Lil' Slice o' Heaven: Mackinac, Island

The day after Megan & Jeff's wedding, Emir and I headed up north to a magical little place I've wanted to explore since I first learned of its existence during my Wisconsin college days. It's a quiet throw back from the good ol' days otherwise known as: Mackinac Island (pronounced 'Mackinaw.') If you've never been there, you should really consider adding it to your family 'go-to' list. It's a small island off of the coast of Michigan surrounded by the ginormous water body, Lake Michigan. Roughly 3 miles long, what the island lacks in size it more than makes up for in charm, peace & quiet. There are no cars allowed on the island, so tourists and residents alike (there are roughly 400 lucky people who live there year-round) ride bikes everywhere (or... travel by horse-drawn carriage!). The weather is perfect in the summer (maybe 65-70 degrees, little/no humidity) and if you have a sweet tooth, you're a stone's throw from a fudge shop almost anywhere you go. To put it simply, it is truly a little slice of heaven. We were happy to lose track of time and enjoy the simple life for the few days we were there. Here are some of my fave pics from our 2 day visit.

Fun details from our room and other inside gems from the Harbour View Inn B&B. The house had a fantastic wrap around porch where we enjoyed watching the endless parade of visitors on bikes while we caught up on our reading.

Naturally, we rented bikes as well.  Of the numerous bike rental shops on the island, we happened to pick Mackinac Wheels, which we're told is the only shop owned by full-time islanders. They were incredibly helpful and hooked us up with two mountain bikes for the morning. We highly recommend them if you go!

After our regular P90x workout (yes, we took Tony Horton with us! We're almost finished with phase 1, and we 'brought it,' literally!), we set out to ride the entire circumference of the island (not as impressive as it sounds.... remember the island is only about 3mi long/wide.... but.... it was still a great workout and an even better excuse to enjoy some more of the island fudge later!) Here, Emir caught me enjoying the island sun along the coast...

Darling light houses.... what more to say? :)

Why does Emir always look so darn gorgeous? Even while on vacation, he's just beautiful 100% of the time. With zero effort. Totally unfair. :) But....  I never get tired of this view..... ;)

More bike riding.....

I suppose this shot could've been taken about anywhere..... but.... I was into the patterns of the structure and the flare of the sun. Sometimes, that's all it takes. :)

We veered off of Main Street (though not far.... there's literally not much else.....) and found this darling historic building. Interestingly, several of the historic buildings seemed to be 'guarded' by these darling little Boy Scout kiddos..... He obliged my photo interest with a smile.

One of our favorite things to do when enjoying a care-free vacation day somewhere, is to visit a little local market and get some goodies for an outdoor picnic. We usually go for something along the lines of cheese, grapes, french bread and some wine.... but at Doud's, we went with pasta salad made fresh that morning, tuna wraps, yogurt.... and.... apple chips. We ate in the park down the street.

While we were enjoying our lunch, we spotted Kevin riding by on what's known as an Ordinary Bike, High Wheeler or a Penny-Farthing. I was just telling Emir the day before about how much I love the lines of such bikes.... and here was Kevin.... driving one down Main Street... IN COSTUME no less! We watched as people stopped him every few yards to ask about his bike. I thought he was there as part of the island hospitality (like a hired street performer or some such thing...) but it turns out that he came from the Boston area with his wife to enjoy the island and meet up with other Penny-Farthing enthusiasts. He was kind enough to indulge my photo obsession with his bike while filling us in on the group he belongs to called the Wheelmen. Thanks Kevin! (Surprise for you coming in the mail in the next 2 weeks!)

We passed more time sitting on the docks, watching the sail boats.... eating fudge, and plotting our next big adventures. The day wore on and eventually.... day turned into night. But, things are far from over just because the sun goes down.... The island even boasts a colorful nightlife! Would you believe this little tiny place has 18 bars!? We popped in to check out a few... but mostly just enjoyed people watching and the view to be had on Main Street.

A great family vacation spot, we're already plotting a return with our future kiddos! (not that there's any news on that front yet.... but someday!)

