Melissa Jordan Photography

Stacey and Dave | Chicago, West Loop Wedding Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Wed, 08 May 2013 02:35:00 +0000

Dave and Stacey had a perfect Spring wedding day after a week of cold and rain. I loved all of the details and that dress... OH that dress! I've never seen anything like it, elegant and sexy and if a wedding dress could be comfy I'd say Stacey looked as comfy as could be in it!

Thanks, Dave and Stacey for choosing me to capture these beautiful moments when you began your new life together!

Credits-
Venue- Prairie Production
Catering- Centered Chef
Flowers- Natural Beauties Floral

Special thanks to Lydia Harrison for coming along as a 2nd photographer!

Lynnette and Brad | Warsaw, IN Wedding Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Thu, 02 May 2013 20:44:00 +0000

Congratulations, Brad and Lynnette! What an honor it was to be part of your wedding day!

Venue: North Webster Church of God
Special music: Lynnette's parents
Flowers and decor: Lisa Robinson, Iris Trail
Cake and appetizers: The Cake Lady

Special thanks to Kelly Benton for coming along as a second photographer!

Jenny & Matt | Chicago Wedding Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 20:10:00 +0000

I've only met Jenny and Matt twice, once a few weeks before their wedding and again on their wedding day but after meeting them and spending one of the most important days of their life with them I can tell you first hand that to know them, is to love them! Jenny is full of life and her smile lights up a room, Matt is kind and sincere, together they're dynamite!

Jenny thought her dress looked kinda like a calla lily, the same flower she chose for her wedding,

I couldn't agree more! By the way, Jenny, you're so beautiful!

Jenny and Matt had a beautiful and simple ceremony, officiated by Jenny's father.

I think if all men looked at their brides the way that Matt looks at Jenny,

the world would be a better place. Truly.

Immediately after the ceremony guests are invited downstairs for a cocktail hour

complete with green beer for Saint Patrick's Day and other delicious appetizers.

While the guests are enjoying cocktail hour, the loft where the ceremony just took place

is being transformed into a gorgeous seated reception dining area.

The paintings below and several others were painted by Jenny for her wedding,

each painting is a place that Matt and Jenny have been together.

After cocktail hour the guests go back upstairs to take their seats for dinner and the "plating" begins.

Sam, Christine, Melissa and Ryan; The Centered Chef crew. Nice job, guys!

Thank you Matt and Jenny for having me along to capture this sacred day for you.

I was truly blessed to be there.

Ceremony and reception venue and catering - The Loft at Centered Chef

Flowers - Steve's Flower Market

Guitarist - Anu Alphonse

D.J. - Alpenrose Studio

Special thanks to Jenny Miller for 2nd shooting and being a great travel companion! :)

Where was God | Personal post

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 17:42:00 +0000

I’ve had to distance myself from reading too much about the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. I’ve always been the type of person to carry other people’s heartache as if they were my own but this is too much to bear all at once. Even a little bit of this is too much to bear. I don’t think I will ever be able to wrap my mind around how a grown man could murder those sweet children. I do not understand how any mental illness can drive a person to this kind of horrifying evil- that will never make sense to me.

Something else isn’t making sense about this either. I’ve heard a lot of Christian’s blame Liberal political parties for God not being at Sandy Hook to stop this horrific scene. They say we’ve removed God from our schools so we can’t be surprised that this has happened. Really? I read this in Romans chapter 8 “I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” (The Message) God is not bound by human laws. Our laws cannot keep God out of our schools. He is the same yesterday, today and forever so how could he possibly wipe his hands of us and say “Fine, you want me out? I’m out.” That might make sense from a human standpoint but that’s not what His Word tells us.

For those of you who have wondered where God was in all of this, I’d like to offer a different perspective. God was at Sandy Hook, right in the middle of the horror. When evil ran rampant in that building He was wrapping his strong, loving arms around those children and the adults that were trying to protect them. He was whispering to their confused and frightened hearts to not be afraid, that He would never leave them. The second they closed their eyes to this world they saw His face, so loving and so welcoming. He was there and will continue to be there to comfort those families, that school, that community because they have lost so much. He isn’t going to let them go because that's who He is.

