Machel and Maxime have one of those stories that make you believe in the power of love and serendipity!!
Machel, an amazing woman from San Digeo, was traveling in Paris with her best when they met Maxime, a lovely Parisian man. It was love at first site and they've been together ever since.
These two exude such warmth and tenderness with a huge batch of fun thrown in! I was so impressed with the importance they placed on their ceremony and keeping it intimate and special. They were in a circle surrounded by lavender bushes while their guests stood and watched from the perimeter. Even Jim (my incredible asst) and I stayed a distance away to keep the space solely about Machel and Maxime.
After the ceremony was finished ... the party began!! And boy was it a dance party full or laughter and some sweet moves.
Machel & Maxime, it was truly an honor to be a part of your special wedding. It was clear how important every guest was to you and you to them. Thank you for welcoming me into this circle for the evening. May you and Maxime continue to laugh together, and spread joy to the world. Your warmth and exuberance is contagious!!
Love
A
Special thanks to:
Jim Minics... my rockstar assistant
Saralee Franchi of XOXO Bride ... incredible event coordinator extraordinaire
Nico Cervantes... of NLC Productions...most amazing floral decor... I LOVE artichokes!!...
Ojai Valley Inn and Spa... for providing the breathtaking atmosphere and yummy food
Machel, an amazing woman from San Digeo, was traveling in Paris with her best when they met Maxime, a lovely Parisian man. It was love at first site and they've been together ever since.
These two exude such warmth and tenderness with a huge batch of fun thrown in! I was so impressed with the importance they placed on their ceremony and keeping it intimate and special. They were in a circle surrounded by lavender bushes while their guests stood and watched from the perimeter. Even Jim (my incredible asst) and I stayed a distance away to keep the space solely about Machel and Maxime.
After the ceremony was finished ... the party began!! And boy was it a dance party full or laughter and some sweet moves.
Machel & Maxime, it was truly an honor to be a part of your special wedding. It was clear how important every guest was to you and you to them. Thank you for welcoming me into this circle for the evening. May you and Maxime continue to laugh together, and spread joy to the world. Your warmth and exuberance is contagious!!
Love
A
Special thanks to:
Jim Minics... my rockstar assistant
Saralee Franchi of XOXO Bride ... incredible event coordinator extraordinaire
Nico Cervantes... of NLC Productions...most amazing floral decor... I LOVE artichokes!!...
Ojai Valley Inn and Spa... for providing the breathtaking atmosphere and yummy food
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Machel & Maxime.. what a story!
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I've got a couple more weddings for y'all... as the season on the island was coming to an end I still had three more weddings to do in the Fall. Now the thing with Fall weddings on Mackinac Island is that you can have beautiful sunny weather or snow... but no matter what the weather (although brides, you don't usually believe this)... the fall is gorgeous time... the leaves are a rainbow of colors... if its raining it gives a great glow and reflection to everything... if its windy it lends itself to many laughs and beautiful spontaneous moments... if there is snow... it gives a crisp clean (and unique) look... and of course.. sun is sun and a blue sky is always great.
Well... these two weddings had it all... well almost.. we didn't get the snow...
But truly.. Fall is my favorite time of year. The island is quiet, the leaves are beautiful and as a couple you get to see what life is like when things quiet down and Mackinac returns to its community .. .kids go back to school, people who are busy in the summer finally get a chance to enjoy the beauty and its my birthday month... heeeheheee. Plus you get the chance to feel like the island is your own private oyster.. as there are so many less people then July!
So, here are my last three island weddings...
Paige and Travis... what can I say. This was one of those incredibly special weddings where I felt so lucky to be the photographer and to witness these two together when no one else did. Paige and Travis have lived on Mackinac for years... winters even.. but watching them take their carriage ride through town was like watching them see Santa for the first time. It was as if they had never been through town before and were seeing and feeling the excitement of a brand new place. I always love photographing my friends weddings... I always learn something new about them and get to witness moments that otherwise I wouldn't. Especially because often times I've seen and watched their relationship bloom... and then here I am capturing a moment they will remember forever!! Thank you so much Paige and Travis, for not only letting me be a part of your day ... but letting me ride along on the carriage (man if not you would have kicked my butt biking up to Fort Holmes).. hahahah love you both sooo much and I'll see you soon!
