tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72645147693000959152024-02-02T17:09:06.098-05:00[bg] photography studios: blog* ~ West Michigan Lifestyle Photographerbrenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-60058920196092326152012-06-30T15:30:00.000-04:002012-06-30T15:30:41.214-04:00"We're movin' on up!"I never imagined watching <em>The Jeffersons</em> late at night on TvLand would ever influence my business, but as I sit here thinking of title related to moving, it takes all I can to not bust out with "We're movin' on up! To the East Side! To a deeeeeluxe apartment in the sk<em>yyyy</em>!" (To be completely honest, Internet, I did break out in song much to my husband's dismay.)<br />
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And while we - as a family - may not be physically moving, my <a href="http://bg--photography.blogspot.com/">blog</a> is! If you've bookmarked, favorited (pleeease let me not be the only one who did this), or are following my RSS feed, you're going to have to do a little extra work because my sweet, sweet blog's new address is...*drumrooooll*<br />
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<strong>http://bgphotographystudios.com/blog/</strong><br />
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As I said <a href="http://bgphotographystudios.com/blog/?p=131">before</a>, I've been a Blogger girl all my life, so I'm still working out WordPress kinks and playing with the amazing designs that ProPhoto has to offer (plus I can get rid of that nasty Blogger URL :: eww.)<br />
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But for now, this is home. Home sweet home. And its already filled with things I love: weddings, curly fonts, vintage frames, burlap textures...ah, I am getting comfy cozy already.<br />
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A huge thank you to my special tech support team: Ben from ProPhoto and Adam (my husband who wears many hats: second-shooter, graphic designer, drummer, teacher, and coordinator)! You two take the cake!<br />
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And since no blog post is complete without a photo, here's Adam wearing another one of his hats<em> </em>during our wedding days: <em>"I take the dresses and make sure they're flowing in the wind pretty." </em>My brides, this is dedication. And just one more reason why I love him so much.<br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=BehindTheScenesADAM.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/BehindTheScenesADAM.jpg" /></a>brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-37425115175978786842012-06-26T23:56:00.000-04:002012-06-27T00:04:23.489-04:00A little here+there amidst changes on the horizon.<i>Anne of Green Gables</i> is playing in the background (rather, my writing is taking a backseat to this film adaption of the books that have taken over my nightstand), and my mind is whirring in a thousand different directions. Life hasn't seemed to calm down from the end of May, but I'm making conscious efforts to enjoy the small things here and there. <br />
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<u>|| a little mix-up from my normal weekly post (and just a day late) ||</u><br />
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Belly rubs and cuddles (row one, picture one).<br />
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Early Morning Commutes with my husband (row two, picture one).<br />
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Annual Garage sales with all sorts of family :: babies, mamas, grandmamas (row one, picture three; row two, picture three; row three, picture one).<br />
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Staycations on a non-wedding weekend <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(what even IS that?!)</span> filled with big breakfasts, movie nights, long walks, and antiquing (row three, pictures two-four; row four, picture three). <br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=June4Week.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/June4Week.jpg" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*(Instagram is a free app for iPhones (and now Androids!) that features various filters that are easy-to-use and make posting to Twitter, Facebook, and my blog (with the help of a personally-made Photoshop template), easy-peasy! You can follow me @brennigan)</span><br />
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This week is filled to the brim with activities (personal and business) -- all perfectly wonderful -- and I'm trying to keep my tank on full. One of the biggest announcements is that my dear blog has finally made it to the big times :: <a href="http://www.prophotoblogs.com/" target="_blank">ProPhoto</a>! I've been a Blogspot girl for four years, and the transition is hard in the making after perfecting my baby for so long. But I am busily making things ready (as is Adam too -- wearing his "graphic design" hat for the week) and making it <i>mine</i> for the big reveal later this week! <br />
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Have a wonderful week, my friends! See you on the other side! ;)brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-64295858563602324772012-06-23T20:07:00.002-04:002012-06-23T20:10:07.541-04:00Steph :: Country Lovin' + Evening Sun<div style="text-align: center;">
I've known Steph since I was in high-school. Three academic years separated us, but I'm so thankful she bucked up the courage to pursue a friendship with me. And I was even happier when she decided to attend GVSU where we could develop that friendship into something rich and true. Age gaps are funny like that -- they don't matter nearly so much once you've reached a certain age, and Steph and I's history mirror each other well enough to make us kindred spirits. </div>
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She's currently spending her summer in California with urban city youth :: teaching, reaching out to the poor, and pouring out her beautiful heart into her passions. We were lucky enough to sneak in a day to see each other before she left, and she graciously let me take her into the country fields surrounding my childhood home to test out my new camera with the evening sun (that popped out just in time)!</div>
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Her heart is as beautiful as her face...and let me tell you, she is gorgeous! </div>
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Thank you, Steph, for being brave and following your dreams...despite whatever fears you faced to get there. You're an inspiration to others - specifically me - and I'm continually thinking and praying for you as you impact those on the west coast. But I must say, I can't wait until you're back home! :) Love you, friend!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(you can follow her story and adventures at her own <b><a href="http://thislifeisasymphony.blogspot.com/p/california-summer-2012.html" target="_blank">blog</a></b>!)</i></span></div>brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-32473634882883563962012-06-19T23:47:00.000-04:002012-06-20T00:24:30.788-04:00"Why not go out on a limb?"I'm peacefully write this week's personal post snuggled in our warm bed (freshly laundered sheets <i>with</i> extra powder, might I add) -- a cat at my feet and my husband at my side. The drier is still spinning another load (number seven of the day) and Pandora's "A Fine Frenzy" plus my iPhone's thunderstorm sound app add a soothing ambience to my favorite room of the house. Maybe its the string the of twinkle lights Adam's hung above our headboard or the fact that I can still turn on our heated mattress pad for mid-day naps. It could quite possibly be the stack of books I have on my nightstand (<i>Anne of the Island</i> being my current night-time read). Or maybe its that everything's found its place here -- in its own nook and cranny -- and so have I.<br />
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STARS OF THE SHOW: <br />
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Distance does make the heart grow fonder.<i> For humans, this rings true for Adam and I. Whenever we were separated for a period of time, the first time we saw each other...I can only explain as butterflies. Sweet, fluttering butterflies. This must've been something we've passed on to our furry family because -- as you can see below -- they've wanted a lot of cuddle time. Together. On their own. On the couch. Heck, they'll even settle for a lap while Adam plays video games (row four, picture four). And my personal favorite (uh-huhhh)...kneading my face and pillow simultaneously at 7AM (row three, picture two). Because who doesn't like that kind of wake-up call?!</i><br />
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POINTS OF INTEREST: <br />
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<i>Anyone here on the west side of the state knows how to spend an afternoon in the latest 90+ degree weather: in the air conditioning. Any <b>photographer</b> can empathize shooting an outdoor wedding in said weather. I've never packed a wedding bag so specifically as to include travel deodorant (row four, picture two), but, </i>hallelujah<i>, I'm thankful (I'm sure Adam is too) I did! </i><br />
Tracie and Nathan's wedding day was perfect. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">In hindsight, the rainstorm 3/4 of the way through the ceremony and the hail that followed might've put a damper on the party, but I tell you what -- I never stopped praying for sunshine, and God delivered plenty of it throughout the day<i>. </i></span>I don't want to ruin anything for their upcoming blog feature, but as I was looking through Adam's First Look pictures (row four, picture three), my eyes welled up with tears and I was enthralled with her beauty, their love, Adam's talent, and the love for my job. I am so lucky. <br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=June3Week.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/June3Week.jpg" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*(Instagram is a free app for iPhones (and now Androids!) that features various filters that are easy-to-use and make posting to Twitter, Facebook, and my blog (with the help of a personally-made Photoshop template), easy-peasy! You can follow me @brennigan)</span><br />