I think this year Christmas will feel a little darker to many of us as we realize what kind of evil is in this world and what it is capable of. It’s my hope that this will cause us to silence our hearts and reflect on Emmanuel, God with us, what that really means. It sure feels like we need Him now more than ever.

As for me, like so much of this country, I will continue to mourn for Sandy Hook and cry for people I do not know because it could have been the elementary school where my children go to school. It could have been my son’s first grade classroom. It could have been my child that did not come home on that terrible day. Or it could have been yours.

Haley and Michael | Outdoor Fall Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 22:28:00 +0000

It may have been a chilly and windy fall day that Haley and Michael tied the knot but it sure was beautiful! I adored all the details that went into making this a spectacular day and the love Haley and Michael have for each other made the day even sweeter.

Flowers, decor and wedding coordination by Iris Trail Weddings and Events
Catering and dessert buffet by The Cake Lady
Venue: Haley's grandma's backyard overlooking Chapman Lake
Officiant: Lori Bievenour
D.J.: Kenton Smith from DJ's Entertainment

I can't say enough about all the personalized reception details. Haley and Michael love to read and there were fun quotes all hung around the tent from different books as well as photos of the two of them. They also made these paper hearts from book pages that decorated the entire wedding. Not to mention bulap, fun mis-matched china, gorgeous flowers, a chandalier in a TENT, lanterns and several fire pits.

How to help when someone is grieving

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 15:21:00 +0000

This post is really not related to photography but I feel the need to share what's on my heart. This has been stirring for probably 13 years now, from the time I walked through my first major loss and time of grieving.

Someone I know and am fond of recently lost his wife and I read something like this on his facebook status this morning -I think God may have got it wrong this time, what good could possibly come from this?- I'm paraphasing because he has removed the post from his wall so I can't go back to see exactly what was said. It reminded me of all the well-meaning phrases people would say to me when my daughter, Isabel passed away. Things like, she's in a better place, God won't give you more than you can handle, God needed her there with him etc. etc. Why do people feel the need to say these things? The truth is, those little sayings don't make a grieving person feel better. We feel like someone we love has been mercilessly ripped away from our lives and those sayings about God having a plan tells us that God's plan is to hurt us and to take someone out of this world who clearly made it a much better place. Those sayings make us feel like we are wrong to fall apart.

I don't buy it. The God I know was grieving with me when Isabel died because it WASN'T in his plan. His plan was for all humanity to live in harmony and community with him and to not experience death or loss or injustice. I do not believe that God strikes a person with illness so that he can accomplish something else. I do believe that God uses our tragedies to create something good. I believe that God is good and if he's good he can't be bad too. I know that I'm simplifying here and that God is too infinite for me to really wrap my mind around and there are really too many details for me to talk about it clearly.

So, I guess the point of this post is to tell you to be careful what you say to someone who is grieving. It's okay to tell him how sorry you are and that you are praying for him/thinking of him. Use his loved ones name and tell him how much she will be missed or tell him a good memory you have of his loved one. If you feel the need to do something, make a meal or go vacuum and dust his house or put some flower pots on his porch. Or just take a cup of coffee to him and sit at his table with him and just listen or sit quietly if he doesn't feel like talking. These are the things that make a hurting person feel loved.

Our hands holding Isabel's, soon after she was born.

Photo by Lisa Kae

One Fine Day Bridal Boutique | Fort Wayne Wedding Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 20:18:00 +0000

I had the privilege of meeting Autumn, owner of One Fine Day Bridal and Gown Boutique at the Warsaw Premier Bridal Expo in January. When I didn't have brides to be to talk to I got to stare at the stunning gowns on display across from me. Since then I had been planning to stop in at One Fine Day to check out the store, if you haven't been there, you HAVE to go! It's BEAUTIFUL! The design, architecture, display of the gowns, color, decor, -everything- is soft and elegant and tasteful and everything that a Bridal Boutique should be! I was able to snap a few photos while I was there so that you can see a little bit of this stunning store before you are able to experience it for yourself.

The gowns are arranged by designer and they aren't overcrowded, you can actually SEE the dresses when you are looking through the racks. It is recommended that you make an appointment so that an associate is definitely available

to give you the 5 star treatment but walk-ins are also welcome.

