Results tagged “michele bowman” from michele bowman ~ Windsor Ontario Wedding Photographer, London, Chatham Southwestern Ontario & Destination Weddings
163
this past weekend, i had the great privilege of documenting another fabulous wedding here in Windsor.
i do have to preface this blog post by saying that the weather here in Windsor has been way too hot for weddings this past July, and i think from now on i'm going to suggest to all July brides, that they plan for a hawaiin themed wedding. shorts, t-shirts, and maybe a slip & slide or a sprinkler (for the guests to enjoy).
it's been CRAZY HOT!!!!
ok, i'm back to the wedding post now.
Catherine & Joe's wedding was not just a hot wedding, but it was a lovely wedding.
i met these two lovebirds last Christmas, for the very first time, even though Catherine had hired me to document her wedding during a phone call last summer. these two make Boston their home, and i was so blessed that i was able to be involved in their big day.
when i first spoke to Catherine, she had mentioned that originally they had dreamed of a small and intimate affair, but quickly realized that their dream wedding was going to be something very different.
Catherine is Croatian, and Joe is French. small and intimate weddings are not in either of these group's vocabulary.
i am part french canadian, and i know that not only is family a HUGE deal, but the party WITH the family is super important!!!
i found out that Croatian's are no different.
it's all about the family, the love, the friends, the family (i had to mention that again since it's so important), and the gathering together to surround a newly married couple with blessings and hugs!
oh, and there needs to be a lot of food and desserts.
don't even get me started on the sweet tables!!! oh my !!
i always wish i not only had time to eat dessert when i'm at a wedding, but that i actually had room to eat some of the sweets. i'm always too full after dinner!
a big thank you goes out to Joe & Catherine, for not only being a terribly sweet and loving couple, but for having fun with me on your wedding day! it is always so wonderful to be a witness to the wedding of two people that absolutely adore each other, and you two were no different.
i wish you all the love and happiness in the world, and i am so very blessed to have met you both.
Catherine, your wedding dress is my most favourite dress EVER!! thanks for buying it so that i could photograph it!
now, onto photographs!!
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
catherine + joe + wedding ~ windsor ontario
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.michelebowmanweddings.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/160
161
a wedding here in Windsor Ontario~
it's that time again.....
BLOG TIME!!!!!
yes, it's a couple of days later than i hoped it would be, but i'm in the midst of wedding insanity around here, and i'm pretty much editing around the clock, so i'm hoping that no one will mind a blog post on Friday instead of Wednesday.
thanks a bunch.
last year, i got a phone call from a bride, we'll call her Stephanie, and we just hit it off immediately! i got a sense from this lovely bride, that she had some SERIOUS plans for her big day, and i couldn't get enough of her excitement!! you see, not only did Stephanie have some BLING BLING ideas for her wedding, but she was totally and madly in love with her fiance, and you could hear that in her voice.
when she asked me to be a part of her day, i knew that i was in for a treat!
i wasn't disappointed.
Stephanie & Kevin's wedding was last Saturday here in Windsor, and i think that the day lived up to Steph's expectations, in more ways than one. family & friends came from all around, to surround this couple with love and attention (and marshmallows), and i don't think i've ever seen so many tears of joy at any wedding thus far.
one thing that stood out to me, was the fact that Steph's grandmother flew in from Florida to not only be at the gown shop when Stephanie picked out her dress, but again when she had her dress fittings! that's the kind of love that encircled this couple last weekend, and didn't disappoint.
it was a HOT day yet again (imagine that.... a hot day in July) , but we tried to keep out of the blazing sun and spent some time finding a couple of shady locations for photos! let me just say, that an air conditioned limo-bus filled with cold champagne and beer always helps to keep people cool. just sayin'.
The ceremony was held at Assumption Church at the University of Windsor, and even though it was NOT air-conditioned, it was a beautiful service with lots of tears of joy.
Stephanie & Kevin picked the St.Clair Centre of the Arts for their reception , and i don't think they could have picked a nicer place. decked out in some BLING decor, with a cake that kept on going, the dinner and party was fantastic! i'm sure the party continued into the night, with dancing, hugging, and pelting with marshmallows (don't ask).
i want to take a moment to thank Stephanie & Kevin for letting me be a part of their wedding day. You guys obviously adore each other to pieces, and the commitment that you have for each other is wonderful to observe. you have had some crazy ups and downs with jobs and moving around lately, but all those things have made you guys come together and really commit to each other in such a great way. with the help if your 'lucky penny' , i'm sure that you will not only have the most awesome life together, but a life filled with adventure and love, boating adventures and the most wonderful family around.
big hugs to you both!!
scroll to the bottom of this post to see some of the awesome vendors that helped make this day special!
now.... the PHOTOS!!!
florist~ Girard & Co. http://www.girardflowers.com/
decor~ Designs by Diane http://www.designsdiane.com
cake ~Renee's Fine Cakes http://www.reneesfinecakes.com/
DJ & photobooth ~ Flashpoint Productions http://www.flashpointpro.com
wedding gown ~ David's Bridal http://www.davidsbridal.com
shoes ~ Deborah Thomson http://www.figgiephotography.com
reception ~ St.Clair Centre of the Arts http://www.stclaircentre.ca/
hair ~ Nicole White from Parlour, Windsor
invitations ~ You're Invited, Chatham http://www.youre-invited.ca
Emilie Bowman:
Looks like I get to be the first to comment :)
Beautiful photos as always momma, and even though I've told you a million times it doesnt hurt to say it again...You are so extremely talented!
Ps- I love the shoes! And the green and purple colours:)
(07.16.10)
Judi Beswick:
As the mother of the bride suffering post wedding blues, these remarkable pics of the wedding brought tears of joy and laughter. Mich, no question you have spectacular talent!
