I had a busy but wonderful time in Michigan and can't wait to share some of the images! First I need to give a shout out to Danielle, a friendly 11-year-old that I met traveling by herself on the plane from Charlotte to Detroit. I also want to thank Sandra Reed who was kind enough to share a ride with me in Michigan and Dustin Francis who gave me a ride back to the airport. They're both really great people so anyone planning a wedding in Ohio or Michigan should look them up.

Now for some photos! Of course I shot a LOT of images and choosing favorites is very, very difficult. I plan to edit a few from each location as I have time so check back for more posts later. These first shots were from an afternoon shoot on Lake Michigan. That day, we worked with a couple of amazingly talented models who mastered the art of looking sexy and beautiful even with full sun in their eyes. Caroline even climbed up to the top of the Little Sable Point Lighthouse and stood right by the railing in strong winds. I am SO glad it was her and not me up there.

Judging from my favorites, can you tell that I LOVE veils? This was actually a large piece of fabric, but it looked amazing against the blue sky.










The following photos were taken at a second beach location (Golden Township Park) and include both Caroline and Tiffany.

Happy second wedding anniversary to Lona & Keith who were married in an evening ceremony at the home of Lona's sister in Seymour. For the ceremony, guests were seated around the pool and on the deck. They then enjoyed a dinner buffet and live music on the lawn as the sun set.

From time to time, I'm asked if I went to school for photography. I've always been creative and loved art class in high school, but I, like many great photographers, didn't study photography in college. I considered it, but the classes being offered at that time were still film oriented topics like darkroom technique. If they had offered photoshop classes or digital workflow then it would have made more sense.

Althought I didn't take college classes for it, I wouldn't say that I'm exactly self-taught either. I use all sorts of educational resources (magazines, books, forums, DVDs, tutorials), and in that way I am constantly learning from some of the best photographers around.

This week I will be attending a workshop by Kevin Kramer and David Beckstead (who was named one of the top 10 wedding photographers in the world by Photo Magazine this year). The workshop will cover a growing trend in the wedding industry, fashion photography. I will be watching two amazing photographers work on location and will have my own opportunities to practice what I've learned. When I return home, the fashion style will be another part of my shooting repertoire.

I am leaving tomorrow and will return to work June 25. I don't expect to have access to email while traveling so all calls and emails will be returned next week. I am sorry for the inconvenience.

Yesterday I photographed the wedding of Emily Morse and James LePage in Jefferson City. The ceremony was held at Hebron Presbyterian, a quaint, rural church established in 1875. Afterward, the couple traveled by horse and carriage to the LePage's Mountain Valley Farm where a sit-down dinner was served under a large tent with fantastic, pastoral views.

Moments after being pronounced...

Magnolia Manor in Lenoir City was the venue chosen for the 2005 afternoon wedding of Jiun-Fei Wei and Michael Beeler. Jiun-Fei's father walked her down the garden path to Michael who waited in front of the gazebo. The cake and hordevours were set up inside the mansion, and the guests were seated under an open pavilion outside. Jiun-Fei later tossed her bouquet from the second story balcony.

The next morning, I joined the couple again in Fort Sanders near the University of Tennessee for more couple photos.