One of our favorite senior shoots was with Delaney. Yes, she has perfect hair that seems to be perpetually backlit, and yes, I am jealous. She also has a beautiful natural smile and dresses super cute. We met Delaney, her mom Amy, and her sister Cassidy at their house for the yearbook photo. I spotted a hammock in the backyard that was the perfect spot for a few photos. Amy had to hold the hammock up, as it wasn’t tight against the tree. I think her hard work was worth it. Those photos are so pretty and Amy told us they had spent a lot of time as a family in that hammock. Win! Between their yard and the neighbors property we got a lot of beautiful fall pictures.

After a stop in a soybean field we headed to a cool spot for some graffiti shots. It was dark by the time we climbed aboard an old abandoned train car that we’ve been in love with for a while. Using a variety of lighting techniques, including my car’s headlights (thank you Cassidy for that suggestion) we got incredibly cool shots. Delaney put up with very cold and dirty conditions and still managed a beautiful smile on command. She even kept her cool when a bat flew through the train car. I, however, screamed “bat”, threw my hood over my head, and ducked. Jonathan didn’t notice the bat or my freak out, as he was too busy setting up the next shot.

Remember Joe?   Joe is a drummer for the band Gin Bunny and since he is also one of my favorite people Jonathan and I, along with our friend Karen, went to see him play last weekend at Pizza Papalis.  Gin Bunny is made up of  Jay (vocals/guitar), Gabe (vocals/guitar/keyboard/harmonica/apparently any other instrument that is needed), Evan (bass guitar/backup vocals), and of course Joe (the aforementioned drums/very occasional vocals).  Their style is predominantly current and classic rock and they draw a large and diverse crowd whenever they play. Last Saturday we were there amongst friends and family of the band, the guests of a 40th birthday party, and a bachelorette party.  The music was enjoyed by all and the small dance floor filled up.  As for the three of us:  we had a great time.  Karen was literally bouncing in her chair to songs she loves.  Good music and good pizza (try the Seafood -yum) what could be better than that?  Gin Bunny plays regularly at Casa Barron, The Bronze Boar, and Pizza Papalis as well as other locations around town.  To find information for upcoming events and to learn more about that booze soaked bunny visit the band at www.myspace.com/ginbunnyband.

Our “senior season” is starting back up so I’ve been thinking about some of the great shoots from last year that I never got around to showing you.  After Sarah saw her best friend, Kate’s photos she wanted something similar but with a fall backdrop.  Due to weather her shoot was cancelled a few times so the leaves were mostly gone from the trees by the time we met up with her.  No problem there were plenty of leaves on the ground for us to play in.  There is so much I love about these photos: pretty girl, sweet animals,  lovely colors, beautiful light.  Gorgeous! 

Kate was there to help with Bucky so we convinced her to join in a few photos.  Love love love these.

We woke, the morning of their wedding, to stormy skies.  It was pouring and I was freaking out because their wedding was scheduled to be held at noon on the lawn of the Dearborn Inn.  Jonathan, always the calm and confident one, assured me all would be just fine.  Of course it would be fine; if the wedding had to be moved inside then so be it but I hate to think of a couple having to settle.  We drove to Dearborn and by the time we arrived the rain had stopped and no more rain was in the forecast.  Beautiful.  The day was perfect.  We had lovely overcast skies for the short ceremony at the gazebo.  The ceremony itself was attended by only a few very close family.  It is humbling to be among the few who get to witness such an intimate event.

How gorgeous is Kristina?  The headband, the makeup, the dress… it all works together.   So elegant.

OK.  I don’t know what this last photo is about but Jonathan assures me I should include it.   Very romantic.

As promised, here are Julie and Corey’s wedding pictures.  I had a LOT of trouble picking just a “few” favorites.  Their spring wedding was beautiful.  The bride and groom looked gorgeous, the decor was gorgeous, and thankfully the weather was gorgeous.  They went with a vintage look for their decor.  The reception hall was one of the most elegant I’ve ever seen:  all brown and cream and gold and ivory  accented with the peacock colors.  Swoon.  Check out the centerpieces in the photos below;  They mixed flowers and candles with handcrafted luminaries made from old family photos.  I loved it.  We kept so busy at the reception.  They played a game in which the guests were randomly selected to demonstrate their best kissing  moves and then Julie and Corey had to emulate them.  Hilarious.  After dinner the bride and groom passed around a basket of gum while they mingled with their guests.  This is an old tradition but I’m going to have to ask Julie where it comes from.  The dance floor stayed full and was the site of the largest train and Hokey Pokey in wedding history.

This is my all time favorite garter shot.  Check out the two guys to the right of  Corey.  They make me laugh.

We did their engagement shoot on a very cold day this past winter.  Most of the snow was melted by then but we did find some of the white stuff at Wildwood.

I love Julie’s look: the hair, the coat, the shoes.  It was all gorgeous.

After the park we headed over to the zoo to find some indoor spaces to get warm in.

Corey was a big surprise.  After our initial meeting we thought he would be really shy in front of the camera but he was totally comfortable and up for anything.

We found a warm spot inside for this next shot.

I love her flower headband.