Judi
Stephanie BELL:
As the Bride - All I can say is ThAnK You!!! Thank you for capturing our day and making the memroies last on forever. Thank you for keeping the spirit light and fun even though we thought we might melt away. Thank you for making sure all the small details keivn and i were to busy to truly admire. Thank you for being so taleneted!!!
I couldnt imagin anyone else photographing us on our wedding day!!! I love the pics and cant wait to see the rest of them!!!
Your amazingly taleneted and so much fun to work with!!!
Cheers
Stephanie
amy:
looks like a fun couple!! love the colors they went with!!! i can see why the bride adores them!! they are really gorgeous images!!
(07.17.10)
paige ramsay:
i was lucky enough to be stephs "maid" on that special day and special it was...you captured it all...you have an amazing talent...thank you for helping in making stephs day so special!!!
(07.21.10)
Amelia Thornton / Flirt Photography:
1. Michele - WOW (again!)
2. Steph...please tell everyone where you got those shoes done...sooooo fabulous!
Stephanie BELL:
the AMAZING SHOES where Deborah . . www.figgieshoes.com. Not only is she amazingly talented but is the sweetest person I think I have ever met! Trough the whole process she was just as excited ( if not more ) than I was about the shoes. I didnt see them until the day before the wedding and didnt fret for one second. I knew they would be nothing short of amazing!!!! She does shoes for all occasions - not only weddings, birthdays a night on the town... what ever your looking for I would recomend her to create your one of a kind memory!!!!!
(08.19.10)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
stephanie + kevin + wedding ~ windsor ontario
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.michelebowmanweddings.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/158
138
hi blog world.
i just wanted to share some awesome news that i received this morning.
you know, there's nothing better than waking up in the morning to an AWESOME email. well, i guess there are some things that are better, but awesome emails are definitely up there as wonderful.
anyways, some of you might have read (a few blog posts ago) that i was invited to be a member of the WPJA (wedding photojournalist association).
i was thrilled to pieces when i got that news, and i did a happy dance and had a perma-smile for a few days.
yep, i'm a happy-dance kinda gal.
this morning i woke up to an email from the AG|WPJA and i have been invited to become a member of their association as well!
this is what the AG|WPJA does :
"The Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association AG|WPJA is comprised of outstanding wedding photographers, who are at the forefront of the wedding photography industry when it comes to enhancing images. The chief objective of the AG|WPJA is to provide members with a platform where the finest enhanced, manipulated and/or artistic wedding photojournalism in the world is spotlighted and promoted for the bride and groom.
The AG|WPJA is a separate division of the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA). Whereas the WPJA upholds strict guidelines that forbid excessive picture manipulation, the AG|WPJA encourages and fosters creative image enhancement, with the vision of promoting Fine Art Wedding Photojournalists.
The AG|WPJA establishes and upholds high standards that are taken into consideration during the judging process for our wedding photography contests. Using all artistic tools at their disposal, members skillfully enliven their work in post production processing."
there are only 13 (now 14 counting me) photographers in Ontario, that are members of the AG|WPJA, and i am very honoured to be associated and listed with some of the best wedding photojournalists in the WORLD!
now i am an honoured member of both associations, and i'm humbled but thrilled that my hard work and efforts have paid off.
now i need to get my butt in gear and enter some of their print competitions!
YIKES!
i also wanted to thank my clients, my family and my friends, for believing in me, supporting me as i grow my business, and just loving me everyday.
thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Arlington VA Wedding Photographer:
Wow! Congratulations Michelle! That's a great honor. I'll have to see how many Washington DC Wedding Photographers are members.
(03.22.10)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
some more great news...
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.michelebowmanweddings.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/135
130
i say "why not?"
a few years back, when photography took hold of me and wasn't about to let me go, i probably would never have dreamed that wedding photography would be the place i would end up.
i was one of those people, that thought wedding photographers were right up there with wedding singers (in the placement of all things wedding of course), and the thought of jumping into professional photography was not on the forefront of my mind.
now, if National Geographic would have come knocking on my door and asked me to travel the world and shoot nothing but underwater photography, then i would have been THERE!!!!
unfortunately, Windsor Ontario isn't known for it's lush , underwater reefs or beautiful, pristine wrecks, so underwater photography isn't really something that us Windsor-ites get into very often.
i do have to say, that scuba diving in the Detroit RIver was an experience that neither Darryl or I will soon forget. We could only see about 2 feet in front of us, as we dragged ourselves upstream with screwdrivers! LOL!
you couldn't swim against the current, and it was strong, so strong in fact, that Darryl and I had to be tethered together with a big rope so as not to lose each other!
thankfully, we didn't find any drugs or dead bodies, but it would have been cool to find a gun or something.
i digress.....
fish are awesome, no doubt there, but people are more awesome!
i love weddings, not a doubt in my mind.
i wake up every day, so very thankful that i am doing what i'm doing.
i lose sleep every night, thinking of all the things i need to do, ideas that i have , and dreams that i can't wait to implement.
every time i meet a new couple, or get an email from a bride, i get all giddy and excited!
NEW PEOPLE TO MEET, ANOTHER AWESOME WEDDING TO DOCUMENT!!!
YAY!!
yep, that's the sound of my inside voice as it yells loudly inside my head.
i even say "YAY!" inside my head!
i know, i need some help.
do you ever have that feeling that something awesome is about to happen, but you don't have a clue what it might be?
i have had that feeling all week, and i can't shake it!
it's like the feeling that you have on Christmas eve, when you are all giddy, excited, and nervous about what's going to happen tomorrow! you know that you're going to get presents, but you just don't know what they might be.
it's a great feeling and a horrible feeling, all at the same time.
ya know what i'm sayin'?
well, this crazy feeling has been plaguing me all week!
please make it stop.
thank you.
i am just in the process of putting some photos together for my gallery on EverythingWedding.ca which is, (if you've read my post from last week) a resource and website for brides in Windsor Ontario and Essex County, to get info on everything and everything wedding! of course this meant that i would have to go through all my weddings from 2009 and pick my 10 faves. did you know that picking favourite photos is NOT an easy job to do?
anyways, i found this photo of a flower girl and ring bearer, and i couldn't NOT put it up!
this was from a wedding that i 2nd shot for John Lyons, here in Kingsville, and this girl made me smile all day. she was a total angel and sweet to boot!
anyways, i love the 'serious' look that she's giving me, just before she walked down the aisle.
priceless.
