While I was back on the island over New Years I was excited to see that not one but TWO of my upcoming 2012 couples were adventurous enough to do an island visit in the middle of winter. While they were there we took advantage and organized engagement shoots...
Although it was chilly... it was so fun and an unique experience for all of us. I don't have the opportunity to do photo shoots in the snow very often!! Plus I love being able to share this magical island in the winter. It is such a beautiful and serene place this time of year that most of my couples never get the chance to see.
Although it was chilly... it was so fun and an unique experience for all of us. I don't have the opportunity to do photo shoots in the snow very often!! Plus I love being able to share this magical island in the winter. It is such a beautiful and serene place this time of year that most of my couples never get the chance to see.
Angela and Michael arrived on the island just in time for the first real snow... Michael had a little surprise waiting for Angela. Even though they have been engaged now for a bit, Angela didn't have a ring... in fact she wondered if she was really going to get a ring... well it was time. And I was privy enough to be witness to it!! She was so surprised. I could tell these two are going to be a couple of "clowns" and they liked snowball fights ... just check out the pics!! We laughed and laughed and laughed (I laughed when Angela got nailed with a snowball... and she laughed at my "graceful" fall)... So looking forward to the wedding...
then... a week later... the snow was melting... holidays were over, ... and Kate and David decided to travel all the way from Brussels to experience the island, see what its like and have an engagement shoot... how awesome... we may have been stomping around in slush by the time we were finished but it was well worth it... David got to do his "robot", Kate got to attempt to bike in the snow (and survived) and I got to hang out and laugh with two super cool people... Kate & David I will remember to bring the Genever to the wedding :-)
What a great way to kick off 2012... with 2 awesome couples, 2 unique photo shoots, and a chance to do something new!!
May this new year bring you all much joy, love, and happiness!
Love
A
then... a week later... the snow was melting... holidays were over, ... and Kate and David decided to travel all the way from Brussels to experience the island, see what its like and have an engagement shoot... how awesome... we may have been stomping around in slush by the time we were finished but it was well worth it... David got to do his "robot", Kate got to attempt to bike in the snow (and survived) and I got to hang out and laugh with two super cool people... Kate & David I will remember to bring the Genever to the wedding :-)
What a great way to kick off 2012... with 2 awesome couples, 2 unique photo shoots, and a chance to do something new!!
May this new year bring you all much joy, love, and happiness!
Love
A
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Even in the winter the island is a perfect backdrop...
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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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It's not very often that I get the chance to leave the island and experience a mainland Northern Michigan wedding... I was stoked to photograph Katie and Eric's wedding at the Boyne Country Club.
Katie and Eric have had quite a busy year... when we first met (via phone) they were living in Chicago then as the year went on they moved to Denver. So not only did they plan an amazing wedding but they moved across the country. Their wedding was so personal. You can tell these two love the outdoors and nature yet have a sense of class and elegance. Their wedding was a perfect mix.. kind of like Chicago meets Denver with a Northern Michigan twist.
So this is what I knew about these two going in: they love hiking, climbing, all things outdoorsy and cool... the ties with their family and friends are strong and touching (as with each speech reactions ranged from hearty laughs to teary eyes) ... that this wedding was going to be incredibly personal and full of fun meaningful details (from the hand made arch, to the mini trees)... every little detail of this wedding was purposeful and heartfelt. What I was not expecting was the crazy dance party that ensued... Katie and Eric can GET DOWN!! They were rockstars on that dance floor!! It took everything I had not to join in myself... (okay.. so maybe I did a little dance move or two in the corner... shhhh)!
Katie & Eric, It was so much fun to be a part of your day! You two truly know how to have fun and enjoy each other. Your personalities blend so well together I can see how you can support and push each other as you climb mountains! May you two continue to climb every mountain and explore the world with the same joy and groove as your beautiful day!!
Love,
A
I have to give a shout out to my awesome assistant for the day Kim Buchanan... a very dear friend who has her own photography business in Texas...
Katie and Eric have had quite a busy year... when we first met (via phone) they were living in Chicago then as the year went on they moved to Denver. So not only did they plan an amazing wedding but they moved across the country. Their wedding was so personal. You can tell these two love the outdoors and nature yet have a sense of class and elegance. Their wedding was a perfect mix.. kind of like Chicago meets Denver with a Northern Michigan twist.
So this is what I knew about these two going in: they love hiking, climbing, all things outdoorsy and cool... the ties with their family and friends are strong and touching (as with each speech reactions ranged from hearty laughs to teary eyes) ... that this wedding was going to be incredibly personal and full of fun meaningful details (from the hand made arch, to the mini trees)... every little detail of this wedding was purposeful and heartfelt. What I was not expecting was the crazy dance party that ensued... Katie and Eric can GET DOWN!! They were rockstars on that dance floor!! It took everything I had not to join in myself... (okay.. so maybe I did a little dance move or two in the corner... shhhh)!
Katie & Eric, It was so much fun to be a part of your day! You two truly know how to have fun and enjoy each other. Your personalities blend so well together I can see how you can support and push each other as you climb mountains! May you two continue to climb every mountain and explore the world with the same joy and groove as your beautiful day!!
Love,
A
I have to give a shout out to my awesome assistant for the day Kim Buchanan... a very dear friend who has her own photography business in Texas...
Jenny:
LOVE IT! So beautiful! Such a good job at perfectly capturing a perfect day! ;)
(09.12.11 @ 03:46 PM)
Chuck & Stephanie:
Absolutely Beautiful!!! What AWESOME pics of a lovely couple.
(09.14.11 @ 02:41 PM)
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Katie and Eric are married!!
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Dave and Kate are living their dream and in August it's going to be complete. The romance and love they have for eachother is simply magical.
(01.17.12 @ 09:43 AM)Getting married on Mackinaw Island will create the ambiance of love, family and peaceful rememberances for everyone who loves them both. Congratulations and God Bless Mom and Dad M
Ohhh Great... :)
(02.11.12 @ 02:33 PM)