Below are some accent pieces and gown details and of course Autumn,

adjusting the lovely dressed mannequin.

One Fine Day only carries designer gowns so you are going to pay more for them. Please don't think you are just paying for a name though, the quality and craftsmanship of these gowns is phenomenal and the fabrics used can't even compare to a dress you'd find at a discount store. For those of you on a strict budget, don't think you can't get an amazing dress though, the photo below shows an entire room full

of discontinued gowns available off the rack at incredible prices!

The photo on your left shows what you see when you first walk in the store, the photo on your right is what you see when you are leaving. It's a picture of Autumn's grandparents on their wedding day. Autumn says that they had a wonderful marriage and she put the picture by the door as a good omen to the brides she services, that their marriages will be full and wonderful as well.

Congratulations, Autumn, on creating a one of a kind bridal store, best wishes for a lifetime of success!

Centered Chef Studios | Chicago Wedding & Reception Venue

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 17:26:00 +0000

Last weekend Centered Chef Studios in Chicago's west loop hosted their first ever wedding ceremony and reception and I had the opportunity to photograph it. This is such a fantastic venue, I would shoot here every weekend if I could, heck, I'd book the place if I was getting married! It's simple, beautiful, elegant, intimate, inspiring, fun and the food is AMAZING!

This bridal lounge area below is perfect for the bride and her maids to relax before the ceremony, complete with a spread of dried fruits and cheese.

The shot below is a staff meeting before the start of the wedding, I wanted to include it because I can't say enough good things about the staff at The Centered Chef. They are friendly and personable but even more than that, they will make you feel like family.

A shot of the ceremony in the loft before the guests arrive.

Following the ceremony the kitchen and basement area where the bridal lounge is

opens up to guests for cocktail hour and appetizers.

During cocktail hour the loft is transformed into a stunning reception area,

complete with a bartender and dance floor.

Besides weddings, The Centered Chef Studios is available for cooking classes,

dinner parties and more. It's a lovely space filled with wonderful people

who have a passion for "clean, simple, sexy food."

Jenna & Nick | South Bend, IN Wedding Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:01:00 +0000

If there were ever two people that I believe were brought together by Divine appointment, it's these two! It was a long time coming from their first date in college but God's timing was perfect. Nick and Jenna are so fantastic together and I am blessed to be a part of their wedding day.

There seems to be an ongoing joke at weddings, where the best man forgets the ring. Well, this time the ring was REALLY forgotten! Only it was the grooms ring. Jenna had two amazing assistants though and one of them got the ring to the front before most people even knew what was happening.

I loved the above moment during the reception. In college Nick had wrote Jenna a song and they sang it together at their reception, these two are very gifted - in both singing and dancing as you'll see below. They both had some crazy dance moves,

it was great watching how much fun they have together.

Jenna's hair by her mom, stylist Renda Early

Jenna's makeup by her sister, Misha

Flowers by Sweet Pickens Floral and Gifts

Ceremony venue- New Creation Fellowship

Reception venue and catering- Waterford Estates Lodge

D.J. - J & D Productions

Special thanks to Stephanie Witte for coming along as a 2nd shooter and to Marah Grant Photography for sharing Stephanie with me for the day.

Bridal Couture "Trash The Dress" |Warsaw, Indiana Wedding Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:52:00 +0000

FAQ's

"Do I have to destroy my dress?" No, you might get it a little dirty but we will only take shots that could ruin your dress if that's what you want to do.

"Can I still participate if you did not shoot my wedding?" YES!

"Do I have to provide my own accessories?" Yes, bring a bunch of your own accessories, shoes, boots and scarves, I will also bring some and we can put together a great look.

Kristine and Matt | South Haven Wedding Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:07:00 +0000

I had a blast shooting Kristine and Matt's wedding with Miller Expressions Photography in South Haven, some my old high school stomping grounds. It may have been one of the hottest days of the year and I may have been pregnant but it was a BEAUTIFUL wedding for a WONDERFUL couple!

Enjoy some of my favorite images of the day!

After the ceremony we joined the wedding party for a Lake Michigan cruise on the Friends Good Will Ship then docked at The South Haven Yacht Club for an incredible five course wine and food pairing.

