The sun has come out and the seasons have finally changed. Summer is here. Memorial Day weekend always amazes me. My 6-mile "commute" over to the studio increases a good 40% in time (not distance) from this holiday until Labor Day. People start showing up--everywhere. It all becomes a bit more touristy but it's summer and I love it. I, Jake Schnake, was born and raised around the lake and have spent every summer of my life enjoying its beauty. It amazes me it never gets old. There are certainly days I would love to move out west to some majestic backdrop for life and photography but there is always the raw beauty found along the shores of Geneva Lake.
I look over and my assistant is crying during the father/daughter dance. She had never even met this couple and the love dad had for her daughter moved her into tears. And it would be a lie to say I've been tear free from every reception.
It is such a wonderful time to share in the 'once here, quickly gone' moments. Brief moments. We have the honor of capturing these memories and moments that quickly fade into history without the photographic reminder. We are so thankful for the privilege of preserving such important moments and cannot wait to be a part of many special more this coming season.
There are so many important details to your wedding day. Most couples want to have products and services that are fun and unique. We are excited to announce the release of a new product that you are going to love. The Slo-Mo Video Booth.
Whether they consist of two or twenty-two, these people know how to have a good time. I've never met with a bride and groom who have said, "Yeah, you'll have to be pretty careful with our bridal party. They're a pretty lame bunch of people." Quite the contrary. It always surprises us the places these girls will walk in heels or the heights these guys jump in suits. We are so thankful for the willingness of these friends to do whatever necessary to create such fun memories for the bride and groom. They have shared in the lives of the bride and groom through thick and thin and now they get to share with them in one of the most important celebrations of their life. There is always so much attention given to the bride and groom, but here we want to credit the bridal party. Not for just having fun with us at the wedding day, but for being so supportive of your friends and family in their marriage. We can't wait to see the people we will meet this year and the friendships we will gain because of it.
What 30-minute timeframe of photos do you think is the most important on a wedding day? As the designated photographer, we are responsible to capture a variety of photos: rings, flowers, portraits, family, trinkets, bridesmaids, flower girls, ceremony sites, sunsets, cakes, dance moves, and the list goes on. As you can see from all of our best-of galleries, we love them all. But there is something very special about the Romantic session. We love this time when we get to slow down with the bride and groom and create stunning works of art that they can forever remember their day with.
It amazes me how few ceremony photos you'll find when looking through the internet for wedding photos. What would a wedding day be without a...wedding? In the "marketing world" of wedding photography, ceremony photos are usually used the least--and it really is a shame. We love the details, the first look, the romantics, the fun bridal party photos, but there is something so special about the ceremony that captures the raw emotions of the day. Mom and Dad are so proud of their daughter or son. Grandma is cuter and older than ever. The flower girls drops the pedals with such precision (well...sometimes). Dating stories are recalled. Rings are exchanged. Hearts are hopeful. And these moments aren't incredible opportunities for amazing photographs? We think not.
We are always blessed to take such a key role in this special moment. The tears, laughs, and promises shared in these few minutes are what the bride and groom will have to look back on this day. Thank you to all the individuals who invited us to their ceremony to share in these memories and we hope we can see you again soon with you in the bridal party this time!
The first time we mention a "first look" to a bride and groom in our planning session they often respond with concern and hesitation. Isn't this supposed to happen at the ceremony site?
There are a number of reasons why we encourage a "first look" experience prior to the ceremony for the bride and groom, but I'm certain a quick flip through these images will convince you much quicker. To read more reasons to consider doing a first look take a look at this link.
We love capturing those timeless moments in your life that you, your family and friends can forever cherish. And on a wedding day, the first look is a beautiful opportunity for us to do that. Both have been imaging this moment his whole life. All the winding roads have brought them to this moment where they begin walking together through life hand in hand. And we're there to place you in a quiet, secluded area where you can live out that romantic moment and then re-live it again and again through the photos and videos.
We hope you can share in the joy of these couples and we hope we can share in the joy of capturing the most important moments of your life.
Here's to love and the joy received through it.
I'm amazed we don't have more broken ankles on a wedding day. I mean, come on. I'm thinking to myself, "Ok, these ladies just spent four hours getting ready. They're in heals. They're wearing a dress. They're freezing. Nah, they wouldn't want to risk it all for this crazy shot." And, to my constant surprise--I'm wrong. These girls will do anything for a fun photo and are always the life of the party.
We love meeting with the bride and groom before the wedding and hearing how fun their bridal party is going to be. And the ladies always prove themselves to be a fun bunch to work with. As photographers, we love nothing more than people who love being in photos and making them fun and memorable (except, perhaps, that occasionaly bridesmaid who maybe wants to be in a few too many photos).
We're always looking for fun new poses and always know we can count on these ladies to make it happen. If you're a bridesmaid for 2014, get those ideas cooking so you can be in the best of for this year!
Why isn't there a show about the groomsmen? There are a few predictables on a wedding day, but when it comes to the groomsmen--well, we just don't know what to expect: knives, guns, beer, beer, whiskey, beer, air time, superhero's, and movie covers. There is no way of knowing what poses these guys may come up with and what they are willing to do in front of the camera. It is always a joy getting to know each group of friends and brothers and capturing such a fun part of the day. We hope you enjoy!
Thank you for joining us in our "BEST OF 2013" Series. From here on, we will progress through a wedding day in a mostly chronological way. So this week we start off with the getting ready photos.
Wedding days are full of emotions, personalities, colors, temperatures, decorations, guests, families, and all the other dynamics that you can imagine. And it all starts in the morning. The dress is revealed. The suit is put on. Flowers arrive. Bridesmaids crying. Mascara running. Groomsmen drinking. Mom processing. Photographer capturing.
We spend a lot of time getting to know the bride and groom through our initial meetings, to the engagement photos, sometimes occasional dinners and drinks, and multiple e-mails and phone calls preparing for one day. When we arrive to the church, salon, or home, it all comes together. Friends and family start gathering around the bride and groom giving them their love and support as they prepare for the special moments before them.