Down the Aisle: Katie + Ty

Today was HOT.  Katie & Ty deserve super extra mega bonus points because they braved the heat all in the name of great photos. :) They did it with their chins up and smiles on their faces to boot! Playing catch up after being gone for a week is taking it's toll.... so time is of the essence! I'm just sharing one quick sneaky-peeky here.... but I LOVE this image! Not only was it HOT, but it was BLUSTERY too... and Katie's veil was all over the place. And she took it all in stride. Here, it whips across her face, held in place by her mega-watt smile. :) Way to rock it sista'!

Lucky Me! Featured Again!

Color me flattered... again! My photographs of Annette & Brandon's destination wedding in Grenada was recently featured in two parts: The Ceremony (Part I) and the Day After Shoot (Part II). Thanks Lucky Me!

Down the Aisle: Jeff + Megan {Destination Wedding - Gun Lake, Michigan}

He was a Chicago-land boy. She, a Pennsylvania cutie. They first met in Denver... back in the summer of '97 when fate bought them together as part of Up With People's Cast B.  Since then, their adventurous love story has taken them around the globe and back more than a few times. Jeff is currently stationed in Alaska as a lieutenant with NOAA. Megan is wrapping up loose ends in the D.C. area and the two will start the next chapter of their adventure together in Seattle. Twelve years (and countless jet-setting miles) after Up With People first brought them together, friends and family joined them in celebration as they tied the knot at the Bay Point Inn on Michigan's Gun Lake. Megan was especially excited about her darling blue heels, which made a small dent in the height difference between she and Jeff. (He's a solid 12+ inches taller than Miss Megan, which is just another reason they're so absolutely adorable together!)

Throughout the day you could often hear Megan exclaim with a squeal of excitement and a hint of surprise, "I'm getting married today!"

One of Megan's bestest friends in the whole wide world is Becky.  Also a fellow member of Up With People's Cast B 1997, Becky was there to witness the beginning of what would eventually bring everyone together on this day in Gun Lake. Becky and her husband Tom are just mere days away from the arrival of their new baby and though they couldn't be with Jeff and Megan in person, they were definitely with them spirit. As a special gift, they had this ring made and sent it to Megan. = GORGEOUS!

Just some general gorgeousness....

Megan's dress was as sweet and charming as she is.

These handkerchiefs have been carried by various women in Jeff's family as they walk down the aisle on their wedding day. The tradition is that you write your name and wedding date on a card and put it in the envelope, passing the handkerchief on to the next bride in the family. The original message dates back to 1932. As Megan is now part of the Shoup family, this was her turn. How fun to look back at their names on a card years from now and remember this moment.... too cool.

Sensitive souls as they are.... Megan, her sister and her mom were moved to tears multiple times throughout the day. Here, I caught her mom the moment she saw a special tag and a pair of rings that had been sewn into Megan's dress.

Moments later it was all smiles as Megan slipped it on.....

The wedding was filled with special surprises and unique touches.... including not one, two, or even three flowergirls. But SIX. (There are only five pictured because the littlest one, Ella, was taking full advantage of nap time.)

Down the road at the Wilderness Pines cottages, the boys were getting ready.

Jeff's mom gave an enthusiastic thumbs up to Jeff's unique plan for arriving at the ceremony (keep reading!).

Yes folks. Jeff arrived to the wedding ceremony ON WATER SKIS.

Here, he blazes past me with a camera of his own (complete with under-water housing).  Look at him rock it out on skis with one hand!

He actually pulled a total James Bond move and wore his tuxedo under a 'dry suit.' When he climbed out of the water, he peeled off the suit, adjusted his sleeves and cuff links, tied his shoes and was ready to roll!

So smooth Jeff. Look out James Bond!

The love of Megan & Jeff's life is their dog, Greta. Greta made her grand entrance by boat as well, and with some help from a few of the flower girls, it was a smooth arrival. :)

The invitations said the ceremony would start at "4-ish." And so... it did. :)

A day that started out rainy (good luck!) turned into a glorious sunny afternoon and proved to be picture perfect!

I love that you can *see* Megan's personality in this image. :) She is so happy to be a bride and to be forever joined with her heart, aka: Jeff. Extra awesome bonus? Jeff's sister Heather was the officiant for the ceremony! I'm tellin' ya, these two had it m.a.d.e!

