Mr. & Mrs. Napela - Livonia/Plymouth Wedding - April 1, 2017

It’s always a really cool experience when you meet two people before they’re a couple.  I met Sarah over 20 years ago (crazy, right?!), when we were in middle school.  This was long before I ever thought about being a wedding photographer, but crazy to think I actually shot someone’s wedding that I met in my early teens.  We both met Nick about the same time, almost 3 years ago, when the 3 of us stood up in our friends Nicki and Bryan’s wedding.  Since Nick and Sarah were really the only single people in the wedding party, they were razzed by everyone to go on a date.  Little did we know that in just over 2 years from that night that we’d all be getting back together to celebrate their wedding!

Sarah and Nick were married at St. Aidan’s Catholic Church in Livonia by Reverend Kevin Thomas.  The ceremony included a traditional Catholic mass, including communication and prayer before the Virgin Mary.  Because the wedding ceremony & mass took place earlier in the day, we had plenty of time to head to downtown Detroit for photographs with their bridal party in their party bus.  Sarah pretty much gave me free reign to choose where to go for photos, as long as we would capture the essence of the city her and Nick both love.  

April 1 was the first nice day we’ve had in the Metro Detroit area since Spring began, so the downtown Detroit area was really hoppin!  All the people around the different stops we made added to the excitement of the day.  We were able to squeeze in stops at The Illuminated Mural, The Detroit Institute of Arts, The Renaissance Center and Detroit Riverwalk, and even took the party to new heights by going to the top of The Z parking garage, which offered incredible sights of the Detroit city skyline.  

By the time we were done gallivanting around town, we were ready to party!  Sarah & Nick chose the Meeting House Grand Ballroom in Plymouth to hold their reception.  Even though they looked at about a handful of reception venues, Meeting House was the first and they couldn’t stop thinking about it… and no wonder they decided on it; the hospitality was outstanding!  It’s been a family run business for the last 50 years and Todd and Tracy really made everyone feel right at home.  Also, the food was amazeballs!; it was some of the best wedding food I have ever had!

From the moment we walked into the reception, you could feel the love of Sarah & Nick’s family and friends.  We enjoyed toasts by Nick’s best man, Charlie, and Sarah’s bridesmaid/cousin, Martha, as well as a prayer before digging into dinner.  The dance floor was rarely empty, as everyone brought their dancing shoes. Sarah’s 93-year old grandmother even joined Sarah’s brother Scott on the dance floor, creating a super sweet memory for their family.  Everyone danced the night away, all the way to the last song.  Keeping with tradition of all of our friend’s weddings, and honoring the nights we used to party together in Canada, Sarah selected American Pie by Don McLean for the last song.  Everyone got up off of their feet and joined the bride and groom in one huge circle to dance and say farewell to the wonderful day we spent celebrating together.  

Congratulations to the newlyweds, Nick and Sarah Napela!  Enjoy your honeymoon in Hawaii (and don’t be afraid to bring back some of that fabulous weather to your friends back in Michigan!)

Also, a real special thank you to Sarah Gough for shooting with me for the day!  The story of Nick & Sarah's wedding would not have been complete without your help! 

The Deets:
Church: St. Aidan’s Catholic Church, Livonia, MI
Reception:  Meeting House Grand Ballroom, Plymouth, MI
Bride’s Wedding Gown & Bridemaid’s Dresses: The Dress Shop, Howell, MI
Shoes: David’s Bridal
Groom & Groomsmen’s Tuxedos: Men’s Warehouse
Flowers: Celebration Flowers & Gifts, Canton
DJ: Mike Staff Productions
Transportation: A List Limo
Cake:  Holiday Market
Invitations: Vista Print
 

The Jams:
Bridesmaid’s Processional:  Canon in D
Bride’s Processional: Trumpet Voluntary
Recessional:  Rondeau Mouret
Bridal Party Reception Entrance:  Lose Yourself (Instrumental)
Bride & Groom Reception Entrance:  Hustlin’
First Dance:  You’re The Inspiration, Chicago
Father/Bride Dance:  The Way You Look Tonight, Frank Sinatra
Last Song of the Night:  American Pie, Don McLean

Must-Have Monday - February 2017

Once a month, I am going to feature 3 of my “Must-Have” beauty related products for that month in a blog post.  My hope is that you’ll find the content informational, fun, and possibly turn you on to try something new that you haven’t pulled the trigger on yet.  I’d also love to hear about some of your favorite products; there are so many great products out there, both drugstore and higher end brands!

