Derek and Tessa planned several months in advance..leaving behind anything unnecessary details, so they could stay focused on their main objective - getting married!
Photographing their first look was the initial order of the day. Since their hotel Lake View Hotel was located just across from the waterfront Windermere Point, photographer Christi Dupre suggested it as the perfect location for the soon to be married to have that private moment together.
Watching Tessa made her way to the beach was captivating, walking among the horses and the open air park Tessa, a stunning bride in her beautiful bridal gown. Derek was looking very handsome and dressed in a sharp grey suit. Both had forgotten to pick up their flowers beforehand, but having both hands available for this event wasn't such a bad thing!
Derek as a fan of photos by the water and Tessa the gardens! So this gave us a perfect opportunity to take a few more photos before heading to the ceremony.
The family made the Lake View Hotel the headquarters for their family gathering so after greeting one another and receiving their beautiful flower bouquets. Tessa and Derek received the beautiful flowers and the group headed off for the 1/2 mile walk to Peace Garden.
The ceremony was simply lovely and afterwards, the photos of family revolved around making sure we could get little Alex to smile which he did!
Above the Peace Garden is the East Bluff and wooded paths that lead to the Somewear in Time Gazebo. With an adventurous spirit and flat shoes, Tessa said 'Yes" to the idea of walking up to the East Bluff. From there we were able to get some beautiful photos.
Barefoot and happy, the two walked down the many steps to the Park and their son and on to their happily ever after! A perfect day on Mackinac Island.
Jessee and Lindsey exchanged their vows at the Harbour View Inn on June 4th amid budding lilacs and cheery tulips - their best friends and family at their side.
Getting ready at one of the suites at the Harbour View Inn, Lindsey's nieces and nephews were adorable flower children and ring bearers.
The wedding ceremony was performed by a good friend and vows were exchanged in this beautiful intimate gathering of family.
Following family photos, this adorable couple took a romantic walk to the marina and park for some photos before returning back for their reception at the Harbour View Inn.
Their lovely flowers and delightful smiles, love and affection shown most brightly in one of the more simple yet stunning weddings of the season!
The Island's weather, foliage and beauty did not disappoint! The staff and setting at Harbour View Inn is always a wonderful choice for a wedding ceremony.
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When Adam and Tiffani engaged, they began planning a large wedding back home. When things got complicated, they decided to have a wedding with fewer guests. Refining and defining what truly made them happy, they decided on an intimate family affair on a beautiful Island, among the colorful late summer/early fall colors of Mackinac. In a few words....their Favorite Things.
The Inn at Stonecliffe was their first choice due to its privacy, outdoor ambiance and romantic feel. Tiffani's hair and make up was done by Vintage Glam at the Stonecliffe salon. Surrounded by her girlriends and family, Tiffani got ready at Stonecliffe's Summerhouse Suite and Adam and his best man in one of the Cudahy Mansion suites.
The groom and bride chose a "first squeeze" instead of a first look. When asked for ideas, I suggested the spiral wooden staircase leading down to the first floor. This proved to work perfectly as they could hold hands but not see one another. The initimate moments that followed were very special. Each had prepared a message to the other that they read to themselves after separating those squeezing hands!
The wedding took place in the Stoncecliffe Grotto. Each of them had one attendant, and Adam's aunt performed the ceremony. Music was provided on harp which set the stage for a super memorable exchange of vowels. Tiffany's bouquet and Adam's boutonniere were created by St Ignace in Bloom, and included Tiffany's favorite, sunflowers. They were bright and gorgeous. After the ceremony, the couple stole a few minutes to themselves after they walked hand in hand through the trees that led to the orchard and lawn.
The rest of the bridal party joined Tiffany an Adam and they made their across the lush green lawn to the reception. Lots of fun, laughter and smiles as they celebrated the marriage.
After a luncheon reception on the deck of the verandah, which included a first dance and cake cutting, we took advantage of the beautiful day and the changing colors taking photos on the Great Lawn and in front of the Mansion.