Unarguably, one of the greatest things about Up With People is all the incredible people you meet. In total, there were seven 'Uppies' from our cast at the wedding (including our friend 'Wurts') and I enjoyed watching the ways that everyone contributed to Megan & Jeff's day using their own special talents and gifts. At one point towards the beginning of the ceremony, it became evident that there was a small issue with the microphone cutting in and out. I thought to myself, 'Where's Wurts? He could fix that!' About two seconds later, he was behind the sound mixer working his magic, and that was the end of the sound problem! ('Wurts' works in production in the LA area and has enjoyed a successful career doing all kinds of fun projects, including having been part of the Academy Awards and other such events for the past 7+ years. The guy really knows his stuff and it shows!) Here, after solving the sound board crisis, Wurts seeks refuge from behind a video camera....

What destination wedding blog post would be complete without a photo of my sweet thing? Emir was rockin' the dock during the ceremony....

As part of the wedding reading, Megan's sister Gina read the Hands of the Bride & Groom. Not sure if there was a dry eye in the house!

Yay! The moment that has been 12 years in the making!

After the ceremony it was onto the boat for a quick trip across the lake for some photos at Jeff's family's summer cottage. I love this image of Jeff commanding the boat with such skill and confidence. He's obviously right at home in the water, behind the wheel!

When we got back to shore, Emir was on deck and caught this gem of an image of Jeff's Dad.... you can see where Jeff gets his James Bond-style moves... :)

When we got back from the boating jaunt, we snagged a few more images before heading to the reception. This is another gem from Emir's cam. He was rockin' it big time!  :)

On to the reception! (side note: that cake was the. best. cake. EVER. For. real! Like a chocolate ho-ho!)

Megan's mom was so funny.... she was especially fond of Emir and repeatedly teased me that I had better be careful or she may steal him away! (He's mine! ) But I hope she enjoys this photo..... :)

Megan & Jeff danced to "Lucky" by Jason Mraz and I coulodn't help but think about how perfect that song is for them. The two of them are so incredibly lucky. Lucky to have found each other. Lucky to have such wonderful families and friends who obviously love both of them to itsy, bitsy pieces and lucky to have their whole lives ahead of them.... together. What joy worth celebrating!

I always lose it during the father-daughter dance, and watching Megan with her dad was no exception. Cute. As. Can. Be!

Let's get this party started!

Why don't we see more 'limbos' at weddings? It seems so vintage classic to me! (And it makes for some great photo opps!)

I love shooting stuff like this... (all done in camera.... no photoshop here peeps!)

Congratulations you both of you.... and your wonderful and fantabulous families! I'm honored not only to know you and have shared our UWP experience together, but to have been invited to and trusted with such an important day in your lives. Thank you from the bottomest bottom of my heart! :) Much love to you both!

PS: Comments are always welcomed! Make my day and drop a note! :)

Shoot Shack: Jeff + Megan

The Shoot Shack made its first journey to a destination wedding, and after a small mis-hap, it was ready for action in full swing! Here, the seven of us from Up With People's Cast B97  take a moment to pose for some Shoot Shack action. :)

Two of the guys partly responsible for this occasion: Megan & Jeff's dads. Aren't they adorable?

Jeff's other sister Heidi and her kiddos....

Emir and I were able to get in on some action too! Thanks Wurts!

I *heart* these images of Megan! So darn adorable!

I especially like the spilling drink here.... an extra touch of realism! You totally planned that, didn't you Megan?! Ha!

Down the Aisle: Jim + Kylie

Remember these two and their ultra incredible love shoot session? Today was their big day! This is a super sneak peek as I'm packing gear to head up to Michigan for another shoot.... but I won't be able to sleep tonight if I don't get something up for these two love birds.  Enjoy guys!

Barrel-o-Monkeys

I've never actually experienced a barrel filled with real monkeys.... but I'm pretty sure this crew came close to the real deal! I photographed Shelly's kiddos and extended family the day before Emir and I left for Annette & Brandon's destination wedding in Grenada. What a send-off! Here are Shelly's two little monkeys....