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I'm heading back home tomorrow for my parents' annual garage sale. We have over five families worth of goodies to sell, and I've got an English grandma who will be needing me to take over the register when she has her afternoon tea. :) I'm hoping to post a little country portrait love later this week, but until then, I leave you with the words of my friend Mark Twain...<br />
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<i><b>"Why not go out on a limb? That's where the fruit is."</b></i><br />
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Simple truths. Take your step.brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-25515870136435537562012-06-18T12:00:00.000-04:002012-06-18T12:04:12.771-04:00Tracie + Nathan :: Wedding Sneak Peek!<div style="text-align: center;">
If ever a wedding represented Pure Michigan, <a href="http://bg--photography.blogspot.com/2012/02/kalamazoo-engagement-tracie-nathan_29.html" target="_blank">Tracie and Nathan</a>'s day would have taken the cake (<i>wedding</i> cake, that is)! A sunny day with sporadic rain storms and even hail, but nothing could diminish the love we witnessed between these two this past Saturday. We adored every aspect of your wedding, but we especially swoon over the both of you! Here's a sneak peek from your day!</div>
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=Facebook1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/Facebook1-1.jpg" /></a>brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-86110632284726855902012-06-14T18:03:00.002-04:002012-06-15T15:54:07.138-04:00Eric + Tara :: Grand Volute Wedding<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">For the introduction to me getting acquainted with Tara and Eric and <a href="http://emilyraephotography.com/" target="_blank">Emily Rae</a>, please check out the <a href="http://bg--photography.blogspot.com/2012/05/tara-eric-wedding-sneak-peek.html" target="_blank">sneak preview post</a>! </span><br />
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Tara and Eric were married at the <a href="http://www.grandvolute.com/" target="_blank">Grand Volute Ballrooms</a> in Lowell, Michigan, on May 19, 2012. The sun was streaming through the doors and windows of the Grand Volute illuminating the beautiful staircase where they were about pledge their love to each other in front of family and friends. They complement each other so well and love with a quiet assurance. And their bridal party? Supportive, yes...and <i>lively</i>! We had a fabulous time!<br />
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Getting ready...with laughter and mimosas. Perfect combination!</div>
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Vera Wang. <i>*sigh*</i></div>
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Tara was in fabulous hands with a bridal party who took their duties seriously.</div>
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<i>Beautiful</i> bride.</div>
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One of the prettiest and most unique bouquets I've seen!</div>
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Her unique ring fit her bouquet and dress perfectly. I was in love!</div>
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After a beautiful walk down the staircase...</div>
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Eric makes her <i>beam</i> with love!</div>
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Mr. and Mrs.!</div>
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And one more Hollywood kiss for the crowd!</div>
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Emily and I snuck away to a local park with the bride and groom for a few informal portraits :: a time to giggle, romance, and love on each other as newly married husband and wife.</div>
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Oh, sweet, sweet love...</div>
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Tara and Eric had an outdoor welcome to their reception featuring bubbles...</div>
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Grand Volute Ballroom. Need I say more? They are timeless and fit Tara and Eric's black and white theme perfectly.</div>
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And they had an indoor upbeat introduction as well! <i>We're here to get this party started!</i></div>
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Many toasts by dear friends and relatives that brought both laughter and happy tears.</div>
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Thankful for this unique angle while they cut their cake.</div>
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Clinking glasses for kisses? Too cliche for Eric and Tara ;) -- their guests had to earn their kisses! With SONG!</div>
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I'm a daddy's girl, and I love beautiful moments like this during the Father/Daughter dance.</div>
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Girlfriends. Fabulous.</div>
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I wish you two the best of a lifetime! Your wedding day was beautiful, and I hope your marriage is even more so! </div>brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-3777917067374752202012-06-11T17:01:00.001-04:002012-06-11T17:07:43.986-04:00Perfect brides, saying "I do" to Pinterest, and rocking the photobooths.We've comfortably settled back into our routine after being <a href="http://www.bg--photography.blogspot.com/2012/06/dropping-ball-geriatric-cats-and-little.html">absent from home</a> for the past week and a half. Ever reach the end of a week and can't remember what even happened? I know I was busy last week with meeting <a href="http://bg--photography.blogspot.com/2012/02/kalamazoo-engagement-tracie-nathan_29.html" target="_blank">this weekend's bride</a> and making trips back home to feed the kitties and traveling across state to meet <a href="http://www.kellehampton.com/" target="_blank">Kelly Hampton</a> -- but besides those few bits & pieces, where did the time go? I'm putting my money that it went to the place of lost socks, hair-ties, and bobby pins.<br />
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<i>A huge hootin' and hollerin' *thankyou* to my sweet husband for working hours on installing all my photo software on my laptop and researching equipment for the Mark II this past week (row one, picture three). </i><br />
My dear friend and I spent an afternoon together at the pool (albeit, not <i>in</i> it : notice how she'd snuggled under a towel?) talking and laughing and eating delicious Oreos. Tommy-cat heard us giggling all the way from his hide-out in the woods and had to join in on the fun (row two, picture three). <br />
<i>There are a select few women in my life whom I look up to :: each for their own separate reasons. Kelle Hampton is one of the most inspirational women I've ever met (row three, picture three). I've read her blog for two years and her book brought me to tears. Could she honestly be as wonderful in real life as her blog makes her out to be? ABSOLUTELY. She's genuine and down-to-earth and I'm so thankful to have met her. *and thank you to Adam for driving the three hours there and three hours back ~ I love you!*</i><br />
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<i>I've been looking forward to Tracie & Nathan's wedding ever since our consultation last winter. When we met this past week, she handed me one of her invitations (OH.MY.GOSH :: in love!)(row two, picture two) and we talked details for Saturday. The two of us have always clicked, and this weekend sounds like sheer perfection. Golf greens, sunny and warm, a first look, and our own golf cart! I can't wait!</i><br />
There's no denying my love of Pinterest. You can frequently find me pinning Style and For the Home projects. I love to pin. And then I realize I have a bajillion pins (spent by <i>hours</i> clicking "repin") and none of the projects done. It was time for me to commit. Thank the Lord for best friends like Karra that drag my butt to Hobby Lobby and get us going on these fancy bracelets (row two, picture four). It actually turned out pretty cute and useful for girls with small wrists like myself. ;)<br />
<i>I love a good photobooth session. On the iMac, in the mall, AT WEDDINGS (row four, picture four). Saturday, I had the pleasure of working with <a href="http://emilyraephotography.com/" target="_blank">Emily Rae</a> again, and even though I was missing my real photobooth partner, I handed her prop after prop and she obliged my requests for photostrips. Thanks, girl! </i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*(Instagram is a free app for iPhones (and now Androids!) that features various filters that are easy-to-use and make posting to Twitter, Facebook, and my blog (with the help of a personally-made Photoshop template), easy-peasy! You can follow me @brennigan)</span><br />
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I've completely rocked my inbox's world this morning (not to mention pumping out behind the scenes work :: expense spreadsheets & packaging materials), and I'm feeling optimistic about this week on the blogging world. A little wedding action, a little portraiture, and a helluva lot of underlying excitement for this weekend's wedding!brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-15900789611788564212012-06-05T12:00:00.003-04:002012-06-05T12:01:39.477-04:00Dropping the ball, geriatric cats, and a little camera *magic*I completely dropped the ball on yesterday's weekly update, and I blame my parents' (<i>used-to-be-mine</i>) geriatric cat. Its weird for my old house not to be my home anymore: I miss my bed, having all my work stuff handy in all the right places, knowing exactly where the dishes are, and <i>most importantly</i>, I miss being able to sleep through the night without the geriatric cat howling for me to pick her up onto the bed at least twelve times...before 3AM. <br />
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The couch was mighty comfy around then. <br />
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<i>Memorial Day Weekend (row one, pictures one-three)</i> ||<i> Grandma laughing, my sweet husband and I with a touch of that day's sun. Oh, and a fabulous white, floppy sunhat. Because it ain't summer without a sunhat. </i><br />
