Anne Ruthmann is a wedding photographer based in Terre Haute, IN. Anne uses her blog to share recent wedding photos from various weddings in Detroit, MI; Indianapolis, IN; Chicago, IL; St. Louis, MO; and Destination Weddings.
Blog Details
Overall rank: 134803 Number of inbound blogs: 56 Number of incoming links: 70 ATOM: ATOM feed Last update: 2007-10-18 03:56:24 GMT Estimated value: $47,430
Analytics
Incoming clicks since last reset: 0 Outgoing clicks since last reset: 120
Latest Posts
Micro-Blogging: Twitter & Facebook
This is crunch time for me (and most wedding/portrait photographers!) With the holidays right around the corner, there's always more to do than time to do it! So, if you've been wondering, "Where in the world is Anne Ruthmann?" Than you probably aren't following me on Twitter or Facebook where people have been watching my every move for the last few months (well, only the moves I WANT everyone to know about!!)
You see, I'm someone who has a million ideas every day (yes, I'm exaggerating) and before Twitter, I had no place to put them! Most of what we do as freelance photographers is pretty boring - responding to emails, editing photos, color-correcting, and occasionally we get to interact with other people and take photos! Woo Hoo! So, I have plenty of time doing boring things for my mind to think about completely random and off the wall things. Now I can collect all of my random musings in one neat little twitter feed and hope that all will be archived for eternity! (or not) But please don't get your hopes up and look for the wisdom of Buddha or anything, sometimes I may twitter stuff that shows exactly how boring my life can be, but I also promise to twitter things that show how fun life can be too. ;-)
If you're on Facebook, than you can not only see what I'm saying, but you can also see what everyone is saying back to me when I post completely random thoughts (as well as all of the embarrassing photos that other people decide to post of me! ::rolls eyes::) While I don't agree with WIRED's article about blogging being dead, I do agree that there are things we can say and do on Twitter and Facebook that aren't really worthy of an entire blog post. So, I keep my blog for more lengthy thoughts like this one, as well as a place to share samples of my work publicly- because I still believe in the value of content creation through blogs, but if you must have a little bit of Anne Ruthmann in your day, every day, you're better off following me on Twitter or Facebook where you'll be able to keep up with my Tweets AND my blog posts. There are also a few projects in the works that will begin aggregating this blog, which I'm really excited about, and I'm sure the aggregated competition will encourage me to blog more!! I love a challenge!!
Here are the links if you'd like a little more of me in your life.... (and I totally don't blame you if you don't - I bore myself sometimes!)
If you're still unsure as to what Twitter and Facebook are all about, here's a fun little video from the Twitter website to help explain it for you:
(Eco note: The cups pictured above were saved and recycled for another use. Here's a pic of me with one of my favorite reusable mugs that I frequently use for my Starbucks addiction... http://www.flickr.com/photos/annemarlow/3004306746/)
To all of the couples out there who are itching to be featured in a magazine... here's what magazine editors are looking for: - Beautiful, clean photography that's not overly photoshopped with great lighting, composition, and attention to detail (ie. get a great photographer and your wedding will look fantastic no matter what!) - UNIQUE details! If you've seen it before, they've probably seen it before a hundred times! For unique florals or decor- let your florist go wild with their imagination! Give them a color palette or just a few words to describe your personal style and let them interpret it as they see fit! Give your vendors creative freedom and they will create beautiful work for you! - Different locations! At this point, the magazines have pretty much published all of the "normal" wedding venues. They're craving a different spin on the wedding day- so think outside of the "box" like Jessica & Ben did! Choose a place you love, that says something about who you are as a couple. You'd be pretty surprised at the places you can have a wedding these days!
One Minute Vacation - Cabin in the Woods
This time of year is pretty stressful for a lot of people (myself included). That stress leads our immune system to break down, causing us to get sick, or to have high blood pressure, or to stay up late with our mind racing about what we need to do next. We'd love to get away from it all and just relax, but we fear that getting away would just make us stress about everything that isn't getting done.
So, I've come up with a way to take a mini-vacation right at your desk!! It only requires one minute of time, your eyes, your ears, and a few deep breaths. Just sixty seconds of imagining yourself in a more relaxing place can do wonders for the mind and body... if you need more than sixty seconds, simply repeat.
For this one minute vacation, let me take you to my mom's back porch overlooking the woods where you'll see the autumn leaves falling and hear the wind blowing through the trees... click play and relax for a few seconds...
What's your idea of a vacation? Maybe I can bring it to your desktop for you!
Quick Question: RSS vs. Bookmarks?
RESULTS
Here are the results of the poll after one hour of being online, and then after four days of being online....