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
why wedding photography?
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.michelebowmanweddings.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/127
127
there are times when i write about my escapades as a wedding photographer, and some days that i write about other stuff.
this is other stuff.
here are a few things i've realized lately.....
- every time my phone rings, my dogs jump up and run to the back door to be let out. i never trained them to do this, but they must have read the report about Pavlov's dog and thought it would be a good idea to test the theory on me. i think it's actually a reverse thing for them. i think they are actually training ME to jump up every time my phone rings, so that they can stop being ignored and let out more than once a day. smart dogs, but i'm onto them BIGTIME!
- i'm not as afraid if trying new foods as i once was. i tried Mulligwatany soup the other day, and not only was it curry based, but it was delish! i didn't try the sashimi, but come on people, FRIED EEL and raw oily fish? not gonna happen any time soon.
- i seriously dislike photos with vignetting all over the place. come on now......
does every single photo need to be surrounded in black blur? sorry, but i feel opinionated today, and i just can't take all that vignette!
- one more thing i don't care for is tilting. i was actually nauseous the other day, while i was looking at some photos that were all tilted to the left. it looked like everyone was just about to slide off the road or off the dance floor. too much, too much!!!! TOO MUCH TILTING!!!!!
- i am feeling the urge to sign up for Rosetta Stone and learn spanish. hey, why not?
- i think i might break down and get some artificial nails soon. my nails are so soft and split every time i try to grow them. it might just happen!
- i have never liked Shostakovich, but the orchestra that i'm performing with, is playing the 3rd mov't from his 10th symphony. it's actually pretty cool and i'm sorry for disliking this poor, misunderstood and oppressed composer. i will say, that if i am asked to perform something by Phillip Glass, then i'm walking out! Philip Glass's music makes me want to run over a cute little animal or something. shoot me now.
- i am excited about some new endeavours for 2010, and that includes advertising with www.everythingwedding.ca . i never really wanted to advertise with anyone, since i am a firm believer in word of mouth, but is such a good opportunity! YAY!
- i wish i could wear my Croc slippers everywhere i go, but i don't want to be judged by my footwear! oh, who am i kidding? i wear crazy shoes all the time, so why should i stop now!
that's the world according to me :)
what's a post without a photo?
it's my niece giving her baby a kiss!
HAHAHA!!!
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
something in the wind.....
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.michelebowmanweddings.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/124
126
last weekend i had the chance to set up a booth at the Wedding Odyssey in Windsor, which is a local wedding show (if the name didn't give it away).
i struggled with the thought of actually DOING the show, because i couldn't get any definitive answers from any of my colleagues, and to whether it's really worth the money to participate!
it was years ago that i actually even went to a wedding show, and i've never been to any of the Windsor ones, so i had no idea if they were even classy events!
i bit the bullet, wracked my brains as to how i could set up a booth that would both reflect me (and my slightly odd ideas) and reflect my branding. i wanted to stand apart from the crowd and be unique, which i think i accomplished.
there is WAY to much black curtain at these events, and way too many boring tables, so i stepped it up a notch and brought in some LIME GREEN!!!!
yep, that's my colour!
i do have to say, that the traffic at the show was awful! we had hours that would go by, and not one person would come down the hall to see us (or anyone else for that matter). we were stuck in the ghettos of the show, which was actually at the end of a very long hallway and not even IN the main room of the event.
i will never get a booth in the hallway again!
actually, i didn't really have a choice in the matter, because i was kinda late registering for the event and didn't have any choice as to which booth i could get.
i do have to say, that even though there weren't many brides/couples, the ones that i did meet and talk to, were AWESOME!!!!
i am so blessed to be able to meet the best people in the world, and i am always so honoured when i get chosen to document a couple's big day.
the other big thing that i loved about the show, is that i was able to hook up with local vendors!
i got to meet Sarah from 'It's Your Day Bridal', and we really hit it off. i have heard so much about her bridal boutique, from almost every bride that i meet with, and it's always good things! i guess 'It's Your Day' boutique in Lasalle (Windsor) takes a different approach to serving brides, and i've heard that their wedding dresses are GORGEOUS!!!
i can't wait to head over there myself and check out the dresses , and i think i'll take my daughter with me, since what 16 year old doesn't love wedding dresses!!
i was also able to meet and talk with Diane, of 'Designs by Diane'.
Diane is a Windsor event and party designer, who has done some phenomenal work at weddings i've worked at.
i also have a current bride who can't stop talking about the awesomeness of Diane, so i just had to meet her and let her know that i really appreciate her reputation in the area. we had a nice chat, got to know each other a bit, and i admired her booth filled with BLING!! LOL!
i do have to say, that i did feel terrible for some of these brides-to-be, since by the time they finished walking around the show, they were laden with 20 lb bags of flyers and magazines, and had been bombarded with vendors JUMPING out at them and trying to sell their wares. many of these poor girls had such a glazed-over look to them, it was pretty overwhelming to a good chunk of inexperienced wedding show attendees!!!
i have already decided that i would like to do the Wedding Odyssey next year, since i would like to see what happens when i get a booth INSIDE the main room and not in the ghetto hall, and i would also really like to get a booth at the other wedding show that Windsor offers. Unfortunately, the Wedding Extravaganza (which have shows in the fall and winter) has a waiting list for photographers, which is something like 2 years to get in! seriously people?
here is a photo of my booth, which though small, was pretty darn cute (if i do say so myself).