So let’s jump right in with my top 3 favorite products of February 2017!

Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick, $24

Smash box Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick in (from left to right) Baja Bound, Big Spender, & Bawse

Buy it here: http://bit.ly/2biuQxA

Ok... so normally I don’t splurge on a lip products, for many reasons:  

1. I always lose them.

2. I never get through a whole tube without losing them, or before they expire (yes… your beauty products DO expire).

3. I tend to gravitate towards the same colors ALL. THE. TIME. and I end up with a drawer filled with the same shades.  

I’ve tried MANY liquid lipsticks since they hit the market strong over the last few years, both higher end and drugstore brands, but I never found a formula that I really liked, let alone LOVED.  Some had longer staying power, but left my lips chapped and uncomfortable; others were comfortable to wear, but transferred off my lips too easily. I kept hearing great reviews about Smashbox’s Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick released in 2016 so I decided to give it a shot.  

I absolutely love this product… so much that I’ve actually purchased 3 different shades (Bawse, Baja Bound, and Big Spender).  Liquid lipsticks can be tricky, especially when they’re this pigmented and come with this type of staying power.  It comes with a precision tip applicator which helps you obtain clean lines on your lips during application.  The formula of this product does not feather so an additional lip liner is not needed to obtain flawless application.  You do need to take your time when applying this product because once it’s on your lips & sets, it can be challenging to clean up any messy edges; this isn’t one you’d want to apply without a mirror.  I am able to eat and drink with this liquid lipstick, and I am always amazed at how well it stays on my lips.  With prolonged wear, my lips do start to feel dry, but this is one of the most comfortable liquid lipsticks I’ve worn.  My favorite shade of the 3 I have is Bawse, which is a deep red (and bonus: it has a hint of blue in it which helps make your teeth appear more white!). With 20 shades to choose from, there is really something for everyone.

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Pond’s 30-Count Wet Cleansing Towelettes Original Fresh, $4.66

Pond's 30-Count Wet Cleansing Towelettes in Original Fresh

Buy it here: http://bit.ly/2lfV0ZY

When your goal is budge-proof makeup to get you through the day, you need something tough, yet gentle on your skin, to remove it at the end of the day.  These cleansing towelettes by Pond’s do the trick.  The one-time use cloths are textured, giving you some extra power to remove makeup, but is gentle enough that it does not irritate my skin.  Unlike many other towelettes I’ve tried over the years, these do not leave a film on my face. My face feels fresh and clean, even before I use my cleanser.  Even my waterproof mascara and eyeliner remove pretty easily when I use these (if I happen to be wearing A LOT of eye makeup, I may use an additional liquid makeup remover to help, but for my everyday makeup, these take care of it all).  After removing my makeup, I follow up with my regular facial cleanser. By the time I get to using my toner, there are literally no traces of makeup left.  It’s a great combination!  

Here’s a pro tip to making the most out of your package: cut the cloths in half.  I find the cloths to be on the large size and I really don’t need that much to get all of my normal everyday makeup off.  A package of 30 that should only last about a month now lasts for 2, making my money stretch a bit further.  

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Too Faced Born This Way Foundation, $39

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation in Natural Beige

Buy it here: http://bit.ly/2m1YKQn

Ever since I’ve been wearing makeup, foundation has been a key part of my regimen.  I’ve always wanted something that gives me a decent amount of coverage, specifically to cover sun spots and scarring I have on my face from electrolysis treatments to permanently remove unwanted facial hair (I’m of mediterranean descent, what can I say? We’ll do anything to get rid of it!).  For my everyday makeup routine, having a product that offers great coverage without a bunch of color correcting or concealing from additional products is ideal.