Our first stop after leaving Stonecliffe by wedding carriage provided by Gough Livery, was to the West Bluff for the best view of the Mighty Mac, fun Main Street photos and then a stop at Marquette Park with views of Fort Mackinac. Their final destination was the waterfront Iroquois Hotel for a dinner reception at the Carriage House dining room.
Mackinac Island is such a wonderful setting for senior photos. Walking to the beach, the Grand Hotel, the lawn and gazebo of Mission Point, and of course the wooded or fantastic floral gardens...lighthouses, Mighty Mac bridge - all these within a couple of hours of your time, and a bit of stamina.
Yes, walking the Island and taking photos of Seniors in High School is something I love to do. Making it fun - knowing it is very important that I capture their unique personality and beauty. Keeping the student relaxed, making sure that Mom has the photo she wants too, and keeping it within Dad's budget! And making sure that the custom digital work is right on too - making the photos available after the photo shoot and easy to order. Caring about all of those things matters to Jeff and I at Island Photo,
Here's some of my favorites of last week's photo session Taken of a beautiful and confident young lady, Caitlyn. Who, with her sister toting the necessary change of clothes, taking over 250 photos at in two dozen locations in an hour!
I guess that's why I love the Senior photo shoot - It's a challenge, but with great rewards!
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Spring and tulips were the beautiful backdrop for the Gazebo wedding with 200 guests from all over the country. The Lakeside Salon at Mission Point was the location for the bridal party to get ready and the gals had plenty of fun helping Rachel.
Kyle and his groomsmen were the ultimate in cool, in blue with green vests, a bright and beautiful complement to the outdoors. Stopping at several places during the carriage ride, we were able to take lots of amazing photos, as Rachel and Kyle were laughing and having a good time.
Back at the Island and the reception at Mission Point Resort's Cypress Room, the couple continued to enjoy their friends and the fun. Dancing to DJ Brevin's tunes was incredible as always.
Wishing this super couple every happiness they have dreamed of along with the blessings of sisters!
So choosing Memorial Day weekend was taking a chance of cool weather, perhaps even some rain but the day was absolutely perfect for Angela and David of Framingham, Massachusetts. Over 100 guests attended from all over the country, as well as some local Mackinac Island resident, Becky Miller, wedding coordinator and a lifelong friend of Angela.
Yellow flowers from Weber's Floral, wedding cake & cupcakes from Annie's Cakes, fudge favors from Joann's Fudge, music and DJ Patrick McManus, and of course an amazing dinner and delightful reception setting at The Inn at Stonecliffe.
Ste Anne's Church was the location of the ceremony and bride and groom enjoyed a great carriage ride too where we stopped for photos. David and Angela were so much fun with their bicycle for 2 and the smiles from the flower girl and boy kept everything a delight all day long.
A great wedding to begin our 2019 season and we look forward to several more weddings at the Inn this year.
Courtney suggested we capture unposed photos and with classic photographs of the family and of she and Kevin. We rode along on bicycle during the carriage ride to capture fabulous images with the Mighty Mackinac Bridge and other scenic and romantic settings
The Colonial Room at Mission Point Resort, redecorated for 2019 and looking beautiful was the location for the reception. The wedding cake was provided by Bella E Dolce, who always makes each and every cake personal and perfect. Courtney’s two cats could be a part of the wedding day as they has replicas of both Sophie and Cloe on the wedding cake itself! No wedding is complete without favors of fudge on the table, with a variety of flavors from Joann’s Fudge - an Island classic!
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A lovely carriage ride, a bit cool, but no matter to any of us, the photos are stunning, the Island setting and color change on this mid October day was perfect.
Minutes before arriving at the Market Street Inn to begin photos, the rain stopped, the sun came out, and the timing of everything began falling into place - easily. Before the ceremony there was the first look and bridal party photographs at Windermere Point which was great, followed by and a few minutes with just Brandon and Allison to capture some beautiful and romantic photos by the water.