John Lyons Weddings:
Your booth looks awesome Michele! I agree though, I wasn't happy with the turnout either! See ya,
j
Daniel:
Wow, I love the colors of your booth. Yes, it is cute indeed. I hope you got some wedding photography bookings from it!
(01.18.10)
Judene:
Great display. Great choice with the lime green. I agree to go to the Cioccaro next year... if you insist on trying another show(lol). I did the Cioccaro last year and I found that most of the couples there, also sign up with The Wedding Guide. Something to look into, in terms of advertising.
(01.24.10)
Boundless Photos Weddings:
Great looking stand that you have there, love the collage of small prints
(01.28.10)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
the wedding show ~ the Wedding Odyssey Windsor
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.michelebowmanweddings.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/123
124
Engagement sessions are FUN!!!!
There is something exciting about getting to know my wedding clients on a deeper level, and nothing gets people to open up more, than to get them out in the snow!
Actually, since I'm a talker and i love hearing about what makes people tick, i don't really need a snow storm or anything else. One of the things that i adore about being a wedding photographer, is that i get to meet so many wonderful people.
If you are a potential bride or groom, and you are reading this post, please note that i don't like to talk about the weather, the stock market, or politics. Fluff conversations are not my thing, because i love to hear about where you grew up, how long you've been dating, how the proposal took place, and i especially want to hear all the gory details about your wedding! I want to hear about your wedding dress, the awesome bridesmaid's dresses, the gorgeous invitations and your honeymoon plans!
i like to be open, honest and real.
it's just me, and i can't change.
i guess that's why i adore engagement sessions so much. Engagement sessions are relaxed, fun, and a good time for me (as a wedding photographer) to get to know my clients a bit better. It's tough to talk on a wedding day, for obvious reasons, so during an engagement session, feel free to talk away!!
laugh, laugh, and laugh some more, and if you have time, nail your beloved with a snowball!
Rob and Leslie are getting married in April , at Willistead Manor (here in Windsor), and i have the honour of being their wedding photographer. i have heard a rumour that there might be muscle cars at this wedding, and i'm hoping that the rumours are true!!
oh, and i have a special place in my heart for Leslie, and it has nothing to do with photography.
as a special treat to my 2010 clients, this year i made each of my couples a homemade treat. i LOVE making candy at Christmas, and this year i made a few of my favourite sugary treats and mailed some off to each couple. Leslie and Rob ended up with some of my pralines, and i got the most wonderful compliment from Leslie.
Leslie grew up in the south, and she swears that my pralines are as good as any southerner can make!
yep, i am definitely tickled with that kind of compliment.
anyways, here are a few of the highlights from the day
isn't she GORGEOUS?!!
Julie :
Beautiful images Michele!
I love them all, but especially 10, 11 & 12!
What fun you all had!
(01.01.10)
Pamela:
Absolutely beautiful.
(01.02.10)
Ronni Haslett:
I love all of these! I haven't seen someone rock an engagement in the snow! You did a fabulous job!
(01.11.10)
Seattle Wedding Photographer Kirk Mastin:
I love these engagement images. What a great couple and a fun session. Looks cold though. They are good sports!
(01.18.10)
Sandi:
Love these! What wonderful pictures to remember this season of their lives together!
(01.18.10)
Knoxville Wedding Photographer:
I really like the ones that were next to the old, broken down building. The color in the bricks and in the siding really pop in the snow. Nice!
(01.24.10)
The Prague Wedding Photographer Kurt Vinion:
Wow! Beautiful images Michele! I am sure the clients are quite pleased!
(01.25.10)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Rob & Leslie {windsor ontario wedding photographer}
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.michelebowmanweddings.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/121
123
it has been a couple of weeks since my last blog entry, but now i'm back!!!
i decided to take a little break from computer stuff and blogging, but i guess i need to get back to business and get this blog up and running again. small hiatus is now over.
today i met up with Leslie and Rob for their engagement session, and as you can see from the photo, we had some FUN!!!
Rob and Leslie live in Arizona, but they are getting married here in Windsor this coming April. Willistead Manor is where they are getting married, and i can't wait!!!!
for 2010, i have been blessed with the most wonderful, kind, adventurous and fantastic couples that a wedding photographer could ever get.
every time i think about the AWESOME weddings that i have booked for 2010, i get all choked up.
i can't believe that i have been given the honour of documenting all these great weddings and special moments in the lives of such fun and interesting people.
oh, and if you book me to photograph your wedding or your engagement session, then be prepared to be asked to get into a snowball fight with your betrothed.
dress accordingly!
Lesley:
Whoa! This is awesome!
(12.29.09)
Renee:
Hey Michèle, I haven't stopped by in a while, but I see you have been up to some lovely, lovely shoots. I'm totally digging the winter e-sessions. I just did one last week too, and they are so totally fun even though it's freezing! Can't wait to see more :-)
(01.18.10)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Rob & Leslie {windsor ontario wedding photographer} ~ sneak peek
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.michelebowmanweddings.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/120
122
Patrick and Melissa's wedding was the last wedding of 2009 for me, which of course, made me very sad because i love my work and actually enjoy being busy every weekend! i worked alongside Arica again, and this was actually a last minute gig for me. i wasn't scheduled to work with her that day, but was called at the last minute and luckily i was available.
the last wedding that i posted, was all about the intimate, quiet, romantic and emotional day that was Steve & Alanna's wedding. this wedding was pretty much the opposite of that, but totally wonderful in its own way. some weddings are just quiet and intimate, and some require coolers of beer to be loaded on the party bus! it's just the nature of the beast i guess!