Adam's work helped put on one of the largest Girls on the Run 5K in Michigan last Thursday, and THESE GIRLS are the stars of the show (row three, picture one). The day was rainy, cold, <i>muddy</i>. Nothing stopped them. Proud of them AND my husband for working so diligently and helping mesh innovative elements into this annual event.<br />
<i>And a BIG SHOUT-OUT to my brother-in-law, Scott, for graduating high-school this past Sunday (row four, pictures one-two)! We had a weekend filled with graduation parties, plenty of family time, and non-stop plans all around West Michigan. </i><br />
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<i>A wonderful perk of Adam working late hours lately to put on the Girls on the Run 5K was him bringing home around 100 carnations from a dinner event. Four vases later (row two, picture four) and each room in our apartment filled with pinky goodness. *sigh* I'll take it.</i><br />
<a href="http://www.khollystudios.com/index2.php#!/HOME" target="_blank">Kristen Carlson</a> and her husband photographed our wedding, and when they upgraded to the 5D Mark III, they put up their 5D Mark IIs for sale. OF COURSE, I jumped on the opportunity because <i>how freaking awesome</i> would it be to own the camera that photographed my very own wedding? And secretly, yes, I believe it holds some K. Holly magic...and I can't wait until I get to shoot with it at the next wedding!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*(Instagram is a free app for iPhones (and now Androids!) that features various filters that are easy-to-use and make posting to Twitter, Facebook, and my blog (with the help of a personally-made Photoshop template), easy-peasy! You can follow me @brennigan)</span><br />
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This week's agenda? Hoping to blog the entire wedding from <a href="http://bg--photography.blogspot.com/2012/05/tara-eric-wedding-sneak-peek.html" target="_blank">third shooting with Emily Rae</a>, complete some "around-the-house" surprises for my parents when they return, driving across state to meet <a href="http://www.kellehampton.com/" target="_blank">Kelle Hampton</a> (!!!) to get my book signed, and getting ready for second-shooting with <a href="http://www.emilyraephotography.com/" target="_blank">Emily Rae</a> on Saturday with my new 5D Mark II. <br />
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Happy Tuesday! :)brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-87090018901766416092012-05-31T15:22:00.002-04:002012-06-06T15:09:28.857-04:00Danielle + Matt :: Blue Dress Barn Wedding<div style="text-align: center;">
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From the moment Adam and I met with <a href="http://bg--photography.blogspot.com/2012/05/danielle-matt-wedding-sneak-peek.html" target="_blank">Danielle and Matt</a> at the Chocolate Cafe to discuss wedding details, I <i>knew</i> their wedding would be wonderful because we just *clicked* -- they shared our same style, and so echoed our own love story from only a year ago. They have just graduated college, are madly deeply in love, and are ready to set off on this new adventure :: together. </div>
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They held their chic, rustic wedding at <a href="http://www.bluedressbarn.com/" target="_blank">The Blue Dress Barn</a> in Millburg, Michigan. Millcreek is popular for its beautiful rustic grounds and little details here and there. They added sweet touches of their own (think mason jars, hand-made bouquets, simple babies breath) and their day was one to remember.</div>
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It was the perfect evening for an outdoor ceremony...</div>
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I love how Adam captured this beautiful evening light in these next two images.</div>
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She lovingly adored him with these beautiful eyes throughout the entire ceremony. </div>
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During the sand ceremony and the prayer following, Adam took advantage of the overlook that allowed us to capture two different perspectives. </div>
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Adam captured this moment right after walking back down the aisle, and I love it!</div>
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I loved this moment after the ceremony where Danielle's mom and dad admire her beautiful new *I'm-officially-married* accessory.</div>
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Matt's sister is a photographer as well, and she had the immense pleasure of photographing their First Look (*sigh* <i>loove </i>those) and bridal party before the ceremony. </div>
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Right before the new couple were announced at the reception, I snuck Matt and Danielle away for five minutes to capture some portraits of just the two of them (<i>I make zero exaggeration in my time!</i>). And oh my lanta, we took sincere advantage of those few minutes with the gorgeous setting sun and beautiful grounds that Millcreek has to offer.</div>
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Danielle made all the boutonnieres and bouquets :: <i>ahh</i>, I think her and <b>I</b> are soul-mates. :)</div>
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GORGEOUS BLING!</div>
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The almost kiss...<i>romantic</i>.</div>
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Introducing MR. AND MRS. MATTHEW OWENS! :)</div>
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Beautiful toasts by dear friends. </div>
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Last year, Adam and I photographed a wedding that included something completely foreign to me: the dollar dash. Instead of playing multiple slow songs for a traditional dollar dance, the couple plays one crazy fast song and run around crazy grabbing cash for the title of: THE ONE WHO WEARS THE PANTS (or has to do laundry the first year, wash the dishes, whatever your fancy). Since Danielle didn't want to trip and fall on her dress (which did happen at one wedding I've been to!), she and Matt had bridal party teams do their biddings. As soon as the music started, so did the fun...</div>
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This bridal party wasn't afraid to get down and dirty!</div>
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Danielle and Matt had a small traditional cake for the cake cutting and THE.MOST.DELICIOUS cupcakes surrounding on tiers. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The chocolate with fluffy whip icing was fantastic. I might've had two...<i>aaaand </i>one to go!</span></div>
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Enchanting lights and lanterns make for romantic first dances...</div>
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And then...THEY GOT THE PARTY STARTED! Danielle and Matt just graduated from Bethel College and plenty of fun, dance-loving friends attend their wedding. It made for a great evening!</div>
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And while the music was cranked loud and the dance floor was always packed, Danielle and Matt still made time for one last slow dance on the happiest day of their lives...</div>
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You two are wonderful, and your day was absolutely beautiful. Adam and I wish you all the best as you begin this new *crazy, amazing* love adventure!</div>
</div>brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-69967643358732464232012-05-28T22:49:00.000-04:002012-05-29T17:29:06.511-04:00Nerves of steel, Pinterest recipes, and my inner photography nerd..My preface is short for the to-do list is long and a post office trip needs to be prepared. Not only that, but there was that whole "day in the sun, picnicking with a family of thirty-something, and cuddling year and half year old nephews as the first wade in the big pool." So let's get this party started:<br />
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STARS OF THE SHOW: <br />
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<i>Toad and his wide-eyes made their way to the vet this past Wednesday (row two, pictures two and three). We found out that our rescue-baby previously had his toes broken, was in a ear-fight and had his thigh pulled out of socket and not properly healed. AND THEN, they gave him two shots. I just about fainted. Literally. Sick to my stomach, couldn't look at the needles, and had to sat down. (Nerves of steel, this one.) And Toad didn't even make a peep! What am I going to do if I have a child?! </i>They<i> will most likely make more than a peep. </i><br />
Noah (one of my nephews that I frequently watched this past winter and spring) graduated from preschool on Thursday (row three, picture one) and we had an ice-cream outing at the park with the whole family after downtown what we call <i>our</i> quaint little Holland (row three, picture two and row four picture two). <br />
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POINTS OF INTEREST: <br />
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<i>This week was our week of trying new recipes: homemade healthy fish fillets (row one, picture three), round, smashed + baked potatoes (row two, picture four), healthy potato sliced fries *russet + sweet* (row four, picture three). YUM. WOW. Aaaand, PROBABLY on the menu this week too. </i><br />
Remember last week after the battle with the batting cages and <a href="http://www.bg--photography.blogspot.com/2012/05/bald-heads-anne-of-green-gables-and-i.html" target="_blank">I declared the next date night would include a massage</a> (row four, picture one)? I seriously did book it the next the day of said blog post, and afterwards? I realized I need to book more of them more often. Definitely.<br />
<i>I was shopping around for gifts for a special someone, and I honestly couldn't leave without purchasing one myself (okay, okay, Adam bought it for me...but we're married, so "shared" finances, right?). For those of you who aren't consumed with all things photography, its a decal for the computer or iPads that's a dial on a camera (row three, picture four). *sigh* I open and close my laptop frequently just to admire it. No wonder I don't get any work done.</i><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=May4Week.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/May4Week.jpg" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*(Instagram is a free app for iPhones (and now Androids!) that features various filters that are easy-to-use and make posting to Twitter, Facebook, and my blog (with the help of a personally-made Photoshop template), easy-peasy! You can follow me @brennigan)</span><br />
