k. holly photography :: the blog » Kristen

{ Becca + Ian :: Married! }

Kristen — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:59:25 +0000

Becca and Ian were married last Saturday, a very snowy day in Kalamazoo (unlike their sunny, warm engagement session this past summer!). I felt like I was the only car on the road at 7:45am, it was almost a complete white-out as the snow poured down and swirled along the road. It would have been a good day for boots and mittens, but I had on my black patent flats, white knuckles and a backseat full of camera gear. It was wedding day, and it was beautiful. I arrived at Becca’s home, greeted by a table full of smiling girls, an adorable dog, hot coffee, and the lovely bride. We chatted for a bit over coffee, and then the girls started getting ready for the big day. Blanca from All About You Salon did an amazing job with their hair, and Becca’s friend Mac did everyone’s makeup – they all looked absolutely gorgeous! Two of the girls rehearsed for the song they’d be singing in the church, Becca’s mom took care of some final details between doing her hair and makeup, and Becca’s dad smiled as he loaded up the vehicle with dresses. The big day had finally arrived, snow and all!

We arrived at the church, and the guys had just getting started getting ready themselves.

Time to put on the dress… is she the cutest mother of the bride, or what? :)

I love this image, one of my top faves of the day~

Last makeup touch-up…

And mom adjusting the bride’s veil before the aisle ~

Music started, guests and family were seated. As Becca walked down the aisle escorted by her mom and dad, Ian was all she could see.

Beautiful readings, incredible vocalists, a perfect ceremony.

… married! …

After formals in the church and a few quick (cold!) shots outside in the park, we headed over to the reception, which was held at Cityscape downtown Kalamazoo. It was GORGEOUS. Renee and her team were incredible, friendly, and so accommodating. The room looked absolutely stunning with tables perfectly set including a sweetheart table, lighting dimmed, a slideshow playing, and romantic jazzy music in the air.

A gorgeous cake by Continental Pastries, with a cherry cheesecake groom’s cake! Beautiful flowers by Bloomers. Becca had her grandmother’s rosary and prayer book attached, and carried them down the aisle with her. Ian had his grandfather’s rosary tucked in his pocket.

While guests enjoyed the cocktail hour, the bridal party took a few moments to relax in the lounge while Becca, Ian and I got some fun and romantic shots outside and on the stairs. I LOVE this series! Becca is not only a gorgeous bride, but she’s totally fun and cute too. Love her!! :) You can tell how in love they are, they were totally being themselves, in love, soaking up their day. *swoon!*

… love! …

I have SO many more favorites from this part of the day, I wish I could post them all! Bride & Groom portraits are always my favorite time of the wedding – couples can relax and be themselves without everyone else around, and I can have fun and be creative showing their love. I was really glad we had time to sneak away. But back to the reception – their bridal party made a fun entrance, and Becca and Ian went right into cutting the cake. They were good to each other! :) Then the servers came out with a wonderful dinner, Monte from Wiser Productions played great music, there were beautiful speeches and toasts, smiles, tears and hugs. And then the first dance ~

Becca, Ian… congratulations! You are a wonderful couple with an incredible family and amazing friends. Thank you again for having me, I wish you both the very best in love and life, always. :)Kristen

{ wedding pros rock! }

Kristen — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 20:28:19 +0000

Earlier this week, I went out for a martini with my fellow fabulous wedding vendors at this month’s MWEP (Michigan Wedding & Event Professionals) meetup, hosted by the ever-lovely Aletha of Pearls Events. See more pics here! It was great to see some friends, familiar faces, and new ones too! I gotta tell ya, wedding & event pros know how to have fun! ;) We squeezed about 50 people into a space meant for about 25, and our chatter grew to a roar of laughter and conversation by the time the night was through. Brian from The Photobooth Company hauled in his photobooth so we could all give it a whirl. Brides & grooms – listen up: the photobooth rocks.it.out!!! We had so much fun, and I don’t think the booth was empty for a minute! If you’re looking for something fun and unique for your wedding reception, this is it. Your guests will have a BLAST! Check out these strips from the MWEP meetup – I couldn’t help but get in on the action! :) The first two are my friend Amber of 87 Orange Photography and myself, and the other two strips are a whole bunch of us crammed in! Grand Rapids wedding pros ROCK! :D

{ Alexis :: baby + lifestyle session }

Kristen — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 03:28:19 +0000

Heather has been a blog reader of mine since way before Alexis was born, so I’ve been looking forward to her session for a long time! We talked about doing a newborn session, but she really wanted to involve their first “baby”, Wendel, a German Shepherd. So we waited until Alexis was a little older and more alert, and for Wendel to be more comfortable with her! To be honest, I wasn’t sure about this… all the German Shepherds I’ve ever known were a little on the aggressive side! But Wendel is one of THE sweetest dogs I’ve ever met. Ever. He padded around the room quietly waiting to be told where to sit, well, after enthusiastically greeting me at the door! ;) I could tell he was an only child before lovely little Alexis came along, but you can also tell that he’s a GREAT big brother :)

Of course, this isn’t all about Wendel, even though he thought it was! ;) Little Alexis is such a doll, she’s beautiful! I fell in love with her sweet expressions and beautiful blue eyes – her face just makes me melt!

And her perfect little toes…

And tiny little hands…

Heather and Randy are smitten with her too :)

- – - { love } – - -

She loves Grandma’s yellow blanket!

And she loved the pink too!

I think this one is my favorite! Perfect expression! So cute!!

Alright, Wendel…. come on back in…everybody smile! ;)

Thanks again Heather & Randy for having me over! Alexis is absolutely beautiful, congratulations again on your first baby girl. She is precious. Give her and Wendel both big hugs for me! :)