Along with papa and mama monkey....

Here they are again modeling the AT&T reception in the area.... (bars.... ha ha ha!)

The full barrel of cousin monkeys. This shot was about .137 seconds before they all tackled me. The little animals can't scare me! Ha ha!  ;)

Assistant in training:

Some rockin' monkey dance moves:

Way too fun! Great to meet the whole crew. Thanks for your patience while I've been on the road! :)

Down the Aisle: Matt + Jacy

Good ol' Auburn, Nebraska... It was the scene for Matt & Jacy's big day.... and it didn't disappoint! :) Here's a quickie sneak peek!

The limo was late arriving at the church to pick up the wedding party.... but they were such good sports! Here they wait patiently on the curb. :)

Safe travels to St. Lucia! Enjoy the sun and the sand! :)

Down the Aisle: Matthew + Amy

For the mercury to hover around 80 on a day in mid-July, you know something unusual is going on.... something quite special. :) Today was exactly that. Special. Not just because the weather was uh-maaa-zing.... but because these two people (who are clearly meant to be together), made each other a promise that they will spend the rest of their lives making good on. And that, my friends, is certainly something special. As a gift to mark this special and joyous occasion, Amy gave Matt a pocket watch. The coolest!

At the reception, Matt + Amy had their parents' and grandparents' wedding photos on display. I marveled at the refreshing simplicity of those images from an era where photography is barely recognizable compared to what it is today. Sometimes a simple and clean portrait is just what the doctor ordered. Classic. Timeless.  :)

I love the texture of this wooden box on the guest book table....

Interesting view of the ceremony...

Luvin' the short tuxedo outfit!

Onward with the tradition of a quick bar visit....

7-18-09. :) Too bad there's not a '0' ball!

Matt + Amy go together like ketchup and mustard! (with pretzels! Wait... am I alone on this one?)

The wedding party was up to some silliness...

More love bird shots.... :)

Look at all this reception beautification!

First dance at sunset.... how perfect is THAT!? :)

You did it you two! Congratulations and best wishes! :) (PS: Knobbe family.... so fab to see you all again! Big hugs all around!)

The One, the Only... The Denominator

This is Dominic. He belongs to my sister Gina and her husband Roy. He's lovingly referred to as 'The Dominator' by my brother Tony. I don't know if you've seen this sketch on Saturday Night Live about the 'Mom Translator,' but we could've benefited greatly from this gadget as kids. :) My mom often re-invented names (unintentionally) of everyone including my teachers, some friends, and even well-known sayings and expressions. So it didn't come as much surprise to discover that in mom-speak, 'The Dominator' eventually became 'The Denominator,'  as in.... the lower part of a fraction. Too funny!

Gina, Roy & The Denominator live in Eugene, Oregon and are currently here in town for the week. They came over just this morning so I could photograph Dom for the first time. Good times!

Still not too crazy about tummy time.... especially on a stark white surface! Ha! He was a good sport though!

Gina is building quite the collection of little baby leg-warmers. They certainly make diaper changing easier!

Ok.... this photo warrants an explanation. If you're looking carefully (you are, right!?) you notice my sister's hands holding The Denominator upright, right? :) Aren't you wondering where the rest of her is? Ha ha ha! No, I didn't 'photoshop' her out of the photo.... The image is 'as shot.'  The Dom is sitting on a table, and she's holding onto him while squatting underneath. He's not quite big enough to sit up on his own yet (only about 3 months), so I wouldn't normally do a shot like this, but he was so cute... and I won't see him again until Christmas.... so.... it's a shot with a pair of magical 'floating' hands in it. I kinda like it that way.... though. A mother's hands are kind of magical, aren't they? Always there when you need 'em.... magically healing every bump, scratch, and owieee. Makes perfect sense to me! Ha ha ha!

This shoot was also fun because I got to see how a baby photographs in our own home! I shot this on one of the sofas upstairs in our loft. The Dom was quite comfy in his lil' red onsie with matching stripped leg-warmers! Too cute! (Soooo Nebraska, don't you think?)

Love those toes!

Back on the other sofa.... mom and dad were waiting for him!

That's one happy boy! :)