Happy Halloween!

The goblins, clowns and princesses are out today and we had a great time photographing them! Thanks to everyone who came out for our Halloween special.
It was so fun seeing all the kids dressed up.
Well, I'm off for the annual Palmer Halloween Night. The pupkins are carved, the strobe light is on, the fog machine is running and we are ready to give out tons and tons of candy!

Happy Halloween everyone!
Be safe!

Long time...no blog

It's that busy time of the year that keeps me from keeping the blog updated. Andrew and I were just speaking in Chicago about the importance of updating your blog, and then I have a 2 week absence from my own! BAD...slap on the wrist for me :)

Well the past two weeks have been exciting for me! Tim and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary! I know, it has gone by SO fast. We have had such a great time being married. We are so blessed to be surrounded by wonderful friends and family that keep us grounded and in check. I love that we have relationships with our friends that are open enough for someone to pull me aside and say "Jackie, don't work on a Sunday...spend time with your hubby." I know that someone shouldn't have to tell me that, but every once in awhile my priorities get challenged with business.

Although we haven't traveled to exotic places, lived in a big home, or even had the excitement of having a family, I feel we have been extremely blessed in our 5 years. We just enjoy being around each other...even it's just watching Seinfeld together once we got home from a busy day. It's the simple things that we value.

So simple in fact, that we get excited this time of year just because Peppermint Mocha Coffee Creamer comes out! I know it's silly, but to us it's the simple things in life that make it fine :)

yummy


The next five years hold a lot of changes for us, and I look foward to each of them. Tim will finish PA school, we want to start a family and will probably move somewhere with some land so we can add to our dog family.

Here's a video my uncle took on our wedding day of our first dance. We practiced a lot, and if you watch closely you can even see Tim counting :)
It's in infrared for some reason

It's that time of year again

Hey all you youngsters...
On October 31st, Halloween day, we are having a day dedicated to Halloween in the Children's Studio! We will be scheduling appointments every 15 minutes...Bring yourself, your costume and your smile! This is for the kids...and yes, you can even have all your kids in one image. Please no babies that can't sit up on their own :)
Packages available are:
2-5x7's and 8 wallets for $25
1-8x10, 2-5x7's and 8 wallets for $35
4-5x7's and 16 wallets for $45
2-8x10's, 4-5x7's and 16 wallets for $65

You can add an extra sheet for $10 too!

Call us NOW to get your appointment time.....and bring that trick or treat bag for some candy!

Up north again...

I went Up North to Boyne City again this weekend and took two of my good photographer friends with me! We had a very relaxing, energizing and creative weekend. Something we could all use.
On Saturday, we had Lindsay come over to do a bridal shoot. Her wedding was a couple weeks ago, so now we could photograph her anywhere and not worry about hurting the dress. Technically this was a TRASH THE DRESS session, but we didn't come close to trashing it.
It was a gorgeous evening and we got SO many gorgeous images. Here are just a few...more to come later!
Linds! Thanks for letting us drag you all over the woods! You are a trooper nd So beautiful!

:)

Love this look :)

Fall is here!

Brrr....it's a little chilly today! Good thing the fall special was last week when it was warmer. I can't even tell you how much fun the fall special was! We picked apples, ran around, stopped on tall grasses, and ate cookies! Who could ask for anything better? We will definately do this again next year!
Thanks to all of you who come out.

Time warp!

The other night I went with my niece to a roller skating party she had with her school. I LOVE roller skating! We walked in and it was like walking back in time. Are all skating rinks the same? I grew up in Texas and when I was a kid, every Friday we would go skating. It was something we always looked foward to. We would pull up to SKATING AMERICA, run to do the door, pull it open and the music and freezing air conditioning would pour out. We couldn't get our skates on fast enough. I had routines to songs like "Thriller and Footloose" and would love to out skate the older kids playing bat chase. It was great! Emma and I got our skates on and worked our way around the rink. It took me a little bit to remember how to balance and work the wheels, but once I got the hang of it, it was like old times. They even played the same songs I was used to. Thriller came on and man it brought me back. Emma held onto my hands as we skated together. She was all smiles, and seemed to really like it! I can't wait to go again. I think we should bring back a skating revolution! Anyone with me :)

Week up north!

I just got back from my week vacation with my family and little Parker. It was so great and I can't explain how wonderful it was seeing Parker and getting to know him. He is such a great baby. He needs to work on sleeping a little bit more, but other than that I think he's perfect! :) He has this little porcelain face, with great big blue eyes. He just lights up when he smiles. The whole family just sat around watching him all week. He was our little entertainer.