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Tomorrow's all "behind-the-scenes" work :: redesigning my brand, designing packing materials, and editing the final photos from <a href="http://www.bg--photography.blogspot.com/2012/05/danielle-matt-wedding-sneak-peek.html" target="_blank">Danielle and Matt's wedding</a>. Look out for a feature of the adorable couple within the next few days! :) Hope you all had a marvelous weekend!brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-75373235419066779012012-05-22T21:39:00.000-04:002012-05-22T21:39:25.653-04:00Tara + Eric :: Wedding Sneak Peek!I never exactly fit the mold. Why would my business be any different? I didn't take any photography courses except one I created entitled "I Want to Get Married, So I'll Look at Wedding Photographer Blogs." Everything I learned was through photographer blogs, forums, google searches, and first-hand experience. The first four weddings I booked were shot by me and my husband -- without ever seeing one photographed before. <i>What was I thinking?! </i>right?<br />
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At the end of our first year, I wasn't sure if I should continue pursuing a career in wedding photographer. I told Adam that if I didn't book a greater amount of weddings for our second year, I wasn't going to continue a third year. The good Lord must've wanted me to continue with this career path because I exceeded my goal and received inquiries for year three. SO HAPPY!<br />
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This year, I've created a little wiggle-room in our calendar to work with other experienced area photographers to gain more substance for my portfolio, pick up a few technical tips, and garner new professional friendships within the area. <br />
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Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of working with husband/wife team Emily and Darin from <a href="http://www.emilyraephotography.com/#/home/" target="_blank">Emily Rae Photography</a> at the <a href="http://www.grandvolute.com/" target="_blank">Grand Volute Ballrooms</a> in Lowell, Michigan. She shared camera tips, allowed me to use try out their lenses, and let me watch as the duo worked their magic.<br />
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And while I did miss the connection with the clients and being able to pose the parties as I wished when I'm the lead photographer, I definitely enjoyed my day with them and look forward to second-shooting with Emily next month!<br />
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Here's a sneak peek of the lovely Tara! Their day was <i>beautiful</i>...more to come! :)<br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=TaraBlog1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/TaraBlog1.jpg" /></a>brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-35590761878435420372012-05-21T19:25:00.000-04:002012-05-21T19:31:05.388-04:00Anne of Green Gables, rivalry, and I NEED A MASSAGE.Sifting through and editing wedding pictures in the house all afternoon warranted an outing for this fuzzy-minded photographer. I pictured setting up in one of Holland’s quaint coffee shops and pumping out a quick blog post – home in time for dinner (which I picked up in the end, so whenever I arrive would be the “right” time anyway). Who would’ve known the busiest street would be closed, the
wi-fi wouldn’t work (I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">know</i> because
I’ve tried multiple signals, held my laptop over my head, and re-arranged my
work area to the darkest corner of the room), and an M&M cookie would be my
dinner? Downhearted at first, perhaps; but PERSPECTIVE, my friends. No internet distractions, the scenic route on the way home, and chocolate for dinner? A girl's dream come true.<br />
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STARS OF THE SHOW: <br />
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<i>Maybe you’ve noticed the absence of a cute little baldhead in the past few weeks (row one, picture two). Ever since my sister has finished teaching spring courses, I’ve had my Tuesdays free (and in turn my Instagram free) of that baby I love so much. Luckily, he and I were reacquainted this past Tuesday and spent our time together on a mile walk (I evidenced that row one, picture three)– power-pushing a stroller up-hill through grass and all. </i><br />
I think we give our black cat a new name every week. It’s funny to retrace the web of names…to see the slight transformation of each name and the stark difference from start to finish. When we adopted him, he was called Dakota. Right now, we we’re referring to him as DAT GIRTH (after recently measuring him for a kitty harness [which, he’ll have to get a small dog harness instead] …and as evidenced by row two, picture four). Poor fat Toad (another name we have for him). The biggest ones are always babies at heart. At least he still fits on Mama's lap.<br />
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POINTS OF INTEREST: <br />
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<i>I have a stack of books on my nightstand: mostly psychology and religion and a few marriage books. And I was frequently waking up in the middle of the night in panic until I realized, UH, STRESS OUT MUCH? I’ve knocked the aforementioned books off the nightstand (they are happily on the coffee table now) and replaced them with the White Noise application on my phone (row two, picture three) that lulls me into a relaxed state with a thunderstorm every night AND a light read that holds dear to my heart: </i>Anne of Green Gables<i> (row three, picture one). Needless to say, my dreams are much sweeter as of late.</i><br />
Husband/wife rivalry is healthy, right? As Adam so lovingly pointed out on his Instagram that three points is still considered <i>him winning</i>, I lovingly Instagrammed how I was on my way to beating him this time around in Words with Friends (row two, picture two). <br />
<i>I tackled a long to-do list Friday (row three, picture four) in order to spend the entire evening with my husband for an official date night (row four, pictures one through three). We wanted to do something out of the ordinary, so we went to the batting cages (both something we’ve never tried)…fun? yes. but MY LAND, I had no idea what was wrong with me Sunday morning. Aching back, raw fore-arms, and as I’m bemoaning my condition to Adam, he says so obviously, “Its probably from the batting cages, Sweetheart.” YEAH. On our next date night, I’m substituting the batting cages for a massage. I’ve already scheduled the appointment.</i><br />
Last year, I dove head first into my business. I studied blogs like textbooks, researched forums, and shot four weddings (with Adam as my second-shooter) without ever assisting or seeing it done first-hand. This year, while our own schedule is filling up with clients, I made a bit of wiggle-room to second-shoot for experienced area photographers to gain a few tips and add to my portfolio (row four, picture four). More on this though later this week. :)<br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=May3Week.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/May3Week.jpg" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*(Instagram is a free app for iPhones (and now Androids!) that features various filters that are easy-to-use and make posting to Twitter, Facebook, and my blog (with the help of a personally-made Photoshop template), easy-peasy! You can follow me @ bgilsonburnett or on Twitter @brennigan) </span><br />
<br />
Look out for a sneak peek of Saturday's wedding on the blog within the next few days!brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-17480462092053724212012-05-18T13:19:00.002-04:002012-06-05T12:10:39.643-04:002012 Graduates :: Part ThreeThe third and final installment of celebrating the seniors is here! And its Friday (which, ironically, is the last day of school for some of them!)! BOTH are definitely worth celebrating.<br />
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If you'd like a little background, check out <a href="http://bg--photography.blogspot.com/2012/05/2012-graduates-part-one.html" target="_blank">part one</a> of this three-part installment and definitely check out the gorgeous girls featured on <a href="http://bg--photography.blogspot.com/2012/05/2012-graduates-part-two.html" target="_blank">part two</a>.<br />
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<i>"It is so easy to waste our lives: our days, our hours, our minutes. ... It is so easy to exist instead of live." </i><br />
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Go, Graduates! And live <b>GREAT</b> lives!<br />
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--<br />
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Today's blog features a few of my personal favorites shot from my sessions with Sarah and Danielle.<br />
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Sarah, you are gorgeous. Your eyes literally sparkle: with beauty, enthusiasm, and an energy and determination to succeed. I loved our session (...and those shoes!), and I'm so proud to say that we shared time at the same high-school. :)<br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=SarahBlog1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/SarahBlog1.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=SarahBlog2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/SarahBlog2.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=SarahBlog3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/SarahBlog3.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=SarahBlog4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/SarahBlog4.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=SarahBlog5.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/SarahBlog5.jpg" /></a><br />
