So this blog is a little late... as it is the end of November and these weddings were back in October... but.. better late than never!!
First we have Heather & Chris... these two have been very close friends of mine for years and to see the two of them marry warmed my heart... it was like watching everything right in the world come together. As I stood in the church watching people arrive I have NEVER felt such pure excitement from everyone waiting for Heather & Chris. Words can't explain the feeling in this church... and it was 100% for this amazing couple. It got me excited too... I loved it... and then, AFTER the ceremony, we went on a carriage ride only this time... instead of chasing them on my bike (as is the norm) Chris & Heather wanted me riding up front with Bobby Roach (our carriage driver.. love that guy!!)... needless to say the pics were so fun from that angle.. .and the day was magical. From there, was an afternoon reception at The Iroquois Hotel (Becki and the staff did an impeccable and gorgeous job as ALWAYS... I highly recommend this place)...
Heather & Chris... I can't put into words what a pure joy it was to be a part of your wedding. I thought I knew the two of you before hand... but witnessing this magical day I love you guys even more, you two are an example by which many people should look to, and I am proud to say I am your friend!!
Love,
A
Here's CHRIS & HEATHER's slideshow (click here)
And now... couple number 2.. Stephanie & Adam... they have re-inspired me.. .and reminded me again why I love what I do... I first met this couple... two days before their wedding... in a TORRENTIAL STORM... I mean it was raining sideways... and it was FREEZING... I could tell they were a little concerned about their upcoming outdoor ceremony and carriage ride... (and to be honest.. so was I... but I didn't tell them that (sorry S & A... now the truth comes out... I really was a little concerned)... well the sun broke through by noon and stayed all day. I think one of the coolest things about this couple was that their wedding was all about THEM and who THEY were... for example on the carriage ride... we stopped at Starbucks (yes there's a Starbucks on the island... but its owned by a local so its okay ;-)... obviously these two (well, Stephanie) LOVES their Starbucks... this was just one example of how they made their day so unique and touching!
So I have to share with you a few emails... and why they have reminded me how I love what I do . ..and I love when others are happy!!
I finished their slideshow late last night... and this is the email I woke up to this morning (needless to say it was an amazing way to start the day)
Hi,
Oh, Andrejka! We just had a good cry watching the slideshow! It is absolutely amazing! It is way better than any expectations I had. We both just said how thankful we were that you were our photographer! We know our families will love it too! Thank you so much! We can't wait to see the rest! You truly do have a gift!
Thanks again!!
Adam and Stephanie
So, I of course wanted to share this with you all... and I wrote back...
Oh my goodness!! You are so nice... I am soo glad you love your pics... would you mind if I used this email on my blog? It is just so touching.. and reminds me why I love shooting weddings!
AND then... another amazing email.. by now I HAD tears in my eyes ...
You definitely can use the email. I would recommend you to everyone! :-) Our families did see the slideshow and our moms both cried! Jami loves the picture of Benjamin and Natalie hugging! Everyone has a favorite...well, many favorites! :-) I love how you captured so many special moments throughout the day! I guess that's why you call it photojournalistic! And, the starbucks pictures are so cool! :-) My co-workers love them! They say it's so me! I am going to have a hard time choosing which ones to frame! :-) I have a feeling we will be looking at these pictures everyday for a very LONG time! :-)
Thanks again!
Stephanie
HERE'S Stephanie & Adam's SLIDESHOW (click here)
I couldn't make these up if I tried...
Thank you so much S&A.. I so appreciate from the bottom of my heart all of your kind words. It truly was such a pleasure to meet you and share in your day. It is so clear to see the love you two have for each other and the joy in your eyes when your with each other. Thank YOU... I wish you both years and years of true joy and happiness.