The benefit of an RSS feed over bookmarks is that you get told when new information is available on your favorite blog, rather than checking in only to find that it hasn't been updated. So, it helps save you time, and it also helps you follow more blogs all at once because you're really only seeing the ones that are being updated. There's a little subscribe button on the side of my blog that helps you get my blog in a variety of feed-readers. A lot of people like the Google Reader, because they already use Google on a regular basis. I like Bloglines because it allows me to keep various folders and share my RSS feed with others.
Here's a video description of what RSS feed readers can do for you...
LOVE IT: The NEW Polaroid Guest Book for Weddings!
When Polaroid announced that it would no longer sell its iconic instant film, you just knew they were coming up with something super cool to complement the new digital lifestyle. With so many guests having digital cameras and cell phone cameras now, why not just let them print a picture from their own camera? But it would be such a hassle to set up a printer and make sure it has enough ink. That's why you're going to flip over the new PoGo Printer- inkless, wireless, bluetooth and pictbridge enabled, this is one super tiny hand-held printer! The secret is in the ZINK photo paper and each photo is a 2"x3" stick and peel so that you can slap those photos instantly into any album. Seriously, this little baby looks like a ton of fun. I feel like going to Target, Best Buy, or Urban Outfitters right now to see if I can play with one in stock! Check it out!!! (only downer is that it's NOT compatible with iPhone - BOO!)
NOTE: Due to the size and type of printing, my guess is that the quality is not going to be stellar on these little prints. However, if you're just looking for something fun and you like techno-photo novelties, this is right up your alley!
Five years and still in love...
I can't believe it's been five years since Alex and I got married! Where does the time go? I've seen many of my couples go on to have a sense of settling down and maybe even having children, but somehow that still seems so distant for us. In the five years that we've been married, we've lived in 4 different homes, in 3 different states. I can't say that I ever imagined this to be the normal post-marriage lifestyle! I thought life would get slower... calmer... more relaxing.... more predictable... yet each year has brought about new surprises and big changes- always keeping me on my toes with running shoes on!
I'll be shooting a wedding out of town for a great couple on our anniversary date (Oct 18), but decided to carve out this weekend so that Alex and I could spend some much needed time together. Working from home is both a blessing and a curse - as I'm sure many people can agree. While I am technically home Tues-Thurs, I'm generally working around the clock just to keep everything moving forward since Fri-Mon are non-stop travel and shooting. The move this year has proven to be much more time consuming that previous moves for a lot of different reasons. One of which is that Massachusetts is a great state that likes to take care of its residents, which means tons of forms to fill out and hoops to jump through in order to be a responsible citizen and business owner. To all my friends in Michigan and Indiana - be thankful that things are easier than they could be! The boxes you saw in my moving post? Yeah, they're still there- and it kinda looks like some of them exploded in various places around the house, but that's a project I'm not planning to tackle until January- after I've taken care of my clients. Anyway, I digress..
One of my goals for this year was to make more time for my husband, family, and friends. Last year I pretty much neglected everyone that was important to me because I let my business consume me in a very stressful way. While I still have more work than time this year (which became unavoidable after moving in the middle of peak wedding season), I have made it a bigger priority to take time for family and friends, which has actually helped me be more productive and keep things in perspective better. I think the single biggest improvement this year is that my husband and I have made it a point to spend dinner together as often as possible, which is a big improvement from last year. Even if it's just an hour and we really don't talk about anything important during that time, it's a chance for us to do something relaxing together and to enjoy each other's company without a computer in between us. In the first few years of our marriage, he used to wish that I would go to bed on his sleeping schedule, but he's a morning person and I'm a night person - so I find it hard to sleep when my mind and body are still in the mood to be productive. It took a few years of debating this back and forth, but eventually he respected my need to work late into the night, which allowed me to spend an extra hour with him during his awake schedule. Of course I would love to be on the same sleeping schedule, but my biological clock still hasn't come around to that idea yet - then again, it's much easier when I'm not trying to cram in more work than I have time for, which is why a weekend for us to focus on each other is so important to the health of our relationship. On one hand it's kind of sad that it takes an Anniversary for it to happen, on the other hand, thank goodness for Anniversaries as a reminder that we need to spend some extended alone time together!
While this may seem like pretty personal information - I think all couples experience something like this that deals with a set of expectations they may have about how married couples are supposed to be together. Everyone is different and brings a different set of expectations to the relationship. Sometimes those expectations don't show up until you start living together, or until you have new jobs, or until you have children, but they're always there and you're always much better off if you spend a little time talking about your expectations with each other when something doesn't seem to be happening the way you thought it should, rather than banging your head against the wall wondering why or when the other person will get on the same page. Marriage isn't a contract you sign on your wedding day - it's a constant negotiation that requires a lot of hard work, compromise, and trust. After 5 years, Alex and I still don't have each other all figured out, but we do keep on trying to better understand one another and appreciate each other's point of view.