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Danielle, our session was so much fun! I loved how you planned our locations to fit y-o-u. And you, my dear, are beautiful. I love how you can rock the country AND the city! That just goes to show you that you'll do well with whatever you choose to do in the future. Stay wonderful, girl!<br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=DanielleBlog1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/DanielleBlog1.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=DanielleBlog2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/DanielleBlog2.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=DanielleBlog3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/DanielleBlog3.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=DanielleBlog4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/DanielleBlog4.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=DanielleBlog5.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/DanielleBlog5.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=DanielleBlog6.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/DanielleBlog6.jpg" /></a><br />
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I've got a to-do list THIIIIIIIIS long before my sweet husband gets home and takes me on a date! Now, THAT'S living. ;P<br />
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Happy Weekend, my friends!brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-44625819500852493532012-05-17T00:06:00.001-04:002012-05-17T00:06:24.157-04:00Danielle + Matt :: Wedding Sneak Peek!Last Friday, Adam and I had the <i>great </i>pleasure of kicking off our wedding season by photographing Danielle and Matt's chic rustic wedding at the <a href="http://www.bluedressbarn.com/" target="_blank">Blue Dress Barn</a> in Millburg, Michigan. A photographer's dream come true: details, beautiful light, a couple so obviously in love, and absolutely delicious cupcakes. <br />
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More to come, but for now...<br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=OwensWeddingPreview2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/OwensWeddingPreview2.jpg" /></a>brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-15481181613932217392012-05-14T22:53:00.002-04:002012-05-14T23:55:06.564-04:00[personal] a week in the life...In the last fifteen minutes, I've put clean sheets on the bed (sprinkled with fresh powder -- something I promised [in my vows!] Adam I'd do), poured a cup of Sleepytime Extra tea, Googled the healthiest state in America (Michigan is tied for 30th -- yikes), and arm-wrestled my husband (he won, but I did put up a good fight). Just another night at the Burnett household. <br />
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Wedding season started this past Friday for me and Adam, and I just have to say, <i>I AM POOPED</i>. I honestly forgot how much we ran around, wedged in funky positions to get the perfect shot of a toast, and spoke through a specially designed sign language. Oh, and I forgot how I end up apologizing to Adam at least once for getting snappy (.like.a.boss.). <br />
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But I also forgot how much <b>I LOVED IT </b>(except that last part). I'll do a blog later this week with a preview of Danielle and Matt, but I was reminded why I love photographing weddings: the celebration, the sneaked looks of admiration the bride gives the groom during the ceremony, the camaraderie felt during toasts and all sorts of love felt throughout the room: parental, romantic, friendship. I've never been happier to welcome wedding season.<br />
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stars of the show:<br />
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<i>We are cat people (you've probably caught onto this if you've been following my blog). I mean, we are ALL animal people, but our apartment allows two cats, and we're fully booked. The first cat we adopted from the shelter is our beautiful calico. She may not have nine lives, but she has many identities: Attention Seeker (row one, picture one). Any kind of food beggar -- especially turkey sandwiches (row one, picture three). 7AM cuddle-bug (second row, third picture). Secret agent hiding in laundry (second row, fourth picture). Sassy-pants too, but she's a little too dramatic to get her picture taken then.</i><br />
Our family gathered Saturday evening to celebrate five years of life of my nephew, Noah (third row, third picture). I still like to brag about being the first one to hold him that May day in 2007. Happy Birthday to the joy-boy of the family!<br />
<i>Adam and I have been married for almost a year now, and we are frequented with, "So, when are you two having kids?" Even more so when my husband is the baby whisperer (third row, fourth picture). Its endearing and actually amazingly attractive, and then I have to keep reminding myself how I like to sleep in until 11AM. </i><br />
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points of interest:<br />
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<i>Camera gear just gets me excited (third row, picture one). Cleaning lenses and clearing memory cards and packing our bags for our wedding Friday evening :: ADDICTION. </i><br />
Saturday morning breakfast of champions (third row, picture two). It wasn't even morning when we bought them. We woke up at noon, dressed hoodies so people couldn't recognize us, and completely invaded the Meijer bakery. Hallelujah for sprinkles. <br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=May2Week.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/May2Week.jpg" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*(Instagram is a free app for iPhones (and now Androids!) that features various filters that are easy-to-use and make posting to Twitter, Facebook, and my blog (with the help of a personally-made Photoshop template), easy-peasy! You can follow me @ bgilsonburnett or on Twitter @brennigan)</span><br />
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This week on the blog: a sneak peek from Friday's wedding and the final installment of my seniors! And yes, <a href="http://www.bg--photography.blogspot.com/2012/05/choosing-joy-flashing-pop-ups-and-bert.html" target="_blank">I've started planning a(n imaginary) ten-year-renewal of vows</a> for Adam and me. I just can't help it. <br />
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In other news, I have a one week trial of Hulu-Plus solely for the purpose of watching season 8 of The Office with Adam, and we are watching every.chance.we.get. -- which is coincidentally...NOW. Toodles! (<-- Seriously? Who says that?)brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-30321199279846785452012-05-11T12:53:00.002-04:002012-05-11T13:00:32.429-04:00Charlie + Karra :: Expecting!Karra and I met while working a retail job we both despised (technically, I first saw her was during interviews, and I thought she was trying to steal "my" job!). We'd plan out specific schedules for when we'd be able to work together -- always looking forward to those days and bringing magazines or other fun stuff to pass the time. It's been over a year since then, and I've talked about her and her new and upcoming career as a stylist <a href="http://www.bg--photography.blogspot.com/2012/04/douglas-j-girl-who-is-my-hairrockstar.html" target="_blank">quite a bit</a>. Not only will she be graduating this summer, she'll also be sporting a new fashion :: the baby bump!<br />
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Charlie and Karra have been married for two years this October and will be welcoming their first baby this November. She told me the news only a few weeks in asking me if I could help her with a project (the project being a cute way to announce to Facebook that they were expecting!) before telling me the surprising news.<br />
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Karra and Charlie came up with the rhyming idea, and I worked out posters and a place to shoot (with the <i>perrrrfect</i> sitting tree). However, we had no idea we'd be working <b>gale force winds</b>, so we opted for a little on-the-spot changes. I worked something fun and funky out with a little bit different than my normal editing process for their Facebook announcement. <br />
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And the crowd went wild with happiness for these two!<br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=BlogKarra.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/BlogKarra.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=BlogKarra-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/BlogKarra-2.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=BlogKarra-3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/BlogKarra-3.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=BlogKarra4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/BlogKarra4.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=BlogKarra5.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/BlogKarra5.jpg" /></a><br />
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She's 13 weeks along and is having a wonderful pregnancy so far. I am thrilled for gender reveal sessions and maternity sessions and oops...too much photographer talk getting in there! I'm even <i>more</i> excited for redecorating the house, baby showers, and holding this sweet precious bundle that will, no doubt, be beautiful (I mean, look at these two!)!<br />
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I'm so excited for the *three* of you! Thank you for letting me be a part of this experience! <br />
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xo, b.brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-1368923314973599542012-05-09T23:59:00.000-04:002012-06-05T12:10:04.964-04:002012 Graduates :: Part TwoIf you didn't catch <a href="http://bg--photography.blogspot.com/2012/05/2012-graduates-part-one.html" target="_blank">part one</a> of my honoring the graduates I had the <i>immense</i> pleasure of working with, you should probably check that out before you proceed <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(lots of embarrassing tid-bits about me in high-school)</span>. <br />
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But I will re-iterate this: <i>So, my dear Graduates: fantastic job on all you've conquered and look forward to having the best time with all that's to come! :)</i><br />
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This blog highlights some of the best moments I had with Madi and Beth. <br />