Kandyce and Garrett were married on Oct 1st ... now this is one of those days that can be snowing or sunshine... well we had sunshine... which is perfect since Sunshine is exactly how I would describe Kandyce. I had the great pleasure of meeting Kandyce and Garrett almost a year before the wedding when they visited the island. These two are the epitome of sweet love. Kandyce and Garrett may the sun continue to shine even on the rainy days! Sending you a bug hug! May our paths cross again!!
Now Hayley and Michael.. may have had a super windy and rainy day but it didn't stop either of them from enjoying the day if anything we had more fun... a bright red umbrella... laughing on the boat as the wind knocked us down... and even playing in the rain a bit. This was a perfect day for them. Hayley and Michael are used to unusual weather as they live, met, and fell in love in Alaska. So Mackinac is October was nothing to them!! It was such a special and unique wedding. We started at a little church located in St. Ignace (Hayley's home town) next we went by her childhood home to take pictures on the shores of Lake Michigan .. and then the adventure began... a wild ferry ride with attempts at standing to a carriage ride in the rain.. finally we reached the Woods Restaurant (a Grand Hotel restaurant) for a lovely dinner and dancing. Hayley and Michael, your wedding was incredible and your spirit never wavered. It was a testament to your adventurous spirit and love for the moment. Next time maybe we can meet up in Alaska!!
Here are my shout outs for these amazing weddings...
To Marty Haines... for once again as always.. rockin it as the wedding coordinator at the GRAND HOTEL (until next year my friend... may we have even more fun and laughs then this year... if that's even possible)...
To my awesome asst's Rob Kalmbach and Danielle Eibler .. you guys make my job even more fun then it already is...
Funny as I write this blog I'm actually getting ready to buy my plane ticket for my first winter visit to the island... time to go photograph some bikes for my next article for TRAVERSE magazine...
May you all enjoy whatever weather is around you... if its hot and sunny hit the beach and sit outside... if its cold and snowy.. go enjoy a cup of hot coco and sit by the fire!!
Love
A
Well... these two weddings had it all... well almost.. we didn't get the snow...
But truly.. Fall is my favorite time of year. The island is quiet, the leaves are beautiful and as a couple you get to see what life is like when things quiet down and Mackinac returns to its community .. .kids go back to school, people who are busy in the summer finally get a chance to enjoy the beauty and its my birthday month... heeeheheee. Plus you get the chance to feel like the island is your own private oyster.. as there are so many less people then July!
So, here are my last three island weddings...
Paige and Travis... what can I say. This was one of those incredibly special weddings where I felt so lucky to be the photographer and to witness these two together when no one else did. Paige and Travis have lived on Mackinac for years... winters even.. but watching them take their carriage ride through town was like watching them see Santa for the first time. It was as if they had never been through town before and were seeing and feeling the excitement of a brand new place. I always love photographing my friends weddings... I always learn something new about them and get to witness moments that otherwise I wouldn't. Especially because often times I've seen and watched their relationship bloom... and then here I am capturing a moment they will remember forever!! Thank you so much Paige and Travis, for not only letting me be a part of your day ... but letting me ride along on the carriage (man if not you would have kicked my butt biking up to Fort Holmes).. hahahah love you both sooo much and I'll see you soon!
Kandyce and Garrett were married on Oct 1st ... now this is one of those days that can be snowing or sunshine... well we had sunshine... which is perfect since Sunshine is exactly how I would describe Kandyce. I had the great pleasure of meeting Kandyce and Garrett almost a year before the wedding when they visited the island. These two are the epitome of sweet love. Kandyce and Garrett may the sun continue to shine even on the rainy days! Sending you a bug hug! May our paths cross again!!
