Classy Akron Wedding Photography {Donny & Maris}

Maris was joyful when I arrived at the salon as she and her friends and family got ready.  She knew the day would be the one she’s been waiting for.  The one she’d done all that traveling for.  They had prepared for every detail–a perfect location, a classy band, an elegant dress.  There was only one aspect that couldn’t be cared for in advance–the weather.

It  rained that day.  Actually, it poured.  But, the rain couldn’t stop the joy.  Donny & Maris were married under the cover of the Conservatory at Stan Hywet.  Despite the last minute changes, the wedding was beautiful and the bride and groom glowed along with the rest of the festivities.  I think in the end, they made their own sunshine.

I think the difference between great weddings and fabulous weddings is the details.  And trust me, details there were.  Here is Maris’s head piece.  Gorgeous, right?

Stan Hywet made the perfect backdrop for the day.  Donny and Maris were actually the first couple to ever be married in the front of the Conservatory.

Donny and Maris opted for a First Glance.  I love it.  I love capturing this moment when they first see one another and they can be alone for a time before the ceremony begins.  Some brides and grooms have confessed that it was their only time alone the entire day.

Maris has such grace about her.

More yummy details.

I had to include this shot.  Look at the cool stitching on the programs.

Donny’s father toasted the couple…

…followed by Maris’s sister.  And it may have been one of the cutest toasts I’ve ever heard.

Donny and Maris, thank you both for sharing your day with us.  It was a pleasure.

Some of the wonderful people and places who made their day possible:

Ceremony & Reception Location: Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Colors: Black & White with Pops of Red

Florist: The Towne Florist

Bakery: West Side Bakery

Gown Boutique: The Country Bride and Gent

Videographer: Aaron Ruegg

Hair Stylist: Martha Vale

Makeup and Bridesmaid’s Hair: Carol Martin’s

Click below to view the slideshow.  {Please be patient.  It may take a moment to load.  Anyone viewing on Facebook or in an RSS feed, click here.}

Downtown Akron Shoot

Last week we went to downtown Akron to shoot a senior session.  There will be a sneak peek of that session soon, but until then, I will leave you with a couple fabulous shots I got of our lovely intern (who may kill me for this.)

And just to prove I am not totally mean…Here’s one she got of me:

Hey, that hair flip isn’t easy to pull off.

Hands {Photography Contest}

For a long time now I’ve had a project in mind.  I’ve wanted to photograph people’s hands holding mugs–mugs of tea, coffee, hot chocolate.  The drink isn’t important.  It’s the hands. …elderly arthritic hands, young chubby hands, worker hands…you get the idea.

When I Heart Faces shared their weekly contest theme of “hands”…I wanted to participate since I too love them.  {Hands that is.}  Unfortunately my project exists only in my mind so I had to settle for the models that I know and love.  {And, frankly, the only ones I can afford.}  I took about 20 shots of our little art time yesterday.  I think this one is my favorite.

I enjoy the contests because they present a new challenge for me each week.  It’s nice to be creative in a different way than just in the studio.  I love photography but sometimes the last thing I want to do is pick up the camera at home.  I Heart Faces gives me a fun reason to do just that.

Gabby’s Corner {What to Wear?}

Hello all!   Contrary to the last “What to Wear?” post, this time I’m focusing on a calmer look.  I found these awesome styles at http://www.gap.com/.   These neutral colors are simple and easy to coordinate.   I hope these ideas help inspire your family.

{All images will link to gap.com for online purchasing.  All images are copyrighted by gap.com.}

The combination of the tough jacket and slender jeans creates a modern look that is pretty and practical.  (=

This sweater paired with the “cadet khaki” pants is a great simple look.  Tie in the green jacket if you want a more layered feel.

These green Capri’s matched with a cute sweater shows a softer side of the army theme for a little girl .  Also, these leather sandals complete the comfy and stylish outfit.  (=

Outfit number two for a little girl is a little less sweet and has a slight edge to it.  The interesting design on the bermuda shorts will stand out with the plain tee and will go perfectly with these slip on  converse.

These aviator pants are perfect for a little boy.  Choose a shade of gray for the shirt and you’re done! It’s that simple!

Another way to go could be tan pants and  navy blue or green shirts to tie in with the rest of the family. =)

I hope you like my ideas!

Peace.

Merry Christmas!

With all my heart I truly hope your Christmas is full of joy, peace, and love.  Heritage Studio and Gallery will be closed for the holidays until January 4th.  We will still be taking calls and checking e-mail, but I may get back to you a little slower than usual.  I will be doing a lot of this the next two weeks:

As I prepare for Christmas and all the joy it brings I have been reminded lately of those who may not be having such a Merry Christmas this year.  Please keep the following in your prayers:

• {A} a 16 year old who has had terrible complications following the flu causing a heart attack and the need for surgery on her lungs and heart
• The family of the NILMDTS session I did last week.  Their precious little boy only lived a few minutes and I can’t imagine facing the season after that.
• An family from church who found out Monday that their daughter’s cancer, AML M5 (acute myeloid leukemia, subtype M5) has returned.  She had surgery today that went well but a long road ahead of her as chemo begins again.

Take care this week.  Take lots of photos and eat a ridiculous amount of chocolate. (It doesn’t count right around Christmas…magical calories or something.)

With Lots of Love,

Amy