The ceremony and reception were held at the Chippewa Hotel, a favorite of Allison and Brandon, and a perfect place to gather for dinner, dancing and all important Michigan football! More photos at Marquette Park, the Marina and my favorite photo...., a very impromptu dip on Main Street, capturing the diverse Labor Day crowd's attention- all eyes on this beautiful couple! These two have a special spark and love for each other and people that will stay strong and certainly gather others to it as the years go by.
This wedding was lots of fun for Jeff and I to photograph together, and we are grateful to the couple and their family for this opportunity to be such a special part of their day.
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This beautiful couple, married at Little Stone Church, was overjoyed with the weather. He didn't like the bright sun, and she was rather sensitive to too much heat..and we got to take beautiful photos of them with dreamy overcast lighting which accentuated the beautiful victorian dress and veil and their lovely romantic eyes.
I love assisting the nervous guy who is trying to come up with the perfect plan to propose to his gal! What could be more precious than this? A guy who not only wants to go to a place like Mackinac Island and to plan the entire "weekend", but one that wants to have forever photos to permanently capture the moment!
There are several wonderful places to propose and tips on how to do it successfully. I like helping....and then I love seeing it all happen right in front of my lens!
So Keep planning. Keep dreaming, Keep asking! She will love you for it.
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John and his friends were light hearted and relaxed, despite some very warm temperatures! Lake and her bridesmaids made a Grand entrance, - both parents escorting Lake across the large green lawn. After the wedding, Grand Hotel Carriage arrived to take the couple on a delightful ride to the end of the boardwalk and down Main Street before arriving at the reception destination, the Mackinac Island Yacht Club. An enormous buffet of amazing food by Tim and sweets by Missie surely satisfied everyone’s appetite, and the 10 piece band provided great tunes for dancing for old and new friends.
As many a Mackinac Island wedding, the party continued through the evening making its way through the many night spots that provide fun and music for all.
Sailing smoothly through the day, this beautiful couple continued on for a sweet sail of a honeymoon.
As friends of the family, Jeff and I had a special joy as we watched this amazing wedding unfold and were very privileged as we are at all weddings, to be able to be a part of capturing the memories that will endure for a lifetime.
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These two had so much love between them that it made your heart ache!
The carriage ride was nice and long, 1.5 hrs and we went to several stops, us on our bicycles, them in a beautiful Vis-a vis carriage from Gough LIvery - getting fun photos as they enjoyed the romantic ride and scenery.
Back to the Inn at Stonecliffe, the wedding party and family/friends had a cocktail hour on the verandah where lots of candid photos of friends, nieces, nephews, parents were taken and of course lovely wedding details.
Keeli and Phillip were great dancers, Keeli surprised us all when the music started and she began moving as she just lit up the dance floor with her vibrance and her beautiful form! Philip the consummate husband, son, and friend was special to watch as he was so happy and in love with Keeli.
Another wonderful time with a wonderful couple and their family. That's what I love about Mackinac Island Weddings!
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Having the freedom to do this again, without the pressure of 10 years before, made for lots of smiles, laughter and beautiful photos.
Grand Hotel supplied the amazing honeymoon suite, and the colorful Geranium Bar was the setting of their reception. The beautiful flowers were designed by Grand Hotel's Margaret's Garden.
A private carriage from Mackinac Island Carriage Tours picked up the bride, groom and family from Grand Hotel. It was a great time as I rode my bicycle, hailing the carriage to stop at several unique and beautiful locations for photos, as we made our way to the church. The August weather was perfect...not too warm and certainly not too cool.
A simple ceremony at Ste Anne's Church united the couple in a Catholic Ceremony, having not been able to do this 10 years prior, everyone was exuberant as they knew that the nuptials were done right this time.
Grand Hotel's "bus" arrived to take them all back to the Grand, and this carriage is rarely used for weddings, I quickly took out several lens to capture this interesting carriage with the family smiling in delight.