Now Hayley and Michael.. may have had a super windy and rainy day but it didn't stop either of them from enjoying the day if anything we had more fun... a bright red umbrella... laughing on the boat as the wind knocked us down... and even playing in the rain a bit. This was a perfect day for them. Hayley and Michael are used to unusual weather as they live, met, and fell in love in Alaska. So Mackinac is October was nothing to them!! It was such a special and unique wedding. We started at a little church located in St. Ignace (Hayley's home town) next we went by her childhood home to take pictures on the shores of Lake Michigan .. and then the adventure began... a wild ferry ride with attempts at standing to a carriage ride in the rain.. finally we reached the Woods Restaurant (a Grand Hotel restaurant) for a lovely dinner and dancing. Hayley and Michael, your wedding was incredible and your spirit never wavered. It was a testament to your adventurous spirit and love for the moment. Next time maybe we can meet up in Alaska!!
Here are my shout outs for these amazing weddings...
To Marty Haines... for once again as always.. rockin it as the wedding coordinator at the GRAND HOTEL (until next year my friend... may we have even more fun and laughs then this year... if that's even possible)...
To my awesome asst's Rob Kalmbach and Danielle Eibler .. you guys make my job even more fun then it already is...
Funny as I write this blog I'm actually getting ready to buy my plane ticket for my first winter visit to the island... time to go photograph some bikes for my next article for TRAVERSE magazine...
May you all enjoy whatever weather is around you... if its hot and sunny hit the beach and sit outside... if its cold and snowy.. go enjoy a cup of hot coco and sit by the fire!!
Love
A
Meghan:
Your work is simply beautiful!
(12.08.11 @ 12:31 PM)
Mert Vartanian:
I am Travis' step mom and I just love the pictures you took. They so captured how in love they are and how much fun they have. They talk very highly of you and your work and I can see why. Thank you for capturing the moments for all of us.
(12.08.11 @ 01:29 PM)
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Fall Weddings on the Island...
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Okay.. so I've been on Twitter now for over a year... but just now am I starting to "get it"... and wow is it a great resource!!
So, every morning before I get out of bed I first check my email (yes this shows I'm a bit of a workaholic)... then check my facebook... and the newest addition to my routine... TWITTER
I realize that this is just another distraction, another way to be bombarded with people's everyday thoughts moment by moment... BUT there really are some great resources. Just the other day I was reading one of "weddingchicks" posts and found some awesome customized items that would be perfect for any wedding.
I thought I would help out any brides looking for a new distraction but twitter is a little less obvious then reading a magazine at work. Below is a list of a few of my favorites twitter-ites to follow....
One Stylish Bride
Wedding Style
Wedding PR
Martha Weddings
Green Wedding Shoes
Alegria by Design
Bride and Bloom
Bridal Guide Magazine
Wedding Bee
Style Me Pretty
The Knot
Brides
And for you grooms... don't worry there are some for you too...
Sophisticated Groom
The Man Registry
And one of the coolest things about twitter... I find it actually easier to read on a mobile device (iphone, ipad, etc)... then a computer...
hope this helps some of you brides (and grooms) out there looking for advice and not sure where to start!!
Have fun!
Love
A
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
A little "twitterific" advice for brides (and grooms too)...
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November 28, 2011 //
Andrejka Photography
/
Mackinac
/
Northern Michigan
/
Santa Barbara
/
Travel
/
Weddings
wifi.. check
skinny peppermint mocha cappuccino... check
plenty of time... check
Okay... so I've apologized now twice for not getting some new weddings up here... so Liz (and any other loyal followers that are starting to wonder if I got lost in cyber space).. I'm finally back home in beautiful SB and ready to sit down and get properly caught up...
Last I blogged about my weddings I was living on Mackinac... in the midst of wedding season mayhem... in fact I had just finished shooting 6 weddings in 9 days ... for those that don't know.. that's A LOT!!!! but.. I loved every second of it... we had some island, some California, some Chicago, and some Dayton Ohio... (see I'll go anywhere :-)
Here are a few from August and September...
Kim and Jonathan... were so much fun! They were hysterical... I mean look at this smile, you couldn't help but laugh and have fun being around these two. At one point they were both literally... falling over laughing so hard on the porch of the Grand. I'm still not sure if they were laughing at each other or at me... oh well!! Kim thank you so much for finding me and letting me be a part of your day... (and thanks for reading my blog... I promised I'd have you up here... better late then never right!)..I can't wait to see you two on the island again!!