Kristin and Nathaniel | Nappanee, IN Wedding Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 02:38:00 +0000

Last summer I had the privilege of being the second shooter for Ruthie Eileen Photography at a beautiful wedding at Amish Acres. What a great day! The HUGE Wedding party was so much fun, the venue was amazing and all the details that Kristin pulled together for their special day were phenomenal. (I had a super hard time narrowing down my detail shots because there were so many to choose from.) I can't wait to shoot at Amish Acres again!

Jenny and Jared | Fort Wayne, IN Wedding Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 22:36:00 +0000

Sometimes love is so evident you can see it. That's how it was at Jared and Jenny's wedding. The love they have for eachother was visible on their faces, in their laughter, in the words they spoke; both the meaningful and the playful. You could tell that they just get eachother and are both so happy to have found one another. Looking back at their photos, I see it all over again, I am so lucky to have been there to document this kind of love.

Special thanks to Chris from Nico Studios for coming along as 2nd shooter!

Wedding Details:
Ceremony and reception venue and catering: The Orchid Events and Catering.
Flowers and reception decor: One of A Kind Events
Cake: Courtney' Bakery.
Ceremony sound and reception D.J.: Megasound

One of my favorite moments of the day was captured below and it happened within the first hour that I was there! Jared gave Jenny a handwritten card, her favorite perfume and a gorgeous pearl necklace and earrings from Bowers Jewelry as a wedding gift. Love.

I adore the image of the first dance above captured by my 2nd shooter, Chris. The shot below was my view of the first dance.

Jared and Jenny, you both deserve a lifetime of happiness. Keep loving eachother like you do and I'm sure you'll get it! Thank you so much for giving me the honor of photographing this wonderful day in your life!

My Memories Digital Scrapbook Software Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:39:00 +0000

I have to be honest, I've never scrapbooked before!!! BUT after trying out My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software for the very first time I literally made the page below in about 10 minutes! It was so easy to use and the varieties are practically endless. Seriously, anyone could start creating their own quality scrapbooks, cards, calendars and more within minutes of owning this software. You can be as simple or as extravagant as you like!

One lucky reader is going to win their very own software from My Memories where you can create your own digital scrapbooks, cards, calendars and more. You can enter up to 4 times, here's how:
1. You have to enter this one first for any other entry to count. Go to www.mymemories.com and take a look around then post a comment on this post with your favorite thing in the store.
2. "Like" My Memories on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/MyMemories/ then post a comment here telling me that you liked their page. (Or that you were already a liker)
3. "Like" Melissa Jordan Photography on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/melissa.jordan.photography then post a comment here telling me that you liked my page. (Or that you were already a liker)
4. Post a link to this blog entry on your facebook page then comment here with the link to your link. :)

Here's the best part, even if you don't win the giveaway you're still a winner just for visiting because you get $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value! Just use this coupon code at checkout STMMMS81206

Contest ends Tuesday, November 8 at 10 p.m. EDT. Winner will be contacted and announced by Wednesday at noon. GOOD LUCK, everyone!

"B" Family | Warsaw, IN Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:32:00 +0000

Valentina and Nate | Winona Lake, IN Wedding Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Nate and Valentina were married on an unusually warm and beautiful October day, one that they completely enjoyed. Maybe they were feeling nervous, but you couldn't tell, they seemed completely at ease and just happy to be joined together as husband and wife. It was an absolute joy for me to be there with them.

The amazing light in Westminster Hall at Grace College made my job super easy!
Flowers by Creative Floral Designs.
Brides hairstyle by Expressions Salon and Day Spa.
Catering by Penguin Point.
Cake by Chris Fannin.
It was a pleasure to work with their videographer, Jake from Vibe Productions.
Special thanks to Curtis DeRoos for 2nd shooting!

Congratulations, Nate and Valentina! Best wishes for a lifetime of love and happiness!

Jenny and Jared | Fort Wayne, IN Engagement Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:06:00 +0000

Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.

-Franklin P. Jones

Congratulations on your engagement, Jenny and Jared! I can't wait for your wedding next month!