Back to the Grand Hotel, cake and champagne toasts to the couple and the family, and a delightful dinner in the main dining room and a dip in the Terrace Room ended our time together.
Weddings on Mackinac are so unique...sometimes it is the perfect place to do it all again, in the style you have dreamed of!
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We love weddings like these! (Well, we love all weddings.) However, this is when being a family photographer, an engagement photograher and of course a wedding photographer all get wrapped into one big package. You are photographing "True Love", the joy of a blended family, and the beginning of two lives joined into one - the details, emotional moments and the excitement. Being a Mackinac Island Wedding Photographer, A Mackinac Family Photographer and a Mackinac Engagement Photographer....all this comes naturally. We love every minute of the day and are happy to be able to capture this very special time in a families journey.
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To arrange the wedding, they contacted Carole Erbel of For the Love of Mackinac to arrange their carriage, minister and of course their favorite photographer, Island Photo. The temperatures for the mid June wedding were perfect - 72 and sunny and the entire day was a dream come true.
Sunset Rock, operated by the Mackinac Island State Park was the chosen site for Susan and Randy of Grosse Pte Woods. They met me in front of the Inn at Stonecliffe and we met with their minister Marie Steensma. Marie did a fantastic job as always. Afterward I signed the important papers as an official witness of their wedding, we walked in the woods, the apple orchard and along the front of the Inn for photographs.
Susan and Randy ended up enjoying cocktails on the lawn at Stonecliffe and an intimate dinner for 2 at Woods Restaurant, operated by Grand Hotel.
It was a beautiful early June day, the 6th of June - Warm, Sunny and full of LOVE!
Each of these senior photographs are special to me. Having shared this photo experience with them makes me enjoy looking back on these days and look forward to those coming up this summer and fall. Choosing to come to Mackinac Island whether it be a day trip or an extended vacation will give you memories and photos of this time in your life that will last a lifetime.
This is Emily Modd who I have knows for years and have enjoyed watching her style and her zeal for life! We had a great time taking photos at the Inn at Stonecliffe and also along the shoreline and the woods.
Emily's parents are Chris and Amy Modd who are business owners on Mackinac. Emily brought her puppy along for the photo and we enjoyed including him into several of the photos, having a good time at the beach and making lots of memories.
This is Madison Rock from Battlecreek, Michigan. Madison and her mother drove up that day from Battlecreek and I think they might have driven home that evening. We took photos downtown and in front of Windermere Hotel, with their famous fence and flower baskets providing a place to pose with Main Street Mackinac in the background.
This is Cecilia Murray who grew up on the Island and graduated from Petoskey High School. Cecilia is stylish, fun loving and has a strong love for people and God that I treasure. She is going to be a fashion designer one day and is headed to my Alma Mater of Kent State University, which has a strong program in fashion design and some great bars!
This is Mary Koboski and every time I think of Mary I think of the movie "There's Something About Mary" with Cameron Diaz! Mary has this inner glow that makes you smile and radiated in all of her photos. We spent some time at the shoreline during the "golden hour" and also moved about to some of her favorite places on Mackinac Island. Mary graduated from Petoskey High this year and is sure to go so far in whatever direction she chooses. It has been a pleasure and my blessing to watch her grow up during summers on Mackinac Island.
This is Christian Styburski who graduated from Mackinac Island Public School. He is a leader and a dedicated friend and son to his family and his community. Christian was easy going and we captured most of his photos in the woods and at Great Turtle Park in the center of Mackinac Island. Fall can be a really good season for photos on Mackinac and Christian's were taken in mid October. Christian's family goes to our church and we have seen him grow into a very fine young man and know that God's plans for him are going to take him very far.
Alex Lynch is from La Grange, Illinois. He is a great runner and spends most of his summers training for cross country. Alex was best photographed on the move! More relaxed walking that sitting down, we moved around a lot, taking this photo on the shoreline on the southwest side of the Island.