I gotta give props to my girl Lily Porter for once again being my amazing assistant!!
(to see more of this wedding you can check out the SLIDESHOW HERE)
skinny peppermint mocha cappuccino... check
plenty of time... check
Okay... so I've apologized now twice for not getting some new weddings up here... so Liz (and any other loyal followers that are starting to wonder if I got lost in cyber space).. I'm finally back home in beautiful SB and ready to sit down and get properly caught up...
Last I blogged about my weddings I was living on Mackinac... in the midst of wedding season mayhem... in fact I had just finished shooting 6 weddings in 9 days ... for those that don't know.. that's A LOT!!!! but.. I loved every second of it... we had some island, some California, some Chicago, and some Dayton Ohio... (see I'll go anywhere :-)
Here are a few from August and September...
Kim and Jonathan... were so much fun! They were hysterical... I mean look at this smile, you couldn't help but laugh and have fun being around these two. At one point they were both literally... falling over laughing so hard on the porch of the Grand. I'm still not sure if they were laughing at each other or at me... oh well!! Kim thank you so much for finding me and letting me be a part of your day... (and thanks for reading my blog... I promised I'd have you up here... better late then never right!)..I can't wait to see you two on the island again!!
I gotta give props to my girl Lily Porter for once again being my amazing assistant!!
(to see more of this wedding you can check out the SLIDESHOW HERE)
Laura and James... elegant and sophisticated with a twist of spunk!! That would be the best way to describe these two. Laura and James had such a grace about them one minute... and then the next they were making goofy faces at each other! These two created a perfect balance. I love it when I can see this in a couple!!! Laura & James... you were a couple that reminded me of balance in life... (and I'm a Libra (the scales)... I love that) Thank you!!
Now with this wedding I brought in a last minute assistant/friend who ended up ROCKING it! Danielle, your my girl you got some of my favorite shots ... I am so stoked to work with you more next year... it was so much fun!!
(to see more of this wedding you can check out the SLIDESHOW HERE)
Now... Molly and Bill are a wonderful example of why I absolutely LOVE photographing weddings on Mackinac... there are no rules!! We can do whatever we want... whether it's getting married, going for a bike ride.. or stripping down and jumping in the water (well.. I didn't do that.. I had the camera!!). Thanks to the amazing Carole Erbel ( For the Love of Mackinac event planning) I was able to not only photograph Molly and Bill's elopement to Mackinac but I got to be a WITNESS... it is always such an honor to do this, it doesn't happen often, but when it does I hold it close to my heart (you'll even see the pic here of Carole and I signing). After the intimate ceremony by Rev Marx Molly, Bill and I went for a carriage ride around the island that ended at the incredible Iroquois Hotel . Now where the rule breaking comes in .. the next day I met back up with the newlyweds and we went for a bike ride and a stroll around the island that ended with Bill deciding it was time to jump in!! SOOO fun. This is what I love, creating any type of wedding package... you got an idea.. I'm in (as long as it doesn't put my camera in danger... hahaha). Molly and Bill... your exuberance for life is intoxicating!! I will always remember how much fun we had and how touched I was to not only be a aprt of your weekend but forever a witness to your love. Next time... I'll put the camera down and jump in the lake too!!
(to see more of this wedding you can check out the SLIDESHOW HERE)
And I'm back home in my lovely Santa Barbara....
Stevi and Bryant... where to start... I feel like I have been friends with these two for years... well, actually... I guess I have been. We met almost 2 years ago at an expo... then we met again over albums ... then we did an engagement shoot.. then we met again (this time over pineapple/jalapeno cocktails... yummy!)... then Stevi and I did a surprise Boudoir shoot for Bryant... (Ladies... its a great grooms gift... just ask Bryant)... then finally the wedding. I think by the time the wedding came along Stevi AND Bryant (who originally was pretty afraid of my camera) were super stars in front of the camera!! I'll admit when the wedding ... I was a little sad... thinking... this is it... now what.. what will we do next... Stevi & Bryant... I guess we'll just have to go have another pineapple smash!!