Patrick and Melissa were just the friendliest and nicest people around, their families were wonderful and loving, and their bridal party was CRAZY! (in a good way of course).
it was a fun way to end my year.
the ceremony was held at a little church, right in the heart of little Italy here in Windsor. even though it was the DARKEST church i have ever worked in (and actually had to use my flash, which i hate doing) i do have to say that it was one of the nicest services i've witnessed in a while. Catholic services are usually all very similar, with the priests reading from the same manual or something. most are very lovely, but this one was a bit out of the ordinary.
i spoke to the priest before the service, to go over the photography rules with him (all churches have rules ya know) and i was instantly charmed by this short, elderly, italian man. i liked him right away!
during the service, he started out with the ritual wedding stuff, read what he needed to read, and yada yada yada.
then......
he moved away from the microphone, stood about a foot in front of the bride and groom, and gave them the best sermon. it was quite the evangelical sermon, if i do say so myself.
it was all about the love of God, putting Jesus at the centre of your relationship, and on and on like that.
AWESOME!!!!
i guess you must just get to a point in your life, when you just don't care what people think about you and whether you're following the rules or not.
this guy was NOT following any rules ,and Arica and i loved it.
i guess what struck me the most, was his compassion and honesty. it was very honourable.
i live in my own little world, where i still believe that everyone is honest with me and unfortunately i get let down a lot. i always appreciate when someone speaks from the heart, doesn't put on any airs, and just says what is true.
again, it was AWESOME!
sorry for my rant, but i wish more people would just be honest, share their heart, and not be afraid to do so.
there, that's my little sermon (i will keep it short due to time constraints).
after the service, we headed onto Erie Street for some photos, then to Willistead Manor. a cool place if i do say so myself.
the reception was held at the Ciocarro Club. yummy :)
ok, so by the time us photographers get to the reception, we're pretty hungry. i admit it.
we work all day, don't take time to eat or drink, and they arrive at the reception and order 4 gingerales and eat 3 buns (or sneak a dessert off the sweet table~ which was Arica, NOT me for the record). i drank the 4 gingerales and i HELPED Arica to sneak a dessert off the sweet table. Arica is italian and can't resist a freshly made cannoli, it's hereditary i think.
the reception was lovely, there was soup, and the DJ was GREAT!!!!
it was quite the party, and the choreographed dance to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" was the icing on the cake.
the only bad part of the reception, was when i accidentally blinded myself with my flash unit (which was only about 6 inches from my eyes at the time) and i saw nothing but a bright white box for about 10 minutes. i was totally blind, and i even felt my rods and cones shriveling up immediately!
seriously, it HURT!
it took about 1/2 an hour before my vision started to return to normal, but by then i had a wicked headache and thought i might die (ok, so not really, but it wasn't very nice at all).
luckily, my near blinding experience didn't last long, and i was actually able to drive myself home afterwards. it was touch and go for a moment.
here are a few photos from the day.
i do have to mention, that the following photo was NOT enhanced in Photoshop. the sky was actually this colour blue that day! awesome , isn't it.
these girls laughed ALL DAY LONG!!! it was hilarious!
when i asked the girls to get their groove on, this is what they gave me
when i asked the guys to give me something, they decided to throw dead leaves at the groom. nice.
the bride and groom got announced at dinner. it was just like being at a football game!!
told ya. football game.
i don't joke about such things.
Anonymous:
You have an awesome eye and are very talented. Keep up the good work.
(12.07.09)
Deborah (Figgie):
Gorgeous work, as always, Michele!!
That shot of the reception crowd whooping and hollering is the best thing EVER!!!
(12.07.09)
Cathy:
I love the b&w shot from above of the couple in the circle. And also the hilarious bouquet toss shot. That girl in front is really going for it!
(12.08.09)
Daniel (Vancouver wedding photographer):
Love the detail shot of the to-do list. It's an easy miss at any wedding, but I'm glad you got a photo of it! Beautifully photographed wedding!
(12.15.09)
Boston Wedding Photographer:
Great story telling in this series. Speak to fun in the fall weddings. Great photos.
(12.16.09)
Virginia Beach Wedding Photographer:
What a great series of shots, Michele! And I love that last flower-catching shot...so much fun! As a Norfolk Wedding Photographer, my goal has always been to capture every moment that I can for my clients, and I can tell you are very adept at doing so as well...very nice!
(12.16.09)
Windsor Wedding Photographer:
What a great way to end the year Michele! I love the entrance shots, looks like it was a fun crowd!
(12.24.09)
Patti Wallington (Niagara Falls wedding planner):
These wedding photographs are excellent, you really told a great story of the day with your work. You captured the emotion of everyone is all of the pictures perfectly. Good job!!
(12.29.09)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Ciocarro Club Wedding Windsor | patrick & melissa
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.michelebowmanweddings.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/119
118
SNEAK PEEK!!!!!!
a few weeks ago, i photographed a beautiful wedding with Arica (again) , and i have to say that this one is up there as one of my favourites.
Steve & Alanna were the sweetest couple , and not only were they sweet, but their story was off the charts.
this photo says it all.
you can tell how happy Alanna is, even with her eyes closed.
they found each other later in life, but that just makes it even sweeter in my opinion.
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh..... love :)
WHAT'S HITTING THE BLOG THIS WEEK?
- more Steve & Alanna
- Melissa & Patrick
so keep checking in, ok?
Tonee:
this is such a sweet picture to showcase. lovely job. I am really digging the brides bringing back the half veil this year!
(11.29.09)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
alanna & steve {windsor ontario wedding photographer}
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.michelebowmanweddings.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/115
117
last week, i had THREE engagement sessions, as a few of my couples wanted to get some fall colours in their photos. Melissa and Steve were my third couple of the week, and it was a fun way to end my engagement photos until Christmas-time.
i met Melissa for the very first time, this past summer. she drove into Kingsville to meet with me, and brought her mom along for the ride.
we sat down, spoke about the wedding plans, and then we laughed. both Melissa and her mom had me laughing the whole time.
it was a wonderful meeting.
