Detroit: The City That Only Occasionally Naps?

This past weekend we were downtown Detroit for some meetings and an engagement shoot.

And on this particular weekend, Detroit had a certain spirit and soul that was very similar to New Orleans when I was there a few years ago. I think it was a combination things, including a large convention, the summer kick-off of 4th Fridays by Ford and the Tigers were in town for a weekend series against St. Louis. Oh yeah, the weather was PERFECT!

So, if New York City is the city that never sleeps, I observed a Downtown Detroit that seems to only occasionally nap. Both day and night, the streets and sidewalks were filled.

Congratulations to Dave & Keisha on their engagement. The sitting was beautiful. This was our first time meeting them, and we look forward to photographing their Mackinac Island wedding later this summer.

Wow you two look great! What an awesome contrast this engagement shoot is compared to the Victorian pageantry of what will be a beautiful Mackinac Island wedding!

The weekend was not all business. We had time to enjoy a little of what Downtown Detroit has to offer. Wish we had more time!

A visit to Detroit is not complete without a stop in Greektown. The country's second best deep-dish stuffed pizza is here, at Pizza Papalis. The best is obviously in Chicago -- at Giordano's.

There was a day when you entered a Hard Rock Cafe hungry and left hungry and broke. The more modern history of Hard Rock has changed -- very satisfying portions. But you still leave broke. (Yeah, I'm such a tourist, I just had to buy a couple of martini glasses and a couple t-shirts!)

Summer kicked-off with the 4th Friday by Ford series. Pictured here is the new Woodward Fountain and the stage in the background. A great blues band was on stage, but I never found out who they are.

Did I mention the Tigers were in town for a weekend series with the Cardinals? Great game! This is a two-run homer by Marcus Thames in the 9th inning, sending the game to extra innings and a 10th inning 7-6 victory. GO TIGERS!

After the Tiger game, Fireworks!

A random engagement sitting

There are occasions when a Bride and Groom hire us for their wedding without first meeting us. Those occasions are because they are out of state, or at least across state. For instance, one California couple we did not meet until the day before their wedding in Holland. A Washington DC couple came to Grand Rapids for their engagement sitting while planning their Mackinac Island wedding.

It is our philosophy to know the couple as much as we possibly can before their Big Day. This is why we include engagement sittings with all packages.

One such couple we met for the first time this week for their engagement sitting is Dennis and Lisa. The irony, they live here in Grand Rapids!

We had a wonderful time getting to know them during their sitting.

Lisa is the sales manager of banquets & catering at the Crowne Plaza and it stands to reason that she knows what she wants. And she wants Picture Michigan for her wedding. An endorsement like this from somebody that coordinates weddings every day at work is something we simply have to share! :)


Perhaps you are planning your wedding and looking for a reception site right now. We enjoy shooting at the Crowne Plaza. The staff is a pleasure to work with and they've got some the best rooms in the city! So drop by the Crowne Plaza and pay Lisa a visit -- and tell her congratulations!

Disclaimer: Absolutely no considerations or discounts were given for our mutual endorsements.

An intimate celebration for Dale & Kelly!

Phew ... what a hot day for Dale and Kelly's wedding on Saturday! We did get some interesting photo's with the bride attached to the fan, but we'll save those for Dale! ;)

The bling!

Dale and Kelly are big "Buffy" fans...

Cutting the cake in-style

"What have I gotten myself into?"

You may now kiss the bride.

Good throw Kelly! The girls put up a fight for the bouquet!

Congratulations you guys! Have a great honeymoon!

- Lu

Lake Michigan Beach Wedding

A big congratulations to Jesse and Jeanne. We had great weather for the wedding on Saturday! Awesome ceremony on the beach! Awesome that I got to shoot barefoot! :) Family and guests enjoyed an breath-taking view, a wonderful quartet and then the exchange of vows on a warm, sandy beach in Muskegon.





After the ceremony the couple spent some time alone along Lake Michigan. This allowed for some wonderfully photojournalistic and unique shots before heading off to the reception.





We had a great time and enjoyed meeting your family and friends and being part of your day!

Jesse and Jeanne met at Michigan State University. So ... it seemed practical that we do their engagement shoot in the place which they met and fell in love. Jon and I met them at State for their engagement shoot last month as they braved the wind, cold and rain. We were able to get special access to Spartan Stadium for some of the shots!





We're glad you had a warm, sunny day for your wedding!

- Lu

Byron Township Little League

Picture Michigan sponsored two little league teams this year. Our first year for this. At the end of the year, some of the sponsors do something special for the children. Like the roller rink invites them in for free ice cream. Or the sub shop gives out coupons for a free six inch sub. Or the quick oil change place gives out free oil and lube coupons for the kids. Okay, I'm just kidding about the latter.

Tonight is the last game of the season for one of the teams. Lu and I have been pouring over ideas, and the obvious choice was to present a framable photo of something for the team. We considered baseball cards of themselves, a montage, a simple shot of them posing. But all of these are already available through the league's contract photographer.

As a high-end photographer, we decided on something truly unique. Tonight we will be presenting for each child an 8x10 print of them in action -- resembling a fine-art gallery print. It is a beautiful collection and we're very proud of them.

We'll be doing the same for the girl's team we're sponsoring. So if you're one of the girls on the Picture Michigan team, you shouldn't be reading this yet. It'll ruin the surprise!

Festival

If you are unfamiliar with the annual Grand Rapids tradition called Festival you are truly missing on a segment of life that tantalizes all the sensory palates. The sights. The sounds. The aroma. Officially, it's called the Festival of the Arts. The notable disciplines of art are those on stage -- the performing arts -- and those for the tummy -- the yummy arts!

Having the weekend off meant enjoying time with family. Saturday was a bon voyage party for my father, as he embarks to Alaska for a few months with a motorhome motorcade. Sunday was to enjoy Festival.

I left my camera home Saturday (it deserved a rest too). But brought it downtown for Festival yesterday; along with two teen daughters and a preteen daughter. A wonderful daddy-daughter-daughter-daughter day!

Oh oh, a chef with a camera. I suppose it's safer than me with a meat cleaver!

There was a comedy improv team at one of the stages. Somehow I was dragged on stage. It would appear that my stage comedy debut was warmly accepted (if not gratuitously accepted).

The stages of Festival have hosted such unknown bands as Verve Pipe and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Of course they're no longer unknown. These guys, Broken Sunday, have the potential to follow in their footsteps. They are incredible!

- Jon