When I take a step back and start reflecting back on 2012, it seems it just got better and better. Not just because the details were amazing, the venues were incredible and my second shooters pretty much stole the show. But they got better for all the reasons I love shooting weddings … the love got deeper, the connections more real … and the stories of love, family and strength were a constant thread during this wedding season.
I shot Natalie & Damien’s Love Shoot this past fall in Downtown Northville, and I knew after spending time with them that they were as cool as they come. We talked of their wedding day, and their unique cocktail style reception at The Crofoot in Pontiac. It was so perfect for them, and felt so damn lucky that they chose me to shoot the biggest day of their lives so far. I spent the morning of their wedding in Natalie’s suite along with her incredible makeup artist Russ Simon . Natalie looked stunning as she was surrounded by her best girls. There were some private moments that took place that morning in her suite as she read aloud words of comfort from Damien. Their wedding took place at First United Methodist Church in Downtown Birmingham, with a first look and shots in between also downtown. Their day was full of energy, connectedness and more importantly, love.
A few kind words from Damien & Natalie:
When we began the search for our wedding photographer we were looking for many, if not all of the following qualities: artistic vision, great sense of style, professionalism, open-minded, flexibility, a person that was passionate about shooting, and most importantly Great Photographs! We met with quite a lot of photographers many of which had a few characteristics that we were looking for, but still, after searching and searching, we just couldn’t seem to connect with any of the potential photographers, so our search stalled…
After talking with our friends Jeff and Meghan (who also have incredible wedding photos courtesy of Mishelle), they mentioned that we should look into Mishelle Lamarand…our immediate reaction was, WE WISH!!! Unbeknownst to me, Natalie informs me that she’s scheduled a meeting with Mishelle!!!
From the moment we met Mishelle to discuss our wedding we were so impressed with how prepared, organized, and professional she was. She even knew the time the sun would set on the day so which was a huge help in setting our wedding time to allot how much time we would have for outdoor pictures pre and post ceremony!
However, the memory that sticks out most is the pure enthusiasm and HUGE smile that she had during our entire meeting about the prospect of shooting our wedding and love shoot.
We found our photographer!!!
Love Shoot: (Blogged on Sept.12) Unbelievable and Unique… In the interest of time, Mishelle expedited the editing on all of the digital prints and sent on a flash drive, so we’d have photos to display at our wedding. We loved ALL of the photos and could’ve picked any, we decided on 3 and were asked several times at the wedding what magazine those were from? We’re not models by any stretch of the imagination, Mishelle is just that good!
Big Day: With all the craziness, unexpected things, emotions that the bride and groom experience often times, we forget to take in and enjoy the big day! Mishelle is an excellent organizer and overall event manager. She timed everything perfectly and was able to handle our large bridal party in such an efficient and calming manner. One thing about her is that, she has an easy going personality, but commands attention when needed. Another really cool thing that Mishelle did was worked so well with the Videographers from Zara Creative. Often times they would give each other input and cool ideas, it was like they were all part of the same team!
Mishelle, you added a special touch to our 2012…It was an honor having you as our photographer and am so excited for all of the lucky people that get to work with you in the future!!!”
Natalie & Damien: I am humbled by your words. To say thank you for choosing me sounds coined and swift, but I truly mean thank you from the bottom of my heart for trusting me with such a huge life event for both you and your families. Natalie … you’re one lucky woman to have found a man who cares for you so deeply. You’re beautiful. Sweet. Kind, and you have such a loving heart. Damien … you are everything a mother could wish for her daughter. To marry someone who will be there by her side through the most difficult moments in her life is invaluable. I admire you both in countless ways. And more importantly, I am so fortunate to call you friends.
One of my favorite weddings of 2012 … here’s a look:
I was lucky enough to be working with quite the team that day with Meg of Meg Darket Photography by my side as my second and Heather, Jason and the crew from the amazing Zara Creative. Their work os so fabulous, and their energy is contagious. This is the second wedding I’ve shot with them this year alone and I hope to shoot many more.
Here’s closer look at Natalie & Damien’s wedding trailer by Zara Creative. Clients, if you are still looking for a team that will capture your day flawlessly, please give them a call to see if they’re available for your date.
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