Saint Joseph Michigan Trash The Dress - Behind the Scenes

Last week we had great weather here in Saint Joseph for trash the dress on the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan.
Few behind the scenes images from a photo shoot with several out of town and one local photographer.




We also had a rainy day, perfect for trashing the dress. Luckily our cameras survived the rain.



John with Prem at the charming beach house rented for occasion.





Ben Pancoast showing Prem & Cheridy the amazing image he just captured.



Fun people and talented photographers that joined us were Jenni Vorderman, Denise DeMarchis and Jonathan Hartman . I wish I had more time to have fun with them, but the week was just crazy. Maybe we should plan the 2010 Shoot out in spring rather than fall.


My version of group portrait taken just before the sunset on the beach at Jean Klock Park.






Beautiful wedding bouquet by Crystal Spring Florist.



Ben's version of extreme photography.






Bold colors of downtown stores are favored by photographers.



Ben Pancoast showing Prem & Cheridy the amazing image he just captured.


Bike friendly downtown Saint Joseph Michigan.



Even groom has to help.



Photographers are focusing.




Hair and make up by Kelly Benson of Restorations Hair Salon in Saint Joseph.






Doesn't it look like a cover for "Gone with the wind" movie?

Trash the Dress in SW Michigan Wine Country

Rolling hills of southwest Michigan, fall colors, rain, winery, wedding gown, beautiful bride, handsome groom, this combination would make any passionate photographer's heart beat faster.
Linzi with her husband Brice willingly trashed the dress in rain and mud of scenic area around Round Barn Winery.
Aren't these photos a beautiful memento to the love they share for each other?

Trash the dress can be done right after the wedding, several moths later, or even years later. Couple can trash the dress as a celebration of one year anniversary of their wedding. It does not have to be a real trashing. It can simply be a beautiful romantic and passionate portrait of the couple, placed in interesting environment. Here in Southwest Michigan, the options for trash the dress photo shoot can include scenic beaches on the shores of Lake Michigan, rolling hills along the Michigan wine trail, charming little towns with antique stores and vintage dinner in New Buffalo areas, fields and orchard all over the Southwest Michigan, or urban architecture of downtown Saint Joseph, Coloma, Buchanan or Three Oaks for example. Art district of Benton Harbor offers many interesting opportunities for Trashing the dress.
So don't just hang you dress in the closet, so it collect the dust. Put on your fabulous wedding gown and show it to world, go to town wearing your gown, go pick apples in your wedding gown, go to wineries, walk the beached of Lake Michigan shore, enjoy your dress like it was meant to be enjoyed.

Trash the Dress in SW Michigan Wine Country

Coming soon, stay tuned.

Trash the Dress, Saint Joseph Michigan

Busy, busy, week with all the work and fellow photographer visiting for a fun shoot out. The first day we planned combination of bridal, bride and groom and beach shoot with a couple
Talented photographers from east side of the state, Cheridy and Prem Mukherjee of Arising Images, honored us with their visit and volunteered to be our models. Since from their own wedding they got only few very traditional images, it was a nice opportunity for them to get something creative and beautiful. Since they create beauty for others, they deserve to have wedding images they enjoy to look at, images they can proudly show off and which will remind them of their love for each other.
This shoot was covered by several photographers, each with different style and unique view of the world. How fun for Cheridy and Prem to have such a wide variety to enjoy. I am sure they will find something they love.
The session was planned the way, we photographers would like to be able to shoot with each of our couples. The shoot took 3 hours on 3 different locations. We all know how much time goes into planning and executing a shoot like this. This is not possible in 30 minutes that our couples have between the church and the ceremony.
We can only hope, that new modern generation will take an example from European and Australian couples. It is a common practice overseas to have photos of bride and groom done before the wedding. Several hours of alone time, strolling the downtown, or beach and enjoying the quiet time alone before the festivities start. It is not only a nice way to start the wedding day, it is also a guarantee for beautiful photos of couple together, expressing their feeling, when not disturbed by loving family and friends.

Our shoot started at beach restal in Saint Joseph, near the Silver Beach. We love the wonderful bright colors of the house. Next we took the couple to downtown St Joe, to explore back alleys, look for interesting architectural details, dramatic staircase and explore new ideas. Prem and Cheridy were great as models, because they understand that it takes talent and ideas are not enough for great photos. It takes light and time to make good photographs.
Here are only few images from downtown Saint Joseph for now. There will be more little later.

Affordable Wedding and Affordable Wedding Photography in Saint Joseph Area

New for 2010 is my flexible pricing for small informal weddings in Saint Joseph area.
Even though some couple's budget for wedding is small, they would still love their wedding to be an lovely event with beautiful photographs as a memento. Those who appreciate quality, value photography for its art and for it's emotional significance, those who want nice event even though their budget is small, with those couples I love to work.
To plan a beautiful wedding on small budget is not unrealistic. With some creative planning, non traditional ideas and flexibility, it is all possible.
First you have to choose the date and the time for the event. One can not expect to pay less for popular dates, popular time and popular location. But weddings do not all have to be on Saturday afternoon. If planning for Saturday, there is also morning and lunch time that would be perfect for informal beach wedding. Beach is the affordable and flexible option in Saint Joseph area with abundance of public beaches and parks. From top of my hear I know about 5 different beaches and parks that would be great for a wedding. Some outdoor locations are Riverview Park, Sarett Nature Center, Fernwood Botanical Garden, Jean Klock Park, Hagar Shore Beach.
From photographers view point, summer morning on the beach is very nice, much better for photos that early afternoon. For morning event, champaign and antipasti would be perfect, no sit down dinner needed. Add great music, beach views and you have elegant event that your guests will enjoy and you can afford. The photography coverage I would offer for event like this would be couple hours of coverage with modern story book album for bride and groom.
Friday and Sunday are also great days for the wedding.
For modern creative types, there are unique spaces in Benton Harbor and Saint Joseph area that would be great for the wedding. One of the unique venues that I know of and are very reasonably priced is Citadel Dance School and the other Studios @ 210 Water street. One is an auditorium and the other is an industrial building.
These are just some ideas, there is much more out there and for visionaries to possibilities are endless.