From the first time I used this product, I was impressed.  This oil-free foundation, which is infused with coconut water, blends effortlessly into my skin, leaving a near flawless finish.  It covers most of my sun spots and scarring after the first pass; however, the product is buildable so that I can apply more product for better coverage in the areas I really need it. I touch my face entirely too much throughout the day, but even with that, I get a lot of wear time out of this foundation.  I also LOVE that this product comes with a pump, which helps keep the product inside of the bottle free from bacteria.  It is currently available in 18 shades, ranging from fair to deep skin tones, with a variety of undertones for the perfect match.  

Be sure to tune in next month when I chat about 3 different products I have been loving!  In the meantime, what products do you love? I’d love to hear about them!

xoxo,
Angela

Mr. & Mrs. Coleman | Walled Lake Wedding

I met Charlie and Mallory in the Fall of 2015 shortly after they became engaged.  Instantly, I knew two things:

1. Mallory was a woman who knew exactly what she wanted; she had this wedding & all it’s gorgeous details planned out in her head.

2. Charlie has a sensitive side to him that most people do not see every day.

Fast forward to their wedding day on June 25, 2016, my first impressions were spot on!

Charlie and Mallory were married on a beautiful Saturday afternoon at the Walled Lake Church of Christ.  While they were dating, Charlie asked Mallory on the best date ever to check out this church.  Instantly, they fell in love and knew this is where they belonged.  They felt completely at home here; they even became baptized together a few months later.  Their relationship with God holds a very special place within their hearts.  They believe He is the foundation which they have built their relationship, and now their marriage, on.  Their church community made them feel so welcomed & loved that they even invited the entire congregation to witness them exchange vows in His house.  

Their reception was held at one of their groomsman’s home on Wolverine Lake.  The setting was perfect for vision Charlie and Mallory had for their wedding.  Mallory’s favorite flower since she was a little girl is the sunflower & was the foundation of all the details included in their lakeside wedding celebration.  Everything from the burlap wrapped mason jar vases that held sunflowers & baby’s breath, to the wood dessert stands, to the do-it-yourself rustic finishes, their reception was exactly how I pictured it would be.  They even had Charlie’s all time favorite BBQ restaurant, Dickey’s BBQ Pit, cater their reception.  

The evening was filled with tons of laughter and dancing, which took place on a huge barge out on the lake.  How many times have you had the opportunity to party on a barge on a lake??  There was so much love surrounding Charlie and Mallory as they celebrated their wedding day that no one wanted to leave!  I am incredibly honored to have documented their perfect wedding day; it was amazing!  

Check out some more details of their wedding, as well as a sneak peek at their wedding photographs!

The Deets:
Church: Walled Lake Church of Christ, Walled Lake, MI
Reception: Private residence, Wolverine Lake, MI
Bride’s & Bridesmaid’s Dresses: David’s Bridal
Groom & Groomsmen Tuxedos: Men’s Warehouse
Hair and Makeup: Zealand Spa Salon, Commerce, MI
Bouquets & Boutonnieres:  DIY by the bride
Cupcakes:  Groom’s sister, Christina
DJ: Tracy Bierkamp

The Jams:
Bridesmaid’s Processional: Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Bride’s Processional: All My Life (instrumental), KC & JoJo
Recessional: I Do, Colbie Caillat
Bridal Party Reception Entrance: Rock Party Anthem, LMFAO
Bride & Groom Reception Entrance: I Think I Wanna Marry You, Bruno Mars
First Dance: All My Life, KC & JoJo
Father/Daughter Dance: My Little Girl, Tim McGraw
Mother/Son Dance: My Wish, Rascal Flatts

Outside of the Church of Christ in Walled Lake, Michigan

Silhouette shot of the bride's beautiful wedding gown from David's Bridal

Detail shot of the bride's engagement ring & the groom's wedding ring on the bride's gorgeous DIY bouquet.  

Mallory tying a corsage she made herself on her mother's wrist before the ceremony

Beautiful moment between Mallory and her Matron of Honor, Jennifer, as her bridesmaids help her get into her wedding gown

Mallory putting the final touches on her bridal look before the ceremony

Tearful first look between Mallory and her two sons.

The boys were so excited to see their beautiful mom!

