Over the summer we got to meet Christie, the owner of Outstanding Weddings and Events, who is the bridal consultant for one of our June 2009 weddings.  (Speaking of which, June 2009 is filling up FAST!)  Christie’s brother Craig was married earlier this year in beautiful Presque Isle, MI.  It wasn’t until we were actually at the reception and I was thumbing through their wedding album that I realized that – Presque Isle is a tiny town in northern Michigan near Alpena, and somewhere I visited in the summers as a kid.  No one has heard of it.  It remains one of my favorite places on earth because it is unbelievably gorgeous.  In fact I can’t believe I haven’t made the point to visit since I’ve moved back from Florida.  I was so excited that Christie and her family knew the area – and they were excited that I knew the right the way to pronounce “Presque Isle”.  (I’m not telling, you’ll have to visit if you want to figure it out!) 

The family decided to have a reception back home and we were honored to be asked to photograph it.  So here we go.  First, how cute are Craig and his beautiful wife Erika?

The reception took place at Oakhurst Country Club in Clarkston, MI.  It was our first time shooting there and it was lovely.  Christie did an excellent job of arranging an elegant party – everything was gorgeous, from the place settings to the food, as you can see here.

The reception started outside, and it was a beautiful evening and the trees surrounding Oakhurst made for a picturesque backdrop.  We were excited to see musicians setting up – we got some great photos of the band throughout the evening, but this is one of my favorites.  I loved this guy, I mean, how could you not?

Erika’s flowers were gorgeous:

So I have a confession.  The whole night Craig had been just a little too proper, you know what I mean?  I think maybe having two photographers in his face all night was a little much for the poor guy.  He was a tough subject to shoot candids of.  So when it was time for the cake cutting, I approaced his daughter and whispered into her ear “Get some frosting on your dad”.  She responded with a mischevious grin and I knew we were in business.

The kids all got these cool stars that lit up and changed colors.  I wanted one!

We were told not to expect much dancing……that turned out to be completely NOT true!   They tore it up!  This photo of Christie & Craig’s parents is one of my faves.  I took several more conventional ones, but his hand and the saxophones in the background just do it for me.  Love it!

The requisite artsy staircase shot:

Erika surprised us by asking for a picture…..of EVERYONE.  Yay, an excuse to pull out our lights!    Of course the outtake is my favorite:

Christie is the one on the far left who’s giggling – her husband is behind her with his hands raised.  She told us she’s not photogentic – are you kidding me?  Christie, you’re beautiful, you are nuts!

Thanks again to Christie for recommending us, and thank you to Erika & Craig for having us document your reception.  We had a great time!

No related posts.