With every wedding I photograph, I also get a wonderful message and reminder of what marriage should aim to be. I think the last ceremony I photographed made a great point, by asking us to replace the words "love is" with "I am" in the very famous 1 Corinthian 13 passage, so that it would read like this....
I am patient, I am kind. I do not envy, I do not boast, I am not proud. I am not rude, I am not self-seeking, I am not easily angered, I keep no record of wrongs. I do not delight in evil but rejoice with the truth. I always protect, always trust, always hope, always persevere. I never fail.
The kicker was this... if you read that and feel a little guilty that you aren't really good at some of those things- than you know what you need to work on- for yourself, and for your relationship. I think at some point in time I've felt that I wasn't enough of each one of those things, but I know that I'm not perfect and that it's a process of learning and growing- always striving to improve. I feel lucky to have Alex who also understands my good and bad, and who loves me anyway.
Each year Alex and I trade off planning our anniversary. This year it was my turn and I thought we'd combine two of our favorite things - Alex's love of Cheese (the groom's cake at our wedding was a wheel of Smoked Gouda- see above), and my love of all things Autumn. When it comes to those two things, what better place to go than Vermont (especially when it's such a short drive)! Sure enough, this is going to be peak timing for fall color in Vermont, and there's a Cheese Trail to help us navigate from farm to farm...
As of right now, we're just going to be spontaneous and see where the road takes us for the next few days. While there's sure to be cheese and fall color, I'm also hoping for a little hiking, apple picking, horseback riding, and it would be a dream come true if we did a hot air balloon ride (but Alex is not so fond of heights- so that one could remain a dream.) If you're following me on Twitter or on Facebook - I'm going to send updates with iphone pictures along the way. Alex and I are going to try to refrain ourselves from computer use in order to maximize our time together (VERY hard for both of us), so I will return any messages late Monday or Tuesday. Thank you so much for understanding while I try to be a better wife!! Special thanks to Andry Sander for preserving our wonderful wedding memories!!
Have You Missed Your Voter Registration Deadline?
This is NOT the year to get to the polls only to find out that your voter registration has expired, or that you've moved out of your voting district, or that you can't vote under your maiden name, or that it's too late to send in your absentee ballot. With less than 30 days until the election on November 4th, it's time to take your United States citizenship seriously and participate in this thing we call democracy. Here are voter registration deadlines and information links for some key states...
If you're already registered to vote - GREAT! Now make sure you can actually get to your designated polling location on November 4th before your polls close! If that's not a possibility for you because maybe you commute for work, or maybe you'll be out of town for school, or maybe you're just likely to forget- make sure you get an absentee ballot to send in.
Or... just don't vote... (warning: contains potty-mouth language ;-)
October Desktop Image
Every month I try to post a new image that is suitable for displaying at desktop size and resolution. Click on an image to download a copy and freshen up your desktop!
I love fall and all of its beautiful colors!! This is my tribute to the colors found in the leaves of autumn.
Caroline & Dave's Wedding Portraits
I know this is pretty unheard of on my blog, but I loved so many of the creative portraits that we did at their wedding that I'm making a separate post for just the posed shots!! Caroline & Dave wanted a lot of artistic portraits, and they had some awesome locations to work with, so I we pretty much rocked it out!! While I'm at it, I'll throw in a few standard portraits as well just to show you that I do take them when requested. Let's start with the traditional and end with funky..
A touch of Chicago skyline...
Happy & sweet...
Your standard, front of the church shot...
Face framing..
Kinda candid, but not really...
Bridal party silliness...
Background romance...
I like to move it, move it...
The dramatic staircase shot...
A more relaxed version of the staircase shot...
From badass...
To backlit...
An experiment in attitude and awkwardness...
C-c-c-cold...
Warm..
Last but not least... Cover Girl! Work it girl, do your thang... if you haven't noticed... Caroline is FIERCE!! Tyra would be proud. ;-)
I have a feeling I'll be seeing many more flying veil shots after this!
WPJA Action Winner
I'm honored to have another image place in the Wedding Photojournalist Association!! This is from the Q1 2008 contest (I didn't submit anything for Q2.. but there's always Q3 & Q4!) and was taken during Caroline & Dave's wedding, which I'll be blogging about next (sooo many awesome photos from that wedding)!! I love that WPJA actually includes judge's comments (sometimes), which you can see underneath the image! Thanks to Dave and all of his guys for giving me an award-winning moment to capture!!
GREEN IDEA: Suit Recycling
Alex (the hubby) and I have been fans of the excellent service of Men's Wearhouse ever since we used them to supply the vests and ties for our wedding (our groomsmen used tuxes they already owned from being musicians... but that's a different kind of suit recycling!) (Yep, that's us!! I can't believe it's going to be 5 years this October!)
