Justin & Jessica {Married!}

How beautiful it is when innocent flirting grows to infatuation and then blossoms into everlasting love!  Even better that this beautiful love story came true for Jessica Green and Justin Borchardt.  Jessica and Justin met years ago when working at Kensington Metro Park in Milford, Michigan, pursuing their way through college. They ended up dating for many years as they both continued to go to school and finally graduate. Jessica has just recently graduated as a doctor from Michigan State University. 

The wedding day was sunny and warm! We started off in Chelsea, Michigan at Gemini Salon. After each girl had her hair and make-up done just perfect, we made our way to Oak Pointe Country Club in Brighton, Michigan. Oak Pointe is one of our favorite venues for many reasons. The facility is gorgeous; the staff are amazing; Kendall, the wedding and event coordinator, is personable and on top of everything which makes her the perfect fit for her job. The country club doubled as the ceremony and the reception venue. It is very nice when photographing a wedding where almost everything is under one roof. It makes for easy transitions and the opportunity for a smooth schedule. 

Although there were a few small bumps along the way, Justin and Jessica's wedding day ended up beautiful and certainly a day that their friends and family enjoyed. 

Venue: Oak Pointe Country Club 

Salon: Gemini Salon

Kenneth & Jennifer {Married!}

Kenneth and Jennifer were married back in December, on what was forecasted to be another snowy day in Michigan. However, the light drizzle turned into heavy drizzle which turned into a heavy sleet-y, snowy, mess by the end of the night. Thankfully, the power was not lost until all festivities for the day were over with, but we definitely had a scary drive home. 

We met Kenneth and Jennifer through one of Kevin's former coworkers - Jennifer's brother, Chris. Kenneth and Jennifer got married at the Meridian Historical Village in Okemos, Michigan. Everything pertaining to the wedding was kept indoors for the most part. However, the bride and groom were brave enough to go out into the progressing storm to capture some pretty cool images documenting the night. 

After the wedding, there was a small, intimate family reception at Gilbert and Blake's, a Seafood and Steak Grille. It was not until May that the newlyweds had a big reception where all of their friends were invited. This was a picnic-type reception held in Petersburg, Michigan which is just north of Ohio. Contrary to the wedding day, the reception day was absolutely perfect. 

Venue: Meridian Historical Village Chapel 

Officiant: Nate Elarton 

Reception: Gilbert & Blake's  

Videographer: Dustin Reed 

Dress: David's Bridal 

Evie Kutler {Portraits}

We have been photographing Evie since before she was born! It has been an absolute joy to watch her grow up and see her blossom into a beautiful young lady. For Evie's 3 year old portraits, we visited Kensington Metro Park. Kristen, Evie's mom, specifically wanted more of the "capturing the moment" images, instead of posed ones for this session. So, we had a lot of fun following Evie around as she discovered the joys of the park. We can't wait until she is 4 to see what new adventures lie ahead. 

Brock & Veronica {Engaged!}

Brock and Veronica were the lucky winners of an engagement package we gifted to the Here Come the Brides bridal show in Brighton, Michigan last January. The package included a free engagement session and 10 of their favorite digital files of the images. It was a great session and we enjoyed getting to know Brock and Veronica and their unique love story. 

Brock and Veronica first met in high school. However, they didn't truly connect until college and it was then that they became sweethearts. The two of them fell completely in love, which was apparent in each of their portraits. We had a wonderful time capturing their loving relationship; as well as spending some time and photographing their adorable puppy, Gus. He was definitely a handful but created some cute images with his feisty personality. We had such a great time with Brock and Veronica that we photographed until we were completely out of daylight! Thanks Brock and Veronica for being so much fun to work with! 

Gambino Tribute {Concert}

If you follow our blog, you will see that I post occasionally about the school I graduated from, Franklin Road. Franklin Road Christian School is a flourishing ministry of Brightmoor Christian Church, and Kevin and I have always been very involved with both from volunteering our time to senior portraits of graduates. 

Franklin Road was founded by Pastor Timothy Gambino 28 years ago in Southfield, Michigan as a kindergarten to 8th grade Christian School. Since then, it has moved to Novi, Michigan, and has grown to become a full kindergarten to 12th grade school. Tim Gambino was the superintendent of the school and his wife, Phyllis Gambino, was the music teacher and elementary spanish teacher. This year, the 28th year of the school's existence, Pastor Tim and Mrs. Gambino have decided it was time to retire. 

Franklin Road in partnership with Brightmoor has done many special events to celebrate the retirement of the Gambinos. One of these events was during the high school spring concert in May. Every year, Mrs. Gambino holds a middle/high school spring concert and an elementary spring concert to showcase all of the hard work her students have done that semester. Since this was her last high school spring concert ever, a few alumni and I decided it would be fun to surprise her. We chose a song that Mrs. Gambino has directed multiple times and scheduled practices to make sure we remembered the song too. ;) Then, during the concert, instead of her current choir walking up on stage, our alumni choir did. She was so surprised! It was very rewarding to know that we pulled off our surprise and to see the look of shock and delight upon her face.  

The entire night was full of happiness and memories. It meant a lot to me to be able to be a part of this event because of the lasting impact Mrs. Gambino has had on my life Many people will miss the Gambinos greatly, they have found a place in many hearts. Thankfully, they will not be retiring anywhere exotic, but will remain an integral part of the Franklin Road and Brightmoor family.