Shoot + Share Photography Contest: It's Time to Take A Risk!

I would scroll through hundreds and hundreds of amazing wedding, engagement, and lifestyle images from photographers who were killing it and they inspired me to aim higher, but back in 2013 I also felt like I had nothing to offer. I was just starting out with my first camera and some of these people who entered into the contest had been photographing couples in dreamy, wanderlust type locations for years . . . How could my images possible stand aside their's and compete in a contest? I was afraid to be judged, like most of us are, and so I decided not to enter. . .

Why You Should Consider An Unplugged Wedding Ceremony

I get it, you like to take pictures. As a wedding photographer and someone who makes a living taking photographs, I can totally relate to wanting to take photos all. the. time! In the digital age we live in, having the ability to take photos of our daily lives is easier and more accessible than ever before. Smart phones have (sadly) replaced polaroid cameras and they've even replaced small digital cameras that were used exclusively ten years ago. . . The thing we need to ask ourselves more often, however, is that even though I can to take a photo, should I take a photo?

Weddings, AdviceCourtney CarolynMarch 23, 2017March 2017, Unplugged Wedding, Cell phone picture, Candid PhotosComment

The Most Important Reason to Invest in a Wedding Album

When you wedding day is done, the cake has been eaten, the thank you notes sent, and the dress hung, you are left as newlyweds with your wedding photographs - and that's it! After sending the digital images, I always encourage my couples to think about how they'd like to preserve those images. These images will be your first family heirloom. A reminder that it all started with your love!

As most of you know, I am wedding photographer and small business boss-lady by day, and I'm a Champion of Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit and vintage market hunter by night, but I wanted to share a personal story of why physical prints and albums are very near and dear to my heart, and why I believe all couples should invest in an album. . .

Elegant and Rustic Winter Wedding Inspiration

I love an elegant, romantic wedding, don’t you? Today, I'm sharing some inspiration for brides planning an elegant and rustic winter wedding! I feel like some brides steer clear of rustic weddings all together because it can seem like it's as all burlap instead of black tie, but that's simply not the case at all! . . .

Throwback Thursday, Travel Addition: Oia, Santorini

Wanderlust hearts . . . This one's for you!

I wanted to feature something a little different on the blog today; travel! I have some serious wanderlust right now for warm breezes, hot sand, and the big blue ocean because I keep seeing my photographer friends jet off to Hawaii and Jamaica . . . So jealous! But I thought about how blessed I am to have traveled as much as I have and since it's Thursday, I thought it only fitting to look back on one of my favorite travel destinations of all time; Oia, Santorini in the Greek Islands!

My Favorite New Venues of 2016

I believe your wedding should be a true reflection of your unique love story, and I think my 2016 weddings were so unique and amazing because every detail my couples thought of was personal to them! One cool thing about the state of Michigan is that there is virtually every landscape you could ever want as a backdrop for your wedding; urban cities, historic mansions, wide open countryside, picturesque vineyards, secluded lakes, evergreen forests, snow covered hills, vibrant fall colors, and hometown churches. . . .

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