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Madi, you're radiant. You shine in just about everything you do: be it athletics, academics, and of course, modeling for my camera. I have no doubt your future is brimming with possibilities! I loved our two sessions together -- stay fabulous, girl!<br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=Madi1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/Madi1.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=Madi2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/Madi2.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=Madi3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/Madi3.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=Madi4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/Madi4.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=Madi5.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/Madi5.jpg" /></a><br />
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Beth, to be honest, you remind me of Beth and Jo from <i>Little Women</i> (she was one of my favorite characters!). You have this temperament of quiet strength and a heart that is overflowing with love for others. Yet, you possess a fierce desire to succeed. You are <i>very</i> special, and I cannot wait for the world to experience the beauty of your heart and all that you will contribute to the world!<br />
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Stay tuned next week for the final installment of 2012 Graduates! :)<br />
<br />brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-22271019917371610662012-05-07T13:36:00.000-04:002012-05-07T13:44:25.474-04:00Choosing joy, FLASHING! POP! UPS!, and Bert from Mary Poppins.Its raining again, and I'm trying really hard to make it romantic and melodramatic and enjoyable with lit candles and the smell of baking blueberry bread. I've opened the doors and windows and even donned a shawl around my shoulders. <br />
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I hate when things come down to simply changing your attitude because 1) that means admitting something's wrong with <i>me </i>and 2) changing your attitude can be hard work (not to mention when life gets all fuzzy in the details. But I've proactively kicked my butt all morning. And I'll kick it all night until I won't consciously have to kick anymore. <br />
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Sometimes in life I feel like I don't have much choice. But I've been sitting here with my cup of tea and Grandma's shawl wrapped cozily around my shoulders, and I'm realizing how much I can choose joy <i>no matter</i> what the circumstance. And choosing joy about the rain is about the easiest choice I can make right now. <br />
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stars of the show:<br />
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<i>You know how some ads on the internet aren't as conspicuous as MAJOR! </i><b style="font-style: italic;">FLASHING!</b><i> POP! </i><b style="font-style: italic;">UPS!</b><i> but look like a little person on the bottom of your screen or a freaky little insect that scrambles across your webpage? Let me introduce you to the spider that scared me half-to-death (second row, third picture). NOT an advertisement. </i>Definitely<i> real. I "ew"ed myself all the way to the kitchen to get a napkin and "ew! ew! ew!"ed the entire time I smushed it...peeking only once to make sure it was dead. </i><br />
Holland's <a href="http://www.tuliptime.com/history-celebrating-1929" target="_blank">Tulip Time Festival</a> began this past Saturday, and Mom, Dad, and Gram came up to visit for the arts and crafts portion. However, it <i>also</i> rained Saturday (and Sunday...but who's keeping track?), so we spent our day shopping at Lowe's for fans (row three, pictures three and four), at Hobby Lobby for little crafts, and eating pound cake and drinking tea at our apartment. Honestly, I'm thankful for the rain that came, because I those are some of my favorite things to do...especially with those people. <br />
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points of interest:<br />
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<i>Thursday was hot and humid, and I decided to start my summer jogging (row two, picture one). I realize I should probably jog all year round, but I don't like running inside and I don't like running with a lot of clothes on. One mile in, and my thighs are itchy and my legs are wobbly and I feel like I'm suffering from bronchitis. I'll try again tomorrow. </i><br />
On our way to Tulip Time yesterday (before the downpour) we walked past through the grounds of my alma mater <a href="http://www.hope.edu/" target="_blank">Hope College</a> (row four, picture one) and Adam let me reminisce about where I took classes and what the library smelled like and how beautiful the time was that I spent there. Thank you, Sweetheart.<br />
<i>Once we got to Tulip Time (and after snatching some greasy fair food), I spotted Bert (Dick Van Dyke's character in </i>Mary Poppins<i>) circa 2012 (row four, picture two). The banging drum when he walked, the harmonica, the guitar. I must've told Adam a million time "He's just like the guy from </i>Mary Poppins<i>!" But, for the record, Dick Van Dyke is way cooler. And oh.my.gosh- REVELATION. He danced in the rain. It's a sign. I have to watch the movie now.</i><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=May1Week.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/May1Week.jpg" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*(Instagram is a free app for iPhones (and now Androids!) that features various filters that are easy-to-use and make posting to Twitter, Facebook, and my blog (with the help of a personally-made Photoshop template), easy-peasy! You can follow me @ bgilsonburnett or on Twitter @brennigan)</span><br />
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This week on the blog: part two of my seniors and a little inspirational wedding bliss SINCE ITS WEDDING WEEK! Oh, this apartment is buzzing -- ripping out cute poses from magazines, cleaning gear, going over timelines, and excitedly chatting Adam's ear off about <i>how cute her bouquets will be, oh.my.gosh, I love this venue, I need to go shopping for something to wear, ...maybe we should get married AGAIN!</i><br />
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Monday, Monday -- a blank canvas to start your week: make your brush strokes intent and beautiful!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">And for you <i>Mary Poppin</i>'s fans...</span><br />
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<br /></div>brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-38122820161599075792012-05-04T16:20:00.000-04:002012-06-05T12:10:20.793-04:002012 Graduates :: Part OneGraduation is soon approaching (Glee Twitter told me so: <i>"As we go on, we remember all the times we had together"</i>), and it is important to me to highlight the seniors who I had the pleasure of working with last fall. I absolutely loved being a senior in high-school. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">side note: I wasn't athletic, or in the popular crowd, and I'm pretty sure the guy I liked for seven years without him even noticing (no, it was totally noticeable; I just don't think he cared).</span> As a senior, I felt COOL,...finally (not that those things matter in the end, <i>buuuuut</i>). Your class is the at the top of the heap. You're the oldest, wisest, most admired people in your school, AND you get to have a party. I was very excited about my party. <br />
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I bawled during the graduation ceremony: fearing leaving behind teachers and friends that I loved. I felt like it was all over. And after I received my high-school diploma and turned my tassle from one side to the other, I didn't realize that another chapter of life was just beginning: and it had lots of twists and turns, more broken-hearts, unforgettable moments, good conversation, endearing friendships, and a freakin' boatload of happy memories I can pull out from time to time.<br />
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So, my dear Graduates: fantastic job on all you've conquered and look forward to having the best time with all that's to come! :) <br />
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Here are the first two graduates, Jenny and Scott, for part one of this three part installment.<br />
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Jenny, your smile is contagious. I loved our session, and how much of YOU was planned into it: right down to the hand-picked barn and boots. You are smart, and your future is bright~ keep smiling, girlfriend! Good things are coming your way!<br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=Jenny1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/Jenny1.jpg" /></a><br />
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Scott, I have been around you long enough to know what gifts you possess, dear brother-in-law. Your theatrical performances have given me goosebumps and whether or not you actively pursue it as your career, the determination and vivacity you show in those performances will go a long way no matter what you choose to do. I am so proud of you!<br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=Scott6.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/Scott6.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=Scott4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/Scott4.jpg" /></a><br />
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And happy weekend! Whether you're a graduating senior or not, go make a memory!</div>brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-24594347700198026812012-05-02T13:53:00.000-04:002012-06-05T12:11:18.289-04:00|| albums: a no-regret investment.Mr. UPS Man knocked on my door, and I had barely scribbled my name to accept the package before tearing into it: bubble wrap flying everywhere, order slips whipping past head, my usual sucker almost hitting the cat...until, <i>behold</i>: the beloved album. I love when my clients choose to print through me. Even more, I love when they let me design an album of their photos. <br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=AlbumBlog-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/AlbumBlog-2.jpg" /></a><br />