This is Mary Rosa Clark who is from Garden City, Michigan. She and her mother wanted to take photos at the Metivier Inn and also along the shoreline at Windermere Point. We had a beautiful day and Mary's sweet nature was shining through in each of her photographs, a lovely young lady who will brighten anyplace she goes.
This is The Jack Seebohm, another Petoskey High graduate and son of Lauren Radecki and Steve Seebohm. It was a pleasure to photograph Jack and an experience that I will treasure as Jack maked us laugh with his impersonations and clowning around. I love letting someone like Jack just do his thing instead of trying to make him do ours! We know Jack is going to be a world changer and we mean that in the most complementary way!
Last but not least! This is Talon Greenlee. Talon loves sailing and is a graduate of Mackinac Island Public School. His parents are teachers and we have watched Talon grow up into a handsome young man! Talon is super smart and will be competitive in any field that requires knowledge and expertise. We met at the Mackinac Island Marina for photos and also at Marquette Park. Mackinac has a diverse amount of scenery is a very small area, always allowing for variety in images that offer diversity and selection.
All of our senior photo sessions include us taking a lot of photos in different settings on the Island. Sometimes, we can get everything we need in an hour, and in some situations a couple of hours are needed. Jeff does all of the digital editing to the photos, and usually does additional retouching to those images that are "selected' by the graduate for prints, yearbook and/or photo books.
Contact us by email to secure a time for a senior portrait session. If you reference this blog post we'll give you a free 8 x 10 with your session!
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Gathering family, friends and a lot of beautiful nieces and nephews, the weather on the Island couldn't have been nicer. Sunshine and clear skies greeted the many guests who came from all over, many from the Lansing area as were Lisa and Ryan.
A horse drawn carriage from Gough Carriages took the happy couple to the boardwalk, West Bluff, the marina and down Main Street Mackinac Island. Photographer Kate Dupre of Island Photo, followed on her bicycle, keeping up with the enthusiastic horses, all fresh from a winter of good hay and plenty of rest! A reception dinner was held at the famous Pink Pony at the Chippewa Hotel, and photographs continued as Kate was able to take some photos in the famous bar that Lisa and Ryan will treasure forever
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The carriage ride to the bluff and the boardwalks created some amazing photos as both Jeff and I are hustling and making sure we are working together at different angles, lenses and styles.
The beautiful Island House Hotel was the destination for the reception for Marie & Scott. Music again by the Davis trio, and gorgeous flowers and bouquets by Webers Floral & Gift. They were the perfect accessory to the reception and of course to the wedding cake too, created by Bella e Dolce. With the cake cut and toasts given, it was time to enjoy some heavy hors d'oeuvres with a Mexican theme, while guests mingled about enjoying laughs and each others company.
To top off the fun, guests got casual and moved down Main Street to the Arnold Dock, where they boarded the Isle Royal Queen, the newest member of the fleet for Arnold Mackinac Island Ferry, offering an intimate cruise for this crew of 25.
Dancing, drinks, and a lot of photos of the Mighty Mackinac Bridge were the highlights of this festive gathering. Warm temperatures, and a beautiful sunset were a treat no one will ever forget.
Congratulations to Marie, Scott and to your beautiful family. We enjoyed you day and will remember it always.
]]>When Katie and Josh came together it was like something exponential. Yes they were very attractive individually, but together..wow! And Jeff and I were able to work together photographing this supernatural event which means our talent is exponentially replicated as well. ha, ha...... Here are some of the results! Congratulations and our wishes for an amazing life, full of supernatural blessing and beauty. We can't wait to watch your future unfold and look forward to you returning to your Mackinac Island home soon.
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"I just wanted to drop you a quick email to thank you for everything you did for us a couple weekends ago. You went above and beyond to make our wedding day very special and we appreciate it so much. From taking extra time with us to capturing such joyful, loving moments, your work was better than I ever dreamed. Thank you."