Love,
A
First we have Heather & Chris... these two have been very close friends of mine for years and to see the two of them marry warmed my heart... it was like watching everything right in the world come together. As I stood in the church watching people arrive I have NEVER felt such pure excitement from everyone waiting for Heather & Chris. Words can't explain the feeling in this church... and it was 100% for this amazing couple. It got me excited too... I loved it... and then, AFTER the ceremony, we went on a carriage ride only this time... instead of chasing them on my bike (as is the norm) Chris & Heather wanted me riding up front with Bobby Roach (our carriage driver.. love that guy!!)... needless to say the pics were so fun from that angle.. .and the day was magical. From there, was an afternoon reception at The Iroquois Hotel (Becki and the staff did an impeccable and gorgeous job as ALWAYS... I highly recommend this place)...
Heather & Chris... I can't put into words what a pure joy it was to be a part of your wedding. I thought I knew the two of you before hand... but witnessing this magical day I love you guys even more, you two are an example by which many people should look to, and I am proud to say I am your friend!!
Love,
A
Here's CHRIS & HEATHER's slideshow (click here)
And now... couple number 2.. Stephanie & Adam... they have re-inspired me.. .and reminded me again why I love what I do... I first met this couple... two days before their wedding... in a TORRENTIAL STORM... I mean it was raining sideways... and it was FREEZING... I could tell they were a little concerned about their upcoming outdoor ceremony and carriage ride... (and to be honest.. so was I... but I didn't tell them that (sorry S & A... now the truth comes out... I really was a little concerned)... well the sun broke through by noon and stayed all day. I think one of the coolest things about this couple was that their wedding was all about THEM and who THEY were... for example on the carriage ride... we stopped at Starbucks (yes there's a Starbucks on the island... but its owned by a local so its okay ;-)... obviously these two (well, Stephanie) LOVES their Starbucks... this was just one example of how they made their day so unique and touching!
So I have to share with you a few emails... and why they have reminded me how I love what I do . ..and I love when others are happy!!
I finished their slideshow late last night... and this is the email I woke up to this morning (needless to say it was an amazing way to start the day)
Hi,
Oh, Andrejka! We just had a good cry watching the slideshow! It is absolutely amazing! It is way better than any expectations I had. We both just said how thankful we were that you were our photographer! We know our families will love it too! Thank you so much! We can't wait to see the rest! You truly do have a gift!
Thanks again!!
Adam and Stephanie
So, I of course wanted to share this with you all... and I wrote back...
Oh my goodness!! You are so nice... I am soo glad you love your pics... would you mind if I used this email on my blog? It is just so touching.. and reminds me why I love shooting weddings!
AND then... another amazing email.. by now I HAD tears in my eyes ...
You definitely can use the email. I would recommend you to everyone! :-) Our families did see the slideshow and our moms both cried! Jami loves the picture of Benjamin and Natalie hugging! Everyone has a favorite...well, many favorites! :-) I love how you captured so many special moments throughout the day! I guess that's why you call it photojournalistic! And, the starbucks pictures are so cool! :-) My co-workers love them! They say it's so me! I am going to have a hard time choosing which ones to frame! :-) I have a feeling we will be looking at these pictures everyday for a very LONG time! :-)
Thanks again!
Stephanie
HERE'S Stephanie & Adam's SLIDESHOW (click here)
I couldn't make these up if I tried...
Thank you so much S&A.. I so appreciate from the bottom of my heart all of your kind words. It truly was such a pleasure to meet you and share in your day. It is so clear to see the love you two have for each other and the joy in your eyes when your with each other. Thank YOU... I wish you both years and years of true joy and happiness.
Love,
A
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My last two weddings on Mackinac... and why I love my job!!
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About a month ago I was part of a very special wedding... my two friends Heather and Brevin got married!!! It was supposed to be raining... all day...was there even a drop.. nope...!!
It was a gorgeous Mackinac Fall Day... and what made this marriage even more special was that it was an islander wedding through and through ... Heather and Brevin, met on the island... fell in love on the island... and were now married on the island....
