’ Category

Where have you been JEM blog??  Overwhelmed? Busy? Late nights at the studio? Well, we are back, that’s all that matters   And to start things off I am rewinding to the beginning of July. Devin and Ryan had an evening ceremony outside the Hilton in Perrysburg, OH. I was thrilled that they were totally up for a first look. As soon as they saw each other, the tears and laughter came. I was able to watch through my lens and capture their sweet embraces. The chemistry is undeniable and they were so comfortable in each others arms. Though they did a first look, it did not take away from any of the emotion while Devin was coming down the aisle. So beautiful!  As I was going through these images I couldn’t get over how green her eyes are…Devin, you are a knock-out (and yes, I am a dork for using that work).   July, were you really that far away?? Well, here are some pictures to bring back some memories…

Yes, this was a perfect day. Nothing less. I was going to title this, “Nothing Less than Love and Tears” because of the so many tender moments throughout the day. Hmmm…I don’t know why I left out the tears part?? Ok…well to begin with, this wedding took place at the Ann Arbor  Eagle Crest Marriot, which was perfect for so many reasons including that Matt is an avid golfer and he was able to golf that morning, not only that, I love photographing at new places and it was my first time here and so it was a fresh set of ideas for me…including using golf carts.  Erica was BEYOND stunning and as Matt saw her coming down the aisle this is when I just knew how perfect they were for eachother…Jen and I always talk about things we love best at weddings and it is very similar, I love the toasts and Jen loves those first dances among many other things, and when a groom fights back tears when seeing his bride for the first time (whether a first look or coming down the aisle) is my all-time favorite part of a wedding.  Not only this, but the pastor was a friend of the family  and during the blessing at the end of the ceremony he was holding back tears as well.  I love when people get real with their feelings and it gets even better because I actually cried during Matt’s brothers speech.   When a man called, Bigs get’s you choked up, you know things are good.  Erica and Matt, you two have that kind of chemistry that just fits.  Words can’t describe it as well as pictures….

I love this couple!!!  I love them so much.  The feeling, love and affection Asiyih and Niyaz have for eachother is so beautiful and something I can’t get enough of through my camera.  I was able to take just a few engagement portraits on the day of their engagement party and the chemistry I witnessed that day made me so excited for their BIG day.  This lovely, small, intimate wedding was at Wildwood on the most perfect of June days here in Toledo.  There were so many vintage and antique inspired details which JEM always loves.  The ceremony was filled with readings, personally written songs, music and close family and friends from all over the world.  The rest of the day was full of smiles, laughter, love and pure fun.  I could go on and on about this couple, the family, the wedding, the uniqueness of the day BUT I’m going to keep this short as I know that I NEED to hit the publish button very soon as Asiyih has been extremely patient in waiting for this peek of her pictures.  :)  Asiyih, I hope you and Niyaz relive your wedding again and this blog brings back those smiles that never left your faces that day.

Dan – thanks for helping me out and for the great images.  JEM appreciates you so much!

The first time I talked to Abby about her wedding, I seriously think we talked for over an hour!  I hadn’t met her EVER before and we talked like we knew each other. I knew we would hit it off, and we did.  I saw her randomly outside her house one day (she moved in down the street from my brother) and I honked, waved her down, pulled in the drive and we did a little dance on how excited we were for the wedding. That’s just the type of girl she is.  Because of this, I also knew that it would be 100 % OK to try out the new fanny pack that Jen had convinced me was making a powerful comeback in the US.  I would like to think that JEM is helping this new trend pick up speed.  I became instant friends with all the bridesmaids when they agreed that I was indeed super cool.  Now, on to the good stuff….Botanical Gardens. 6-08-2011. Need I say more?? This is a gorgeous venue for weddings and it was so fitting for Adam and Abby’s carefree, quaint wedding. We got ready in the little cabin that is located on the grounds and the wedding was so relaxed from beginning to end.  Abby and Adam are incredibly fun and laid-back but at the same time, they are incredibly in love. You will hear both of them laughing in these pictures and it is contagious…they can go from serious to bursts of laughter in a matter of a click of the shutter for me and I really loved capturing all of this.  Abby and Adam, here is the sneak peek!!

I remember meeting Elizabeth and Brad along with the fam at Starbucks over a year ago to talk about this beautiful day.  It’s so funny how you meet, a year passes in a flash and all of a sudden the big day is here.  For some reason, way back then, I pictured Elizabeth and Brad’s day just as it was…beautiful, warm, a typical June day.  I never had a doubt that it would rain or something would go wrong.  It was perfect just like I knew it would be.   Not only was the day beautiful but I got to photograph in one of my favorite churches.  Both the inside and outside is so gorgeous.  Perfect for this couple!

It’s funny because after every wedding Emily and I talk late each Saturday night about each of our weddings.  There is always talk of the beautiful dresses, flowers and most of the time the toast is mentioned among other things.  For this wedding though, the father/daughter and mother/son dances really stuck out.  There was SO MUCH emotion.  I could hardly keep it together during the father/daughter dance.  The gathering in the corner of Elizabeth’s brother, sister-in-law and Mom with their warm looks and the tears coming from both Elizabeth and her Dad was so touching.  Even when I went through the images and put together this blog it made me get a little choked up again.  Emily and I say it all the time, we love what we do and we love capturing emotion and moments that will always be remembered.

Before I end I need to give a shout out to Dan, JEM’s latest assistant.  Thanks for all of your help around here!

It’s Elizabeth’s birthday today and I’m so excited that I get to give her a gift!  Enjoy your sneak peek and Happy Birthday Elizabeth!