A little over a year ago, I used to follow the blogs of some really fabulously successful “big time” wedding photographers.  (Those of you not as intimately acquainted with the bridal/photography world are probably thinking “Big time wedding photographer?  Are you kidding me?” and while I can certainly understand that sentiment, I promise you they do exist and are sort of celebrities in our field. )  But, I digress.  I would follow these blogs and these people would take FOREVER to post stuff and I just always thought that was a little snotty, as in I am too busy being fabulous to blog recent events.  And now, close to the end of our 2009 season, and having photographed twice as many weddings as last year, I sorta get it.  I don’t know about the fabulous part, because half the time I am so exhausted that I forget to brush my hair, let alone get it cut, but the busy part I get.

And let me just state for the record, that neither myself or Andy is complaining.  We feel so grateful to our couples for giving us the opportunity to do something we love, and it has been a privilege.  But unfortunately the blog often suffers the most from our crowded schedules.  It doesn’t help that I really need a few hours to do a post because deciding which images to use is a long process for me.  I guess the good part is that despite entering the slower part of the year, we still have lots of eye candy to share with our blog readers!

You may remember Amanda & Dave from their rather epic 2-part engagement session post (here and here) on our blog earlier this year.  We visited them in Chicago and had a nice long photo session, so we felt like friends by the time their wedding rolled around.  Amanda & Dave got married at the Pine Knob Mansion in Clarkston, MI this past August.  Gorgeous, gorgeous venue!    But I’m skipping ahead of myself.

How adorable is Amanda? 

Dave cleans up pretty well too. 

Amanda & Dave elected to do a First Look before their wedding.  We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE when couples do this.  It’s a beautiful, emotional moment for each couple and it’s also a wonderful photographic opportunity.  It also allows us to get the formal photographs done early in the day, when everyone is looking fresh, and then later on, it’s straight to the party!

The other great thing about Amanda & Dave seeing each other early?  We got photos outside before the rain started!  All day, the weather had been looking pretty iffy – it was uncertain if the ceremony would take place outdoors as planned.  At the last minute, the decision was made to risk it…..and…it rained!    Amanda & Dave weren’t going to let a little rainfall spoil their day though!  They, and their guests, carried on like troopers and proceeded through the ceremony.  It’s actually really hard to tell in the photos, but it was sprinkling lightly the whole time.  I bring it up only to reassure other brides that a little rain on your wedding day is NOT the end of the world.  We’ve now photographed several weddings under less than ideal weather conditions, and every time, things worked out.

She may or may not have been giggling at her guests who were covering their heads about this time in the ceremony. 

Everyone sprinted for cover as soon as the ceremony ended, all in good spirits, and ready to celebrate!

The Pine Knob Mansion was just completely beautiful.  Definitely one of the nicest venues we have photographed.  The achitectural details are amazing.  The style is considered “English Manor” but it looks more like “Tudor Castle” to me.  Absolutely lovely.  We also have booked a wedding at the nearby Carriage House for next year, and we are excited to go back. 

Finally, I’ll wrap this post up with two ring shots that I loved.  We saw this awesome suit of armor in the hallway, and it seemed like it was just sitting around waiting to play ringbearer.

Seriously, a new favorite.  I mean…it’s a knight!

And finally, we had to get a shot of these lovebirds,  which were on display at Amanda’s mom’s wedding.  I left Andy in charge of the rings while I went to grab a piece of equipment and came back to find that he had perfectly balanced them like this.  This took skills people!

Amanda & Dave, thank you for letting us be a part of your beautiful, rainy, laughter-filled day.  We had so much fun documenting your wedding and we wish you both the very best.   Please let us know if you are ever in town! 

If you want to see more, you can check out their vimeo slideshow here. 

Finally, don’t forget that you can help this couple win a free enlargement by leaving a comment below!   All commenters automatically are entered in a drawing for a $10 gift card as well.    (Read details here.)

Related posts:

1. Chicago Engagement Session: Amanda & Dave | Part 1
2. Chicago Engagement Session: Amanda & Dave | Part 2
3. It’s a Crazy World | Detroit Wedding Photographers