Melissa and Steve are getting married next June, at a cute little Bed and Breakfast in Windsor, and i can't wait! i am super excited about being their wedding photographer
we met up at Lakeside Park in Kinsgville, for their engagement photos, after having to reschedule our session twice! the weather was being difficult, and the third time was a charm.
it was a bit chilly, and a little cloudy, but we were thankful that the leaves were still on the trees, and we weren't getting rained on!
a week after their session, most of the leaves in my area are off the trees now, and the weather is getting colder. i guess we got done just in time!
we had fun, i think they thought i was a bit nuts, and i was happy to see that they are two people who are very much in love. i can't wait to photograph their wedding next year, and i'm so thankful that they chose me.
ok, so i'm only posting the next photo because i wanted to prove to my kids that some people actually think i am funny
they aren't laughing at me here, so i thought i'd post this one as well, since they look awesome !
Anna:
That wide-angle scene where they are standing on the rocks is like a painting! Gorgeous! Really beautiful photos & fall colour, love it!
(11.07.09)
Pasadena Wedding Photographer - Ben Chen:
Great engagement session. love the photo of the couple by the edge of the lake.
(11.07.09)
Anonymous:
that guy is good looking
(11.07.09)
Joan Davies:
wow --what beautiful pictures ---the sence is amazing
(11.08.09)
Destination Wedding Photographer:
Great fall colors in the images. I especially like the lake and rocks photo. Beautiful work. --Robert
(11.09.09)
Vancouver wedding photographer:
Beautiful couple. They look so happy together. Great fall backdrop too! Love the colors.
(11.11.09)
John Chan:
Beautiful as always Michele! Also... I think I went high school with Steve, hehe.
(11.25.09)
Boston Wedding Photographer:
Hate to agree with everyone else but the lakeside one is the pick of the litter. Great work. Your area is so beautiful. The couple looks very happy and you captured that very well.
(12.16.09)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
melissa & steve { Kingsville Lakeside Park ~ engagement photography }
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.michelebowmanweddings.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/114
115
there is something magical about being in love.
it's that feeling down deep in your soul, when you just know that you are meant to marry your best friend, and spend the rest of your lives making each other happy.
that's the kind of love that Josh and Arica share.
you might think that it's not possible for me to know how deep their love flows, but i beg to differ!
you see , Arica is a good friend and fellow wedding photographer, and i have seen her crush on Josh, blossom into a deep love, right before my eyes.
i have been working alongside Arica for quite a few weddings this year, and when we first started working together this past spring, i remember quite clearly the day she asked me what i thought of Josh. i have known Josh and his wonderful family, for about 7 years now, and Arica admitted to me that she had a crush on him and was hoping they would someday date.
well, the first date turned into many dates, and i quickly saw that they were meant to be together, forever and ever.
Arica has become a dear friend in the last 7 months, and i can't wait to watch her and Josh get married and spend the rest of their lives together.
one of the big reasons i am also super happy about Arica and Josh's upcoming marriage, is that i can tell that their love is just as awesome as the love that Darryl and i share.
there aren't many couples that can still say that they are more in love today than they were on the day they got married 20 years ago, but Darryl and i can say that. we adore each other, to the depths of our souls, and i can't imagine being married to anyone else.
from what i can see, Josh and Arica are just as perfect for each other as my Darryl and i.
they are truly blessed.
i am also thrilled to be able to photograph Arica and Josh's wedding next spring, at Heritage Village in Harrow Ontario (which is 20 minutes from Windsor).
i am blessed with great friends, and i count Arica as a true gift from God.
just take a look at how happy these two are. you can see it in their eyes.
oh, and if you didn't already know this about me.....
i LOVE eyes.
Melissa:
Oh, I LOVE these pictures! You've captured their love so well! Thanks for such a great job!
(11.02.09)
Julie :
Beautiful Michelle!
(11.02.09)
Bob D - North Carolina Wedding Photographer:
I love these images. The fall colors are lovely. It's been years since I visited southern Ontario but I remember it being very lovely. (Used to visit to dive the 19th century wrecks... primarily schooners... in the Peelee Passage area). We don't get a lot of fall color here in North Carolina... mostly pine forests along the coastal areas.
(11.03.09)
Ben Chen:
What lovely couple. I love the bride's expressions and you captured it all. Great job.
(11.04.09)
Wedding Photographer Somerset:
What a great session, how many goes did it take to get him to jump that high? Brilliant :)
(11.05.09)
megan:
i absolutely love these pictures
(11.08.09)
Jay Crihfield - Chicago wedding photographer:
Wow cool shot of the groom clicking his heels!
(11.11.09)
Jessika Feltz:
Michele, this session was awesome! These two look like they were super fun to photograph and you found some great locations! LOVE it!
(11.13.09)
Laura:
What a beautiful AND fun couple! Great images! I love the second last one.... vintage love!
(11.26.09)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
josh & arica { Heritage Village, Harrow ~ engagement photography }
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.michelebowmanweddings.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/112
114
DISCLAIMER~ normally i don't post family portrait sessions on my wedding photography blog, but this is my family, so i hope you don't mind.
normally, i don't do very many portrait sessions, because i have been mainly focusing on building my wedding photography business. when a family member asks for a session, you give them a session, no questions asked.
Leanne and i, have known each other for what seems a lifetime. i started dating her brother when i was 14 (ummmmm.... Darryl was 14 too) and Leanne was the little sister, at 10 years old.
we're all grown up now, Leanne is married to Paul, and they have 2 beautiful little girls.
it was pretty insane having toddlers in our house again, and the mischief abounded! my dogs didn't know what to do with themselves, especially since Anika (the little one) kept trying to ride poor Simon ! HAHAHA!!!!!
the weather on Sunday was a bit cool, but we headed into Kingsville and to Lakeside Park. i love photographing families at a park or outdoors, since the kids can run off all their energy.
there definitely was no shortage of energy.
i think my nieces are pretty adorable, if i do say so myself!
Brianna is 3 1/2 and Anika is 1 1/2, and they are quite the pair.