So, I was naturally interested in a post I saw on Vintage Indie Blog that said Men's Wearhouse is doing a National Suit Drive for the months of September and October! Here's why it's more awesome than taking your suit to Salvation Army...
"A Second Chance For many unemployed men, a new suit is the first step toward a second chance. During the National Suit Drive, every one of our over 550 stores will be collecting gently used professional attire to benefit at-risk men and youth transitioning into the workforce. All clothing we receive will be distributed throughout the community by local nonprofit organizations.
How It Works Simply visit your nearest Men's Wearhouse store during the months of September and October and donate professional clothing, such as suits, sport coats, slacks, ties, and belts. All donations are tax deductible, and participants will receive a coupon for 10% off* their next Men's Wearhouse purchase as a special thank you. Plus, we'll contribute a new dress shirt for every suit we receive." - National Suit Drive website
I know Alex has a few suit pieces that he's outgrown since college, and he'll definitely be able to use the discount toward something like a new belt or dress shirt. Who knows... an old suit just might end up being super stylish threads for a retro-indie guy like Joce (who snagged his amazing tweed suit from a resale shop!)
LOVE IT: Wisdom
I found this through my friend's blog and had to share it here because I love it so much. It's inspiration for the soul. Click on the box to see the video in a new window...
Mary & Matt's Wedding
I love libraries and historic buildings. So, when Mary told me that there was a possibility her reception would be held at the gorgeous and historic Detroit Public Library, which I used to roam in wonder as a child... I was so excited that I squealed like a fat bellied pig!! I absolutely love photographing weddings and receptions in non-traditional, unconventional locations! It's pure inspiration!!! I'll get back to that later. First... some candid images while everyone was getting ready...
Can you believe those lashes are natural!? Those could be dangerous!!
Mary's sister is the music teacher for the church- so all of the girls were able to get ready in her music room. Shortly after moving the piano so it would be out of the way, the sisters burst into a rockin' version of Heart and Soul...
Their wedding colors were mostly black & white (graphic designs by Mary) with little touches of pink, including pink champagne!
I'm always looking out for little moments like this. ;-)
This feels like it could be a scene from the Three Stooges... "You missed a spot! Just one more snip..."
A few moments of prayer before the ceremony...
The ceremony was held at the beautiful and historic Iroquois Ave Christ Lutheran Church in Detroit, MI. I just looooove how much storytelling there is in this image and the fact that you can see so many different expressions on the faces of the guests as the flower girl walks down the aisle...
Just before Mary walks down the aisle with her father, I turn around to see Matt's reaction, but am also intrigued by the reactions of the minister and the best man...
The new Mr. & Mrs!!!
Maybe the ring bearer wanted to do it all over again?? I love the combination of the shadows and scattered petals here as well as the way that the light outlines the guests...
Mary & Matt wanted lots of creative (posed) shots... so, in rare fashion, I'm going to show you tons of posed images!! Traditional rules of photography tell you to watch your backgrounds and avoid making objects come out of people's heads. Well, when Mary walked by this painting- I suddenly saw her turn into a butterfly... and it was perfect!! Some rules are meant to be broken. ;-)
This was not posed... it just cracks me up!
This year I have seen more wedding parties playing up their grand entrance than ever before!! Work it!!
The view from the front....
... and the view from the balcony that I crawled out of a window to get on. Notice the reflection of the sky and the DIA across the street? In order to capture what was happening inside, while lining up the reflection on the outside, I used my body to block the reflected light allowing the light from the inside to shine through the window... yeah... I'm S-M-R-T smart! HA! ;-)
This photo might scare some librarians- just imagining one of those books accidentally making a graceful fall onto a slice of frosted cake... it just makes me really hungry...
Speaking of cake... I've also seen many more cupcakes this year instead of full size cakes!! Yummmayyy...
OMG- this guy seriously ROCKED THE ROOF OFF!!! I have to admit that as a flute player in a former life, I never really cared for clarinet players... until I heard Dave Bennett turn my world upside down!! I wasn't the only one!! During dinner, people actually gave him a standing ovation!! Do you know how rare that is at weddings?! Seriously! He's also a great singer and plays a mean Great Balls of Fire on the keys! If you're looking for a tight jazz ensemble that can also swing.. definitely talk to Dave!!
A little first dance action... (and the bustle that took nearly 30 minutes and 4 girls to bustle!!) Way to go Matt! The ladies loooove the big dip!
Girls really just want to have fun!!
Yummmayyy...
Mary & Matt snuck away from the reception for a little library lovin'... caution: HOT!!
Mary & Matt - could you be any more awesome?! Seriously! I had wayyy too many favorites to blog- and I couldn't even cram all of my favorites into the slideshow!! Thank you for hiring ME to photograph your wedding!! I'm truly honored- and the day was absolutely perfect. I can't think of a single thing I'd do differently. ;-)
Fabulous Wedding Planning Blogs!