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I wish, wish, wish Mr. UPS Man had more boxes of albums and pictures for me, but the albums I offer cost quite a bit more than something one can make at Snapfish or Shutterfly. And prices for pictures can seem unjustifiable- especially in today's economy. <br />
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But, the way I see it: an album full of beautiful memories enriches our lives, strengthens our outlook, and gives a joy that lasts.<br />
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The Oxford Dictionary describes <i>to invest in</i> as buying a relatively expensive product whose usefulness will repay the cost. <br />
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The albums I offer are an investment. They last. They are made with a great deal more care: the type of printers and ink, thick and durable pages that lay-flat, and padded leather covers. All of these elements create a <i>longevity</i> of memories that far outweigh the limited cost difference. <br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=AlbumBlog-6.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/AlbumBlog-6.jpg" /></a><br />
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I didn't believe in these albums a year ago as I was planning my wedding. I took our engagement disk and spent hours on Shutterfly creating an album to be signed at our wedding. The pages that were signed bled and smeared. And they're thing and bending a bit. I love it, I do. But I love it only because its an album of me and Adam. <br />
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But if I had to do it over? I'd have ordered an album through my photographer. <br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=AlbumBlog-8.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/AlbumBlog-8.jpg" /></a><br />
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Here's an example of the two: my engagement Shutterfly album on top of the album I just ordered for a client (with lay-flat pages).<br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=AlbumBlog-7.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/AlbumBlog-7.jpg" /></a><br />
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Okay, the final music is starting and that's my cue to get off of my pulpit. <b>SO:</b> <i>I'd like to thank my printer for their fabulous work and always including a sucker in my order. Most importantly, I'd like to thank my clients for believing </i>its worth it.<i> And, of course, I'd like to thank my special boudoir client who let me selectively feature her boudoir album on the blog today. </i><br />
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Wednesday, today. Phew. Half-way there, my friends!<br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=AlbumBlog.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/AlbumBlog.jpg" /></a>brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-25491849583983917812012-04-30T15:11:00.000-04:002012-04-30T16:16:11.751-04:00a blog on: being Snow White, loving people, and enjoying the small things.Normally rainy days like today call for comfy pants, a good book (or an entire marathon of The Office), and *something-hot-and-cozy* while I angrily glare at all things work over on the desk. However, I am kicking today's booty: Chuck Norris round-house style. E-mails, check. Blog post, check. Album, check. Mini-photo session for future blog post, check. Cleaning house, check. <b>SHOWER, check.</b> The latter deserves a standing ovation. <i>Thank you, Internet. Thank you.</i> <br />
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stars of the show: <br />
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<i>I re-painted a bright pink birdhouse (you're welcome, hubs) to make our apartment feel more homey and country (plus, I like to pretend I'm Snow White). And I piled that thing high with bird-seed plus sprinkled the ground with it...to you know, entice them. THE DUMB THINGS WOULD NEVER FLY ON MY HOUSE. But I did have some cute Mama Goose and babies visit and pick my ground seedlings (first row, third picture). <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*note: since said visit, birds of all sorts have found where the house is and fly there multiple times a day...something my cats both appreciate.</span></i><br />
<a href="http://www.bg--photography.blogspot.com/2012/04/douglas-j-girl-who-is-my-hairrockstar.html" target="_blank">Karra</a> fixing my purple peek-a-boo after a bad off-brand bottle of purple left half my head of hair slightly tinted blue (row two, pictures two and three). A nice bleach, conditioning treatment, and much-needed girl talk, and I was all peaches when I got home.<br />
<i>Grandma's house is my peace (row three, picture three). I feel God when I'm there. I feel able to just breathe. And I was able to visit her TWICE this past week: oh be still, my heart. This woman brightens my life.</i><br />
After reading <a href="http://www.harpercollins.com/books/Bloom-Kelle-Hampton/?isbn=9780062045034" target="_blank">Kelle Hampton's <i>Bloom</i></a>, I immediately composed a messy e-mail - with a mascara streaked-face and a pile of tissues next to me- to this girl who is my net. The hour long calls where I have to hide in my closet so we can talk about boyfriends. The long e-mails filled with our problems. The happy every-so-often cards in the mail that make us smile. I haven't seen her in six months, but it just fits when we're together. And this past Friday, Adam and I got to hear her perform with her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/haley.a.smith" target="_blank">band</a> (row three, picture four). Her voice is powerful. The room loved her. And I needed to see her. <br />
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points of interest: <br />
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<i>Sometimes, I'm lucky enough to have lunch with my husband during his busy day. This past Friday was chilly, but I was determined to have a picnic (row three, picture one). So we did. In the car. Blanket and all. WITH bakery cookies. I've learned that if you want the world, sometimes you just have to go get it yourself. </i><br />
I love this horse's mentality (row four, picture one). He dreams big.<br />
<i>Lilacs (row four, picture four). Oh, how beautiful to arrive at Grandma's house with a vase filled with these beauties that <a href="http://www.bg--photography.blogspot.com/2012/04/lavender-old-lace.html" target="_blank">I blogged about</a> only days ago. Enjoying the small things in big ways. Check.</i><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=April5Week.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/April5Week.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*(Instagram is a free app for iPhones that features various filters that are easy-to-use and make posting to Twitter, Facebook, and ha, my blog, easy-peasy! You can follow me @ bgilsonburnett or on Twitter @brennigan) </span><br />
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This week on the blog: albums & dedications to my senior girls of 2012! Wedding season countdown: 11 days. I'm already full of appreciation for love and sweet touches and kisses and beautifully written vows. And Hubs just called and informed me he'll be home an hour early: so if y'all don't mind, I'm ditching work early too for love-time! ;P<br />
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Happy Monday!brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-56899517508000636782012-04-28T16:30:00.001-04:002012-05-24T00:09:42.476-04:00Douglas J & the Girl who is my .HAIR.ROCKSTAR.Karra is one of my best friends, and I am forever indebted to this girl for making my hair gorgeous on my wedding day & my boudoir session (plus handfuls of trials & my most recent purple peek-a-boo). FOREVER INDEBTED: because styling hair is just about as important to a bride as making sure the groom is waiting for her at the altar. Especially when you have baby fine hair with zero body like me. <br />
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She is amazing at what she does, and when she asked if I could photograph her graduating class from the <a href="http://www.douglasj.com/" target="_blank">Douglas J Aveda Institute</a>, I couldn't say "no." I mean, these girls study hair. Not only will I get to help out a friend, but I GET TO PHOTOGRAPH GIRLS LOOKIN' <i>GOOOOOD</i>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Extra "o"s for gorgeous hair points. </span><br />
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Now, let me introduce you to a few of these gorgeous girls (with Karra being in the middle of the first row with gorgeous thick hair). <br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=DouglasJBlog-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/DouglasJBlog-2.jpg" /></a><br />
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They <i>all</i> knew how to work the camera and were such an exciting group with crazy, fun ideas!...(having a girl on each level of the parking garage, going on the roof, climbing on top of lockers: oh, and I shot this session wearing heels & standing on a table. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(10 rockstar points for me!)</span><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=DouglasJBlog-5.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/DouglasJBlog-5.jpg" /></a><br />
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I'm convinced if this below picture is how school has been for them, I want to enroll. STAT. Just so I can be crazy fun with other girls who can curl my hair for me. <br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=DouglasJBlog-4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/DouglasJBlog-4.jpg" /></a><br />
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Congratulations! Wishing you all the best in your future careers. People like me would love to offer your fabulous hair & makeup skills to my brides and senior girls! :)brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-32132008393987241292012-04-25T17:33:00.001-04:002012-04-25T17:33:56.086-04:00Lavender & Old LaceI've had home-buying fever since I was old enough to use a hot glue gun. And while my fever was quelled by marriage fever <strike>for hardly long enough</strike> while Adam and I planned our rustic+chic wedding, the home-buying fever returned the minute we returned from our honeymoon. Or before. <br />