Megan and Zach | Warsaw, IN Wedding Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:31:00 +0000

I am so excited to share Megan and Zach's wedding! First of all the ceremony venue was Warsaw Community Church with Pastor Denny Wilson performing the ceremony, my own church and my own pastor, it kinda makes a girl feel right at home. But mostly because Megan and Zach are two of the most terrific people you'll meet. Together, they're dynamic, I love the energy and passion they have for life and for eachother.

Megan's make up was tastefully and beautifully done by Jamie Plack of The Vein Institute.

Cheyenne Blackford did a beautiful job with the bridesmaids and flower girl's hair.

Cheyenne and Jamie worked together on Megan's beautiful wedding day hairstyle.

Megan and Zach chose to have a first look before the ceremony. I can't stress how much I love it when my couples decide to do this, they are so much more relaxed the rest of the day and it leaves plenty of time for being with their guests after the ceremony. Special thanks to Curtis Deroos for 2nd shooting and capturing the photo on the left while I got the shot on the right below.

The cafe at WCC makes a lovely and intimate setting for the ceremony.

The flowers, designed by Lisa Robinson of Iris Trail were perfect.

Tippecanoe Lake Country Club is a splendid venue for an elegant wedding reception. Megan chose the theme Vintage Wine because she and Zach love to visit vineyards and go to wine tastings. I love the reception decor Iris Trail put together based on Megan's theme, it was stunning.

The Cake Lady did a fantastic job on a simple and beautiful cake.

J & S Van Lue DJ Service kept the party going and the energy high when the food and cake were finished.

Megan and Zach, thank you for allowing me to be part of your wedding. It was a spectacular day for a really wonderful couple and I am honored to capture it for you.

Kate and Miles | Northern Indiana Wedding Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:15:00 +0000

Kate and Miles are married! If I had to think of one word to describe their wedding it would be family. Kate explained how close she is to all of her extended family so everyone ended up being such a big part of her wedding. Her family catered the reception themselves, the DJ was a friend of the family, the cake was made by one of Kate's high school teachers. Everyone seemed so tight knit, it was a pleasure to witness their closeness.

Special thanks to Christine Barker for joining me as 2nd shooter for the day!

I adored Kate's bouquet designed and arranged by Jessica at Thode Floral. It was simple and elegant and had the perfect amount of texture.

The vintage car below was the ACTUAL car that Kate's parents rode away in after their wedding. It's so great that Kate and Miles were able to use the same car

Gorgeous reception decor by Glass Slipper Weddings.

Kate and Miles, It was a beautiful day for a wonderful couple. Best wishes for a joyful future and a lifetime of love.

Tiffany and Tshombe | Indianapolis Wedding Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 19:57:00 +0000

Tiffany and Tshombe had a beautiful (and HOT) wedding. The ceremony and reception were both at The Bridgewater Club in Carmel, An absolutely spectacular venue! I loved all the little details, especially the peacock feather theme.

Stunning hair and make up by Karen Hall and Company.

Special thanks to my 2nd shooter for the day Christine Barker , who grabbed the awesome shot below while I was getting the shot above.

The skies were really as blue as that picture below on their wedding day, I promise I do not add any color pop to my photos!

A fantastic wedding party!! Notice the bridesmaids clutches, there are peacock feathers on them, so lovely.

A shot of the reception area before the guests entered. Did I mention how spectacular The Bridgewater Club is?

The cake was made by the brides MOTHER!! She did an amazing job, it was beautiful and delicious.

My favorite moment of the day was when Tiffany read something she had been working on in Tshiluba (Tshombe's families native language) to his mom (or the loving phrase they use, mamu). I don't know what she said but there wasn't a dry eye in the room, mine included

DJ Mike Cambell of Sound Advice was one of my favorites, ever. Am I allowed to say that? It's true, he was fantastic!

Another fun detail was the photobooth by Happy Snaps! They had all kinds of hats, glasses, boas and signs for guests to wear then the bride and groom and the guests each got to keep a copy of each photo. Here's me and Christine... :)

All the guests received sky lanterns to release that night. In spite of the humidity holding them down for a while it was so beautiful to watch all those lights floating away.

Congratulations, Tiffany and Tshombe! Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your wedding day, it was truly an honor!