I'm thrilled that Paul and Leanne trusted me to take their family portraits, and i hope they like them LOTS!
i do have to take the time to say, that i have the best in-laws EVER!!! i couldn't have asked for a better family to marry into, and the amount of laughs and euchre over the years, has been wonderful and truly a blessing.
you can just feel the love when we all get together. it's pretty spectacular.
ok, so i had to get at least ONE couple shot of the two of them, right? i'm a wedding photographer for crying out loud, i'm drawn to couples in love!
Darryl:
Don't I have such cute nieces. Good job Michele you're such a great photographer
(10.28.09)
Leanne Partridge:
Michele, these are fantastic. You did a great job, you really have a great eye for cuteness. Love that liquifying technique. Thank you so much. We had so much fun!!
(10.28.09)
Jodi S.:
These are so great Michele! You are truly a gifted photographer. It's been cool to how your business has gone from a dream to reality for you. awesome!
(10.28.09)
Bob D - NC Beach Portrait Photographer:
Love these... especially the portraits taken along the beach. ;) Letting kids be kids always makes for great family photos.
(11.03.09)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
the Partridge family { windsor portrait photographer }
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.michelebowmanweddings.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/111
113
my dear blog readers,
I apologize for the long space between posts, but i am i have been away for a few days.
On Monday morning, I packed up my ugly minivan, with camera gear, computer and clothes, and drove across the border and to the town of Ann Arbor Michigan. Is it a city or a town?
I don't know, so sorry if i offend any residents!
i was on a journey to the Finao head office, where they were hosting a workshop, lead by the incomparable Chuck Arlund .
i have to admit, that 2 months ago, i had never heard of Chuck Arlund, let alone had the desire to take a workshop led by him.
that all changed when Finao decided to sponsor a workshop, and have Chuck come for 3 days to teach his rockstar skills and some off-camera lighting techniques.
i got the memo, looked up his website, emailed Zach Gray (who's also from Nashville and i thought he might have heard of Chuck) and quickly decided that this was the workshop for me.
off-camera lighting has always been something i've wanted to learn and perfect, but i've never met a wedding photographer around Windsor, that even uses an off-camera flash, let alone wan to teach me!
i knew i was on my own, but eager to learn. i've been reading blogs, websites, and forum posts about the elusive off-camera flash, pocket wizards, and the like, but it doesn't all make sense unless you can see it in action.
after i got lost and ended up on a little dirt road in the middle of nowhere, i made it safely to the Finao headquarters and met Chuck and my 6 other classmates 3 of whom i already knew (yep, small world).
i have to admit, that on Monday, i had the feeling (a few times) that my head was going to explode from all the data being shoved into the small space that i have left in there for new things. Chuck went over about a zillion items, from posing to photoshop, to art and beyond, and then out the door we went for a field trip! we were learning to find the perfect light, or the sweet spot and Chuck calls it.
tuesday was flash day, and after we all got over our fear of taking the flash OFF the camera, and learning about pocket wizards and radio poppers, ring lights and video lights. we had another little field trip, with a cute little model, and spent the day trying to learn the technique of having light on our side, and not fighting with it so much.
it was inspiring.
i didn't get very many photos with the flash (about 5 or 6) since there were a few people in the group that seemed to want tons, and we were sharing one set of pocket wizards between us all. it doesn't matter too much, since even in those 5 photos, i could see what Chuck was teaching us, and the by observing i learned even more.
it was a long day, but my head didn't explode, so that makes it another awesome day! LOL!
the 3rd day was mostly spent just going over a few photos in class, and then we all headed out the door and to the Detroit Institute of Art, for and Avedon exhibit.
wow, that's quite the exhibit!
i don't know what it is......
i just love getting the chance to meet new people, and make new friends. when making new friends is combined with learning and growing as an artist, then it's even BETTER!!!!
in my heart of hearts, i know that photography is my way of being an artist. i am thrilled to have had to opportunity to have my eyes opened to new things, be inspired by artists i'd never heard of before, and get to meet Chuck.
it was a wonderful 3 days.
here are 2 photos from the tuesday photo session.
i will be spending the winter, practicing and perfecting the technique, so that i can start bringing an edge to my art.
Amelia Thornton:
Hi Michele...super fun spending time with and getting to know you better. Please keep me posted if there are any get-togethers with the new crew as I would happily make the drive to hang out and be inspired again. Talk to you soon...
(10.25.09)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
Chuck Arlund ~ a workshop report
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.michelebowmanweddings.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/110
111
i realized, when i posted my last few photos, that many of my new blog readers wouldn't have ever read my old blog. my old blog is where i posted TONS of underwater photos, but now i post mainly wedding photos. i'm not saying that being a wedding photographer here in the good ole city of Windsor isn't fun or exciting, it's just not underwater.
i wanted to just follow up with last week's blog post, and post a few more underwater goodies.
i do have a wedding to blog about, but you'll just have to wait till tomorrow to read about Laura-Beth and Rob's beautiful wedding day.
All of these photos were shot in Roatan Honduras, in the warm and tropical waters that surround the island.
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....
Eliud Matos:
Michele, these are fantastic! Love them all, but the squid one is super cool.
(10.16.09)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
a little more underwater goodness ~ Roatan Honduras
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.michelebowmanweddings.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/108
109
this past Saturday, I worked alongside Arica Ingratta, and we rocked out another fun wedding!
i don't know where all these wonderful people come from, but i was blown away by the kind and considerate people i got to spend the day with!
i will start out by saying, that when i arrived at the groom's house, to photograph all the guys getting ready, i didn't have a clue what i was stepping into! i will just say, that have 11 groomsmen is not only a bit crazy, but it makes for a super fun time with the guys!
it's the biggest wedding party i've ever photographed, but they made it painless and had me laughing almost instantly (which isn't hard to to by the way).
a big, loving and fun, italian family, complete with HUGE cookie and sandwich trays. Sammy's mom made me take a baggie of cookies in the car with me, just in case i got low blood sugar sometime during the day! such a great mom!