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OKAY, OKAY, I ADMIT IT. It totally just never left.<br />
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I believe my love for all things vintage and country stem from my grandmother who lives on a large piece of property (once) filled with gardens of fruit and vegetables, tall and beautiful hydrangea bushes, and a dirt road that led to imagination-filled walks. She donned her and Grandpa's home with hand-made lace curtains in the kitchen and let me hand-pick wildflower bouquets to place in the center of her table. And when we'd sit on the sofa with our afternoon tea and the windows & doors open, a faint breeze would sweep through the hall accompanied the song of wild birds. <br />
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Early on in our relationship, <strike>I begged, pleaded with, made</strike> Adam promised to fill our backyard with lavender bushes. We are thankful for our apartment: a roof over our heads and large enough to give us space when we argue and small enough to create a special intimacy during these first few months of our marriage. <br />
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But lately, we'll sit in our two-bedroom apartment and dream of redecorating a place that is all our own: mud-rooms created from a gutted closet, palettes of color to set the mood of our rooms, a garden to grow everything wild and beautiful to sit in the mason jar on our dining table, and a green bead-board backsplashed kitchen complete with old lace curtains. <br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=IMG_2735.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/IMG_2735.jpg" /></a>brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-57684340471397698602012-04-23T20:08:00.000-04:002012-04-25T17:52:34.074-04:00[personal] a week in the life of...I like adding things to my to-do list that should already be a given to anyone's routine. Crossing off extra things ("Shower. Load dishwasher. Put on real pants.") no matter how mundane make me feel like I <strike>pretended</strike> worked hard today. I was pumped when I crossed off "Package and ship orders. Finish contracts. Deposit checks. Get groceries." But then when I realized I failed to ever get around to putting on real pants today, I kind of felt like a loser. <br />
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But, hey, at least I'm not blogging in my underwear.<br />
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stars of the show:
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<i>My nephew Landon is a second-grader; and every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, he gets extra time after lunch to practice for a walk-a-thon. Last Wednesday, he got to pick a special person (*ahem*) to walk with him (second row, second picture). Bonus cool points to Uncle Adam who installed a cool app on my phone to track our walk and tell us how fast we were going!</i><br />
Once you graduate college (or high-school), your group of friends kind of disperses. And you can't run down the hall to your girlfriend to complain about boy problems or spontaneously watch hours and hours of Sex & the City. So, when the chance to organize a Girls' Night (third row, first picture) presented itself, I threw myself in. <i>Girls did not disappoint!</i> And the eight of us talked babies, houses, marriage, jobs, and memories-- with a heaping cup of hilarity (which may or may not have included one of us spilling a glass of water on her lap). <br />
<i>Our kitties are frequently called the babies. And the babies love the warm weather and rolling around on the cement outside our apartment (fourth row, first picture). Love our calico and her </i>miss priss<i> attitude. </i>"I'm working on my tan, Mom. Where are your ferns to fan me?"<br />
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points of interest:
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<i>If you read <a href="http://bg--photography.blogspot.com/2012/04/weekend-newsreel-babysitting-being.html" target="_blank">last week's post</a>, you'd remember my mantra: </i>"I'm a rockstar. I'm a rockstar. I can do this. I'm a freakin' rockstar."<i style="font-style: italic;"> </i><i>The first four pictures inspired the mantra. And man, did we ever rock-it-out. </i><br />
Look for this gorgeous girl (second row, third picture) and the rest of her class from Douglas J Aveda Institute later this week! :)<br />
<i>4:30AM Saturday morning. I could hear the bird in my dreams. But the chirping was getting louder and louder, until I realized 1) birds aren't that annoying and 2) the chirping was inside the apartment. I go into panic attack mode (I was awaken from my sweet dreams after all...) while Adam <strike>swears and swiss-army knifes it out of the ceiling</strike> fixes the chirping. And still it hangs: dismantled wires and all (third row, second picture). </i><br />
We stopped out to eat on Saturday <i>just because </i>we needed to get out of the house. Two Jimmy John's sub-sandwiches plus a quick look on my phone calendar (and an "<i>oh heeey!")</i> made it our official eighth month anniversary dinner (third row, fourth picture). Still feels like a sleepover with my best-friend every night. <i>I hope it never changes, Sweetheart.</i><br />
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<a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=April4Week.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/April4Week.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">
*(Instagram is a free app for iPhones that features various filters that are easy-to-use and make posting to Twitter, Facebook, and ha, my blog, easy-peasy! You can follow me @ bgilsonburnett or on Twitter @brennigan)
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Holy long blog post. I think its time for tea and one of those donuts <i>I just had to have!</i> from Meijer. Portrait blog post coming soon...and what's that? 18 DAYS UNTIL THE FIRST WEDDING OF THE SEASON. :)brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7264514769300095915.post-72917733133190068592012-04-17T14:43:00.002-04:002012-04-18T11:10:54.383-04:00Weekend Newsreel | Babysitting | Being a Rockstar"A Week in the Life..." got pushed back because of <i><a href="http://bg--photography.blogspot.com/2012/04/old-new-dreams-happy-100.html">Happy 100!</a></i>, and to be honest, all I can remember about last week was snow early on and a weekend jam-packed with visits to Grandma's house and my parents, talking way too fast to my May bride&groom ("Its just something I do because I'm <i>so</i> <i>excited</i>..." I explain to Adam) during our pre-wedding meeting, a musical, and something about THE.BEST.DAY.EVER spent with my husband window-shopping, eating sugar cookies, swinging on the beach, and an impromptu manicure. <div><br /></div><div>It's Tuesday now-- not like you wouldn't know that or anything; but on Tuesdays, I change diapers, make lunches, cradle babies on my hip, play one of Spiderman's nemeses (and yes, that's the plural of nemesis-- I just checked), make beds & fold laundry, create pretend campfires out of connectable race-tracks, and tell ghost stories at nap time while letting kids eat suckers. "And when the lunch-time scramble hit with a 15-month old crying for food, a 4-month old on my hip, and trying to drag a 2 year-old away the TV, I began chanting, "<i>I'm a rockstar. I'm a rockstar. I can do this. I'm a freakin' rockstar.</i>" </div><div><br /></div><div>The house is quiet now, and I'm playing catch-up. Senior picture orders, boudoir album, e-mails, and the ever reliable "A Week in the Life..."</div><div><br /><br />stars of the show:<br /><br /><i>Jake (Adam's little brother) was able to perform for the first time with Adam's older brother (who is graduating this year) on stage this past Saturday. After the show (and saying hi to Mom & Dad), Jake bypassed all the other relatives because he locked eyes with his big brother, Adam. And </i>big brother<i> Adam kinda rocks it out too (fourth row, second picture). </i><br /><br />points of interest:<br /><br /><i>Early last week, a freak-snow storm hit (first row, second picture): giant, huge flakes fell slowly to the ground (but thankfully weren't able to stick), while I texted my sisters in Florida and brother in California. They were, obviously, quite happy for me and misery (first row, third picture). 80s in March. Snow in April. That's Pure Michigan.</i></div><div>Tuesday night, I had to opportunity to photograph the most recent graduating class of Aveda Douglas J Institute in Grand Rapids (second row, first picture). I couldn't say no, well, because I'm forever indebted to one of the girls in the class for doing my hair for my personal boudoir shoot and wedding day (and my mid-20s crisis purple hair). These girls knew how to work the camera (not to mention a <i>hoot</i> to work with), and I'm excited to blog a few of their pictures later!</div><div><i>(second row, second picture) Kelle Hampton on the Today Show featuring her recently published memoir </i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bloom-Finding-Beauty-Unexpected-A-Memoir/dp/0062045032">Bloom</a>. <i>You inspire me, girlfriend!</i></div><div>Do you think my clients would like me better if I sounded like YoYo from Hoops&YoYo (second row, fourth picture)? "Work it, baby!" </div><div><i>Aaaaand the last two rows dedicated to a beautiful weekend. </i></div><div><i><br /></i><a href="http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/?action=view&current=April3Week.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/daughteroftheking10/April3Week.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:78%;">*(Instagram is a free app for iPhones that features various filters that are easy-to-use and make posting to Twitter, Facebook, and ha, my blog, easy-peasy! You can follow me @ bgilsonburnett or on Twitter @brennigan)</span><br /><br /><br />I've got less than an hour before another KIMC (kid in my care) comes home from school and we head outside to play some mad hoops on the new driveway set-up. In the meantime, I think its time to dig out my book for these special, quiet occasions on days like these. ;P May your week be filled with finding happiness in the ordinary!</div>brenniganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11912663728890786576noreply@blogger.com0