Tom Roy

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:29:00 +0000

I recently had the opportunity to photograph Tom Roy, who spent a brief time in the S.F. Giants Organization, is a former chaplain for the Chicago White Sox, has spoken several times at the Green Bay Packers Chapel, author of Released and founder and president of UPI (Unlimited Potential Incorporated), a ministry towards and for equipping pro baseball players in sharing the gospel. Tom is so passionate about this ministry and it's so deeply rooted in him, he is gifted in and available for speaking. Click here to read Tom's blog. Click here to puchase Tom's book from Amazon.

Honestly though, Tom was a riot. He was the first person who ever took my 52" reflector after the shoot and made up scenarios of what it could be instead of a reflector. Like a giant pizza dough twirling overhead. :) The photo below was one of my "test shots" but I love the personality it exudes. THIS is Tom Roy!

Anna and Dave | Chicago Engagement Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:28:00 +0000

I can't tell you how much I was looking forward to shooting Anna and Dave's Chicago engagement session! I love shooting in Chicago and I love shooting engagement photos! In spite of our early morning start time these two seemed completely at ease in front of the camera. It's so obvious that they love being together, it's almost contagious, it makes everyone else love being around them too.

Congratulations on your engagement, Anna and Dave! I wish you both a lifetime of joy!

Laura and Zach | Warsaw, IN Wedding Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:25:00 +0000

Zach and Laura are married! One beautiful sunny day in August it started to rain, five minutes before their outdoor ceremony was to begin... Luckily, their friends and families were troopers and all carried their chairs inside the lobby of the beautiful Westminster Hall for a last minute change of plans. Zach and Laura were so easy going and carefree and why shouldn't they be, because at the end of the day all that really matters is that they had vowed to spend the rest of their lives together.

Wedding Details:

Beautiful updo for the bride and bridesmaids by J3 Salon

I loved the stunning flowers by Maple Ave. Florist

Ceremony venue: Westminster Hall

Reception venue and catering: 8WW Cuisines

Gorgeous reception decor by Glass Slipper Weddings

Delicious and artistic cake by Spencer's Sweet Shoppe

Last but not least, the D.J. who kept everyone dancing: Tom Westerhof of Tomfoolery Music.

Congratulations, Laura and Zach! It was an honor to be a part of your day.

Susan and Mihai | Winona Lake Wedding Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:51:00 +0000

I did not have the opportunity to meet Susan before the wedding because she lives out of state but I'm just going to say, she is one of the NICEST people ever, so considerate and caring, by the end of the wedding I felt like we were old friends.

Wedding Planning: One of a Kind Events (I'd like to get on my soapbox for a minute here, Brides, PLEASE do yourselves a favor and hire a wedding planner! The day goes so much smoother, you have less stress and the peace of mind knowing that someone is making sure things are going as they are suppsed to. One of a Kind did an amazing job!
Ceremony venue: The Lakeside Chapel in The Village at Winona
Reception venue and catering: The Boathouse Restaurant
Cake: Spencer's Sweet Shoppe
Wedding gown and bridesmaids dresses: All stunning and HANDMADE by Susan's Aunt!

Special thanks to Curtis DeRoos, my second shooter for the day.

Congratulations, Susan and Mihai! Thank you for giving me the honor of documenting this beautiful and unforgettable day in your lives.

New Album by Nick Stanton

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 20:48:00 +0000

This spring I had the opportunity to photograph Nick Stanton for his new album Love Has Overcome.

Nick has an authentic heart for God and his music is fantastic. This is what Nick says about his new album:

"I’m excited to release this new album titled, “Love Has Overcome.” For the past year I have experienced a mix of ups and downs. There have been good days and what seemed like weeks that were a time of wandering in a desert, searching for God. This album is a culmination of the struggles and trials that I have faced in my life but also the hope that we have in Jesus despite those troubles. I’m so encouraged by the words of Jesus in John 16:33; “In this world you will have troubles; but take heart, I have overcome the world.”

No matter what we go through in life, we have to believe that these words are true. I hope I can encourage your faith with these songs that God has placed on my heart and that I can spur you on to “run the race set before you.”

click here to visit Nick's blog.
click here to buy Nick's new album.

20% of all album proceeds go to Destiny Rescue, an incredible organization that rescues children from sexual slavery.