my son Cameron ate all of the cookies on the way to church the next day, since he found the un-opened baggie and gobbled down 7 cookies in about 3 minutes! i guess that's just what 13 year old boys do.
ok, back to the wedding.
the wedding ceremony was held at the beautiful Assumption Church on the campus of the University of Windsor.
i had never photographed a wedding there before, and lets just say that it was a tad overwhelming when i first walked it, but i was enthralled by it's beauty and history. i am a sucker for an old church, and even though i'm not Catholic, i can appreciate the love that went into building such a gorgeous church. i even snuck up to the organ loft (i LOVE pipe organs) and i went and stood inside the organ as it was playing! yep, i'm a nerd and i wanted to see how the thing looked inside. it was pretty cool.
the weather cleared up after the ceremony, and we headed over the Branteaney's Bed & Breakfast (in Lasalle) for the photos. what a beautiful place!
i was able to stalk a deer and get a pretty decent photo of it. i love taking photographs of wildlife.
the reception was held at the Fogolar Furlan in Windsor, and Arica and i had a great time hanging out with the videographer , John Chan and his assistant.
i think i am the luckiest girl in the world.
i can't believe that i actually LOVE going to work on saturdays, being on my feet for 8-14 hours straight, and coming home so tired i think i'm gonna die!
it's the best job ever.
ceremony ~ Assumption Church, Windsor
photos @ ~ Branteaney's Bed & Breakfast
reception ~ Fogolar Furlan Club, Windsor
videographer ~ John Chan, Rolling Shutter Video Productions
so this is the HUGE group of guys i encountered at the groom's house!
SALUT!!
this is what happens when i climb in the organ loft. i use a mirror!
it was right before i climbed in behind the organ( heehee )
nonna getting in on some bubble action!
i think there was some butt pinching going on here.
yep, definitely some butt pinching!
oh well, it makes some an awesome moment!
isn't it great when you can just tell how much two people are in love?
not really an official member of the wedding party, but darling nonetheless.
i think this is my favourite ring shot, EVER!!!
these two were a pile of mush all night, with all the heartfelt speeches and loving. it was great.
Anna:
Gorgeous photos! I love that ring shot & the bridal party running photo is so much fun!
(10.23.09)
Beaumont Wedding Photographer:
Beautiful wedding photography Michelle, I love the emotion you were able to bring out in this handsome couple :)
(11.16.09)
Fina DiMaggio:
Hey Michele!! I came across a picture and thought it looked like my brother and sure enough it was!!! It brought me to your website and I just wanted to thank you for all the kind words!! I will show my Sammy and Brynn your website tomorrow, I think they'll love it!! Arica told me the other day that you will be doing my wedding as well, I CAN'T WAIT!!! I was REALLY HAPPY when she told me!! See you in a couple weeks!!
(04.03.10)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
sammy & brynn { Fogolar Furlan Windsor~ wedding photography }
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.michelebowmanweddings.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/106
97
a few weeks ago, i had the honour of photographing Susan & Faisal's small, Pakinstan/Indian muslim wedding. i had never had the chance to be involved in a muslim wedding, so this was a wonderful and new experience for me.
i do have to admit that i felt badly that i didn't wear something that covered the tattoos on my legs, since the Imam was present. ooooooops!
Susan & Faisal's little ceremony, took place in the home of Faisal's mom, right in the heart of Windsor. there were only a handful of people present , but that didn't matter at all.
Faisal & Susan are in love and ready to face the challenges ahead as they begin their new life together.
i do have to say , that being a wedding photographer has to be the best job in the world! not only do i get to meet with the best people around, witness love first hand, and get to take photographs that document a special day, but i get to see all sorts of different types of weddings! in all honesty, i think that Indian weddings are SPECTACULAR!!! look at these colours!
oh, and i forgot to mention the Indian food. what's with those great flavours and awesome smells? i was forced to leave the wedding with a heaping plate of goodies, and of course i didn't complain one little bit :)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
susan & faisal { Indian wedding photographer / Windsor Ontario }
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.michelebowmanweddings.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/94
70
this past Saturday, i had the honour of 2nd shooting for my good friend, Arica Ingratta .
it was a beautiful day, and what was even a bit nicer about it was the fact that the wedding starting later in the day, so i got some time to float in my pool beforehand!!!
i know, that's sounds rough, but the summer here (in Windsor Ontario) has been cloudy and cool, and my pool has been cold too! if i can get a few minutes to float in my pool, then i take them.
sorry, i digress.....
the wedding ceremony and reception took place at Essex Golf Course & Country Club, just outside of Windsor. i had only been there once before (briefly) and i knew that it was going to be spectacular, especially since it was an outdoor wedding (and i already covered how nice it was, weather wise).
i found out that Ashley & Casey were already married almost a year ago, but for the benefit of the family, they decided to have the BIG wedding thing. i'm glad they did, because then i got to be there and photograph it.
one thing i will say, is that i felt very short that day! everyone seemed so tall, and i felt like i was staring up at the bride and groom all day long. i guess they are both basketball players, which explains A LOT!
Arica and i had tons of fun (we always do), which included the bride's mom realizing that she'd forgotten to give us anywhere to sit during the meal!
the wedding co-ordinator found us a little room, off to the side, where the two of us shared a romantic dinner for two, after we had photographed all the speeches that is.
here are a few photos from the day~
Leslie:
Great shots Michele! Looking forward to meeting you in Sept!
(08.04.09)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
ashley & casey { Essex Golf Country Club - wedding}
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.michelebowmanweddings.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/68
so many amazing shots!!! i had a blast working with you!!! catherine and joe were are a great couple!!
(07.29.10)Love all of them, especially the mushroom one.
(07.30.10)stunning photgraphy - love the final couple shot!
(07.31.10)Beautiful B&W conversions. I can really feel the emotion come through in your photos. Keep up the good work!
(07.31.10)Great memories from a great night. Joe and Catherine are truely a great couple. May God continue to bless them.
(08.13.10)