I have to give a big THANK YOU to the wedding bloggers out there who have been inspired by my awesome clients' weddings, and have used their images as a source of inspiration in putting together their own wedding plans and style ideas!! These wedding bloggers are always on the search for something unique and fashionable- so, if you like my blog, you will also love these fabulous bridal and wedding blogs!!
This definitely isn't a comprehensive list, so please forgive me if I've left someone out!! I just wanted to share a little love with the people who have recently given me some love! Thank you so much!!!
September Desktop Image
Every month I try to post a new image that is suitable for displaying at desktop size and resolution. Click on an image to download a copy and freshen up your desktop!
This month, I thought it would be fun to create a screen saver that might trick someone into thinking that something was wrong with your monitor. I'm curious to see if it works on anyone!
Kate & Pete Engagement
I have always wanted to do an engagement session at a zoo, so when Kate told me that she used to work at the Indianapolis Zoo and wanted to do her engagement session there - I was (imagine me singing this) THRIIIILLLED! I loves me a challenge!
We started off in a pretty safe and normal spot- the well-manicured gardens next to the zoo, where we were able to take advantage of the beautiful greenery... which you know I love.
Curly Willows are seriously some of the prettiest trees ever...
I think all of that extra oxygen starts going to my brain because my ideas get progressively more abstract...
Until I remember I'm shooting an engagement session and people want to look happy and in love... so I leave the avant garde stuff behind and we just have fun!!
Since we had a pass that allowed us to get into the zoo... and I really wanted to find something different... Kate & Pete agreed, and we went!
For some reason, this little waterfall made Pete ask about making water look "soft". So I did a little demo on my camera to show him how shutter speed (in conjunction with aperture of course) can give you that "soft water look". ;-) The easy way for non-pros is to put your camera on TV for Time Value, and set it to 1/15th of a second or so. A tripod helps, but you can turn yourself into a tripod if you brace your elbows on your knees- which is what I did for this shot. Anyway, I digress..
I have ALWAYS wanted to shoot inside one of these! The light was so cool in there!
Kate knew of a great spot to see yet ANOTHER view of the Indy skyline which I hadn't photographed yet!! Definitely one of the cooler spots to see the city from.
However, I must say that the coolest spot to see the city from, and the absolute highlight of this engagement session was our trip on the roller coaster!! Yes folks... a roller coaster engagement session!! Wooo Hooo!!!!! It was ridiculously hard to take photos on the roller coaster while it was moving and I was a bit afraid I was going to lose my camera a few times... but who cares, it was so worth it!! What a great way to end a day with two awesome people! I can't wait for the wedding!!!
Jackie & Chuck's Wedding
Jackie... a professional dancer. Chuck... a professional actor. Their wedding... like a broadway musical. ;-) Indulge in my terrible writing skills as I work on my script that retells the day as it unfolded before me...
It all started at the boutique Hotel Orrington in the heart of Chicago's North Shore. The stage was set, and the dress made it's dramatic entrance in the hallway...
But wait! There was drama lurking around the corner! A broken steamer- primed to ruin the delicate layers of fabric! Maintenance men work hurriedly to fix the problem before it's too late! Will they fix it with enough time to make it to the wedding?! Dun, dun, duuunnnnn
The guys hang in the balance- blissfully unaware of the potential drama. But the groom senses that something might be wrong. At this point, he can only hope to see his bride at the end of the aisle!
The flower girls secretly plot to hide the dress from Jackie so that they can marry Chuck instead!
Their plan is spoiled by the bridesmaids who rescue the dress and get Jackie ready just before she needs to walk down the aisle! The bridesmaids protect Jackie from the flower girls so that she can finally see her groom...
Jackie took a deep breath and walked into the amazing Alice Millar Chapel at Northwestern University- greeted by the angelic sounds of the organ and the radiant light of the stained glass windows....
Their marriage received many blessings from family and friends...
... and by the tongues of angels.
The youngest watched from the back of the room, but were still present to send fertility blessings to the couple. (Every musical has to have something about making babies!)
The guests all cheered with joy and congratulated the newlyweds as they made their way back down the aisle! Married at last!
Grandma was pleased to know that her grandson the actor really was straight after all these years (hey.. I don't make the stereotypes, I just use them to amplify my poor writing skills!!)
And the flower girls finally make amends with the bride, knowing that they've lost the battle... but may still win the war.
To avoid any potential wardrobe malfunctions, the bride and groom duck into the green room for a quick wardrobe check before the very active third act!
The guests arrive at the Hotel Orrington greeted by handwritten placecards, family photos, and daisy centerpieces. All simply understated and elegant for an afternoon reception.
The wedding party reminisces on fond memories with their beloved friends and wishes them well on their future path together.