So, I am always stoked when I have the honor of having Jim (aka "The Average Jim") of Bella Luce Imagery shoot with me... I can't really call him my assistant as all I ever tell him is... go for it!! I know whatever he gets is going to be great!
(to see more of this wedding you can check out the SLIDESHOW HERE)
Lily and Mark... you two are a testament of strength, love and joy... no matter what life throws your way... you two stand strong, tender, and full of gratitude. Your wedding day was a day of miracles. To watch how the rain clouds cleared at the perfect time (TWICE) ... it was truly something higher. I know all of us involved with your beautiful day were touched on so many levels and reminded of what is important in life. Marty (from the Grand Hotel) as well as Kelly and Terry (from Mackinac Video) all spoke of how amazing your day was. May the two of you continue to dance your way through life...
(to see more of this wedding you can check out the SLIDESHOW HERE)
Well, I've now spent the last few hours re-living part of my summer... conclusion.. man am I lucky... I love what I do... I love my couples... I work with great people... and I shoot in some darn beautiful places.
You know, often times people ask me... does it get old... do all the weddings seem to blend together... my answer:: a big NO! ... and tonight just reminded me of that. When I sat down to start this blog... (3 hours ago).. I thought ...shoot.. what am I going to say... well... it came pretty easily the minute I started looking back at the pics!!
The minute it starts getting old is the minute I'll change professions... life is too short to have anything feel old, tired, and like work...
On a day when I have been reminded how short life can be... I say ... May you live it to the fullest, do what you love, take risks, aim high (someone will catch you if you fall) .. and appreciate the people in your life!!
Love,
A
Now with this wedding I brought in a last minute assistant/friend who ended up ROCKING it! Danielle, your my girl you got some of my favorite shots ... I am so stoked to work with you more next year... it was so much fun!!
(to see more of this wedding you can check out the SLIDESHOW HERE)
Now... Molly and Bill are a wonderful example of why I absolutely LOVE photographing weddings on Mackinac... there are no rules!! We can do whatever we want... whether it's getting married, going for a bike ride.. or stripping down and jumping in the water (well.. I didn't do that.. I had the camera!!). Thanks to the amazing Carole Erbel ( For the Love of Mackinac event planning) I was able to not only photograph Molly and Bill's elopement to Mackinac but I got to be a WITNESS... it is always such an honor to do this, it doesn't happen often, but when it does I hold it close to my heart (you'll even see the pic here of Carole and I signing). After the intimate ceremony by Rev Marx Molly, Bill and I went for a carriage ride around the island that ended at the incredible Iroquois Hotel . Now where the rule breaking comes in .. the next day I met back up with the newlyweds and we went for a bike ride and a stroll around the island that ended with Bill deciding it was time to jump in!! SOOO fun. This is what I love, creating any type of wedding package... you got an idea.. I'm in (as long as it doesn't put my camera in danger... hahaha). Molly and Bill... your exuberance for life is intoxicating!! I will always remember how much fun we had and how touched I was to not only be a aprt of your weekend but forever a witness to your love. Next time... I'll put the camera down and jump in the lake too!!
(to see more of this wedding you can check out the SLIDESHOW HERE)
And I'm back home in my lovely Santa Barbara....
Stevi and Bryant... where to start... I feel like I have been friends with these two for years... well, actually... I guess I have been. We met almost 2 years ago at an expo... then we met again over albums ... then we did an engagement shoot.. then we met again (this time over pineapple/jalapeno cocktails... yummy!)... then Stevi and I did a surprise Boudoir shoot for Bryant... (Ladies... its a great grooms gift... just ask Bryant)... then finally the wedding. I think by the time the wedding came along Stevi AND Bryant (who originally was pretty afraid of my camera) were super stars in front of the camera!! I'll admit when the wedding ... I was a little sad... thinking... this is it... now what.. what will we do next... Stevi & Bryant... I guess we'll just have to go have another pineapple smash!!
So, I am always stoked when I have the honor of having Jim (aka "The Average Jim") of Bella Luce Imagery shoot with me... I can't really call him my assistant as all I ever tell him is... go for it!! I know whatever he gets is going to be great!