It was hard to say goodbye to all of them. I don't get to see my brothers enough that is for sure. It was just wierd thinking that the next time I see Parker, he will be a toddler...I hope he doesn't forget me.

Going to see Parker!

Hey everyone! I'm finishing up a few things here and then I'm off for a week to go spend some much needed time with my brother, his wife and Parker! Parker is already 6 1/2 months old and I haven't even met him yet! I know...let's just say, I'm going to take so many pictures.
Oh...I can't wait!
:)
Here's a little one that I photographed a couple weeks ago...He was such a cutie!

Anthony + Lindsay 9.13.08

Anthony and Lindsay
September 13th, 2008
Traverse City, MI

I was really excited to photograph Anthony and Lindsay's wedding! I have known Lindsay for a couple of years and knew that her wedding would be really fun! Lindsay has a great personality and has a way of making people smile.
Unfortunately the rain came and stayed throughout the day, but it broke for an hour so that we could get the beach images that they both wanted. I love it when things work out that way.
Thanks Lindsay and Anthony for inviting us to be a part of your wedding. I can't wait for our Trash the Dress session!

Friends near and far

My friend Allison Watkins of English Photography in Utah was here visiting this week. She came to speak and hold a SNAP for our local group. She was fantastic!
It was so nice having a new friend around to spend some time with. She stayed at my house for the few days she was here so we had lots of time to chat and catch up on things. She inspired me, made me laugh, made me cry and taught me so much. I miss having that connection with people. I spend so much time working that I tend to miss out on a lot of things. My goal this year is to work on those quality relationships that I may have let slip over the years. Don't get me wrong, I love my clients :) Love love love my clients...but what I learned this week is that my family is not only my family, but my friends are my family too. And they need quality time too.
Have you ever had one of those weeks that you just feel not worthy? This was my week to go hide under the covers and never want to come out. It's amazing how God throws people into your life just at the right time. There is a huge list of people that hugged me at the right time, thanked me, and even complimented me when I was feeling the lowest. Thank you to all of you...I think I'm out of my funk!

We have a wedding this weekend in Traverse City and I'm SO looking forward to it!
I'm going to shoot my heart out even if it is supposed to rain...bring out the umbrellas!

Thanks Allison...you saved me :)

Wasps, Skunks and Dog Hitch Hikers

Man, what a night....
I got home from work last night just to run in and leave again, and when I opened the door there were wasps everywhere! They were swarming in my kitchen and basement!
The previous night Tim had sprayed a nest they had made in the siding of our house. I guess instead of leaving they decided to come in the house :) Yesterday morning, Tim and I saw a couple flying around and we grabbed the vac and swept them up...along with all the dead ones in the window sills. Of course we thought that was the end of it. I took the dog to work just in case. So when we got home and there were around 200 of them flying around...I decided we needed a new plan. Tim is gone for the weekend..so I had to handle it :)
So I went to Home Depot and bought a fogger, came home set 3 of them off, grabbed the dog and my pillow and was off to the in-laws. I had a fun night with the kids, watched a movie and got ready for bed. I took Jake(the dog) out for his potty break and as I was standing by the van, I got a whiff of skunk. "Jake, come here!" No Jake... " Jake COME!" No Jake... So I ran inside and got a flash light and went looking. Finally he came over and yep...he got sprayed! NASTY! And he was supposed to share the bed with me last night. So Jon went to the store and bought some tomato juice and we bathed Jake in a tub that smelled like pasta! It was a pathetic site. I wish I had pics for you...it was funny :) We rinsed him and washed him again with the kids shampoo and he came out smelling like Apples.

I was thinking last night "Usually things happen in 3's, I hope it's only 2 this time." Slept well and when I got up, I took Jake out again. This time he decided to wander. He's was being so bad! He ran across the street and then 2 cars come from both directions. I run out in the street in my PJ's with my hand up yelling STOP like a mad woman and try and grab him. He goes right up to both cars, and stands next to their door like he was trying to hitch a ride...oh my gosh!
Finally, the cars pass and we are heading inside, when he turns around and heads for the road again. There is a car approaching really fast this time and I run as fast as I can screaming NO NO NO! He ran out into the road again and the car luckily sees him and slows down and moves out of his way!
AGGHHH...my heart was racing. I almost cried...#3

Anyway, we made it out alive...the wasps are dead, the dog is not :)

Here are some images from this week. Love these kids!