This wedding reminded me again why I love being a wedding photographer... I get a secret glimpse (although only a tiny one)... of how a couple acts when it's just the two of them... I get to meet with the two before all the craziness... in the midst of the craziness... and then, I get to be with them right after the ceremony... when all the build up is released and they can relax with each other ... it truly is a special moment... and with Heather and Brevin I was able to see (in my mind at least) ... what makes them work so well... there is such a sense of comfort between them... a sense of acceptance for who each other is... and a feeling of family... especially with their ADORABLE little boy Kaden... a tight little unit of three.. that no one can truly understand but them.
Heather & Brevin... thank you again soo much for allowing me to be a part of your beautiful day. You two truly do have a bond that is beyond words. May you have years of happiness, love, and may this bond just grow stronger!! (btw... did anyone take pics at the Mustang or the Grand ... now those would be some goodies... ;-)
Love,
A
P.S. If you are wondering if this Brevin . . is the same awesome DJ Brevin I am always referring to on this blog.. Your RIGHT.. IT IS... you can always check out his website at www.dancehall-djs.com ...
Also, just a shout out to
Carole Erbel... for doing an amazing job coordinating this wedding
Bella e Dolce ... for another beautiful cake
The Inn at Stonecliffe... great food, great ambiance, great venue as always
Margaret's Gardens . . .for amazing flowers
It was a gorgeous Mackinac Fall Day... and what made this marriage even more special was that it was an islander wedding through and through ... Heather and Brevin, met on the island... fell in love on the island... and were now married on the island....
This wedding reminded me again why I love being a wedding photographer... I get a secret glimpse (although only a tiny one)... of how a couple acts when it's just the two of them... I get to meet with the two before all the craziness... in the midst of the craziness... and then, I get to be with them right after the ceremony... when all the build up is released and they can relax with each other ... it truly is a special moment... and with Heather and Brevin I was able to see (in my mind at least) ... what makes them work so well... there is such a sense of comfort between them... a sense of acceptance for who each other is... and a feeling of family... especially with their ADORABLE little boy Kaden... a tight little unit of three.. that no one can truly understand but them.
Heather & Brevin... thank you again soo much for allowing me to be a part of your beautiful day. You two truly do have a bond that is beyond words. May you have years of happiness, love, and may this bond just grow stronger!! (btw... did anyone take pics at the Mustang or the Grand ... now those would be some goodies... ;-)
Love,
A
P.S. If you are wondering if this Brevin . . is the same awesome DJ Brevin I am always referring to on this blog.. Your RIGHT.. IT IS... you can always check out his website at www.dancehall-djs.com ...
Also, just a shout out to
Carole Erbel... for doing an amazing job coordinating this wedding
Bella e Dolce ... for another beautiful cake
The Inn at Stonecliffe... great food, great ambiance, great venue as always
Margaret's Gardens . . .for amazing flowers
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Heather and Brevin are married!!!
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I have to say... this was probably one of the coolest packages I did all year... I met Jenni and Kris over a year ago at the Mackinac Island Dream Destination Wedding Weekend...
Together we decided the best package for them would be to do an Elopement/Honeymoon package... since they would be staying on the island for a few extra days... I thought hmmm... lets photograph the two of you doing other fun things on the island... sooo the day after there touching intimate ceremony at Mission Point Resort and carriage ride... I met them with my tandem bike and we went for a fun little ride up into the island around the fort and to Arch Rock... then that evening they had a very special dinner planned at the Grand Hotel...so before there dinner we went around the property sneaking some pics (and some kisses ;-)...
Jenni & Kris... It was such a joy to spend not one but TWO days photographing the two of you!! You two are a true example of symbiosis... you are so comfortable that you make others comfortable too... thank you for bringing me along for your Mackinac adventure... and even letting me be a WITNESS... that's a first!!