Thank-you too Marie. You are a beautiful person and we loved your wedding day style!
I take very seriously the responsibility for making this time one that is enjoyable for all, however most of all, it captures the family in such a way that this significant milestone forever treasured in quality photographs. I love the challenge to bring out the very best, the goodness in every family I have the pleasure of photographing.
Our sitting fee for a portrait session is $200 as we try to keep our family portrait prices low, to encourage a family of any budget to take the time and the money to hire a professional and have a great family photograph done right.
Traveling from Texas, Anna was interested in having something very special for her senior year. Some of her friends were going to Greece for their photos. Mackinac Island would have tough competition but as always, Mackinac Island wins. Especially with beautiful Anna!
So when Dana and Joe called to say they were coming up to the Island and bringing their kids I got very excited. Having photographed their wedding in 2008, it was my pleasure to spend a few hours together, combing the beach, laughing by the shoreline, playing in the flower gardens, and just having fun with their growing family.
If your life is as busy as Joe and Dana's life, capturing vacation time in photographs is very important. We love the end result of our relaxed photo sessions - Beautiful photos of a vacation story never forgotten.
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That is why when Trish and Matt contacted us in February and asked what we thought about October 10, we said "YES!". They wanted something very special, and Grand Hotel is always a good choice for weddings, any season, but I love a fall ceremony in the Tea Garden because it is protected from the wind, and it is usually a few degrees warmer as it is bathed in beautiful sunshine.
A carriage ride through the woods in the vis-a-vis carriage with Grand Hotel driver Ben Mosely is always a treat. Ben knows horses and how to run them fast - so we get a good workout following along on our BICYCLE taking amazing photos of our beautiful Island.
Thanks you Trish & Matt and your family for such an opportunity to be your photographers and capture this special time in your lives. May you always be blessed with the grace and favor that you received on your wedding day!
Falling in Love with Fall weddings!
Falling in Love with Fall weddings!
Falling in Love with Fall weddings!
Falling in Love with Fall weddings!
Falling in Love with Fall weddings!
Falling in Love with Fall weddings!
Falling in Love with Fall weddings!
Falling in Love with Fall weddings!
Falling in Love with Fall weddings!
Falling in Love with Fall weddings!
Falling in Love with Fall weddings!
Falling in Love with Fall weddings!
Falling in Love with Fall weddings!
Falling in Love with Fall weddings!
Falling in Love with Fall weddings!
Falling in Love with Fall weddings!
Falling in Love with Fall weddings!
Falling in Love with Fall weddings!
Falling in Love with Fall weddings!
Falling in Love with Fall weddings!
Falling in Love with Fall weddings!
Falling in Love with Fall weddings!
Little did we know, that the electric power on Mackinac Island would go out just before the wedding, with a generator supplying the needed electric to put the finishing touches on Taylor's hair! Power not returning until several hours later, no one missed a beat, especially the service and servers at the Chippewa Hotel. Perfect weather, a happy-go-lucky attitude and professional wedding vendors, all mixed it up to make as Derrick said "better than we even imagined!"
All that and so much more for Katie and Dan, their families and their chic, smart and fun wedding party who partied it up at the famous Pink Pony Patio at the Chippewa Hotel. Nautically themed in dark blue and white, this wedding was one of the most amazing of the season.
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Mackinac Island Carriage Tours provided two carriages to take the bridal party for photos on the beach, bluffs and the woods and lots of fun group candids before arriving the Island House Hotel for the dinner reception.
Lots of flowers from St Ignace Greenhouse, complemented the beautiful decor of the newly decorated 1852 Grille Room at Island House Hotel. Numerous heartfelt toasts and great music made for a fun evening never forgotten.
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Might Mackinac bridge
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Mission Point Resort Beach
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My own father is gone, but I will never forget that moment and my memories are preserved by photos that were taken. Trends come and go but making sure that moments like these are beautifully documented never goes out of style!
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