A little Matilda

I have way to many favorites from this session to post all of them! Morgan was such a trooper as we hiked all over Old Town last night. I was a little nervous at the beginning thinking about all the people around and how she would react. I don't think she even realized anyone else was around. She has grown up SO much since the last time I saw her.
Her mom is a Matilda Jane Trunk Keeper and she brought THE cutest clothes! If you're interested in having a Matilda Jane Party...click the link above to find out more info!
Thanks Paula for such a great night!

Weekends

Weekends that run into the week are what life is all about. It's Thursday and it is my first day back from the weekend! Who-hoo that was nice. Spent the past weekend up north again hanging out with the family. We had our nieces and nephew and their parents up to my parents house in Boyne City. We had great weather, some sailing, a Dog show, sand and sun, and even a couple naps. It was great! I had planned on taking a ton of images of the kids, but they were not in the mood. I had to beg Emma to let me take a few images and right before we left...literally 5 mintues before we got in the car to go home she said, "Ok." So I dressed her up and brought her down the hill and did a few images. Then we were on our way home.



The Real Emma


Monday, my friend Lindsay and I went to Chicago to see the Free to Succeed Tour with David Jay and Jasmine Star. They were great as always and I met a ton of new photographer friends. I'm so glad that we went, even though I am completely exhausted today.
I had a session this morning with Miss Gracie who gave me the energy to keep going. There is something about kids that make me feel really energized. It's great!

Sun Bathing

Tonight I have another shoot and I can't wait!

Andrew and his wife Emily and the kids went up to Silver Lake this weekend. Here is a video of their Jeep ride on the dunes! Even baby was strapped in. Enough to make me sick.

Belly Ballerina!

I just loved this little girl! She was so playful and energetic...she's a climber!
I've had this little tutu for awhile now and haven't had the right little girl for it. Little miss I was the one!
:)

Lindsay + Jason 8.10.08

A Sunday Wedding:
Location: English Inn
Florist: Petal and Forrest

I love weddings at the English Inn. It is such a beautiful location with gorgeous gardens and stone work. Even without a lot of decor, it is gorgeous. Lindsay and Jason had such a gorgeous wedding. The ladies at Petal and Forrest transformed the reception room with colorful linens, Gerber daisies, pink roses, white orchids, and hydrangea arrangements. Candles lined the polka dot and striped cake as well as the head table.
As the 5 piece band set up and the last orchids were hung, the bride and groom got ready in their separate cottages. The guys sat back and relaxed watching the Olympics, while the ladies got their hair and make-up done. We started the pre-wedding photos and watched as the clouds started rolling in. Really, the day was perfect besides the slight breeze.
Lindsay and Jason were exchanging rings when the sprinkles began. We were lightly rained on, but not enough to make anyone run for cover. By the time they sealed their marriage with a kiss, the rain had lifted and the guests made it back inside for hour's devours.
During the reception we stole the bridal party and had a little fun! Lindsay and Jason...this is for you!
We hope you two have a great honeymoon!

A proud Aunt

Ok, I'm become the queen of posting blogs about my nephew Parker. Let the count down begin to when he and Jonathan and Kristin will be here to visit for a week!
Here is an awesome video of Kristin's brother teaching Parker the drums...
How cute is he?

Beautiful night

We went out to a clients house last night and it was such a great night. Their neighborhood is one of those that is like something you would see in a movie. All the families are out together, playing and chatting. It was nice to see that there are still places like that.
Andrew and I had fun running after each of the kids, chasing the fire engine, and barking at the dogs :)
Sounds fun doesn't it!

The Fracker Vocal Studio

Hey everyone! I have to tell you about this show I went to last night! One of our fabulous Seniors invited me to come to her show at MSU Wonders Kiva last night and it was fantastic! So funny and witty and the singing was great! I highly recommend it. There are two more nights of this production...tonight and tomorrow night at 7pm. The show is free, but donations are accepted...hint hint :)
Leave a big tip...they derserve it!
Great Job Elizabeth!

Up North Weekend

Tim and I went Up North this weekend to just relax. It was a gorgeous weekend with great weather. I had planned on having more images from this weekend, expecially our sailing trip, but I got really sea sick and let's just say the camera didn't make it's way out of the case. :(
So the trees and the dogs where the only things that got photographed this time.


Our first newsletter is at the printers, and I think we are going to have a few extra...if you would like to be on our mailing list, just send me a quick email with your address, and I will send you one.
There are lots of special events coming to you this year!
Just a few are:
Beach Dates: August 17th and 18th! Sign up now!
Dog and Cats: August 27th and 28th: Raising dog food for the Humane Society
Limited Edition Sessions for kids: All thru the year!

Have a great day everyone!