Mallory's father stealing a glimpse of his daughter as he leads her down the aisle to her groom

Charlie's emotional first look at his bride was nothing short of amazing

Charlie teases Mallory that she can never keep a story short... so Mallory made sure to write her vows on a lengthy scroll of notes.

As a sign of unity of Mallory & Charlie with her two sons, they each poured a different color sand into a jar to represent their new family. 

Emotional exchanging of rings

A final prayer before God, the foundation of their relationship

You may kiss the bride! 

Awesome DIY shipping pallet sign at the reception

Personalized beer koozies served as wedding favors for guests

Beautiful sunflowers & baby's breath in mason jars wrapped in burlap were the focal point of the guest's tables.

Amazingly colorful & delicious cupcakes for dessert, made with love by the groom's sisternI

A modern guest book for all their guests to sign

It's not every day you get a escort to your reception on the water by the Wolverine Lake Police Department! 

Charlie & Mallory sharing a cupcake... before he tried to smear it all over her face!

Beautiful bridesmaids Lucy, Lisa, and Matron of Honor, Jennifer, with the bride. 

A quick capture of Charlie and Mallory during their Matron of Honor's speech

Speech by Best Man & brother of the groom, Chad

The newlyweds grinning ear-to-ear during their first dance

Mallory dancing with her father

Charlie & his mother, happy as can be, during their dance

Paying tribute to Charlie's favorite BBQ restaurants, Dickey's BBQ.  PS- It was AMAZING! 

Mallory sneaking a kiss while dancing with her son

Mallory's sons & Lucy's son acting silly during the reception 

The flower girl dancing with her father

I grabbed Mallory's sons for a little surprise photograph for their mom!

Mallory and Charlie lighting a floating lantern with the Anniversary dance winners, Therese & Dave

Exiting their wedding reception in style, surrounded by the ones they love & sparklers! 

Welcome Baby Cadence | Whitelake, MI Newborn Session

About a month ago, I had the opportunity to hang out with sweet baby Cadence Jane for her first official photography session.  Her parents, Chad & Janemarie are no stranger to my camera, as I’ve had the opportunity to capture a number of milestone events of their life together over the last couple of years.  So, it was only fitting that it was time for Cadence’s debut!

Coming up with her name wasn’t an easy task for Chad & Janemarie.  When they first found out they were expecting, they quickly developed a love for the name Caden.  After finding out their baby was a girl, they started tossing around girl names, but never could agree on the same one, even though they knew they wanted her name to begin with the letter C.  Once they came across the name Cadence in a baby book, they were hooked.  Cadence’s middle name, Jane, was a no brainer.  Since Janemarie was a little girl, she knew she would give her daughter the same name, after her grandmother, she was named after.  Her grandmother was the sweetest person and everyone who was fortunate enough to know her knew how caring, generous, and how full of life she was.  Even though baby Cadence never had the opportunity to know her great grandmother, her spirit will live on through her name.  

Baby Cadence is the perfect combination of both Chad & Janemarie, and doesn’t really favor one more of than the other.  Her eyes and lips seem to resemble Janemarie, while her overall face and shape look similar to Chad’s baby pictures. She definitely inherited her momma’s long toes though!  In fact, it was one of the first things Chad noticed about their daughter when she was born, and even calls them her “finger toes”!

No matter how many parenting books you read, there are always unexpected things that first time parents experience.  For Chad, he’s surprised by how much sleep they are actually getting.  They’ve been very fortunate with baby Cadence, as she is already sleeping well through the night.  For Jane, she is most surprised by the immediate bond they have developed with their daughter.  Even though the connection between mother and daughter started longer before they ever laid eyes on her, to see and feel the connection since her birth has been unreal.  Cadence recognizes her parents voices, and lights up with a smile and “happy eyes” when her daddy comes home from work.  Even after a long day of taking care of her, Janemarie is comforted by the love and life they have given her.  Although that might not be unexpected, the feeling is much more amazing than she ever expected.   

Here’s a little glimpse at life with sweet baby Cadence Jane!  I have gotten to know her parents, as well as rest of her wonderful family over the last couple of years.  She is surrounded by so much love in her life, and even though she doesn’t realize it yet, she’s one of the luckiest little girls in the world.