Independence Day

My daughter Olivia, 1 year old.  Outfit from Tutu Crazy Chicks

 

The Star Spangled Banner

by Francis Scott Key 1814

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave

We were in Upper Michigan over the 4th of July.

We watched a parade in Marquette,

which the kids each scored on a bag full of candy.

After the parade, we went to Teal Lake, in Negaunee, to cool off.

Our stay in Michigan was a much needed, fun family vacation.

Out of the 6 days we were there, we went to the beach 4 times,

just what we all needed...summer.

We then watched fireworks in Ishpeming.

and we just about got rained out!

I couldn't believe it, it started downing pouring

just minutes before the fireworks were to go off.

We took cover against the school walls, watching as many people left.

Then as the rain lightened up, the fireworks started

and soon the rain stopped completely

and we enjoyed a beautiful display of fireworks.

I will be sharing more photos from our time in Michigan.

It has been a crazy summer...I had meant to have a few blog posts ready to go

and post while we were out of town,

but the craziness of trying to get a family of six

packed and out the was more work than I realized.

I'm hoping to get back on track, and post to my blog everyday.

I love hearing from those that visit my blog,

I sometimes really wonder if anyone does,

so I do appreciate the comments.

:)

a Wedding in Michigan

I was very excited to photograph a wedding in Upper Michigan. 

It's always fun to have a change of scenery,

and I knew the Bride wanted photos by Lake Superior,
I knew it was going to be a beautiful day

I have family in Michigan, so I decided to make a mini vacation out of this trip.

My husband was working that week 

so just the kids (and my niece) hit the road. 

It was about an eight hour car ride,

which went really-really well,

with many thanks to my niece who came along to help.

I like to meet with my Bride & Groom before the wedding

usually to do the engagement session.

Being there was an eight hour drive between us,

we did the engagement session once I got to Michigan.

The wedding day started out a bit rainy,

so to be prepared I went and purchased a giant, very cool umbrella,

which wasn't needed, as soon as we were ready to start pictures, it cleared up.

It was a perfect afternoon for photos,

though we were over an hour behind schedule,

so we had a brief, 45 minutes,

before we had to be at the church.

I Love photographing the "First Look"

the excitement and love of the Bride and Groom

as they see each other for the first time

in their wedding attire

on their wedding day,

it's amazing!

The Flower Girl was taking her job seriously,

She would pick up her petals and walk down the aisle dropping them,

and then do it again,

throughout the beginning of the ceremony,

it was so cute...and made for a great photo.

Let me tell you, they were sneaky.

While no one was paying attention, except me,

they snuck out, and left.

...glad I didn't miss out.

Congratulations Liz & Al,

Thank you for letting me be a part of you special day!

Check out the slide show/video I put together of Liz & Alan's special day!

At the top of my blog, there are a list of tabs,

check out the tab "slide shows/video"
to view other slide shows I've put together.

Right now, I try to capture several video clips from each photo session

and put together something fun for my clients.

I'm still learing all the video settings,
hoping to master it soon
either way, everyone seems to enjoy it.

Let me know what you think.

Impromptu

I had an impromptu Senior Portrait session during my stay in Michigan.

It was a lot of fun. 

It's always fun meeting and getting to know new people.

We had a great time and found some beautiful locations in downtown Marquette.

As with all my sessions,

I try to capture a few video clips to incorporate into a slide show. 

Enjoy this slide show I put together of my session with Bridget.

I also spent some time with this family, at their home.

My kids enjoyed their chickens, donkey and they even got a ride on their dirt bike.

Here is another slide show I put together of the fun day I had with this awesome family, enjoy.