Love,
A
Together we decided the best package for them would be to do an Elopement/Honeymoon package... since they would be staying on the island for a few extra days... I thought hmmm... lets photograph the two of you doing other fun things on the island... sooo the day after there touching intimate ceremony at Mission Point Resort and carriage ride... I met them with my tandem bike and we went for a fun little ride up into the island around the fort and to Arch Rock... then that evening they had a very special dinner planned at the Grand Hotel...so before there dinner we went around the property sneaking some pics (and some kisses ;-)...
Jenni & Kris... It was such a joy to spend not one but TWO days photographing the two of you!! You two are a true example of symbiosis... you are so comfortable that you make others comfortable too... thank you for bringing me along for your Mackinac adventure... and even letting me be a WITNESS... that's a first!!
Love,
A
Jenni:
Wow Andrejka, you are amazing! As if we can't get enough of the pictures that we received on CD and in the brag book, Kris and I had to check out your blog again--both to see what you've been up to lately and to revisit our pictures on your site:-) Your work is so phenomenal and we feel like the luckiest couple alive to have had you as a photographer. You made our wedding and honeymoon so special and captured wonderful memories. A million thank yous!
(01.07.10 @ 11:37 AM)
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I just finished the Mackinac wedding Expo weekend yesterday.. and it was soooo much fun!!!
I've been fighting off a bit of a cold... so to be honest was kind of dreading last night... I was a little nervous I would not be able to talk to anyone.. and that I would just sit in the corner and hide... well NOPE!! There were soo many cool brides and grooms... and parents... and grandparents... etc. I swear I never stopped laughing!! How often does an expo .. talking to strangers... make you laugh.
Mission Point (and Zoe!!!) did such an amazing job for the closing night event. It was a lovely dinner party with Dancehall Dj's (James & Amy) playing the tunes... Kim & Lisa from Bella e Dolce providing yummy cake... and Jay at Webers doing absolutely gorgeous centerpieces...
And a very special thank you and props to Mary and Chris with the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau for organizing and hosting the whole weekend... it is SUCH an awesome event!!
I can't stress how much fun it was... I even forgot I had a cold!!!!
To all you brides out there who made it... THANKS!! You really did MAKE the whole weekend. I hope to hear from some of you... feel free to email or call me anytime with any questions...
and by the way ..LEAVE A COMMENT HERE ... (I was shocked to see how many of you actually follow my blog... thats awesome... thanks!!)
Have a great week! I'll be MIA for a bit... my computer is being shipping away tomorrow... and I'll be heading back west to my sunny Cali on Friday!! yeah ... time to go home .. just before the snow hits!!
Love,
A
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Dream Destination Wedding.. SUCCESS... and FUN!!
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So there are not enough words I can say about this couple... they are seriously my new best friends!!! .. and I may now become a Notre Dame fan (granted my Dad has ALWAYS been an ND fan.. he'll be quite happy)... even though the big Michigan ND game was the day of the wedding.. .they ALL still showed up anyways ... granted I made sure group pics were done just in time for kickoff... so the happy couple and their families could watch at least a little of the game!!
ALthough ND lost... all was not gloomy as Faith and Mark walked down the aisle .. the sun was shining tears were in eyes... and laughter (a lot of it)... was just around the corner!!
Seriously.. I had soo much fun with everyone at the wedding... they were funky, fun. musically inclined (as Mark showed his skills on the drums later that night at Horns Gaslight bar)... and were dancing fools (which I am ALWAYS a fan of).. I love being right there in the middle of the crowd dancing along taking pics... heck its the best way to really capture the feeling. .and show off my moves ;-)
This wedding will definitely stick with me... not only because of the wedding day but most of the guests stayed around the island for a few days after... and I love running into everyone on the street... it really was like we were all new friends... I mean come on how can you not love a group that is out dancing EVERY NIGHT boogie down on the multiple dance floors found around the island.. (granted I think they were more just DJ Brevin groupies.. but who wouldn't be.. he rocked their wedding and then transformed into the club DJ seamlessly making the whole island shake it)... even Mom and Dad were out their jamming!!
