retro

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Retro Pin-Up Engagement Session in New Braunfels

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Ian & Nicole found me through a referral from one of my Michigan clients - small world! Nicole suggested a retro-themed shoot in their backyard, since Ian repairs vintage hot rods. It turned out wonderfully! Taking photographs in a place that is important to the couple (in this case, Ian & Nicole's home together) really makes the engagement session special.

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Ian & Nicole were game to try any and all of my ideas ("Let's climb up into the treehouse!"). This is what Nicole had to say when she saw them:

“I couldn’t stop staring at the pictures! I am lacking even in the correct words to put my feelings together. So impressive, gorgeous and amazing. You truly caught every detail and we had a blast.
We’re so excited for you shooting our wedding! It is great to have you capturing these moments for us. Thank you for being so awesome!!”
— Nicole
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Matt & Chelsea - Sweet Engagement Session at Hotel Ella

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Chelsea surprised Matt with engagement photos at Hotel Ella for his birthday - how much sweeter can you get?! They also brought their two adorable dogs, all dressed up in fancy wedding attire. Chelsea & Matt were a lot of fun to work with - and the hotel is gorgeous. Check out their session below - click to enlarge.

Michael & Lynn - Urban Outdoor Wedding & Ice Cream Social

Michael & Lynn are made for each other. Their retro, downtown, outdoor, sundae social wedding was adorable - just like the two of them! Here's a snapshot of their day. Click the photos to enlarge them.

Lynn got ready at her parents house - her aunt did a great job on her hair and make-up! Her dress was beautiful - lots of intricate details!

Michael & Lynn were married downtown Flint - the heart of the city they live in, work in, and love. Although rain threatened to pour all day, we only had to endure a slight sprinkle. They were married by a friend of theirs in Riverbank park - an outdoor auditorium next to the Flint river.

During the ceremony, Lynn & Michael signed their marriage license, which I thought was pretty cool. They also shed happy tears, which their adorable ring bearer (Lynn's cousin) couldn't understand. He was so distraught at seeing Lynn cry that she took a moment to console him. He was a bit happier after that! Lynn & Michael had the benefit of hiring a second shooter - two vantage points of a very important kiss!

After the wedding, we went to take bridal party portraits around Flint. It started to rain a bit, but it tapered off and we took the opportunity to take some reflective puddle portraits.

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Michael & Lynn held their reception in the Alfred P. Sloan Museum. They had an ice cream sundae bar: giant jars of maraschino cherries, bowls of whipped cream and all of the toppings you could ever want! Each guest had their share of Coke in the classic glass bottle (complete with adorable paper straw!). Instead of dancing, guests engaged in heated Pictionary battles, waged war in Risk and faced stiff competition in Uno! The maid of honor and best man gave wonderful speeches (who knew Michael had to face a bear while camping?!).

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After the reception was over, we walked outside and realized we had some gorgeous light! It was pretty easy to convince Michel & Lynn to take a couple more portraits. We were even able to take the awesome homemade banner that graced the head table and turn it into a prop!

Scott & Samantha - Blue & Yellow Retro Wedding

Scott & Samantha's wedding was awesome - highlights for me included the retro/vintage vibe of Samantha's make-up and dress, the blue and yellow bird themed decor, and the sick dance moves everyone busted out at the reception!  As always, click to make the photos bigger - enjoy this snapshot of their special day!

The day started with capturing all of the girls getting ready at a bridemaid's house. Ladies - if you are ever wondering where you should be getting ready, do what Samantha did and pick someplace with lots of windows and natural light. It'll make your eyes sparkle!

Also - check out the super cute and thoughtful bridesmaid emergency kits Samantha put together for her girls. They came in handy throughout the day!

Scott & Samantha's ceremony and reception took place at the same hall, so next we headed over there for Samantha to get her dress on. We snuck peeks at the adorable place settings and other details in the meantime.  If that's not the coolest ombre cake you have ever seen, you're lying!

The ceremony took place outside on an adorable little patio in the back of the hall. Scott's uncle officiated and Samantha & Scott both wrote their own vows. I don't think there was a dry eye in the place!

After the ceremony, we took family and bridal portraits. Samantha and her sorority sisters taught me the "sorority squat!" - Scott's fraternity brothers learned a thing or two as well! The bridesmaids reenacted the cover of the movie of the same name - I've never seen it, but if it's as full of sass as these girls are, I'm sure I'll love it!

We then enjoyed dinner and some wonderful toasts by the maids of honor and best men (yes, that's plural - why have only one when two is twice as nice?). Scott & Samantha cut into that gorgeous cake and everyone burned the calories off by dancing the afternoon away!

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After a while, I stole Scott & Samantha from the dance floor to take some romantic portraits by themselves. I really wanted the vibe to match the soft, vintage feel of her dress.

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When we came back inside, Samantha's sorority sisters surprised her with a song. They linked arms and formed a circle. The ladies of Alpha Sigma Tau made their loving message clear - Samantha became a wife, but they'll be sisters for life!