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

G, you are my sister... and with everyone of these pics, my heart laughs with joy at the pure happiness that shines through you and to your boys! THANK YOU for being in my life and letting me be a part of documenting this golden era!!

Love
A

And I had to add this pic... its of Lily and I at Angelina & Jerry's wedding last weekend... we were having so much fun!!  I think this pic is soooo great... its sooo us!!!

Theme today.. HAVE FUN!!!  (and turn the camera on yourself once and a while ;-)

Love
A