(to see more of this wedding you can check out the SLIDESHOW HERE)
Lily and Mark... you two are a testament of strength, love and joy... no matter what life throws your way... you two stand strong, tender, and full of gratitude. Your wedding day was a day of miracles. To watch how the rain clouds cleared at the perfect time (TWICE) ... it was truly something higher. I know all of us involved with your beautiful day were touched on so many levels and reminded of what is important in life. Marty (from the Grand Hotel) as well as Kelly and Terry (from Mackinac Video) all spoke of how amazing your day was. May the two of you continue to dance your way through life...
(to see more of this wedding you can check out the SLIDESHOW HERE)
Well, I've now spent the last few hours re-living part of my summer... conclusion.. man am I lucky... I love what I do... I love my couples... I work with great people... and I shoot in some darn beautiful places.
You know, often times people ask me... does it get old... do all the weddings seem to blend together... my answer:: a big NO! ... and tonight just reminded me of that. When I sat down to start this blog... (3 hours ago).. I thought ...shoot.. what am I going to say... well... it came pretty easily the minute I started looking back at the pics!!
The minute it starts getting old is the minute I'll change professions... life is too short to have anything feel old, tired, and like work...
On a day when I have been reminded how short life can be... I say ... May you live it to the fullest, do what you love, take risks, aim high (someone will catch you if you fall) .. and appreciate the people in your life!!
Love,
A
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Warning: This may be the longest blog ever... but lots of pics!!
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What an awesome experience... Tanja and Daniel's wedding was especially close to my heart.
About 3 weeks before their wedding I get a call asking if I was available for a wedding fast approaching... as I listen to Dena (Dan's mom).. I hear a familiar accent in her voice. She's Serbian... granted I am Slovenian.. but still pretty darn close! I can't tell you how awesome it was to be a part of this wedding. It was like photographing my family. I could feel my grandmother with me... whispering in my ear... "see don't you wish you knew more Slovenian now"...
Tanja and Daniel are both Serbian.. but met and fell in love here in the states.. a beautiful love story. It was so sweet the way Tanja's face would light up when she said Daniel's name and how Daniel's little smile would grow big when he looked at her.
I can't stress enough how incredible it was to spend the day with Tanja, Daniel and their whole party!! From laughing with Tanja as she was getting ready, to listening to their guests sing Serbian songs around the table ... to even teaching Dena how to tap dance (bet you didn't know this photographer has some hidden talents) ... unfortunately I think Mackinac Video Productions caught it on tape... oh man, I hope it doesn't make the final cut.
Tanja & Daniel, I truly hope our paths cross again ... maybe even across the BIG pond not just the straights!! I absolutely loved being a part of your day. Thank you so much for welcoming me in like family. May you two continue to make each other smile and laugh more and more with every day!!
Love
A
About 3 weeks before their wedding I get a call asking if I was available for a wedding fast approaching... as I listen to Dena (Dan's mom).. I hear a familiar accent in her voice. She's Serbian... granted I am Slovenian.. but still pretty darn close! I can't tell you how awesome it was to be a part of this wedding. It was like photographing my family. I could feel my grandmother with me... whispering in my ear... "see don't you wish you knew more Slovenian now"...
Tanja and Daniel are both Serbian.. but met and fell in love here in the states.. a beautiful love story. It was so sweet the way Tanja's face would light up when she said Daniel's name and how Daniel's little smile would grow big when he looked at her.
I can't stress enough how incredible it was to spend the day with Tanja, Daniel and their whole party!! From laughing with Tanja as she was getting ready, to listening to their guests sing Serbian songs around the table ... to even teaching Dena how to tap dance (bet you didn't know this photographer has some hidden talents) ... unfortunately I think Mackinac Video Productions caught it on tape... oh man, I hope it doesn't make the final cut.
Tanja & Daniel, I truly hope our paths cross again ... maybe even across the BIG pond not just the straights!! I absolutely loved being a part of your day. Thank you so much for welcoming me in like family. May you two continue to make each other smile and laugh more and more with every day!!
Love
A
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Tanja and Daniel... a Serbian Wedding on Mackinac!!
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