[Enter music. Cue singers. Cue dancers.] La da, da, da, deee, dahhhh...
As the bride dances with her father, in the distance we see a sign of what may have been a story from the past, and one that may also point to the future...
The flower girl thinks to herself... it should have been me in the sparkly dress...
The bride and groom blissfully dance the afternoon away...
... and they all live happily ever after...
THE END. [Cue Wedding Bells.]
Jackie & Chuck - thank you for indulging me and my ridiculous side!! I had so much fun capturing and celebrating your wedding day with you!! Can we do it again?? Take two??
Published in Brides Magazine!
I actually have no idea what issue this was because all I got was this .pdf from the publisher! I'm honored that they contacted me about one of my images for an editorial feature on Homespun weddings, especially because I looooove DIY & home weddings! Seriously- they are my favorite! My image is at the bottom, of the fiddle player- who did an awesome job at Dena & Jeff's wedding in South Haven, MI. He totally rocked and I hope he's OK with his new semi-fame! HA! Thanks Dena & Jeff for having such an awesome wedding that editors are still looking at your images years later!!
Megan & Andrew's Wedding
Megan is one of the most excited brides I've ever met! Her energy was just so infectious that I ended up with cheek cramps from smiling so much behind the camera!! Andrew was always calm and steady, which turned out to be the perfect compliment to their partnership.
How can you NOT get wrapped up in her excitement?! I just love it!!!
Her bridesmaids carried a lovely set of red tulips, which were waiting for them in the window sill...
A sneak peek around the altar...
While the girls were getting ready downstairs at the beautiful St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Indianapolis, IN - the boys were putting on a gun show upstairs... niiiiiiice!
These are two must take shots for just about every wedding... and I love it when can they turn out like this!! Can't you just FEEL their anticipation and joy?!!
Priests that let me get cool angles like this are awwwwesome!!
Ah, the joys of trying to keep children still and quiet in church! Despite what it might look like, these children were actually VERY good!!
Now THIS is a kiss!!!
I totally planned this... again. Man, I'm good... HA! ;-)
Out of the corner of my eye I caught this adorable moment between Megan and the ring bearer...
After the ceremony, the bridal party stopped at Monument Circle for some fun and casual shots. It was freeeezing cold, so I kept it short and sweet and still managed to get some awesome stuff... like this one which totally cracks me up!!
And this one... which melts my heart...
The reception was at the ga-ga-gorgeous Union Station! I loooooove weddings in old train stations!! Seriously- I would love to just go around the country photographing weddings or reception in the fabulous train stations built during the Golden Age before the Depression... but I digress.
For some reason, the wedding party was held hostage upstairs for about an hour while the rests of the guests were enjoying a cocktail hour downstairs. The wedding party was really taken care of though with their own set of appetizers and drinks, so I guess it was just a way for everyone to relax for a bit. The bridal party had fun peeking at the guests through the mezzanine windows... sorry ladies, the gun show did not make a return appearance. (Doesn't that last one look like it's from a movie?! It's totally the lighting.)
Some awesome toasts..
Simple red, white, and black accents, and I believe the cake was done by a family member!
I'm in love these shots of them mingling... it really gives you the feeling of catching a glance of them from across the room...
I almost always get teary eyed during the father daughter dance!!
Megan & Andrew tried soooo hard not to play typical wedding reception music, but eventually they caved because they wanted to get people on the dance floor! Kudos to knowing when to give in for the sake of your crowd. ;-)
There are sooooo many awesome dancing shots... but it would be silly to show them all... so here's just one of my faves..
Toward the end of the night, everyone got on the dance floor for the bride & groom's final dance... it was pretty awesome..
Wow- what a wedding! Thank you so much Megan & Andrew- I'm so honored that I got to photograph your awesome day!!!! I hope you have lots of ridiculously good looking and super nice babies just like yourselves!!!
Caitlin & Scott's Wedding
When Caitlin & Scott asked me to do their wedding in Altadena, CA - I was soooo excited!! Finally- a chance to work with some of that amazing California light!! Woo Hoo!!! Never mind that it was going to be in the middle of winter- isn't it always sunny in southern Cali??
Caitlin looked stunning with her simple drop veil...
Scott waited on the balcony of the Davies Building in Farnsworth Park to meet Caitlin for the first time before the ceremony. The anticipation was killing him as Caitlin approached. I absolutely LOVE that you can see his reflection in the window as we see her approaching from inside the building...
They had made really cool plans for an outdoor ceremony that involved a labyrinth and other natural elements, but unfortunately it poured the night before the wedding, which moved the ceremony plans indoors. While I didn't get that amazing California light I was hoping for, we did have perfectly overcast skies, which made for some beautiful outdoor portraits... ... maybe I'll get that magic California light on my next wedding in the LA area!