I also have to pay props to Margaret's Garden at the Grand... Mimi, you are amazing... Faith and her mother had spent the last year collecting antique glasses to fill and use as centerpieces and Margaret's did an amazing job making mini arrangements for each piece... soooo beautiful!!
Faith & Mark... I feel so lucky to have been a part of your beautiful and amazing day... You two made me so happy to be a wedding photographer!! I wish you both the a lifetime full of joy love and laughter... you two truly deserve every bit of it!!
Just a couple more props...
Bella e Dolce Cakes... did a classy and elegant job as always.. Kim .. you never cease to amaze me
Inn at Stonecliffe... did an amazing job making sure everything went smoothly and the beautiful locations
And a very special thank you to my dear dear friend Kim for backing me up and assisting me... she and I met up on the island in 2000 (she was a photographer for the grand back then) and we have been BFF's every since.. .this was her first time back to the island since then... and what an amazing time!!
Hope you all get inspired by the people around you doing what they love... I feel blessed to be surrounded by people and their talents and their passions... it is so inspiring!!
Love,
A
ALthough ND lost... all was not gloomy as Faith and Mark walked down the aisle .. the sun was shining tears were in eyes... and laughter (a lot of it)... was just around the corner!!
Seriously.. I had soo much fun with everyone at the wedding... they were funky, fun. musically inclined (as Mark showed his skills on the drums later that night at Horns Gaslight bar)... and were dancing fools (which I am ALWAYS a fan of).. I love being right there in the middle of the crowd dancing along taking pics... heck its the best way to really capture the feeling. .and show off my moves ;-)
This wedding will definitely stick with me... not only because of the wedding day but most of the guests stayed around the island for a few days after... and I love running into everyone on the street... it really was like we were all new friends... I mean come on how can you not love a group that is out dancing EVERY NIGHT boogie down on the multiple dance floors found around the island.. (granted I think they were more just DJ Brevin groupies.. but who wouldn't be.. he rocked their wedding and then transformed into the club DJ seamlessly making the whole island shake it)... even Mom and Dad were out their jamming!!
I also have to pay props to Margaret's Garden at the Grand... Mimi, you are amazing... Faith and her mother had spent the last year collecting antique glasses to fill and use as centerpieces and Margaret's did an amazing job making mini arrangements for each piece... soooo beautiful!!
Faith & Mark... I feel so lucky to have been a part of your beautiful and amazing day... You two made me so happy to be a wedding photographer!! I wish you both the a lifetime full of joy love and laughter... you two truly deserve every bit of it!!
Just a couple more props...
Bella e Dolce Cakes... did a classy and elegant job as always.. Kim .. you never cease to amaze me
Inn at Stonecliffe... did an amazing job making sure everything went smoothly and the beautiful locations
And a very special thank you to my dear dear friend Kim for backing me up and assisting me... she and I met up on the island in 2000 (she was a photographer for the grand back then) and we have been BFF's every since.. .this was her first time back to the island since then... and what an amazing time!!
Hope you all get inspired by the people around you doing what they love... I feel blessed to be surrounded by people and their talents and their passions... it is so inspiring!!
Love,
A
mark:
!!!!!! !!! wow!
(10.08.09 @ 08:34 PM)
faith:
Andrejka...OMG! You are such an amazing photographer, I can't wait to see the whole album!! We miss you already--that was without a doubt the best day of my life! Come party with us in Chi-town soon!
(10.08.09 @ 08:39 PM)
Kari Debbink:
Awww...these are fabulous! I had so much fun at the wedding!
(10.09.09 @ 12:55 PM)
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Faith and Mark... are married!
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I LOVE the picture of the coffee cups.....especially since it says caution: very hot.
(12.23.09 @ 01:33 PM)