After we were done with portraits, Scott surprised Caitlin with a wedding gift... I just love the way she's touching him and he's smiling here as she reads his card...
Scott is a photojournalist and had put together a great iphoto book that included pictures of family and friends which was used as a guest book. Everyone loved it!
I have to take this opportunity to give a shout out to Elizabeth Oaks of MarriageToGo.com who did an excellent job officiating the ceremony. She really made it personal and did a great job of including everything that was important to Caitlin & Scott. ;-) If you're in the Los Angeles area, I highly recommend her!
Guest cameras make for great off-camera lighting!
After the ceremony, they had requested a large group photo of everyone. Originally it would have been outside, but since the area in front of the stage was the only place to gather everyone, I pulled out the fisheye to get everyone in!
Caitlin & Scott had some beautiful DIY details- like unique handmade lanterns- a different one on each table ad tables named after different types of pine trees. Pine cones, leaves, and rose petals made beautiful accents in the historic pavilion with its grand fireplace.
Have I mentioned how much I love live music?! No offense to DJs.. it's just more fun for me to photograph!!
Scott LOVES Disney, but Caitlin requested that the Mickey Mousedness be kept to a minimum at the wedding. She agreed to do a set of photos with the Mickey & Minnie Mouse ears, and he was able to get a little nod to the famous ears in the small dotted accents on the cake... ;-) very clever...
Umm... hello?! I'm ready to party!! Where's everyone else?!
Here they are...
Scott's brother totally tore up the dance floor with Caitlin!! Thankfully I wasn't knocked over in the process!!!
Party time!! Can you name this famous drummer?!
How about this famous yo-yo world champion?! He did things I never thought yo-yos could do!!
You KNOW people are having a good time when they start flying!
... and when they dance so much that they fall down.... (check out her cute pj pants!)
Caitlin & Scott- your wedding was an absolute blast!!! I loved how indie and unique everything was and how it totally reflected the two of you and your love for each other!! Thank you so much for having me document it!! I can only hope that I did the photojournalists proud!!
Happy Birthday Haydn!!
If you know OF the The Weibners- than you know how awesome their work is. If you KNOW the Weibners, than you know how awesome they are as a couple, and as a family. I really admire photographers who somehow manage to run their photography business while still having a solid family connection- which is exactly what I see in Rita and Joel. (Bowing down to their badassedness!) By a twist of fate, I happened to be in Hershey, PA for a wedding while Haydn was celebrating his birthday at the Hershey Chocolate World! I love documenting kids doing their own thing - so I was happy to capture a little glimpse of life for Haydn and family that day. ;-)
Here are some of my favorites....
Haydn, standing tall in his cool digs, with his new fake iPod (which will be upgraded to a real one if he's good with it), waiting for his friends to arrive...
This body language says, "No fair. I want a fake iPod."
Haydn: "If you put your ear next to my ear, you can hear it too." Joel (dad): "Why don't you just let him have one of the ear buds?" Haydn: "I don't want to break it! I just got it!" me: *chuckles*
Hershey Lady: "OK everyone - put your hands up in the air until I say start..."
The goal of this game was to build a chocolate tower as high as the Hershey cup. BUT you had to make it using as many DIFFERENT pieces of candy as possible (a challenge in the game of listening)! This little dude won because even though his wasn't the highest, he used different pieces of candy to build it... ahhh....
The next game was "see how many pieces of candy you can fit into your cup"... aka... clean up the table game. ;-)
Skateboards and Pokemon are totally rad gifts for this seven year old!
Great Grandma couldn't decide what color nail polish to wear. ;-)
A card from one of Haydn's girl friends...
He definitely got his wish!
Cake+Ice Cream+Candy....
... equals sugar rush!
Then comes the sugar crash...
Boys are icky!
"Check out my belt!" Style is very important to Haydn... watch out mom & dad $$$!!!
Chocolate world gives a free tour of a pretend chocolate factory and it looks like you can grab candy right off of the factory conveyor belts... perhaps it was a bit too realistic! ;-)
Happy Dad...
Caring Mom...
I had a ton of fun with the family!!! I'd totally do it again any time! ;-)
Jason & Beth's Wedding
When I received an email from Jason about photographing his wedding, I was so honored that he thought of me!! Even though he was living in California at the time, his wedding was going to be in Lansing, MI- where we were both music and theatre geeks at the same high school, in the same grade. I actually remember his mom joining us on one of our choir trips! Well, Jason is now a wedding photographer as well, and I was so happy that he chose me to be HIS wedding photographer!! I was also relieved that his wedding didn't turn into a class reunion... that would have been so distracting!!!
Some people describe their style as "fly on the wall"... well, I'm more like a fly in your armpit...
Oh the things a bride has to go through to get ready... I've never seen a groom go through this!
Jason & his mom... such a sweet moment. I really hope this ended up in a frame somewhere. ;-)
Beth got the giggles while we were shooting formals in the church, and of course, everyone else ended up getting the giggles with her- including me!
They had a winter wonderland theme and the church decorations were absolutely beautiful- complete with a "snow" lined aisle with classic street lamps and a park bench. It really gave you the feeling of being outdoors without all of the freezing cold to go with it! After the ceremony they had Beaner's Coffee and the most delicious chocolate balls to go with! (It will always be Beaner's to me!) Their centerpieces were little stacks of presents and vases of ornaments all in the light blue and silver color palette...
The church was so dark that I don't think Jason could really see Beth until she was almost to the end of the aisle! But once he saw her, the smile just couldn't be erased from his face..
They did a beautiful passing of the light ceremony with each guest having their own candle...
A few sweet moments together before the reception... they are so happy together...
Jason's uncle had offered his car for the couple to ride to the reception in, and since there was room for one more, I decided to join them! The driver felt like the steering was pulling a bit much and then suddenly we were veering off the side of the road! Ummm... NO good!!! Sure enough... it was a flat tire.... how ironic that the ballroom had also deflated on the way to the reception.... Since most of the guests had already made their way to the reception at Hawk Hollow, the guys proceeded to find the spare tire and see if someone could pick up the bride & groom so that they could make it to their own reception!! Luckily one of the guests was driving along the highway and was able to pull over and take us to the reception!! Jason was super calm about the whole thing and he and Beth just laughed it off on their way to the reception! That's the best attitude to have on your wedding day!!
Their grand entrance was greeted with the chiming of many little bells...
Instead of a card box, they had a stocking on a Christmas Tree adorned with ornaments of their engagement photos, and guess where the presents were placed? (Not pictured here, but you get the idea!)
They had a cupcake tree to rival all cupcake trees! Little cupcakes topped with fluffy white frosting that looked like snow! The tree was at least 5 feet tall!
They also had a small cake to cut... just love the expressions here!!
Great toast by Jason's brother..
The DJ did the anniversary dance and the couple married the longest shared some words of advice with the newlyweds. I think it went something like... "The only thing you need to remember is that she's always right!" HA! Good man.. good man.
Ladies- no need to eat the same cupcake- there are plenty more! HA!! How fun are they?! ;-)
I usually don't blog images from second shooters, but I loved these next two so much that I had to give a shout out to Delia Turner for capturing these awesome images!!
Even though I'm super late on blogging their wedding, it's better to be late than never, right?! Jason & Beth recently had a beautiful baby girl and they named her Madison Ruth! I can't help but feel just a little bit of unfounded pride in sharing part of my name with her! ;-) Please visit Jason's blog and leave lots of mushy squishy comments about their baby!!!
PS. If you'd like to geek out with me, you can click on any image to see their slideshow which includes a recording that Jason & I sang in together. It makes me cry everytime I hear it!!! A big shout out to our choir director Denise Sauter who helped us create such beautiful music together!
Thank You Southern Weddings!
Southern Weddings is a beautiful publication- not just for the fabulous dames of the South, but for all of the lovely ladies who enjoy sweet sophistication typically found in the South. At Lauren & Eric's wedding, I can't tell you how many times I heard people whisper things like "this looks like something straight out of Southern Living," so naturally, I was honored when Southern Weddings decided to feature some of my images from Lauren & Eric's wedding!! I can only imagine how excited Lauren was when she got the news! CLICK HERE to see Lauren & Eric featured on the Southern Weddings blog- and while you're there, check out all of the other beautiful ideas and weddings featured!
PS. In case you haven't noticed (yeah right) I've been a bad blogger lately and I'm CRAZY behind on blogging all of the fabulous weddings I've been shooting! Hang in there with me! I WILL catch up... eventually. I have TONS of awesome images to share!
August Desktop Image
Every month I try to post a new image that is suitable for displaying at desktop size and resolution. Click on an image to download a copy and freshen up your desktop!
It's hot. I think I'll stay inside where it's cool.
Almost Unpacked
I'm sorry I've been gone for so long! I'm still here- just a little buried in boxes! Anyone need boxes for moving? Come on over and get some!
This weekend was the Lowell Folk Festival- the largest FREE folk festival in the U.S.! Since it was happening right in my "backyard," I thought I should venture out and capture a little of what life is like here in Lowell during the Folk Festival! They close down several downtown streets in order to host the variety of food tents, arts & crafts, family activvities, and various stages of music. The crafts were native to New England, the artists were mostly local, but the food and the musicians came from all over the world. If you love trying different foods and listening to interesting music, this is definitely the festival for you. ;-)
Want to see more? --->CLICK HERE<-- Yeah, I think I like it here. ;-)
