Gift ideas for your guy (That don't suck)

It seems like the longer you’ve been with someone, gift giving becomes oddly challenging. With each passing month, I know David’s likes and dislikes even better, but I also begin to realize that he has pretty much already purchased everything that he wants.
This leaves me scrambling for an awesome gift that is somehow also original. Rather than panic-buying a cutting board like last Valentines day (I know, I’m about as romantic as celery) I really put my head to the task and came up with a list of dude-friendly V-day gifts that don’t suck...

1. Damn Handsome Grooming Co

Do you think your man is handsome? Damn right you do.

Damn Handsome Grooming Co. is founded on the concept of creating the finest grooming products from the byproducts of beer manufacturing (Which is pretty much the manliest thing since the hatchet pizza cutter). They aren’t all beard balms and mustache wax either, some of their other offerings include Juniper IPA beer soap, the Barrel Aged Oak candle, and Gingerbread Stout lip balm.

Photo by Damn Handsome Grooming co

http://www.damnhandsomegroomingco.com/

 

 

2. Grayling Ceramics

Nothing says “I love you” quite like handmade, and the people at Grayling Ceramics got it right. From mugs that fit in your hand perfectly, to growlers for toting that beloved craft beer, he’s sure to love this one even more with each use. (Bonus points for my favorite piece in their shop: the bear growler)

Photo by Grayling Ceramics

http://www.graylingceramics.com/

3. Craft Beer

Speaking of beer, which significant other wouldn’t appreciate a six pack of their favorite brew? Sometimes we think so hard we overlook the obvious. For my dear hometowntown of Kalamazoo at least, it’s no sooner said than found.

Try:
Gonzo’s Vanilla Porter

Bell’s Brewery Two Hearted IPA

Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout

Entrada Photography

4. Experience Counts

If the gentleman in your life values experiences over items, why not embrace that? When David’s birthday was coming up, rather than cave and buy him a small anvil for the living room (long story) I decided to knock an item off his travel bucket list and bought a pair of plane tickets to New Orleans. It doesn’t have to be elaborate either, a weekend getaway or a concert full of his favorite tunes would be so appreciated!

Entrada Photography

5. Boudoir Photo Album

Whether you want to add some fire to date night or you’re just foxy and you know it, a boudoir photo session is not only a guaranteed original present, but is also 100% personalized. He gets to see you at your most confident and most radiant, and you are reminded of the bomb shell you always knew you were. Win-win. Whether you compile the finished images into a photobook, hand over some glossy prints, or just gift a flash drive he’s sure to swoon. 
(While I don’t really advertise this one, I totally offer boudoir sessions upon request!)

Photo by Nations Photo Lab

http://www.nationsphotolab.com/boudoir_albums.aspx

Do you have any more Valentines ideas that are sure to please? Drop them in the comment section below!
Happy Valentines Day
- Esther

Mandie - Kalamazoo winter portraits

When the day of Mandie's portrait session arrived, it was a balmy 7 degrees outside. Was that going to stop us from taking some killer photos? Heck no. Not a chance. 
I love the opportunity to find new locations, killer light and studio time. We even managed to grab a few outside, this lady is a true champion!

7 Ways to get the most out of your wedding photographer

I've had the honor of documenting weddings long enough at this point to know that there are certain things that can make an absolute world of difference in the photography of a couple's special day. There are so many things I've wanted to tell people as they plan and prepare over the years, so I've finally compiled a list of my seven top tips on how to get the absolute best photos for your money! Here they are:

1. Schedule enough time

This point seems obvious, but you have to take into account all the little things that might eat into your portrait time. The hair stylist might have taken longer than expected with updos, or your maid of honor could be stuck in traffic. Scheduling out plenty of time in advance can keep you from stressing when events aren’t quite on schedule knowing there is still time to get the photos you want.

2. Have all the details in one place

There’s nothing more disapointing than missing that genuine moment with your mother as she helps you get ready, or that adorable flower girl jumping on the bed. If I’m running around trying to track down who has what ring, or where the invitation ended up, I may not be with your group when the sweetest moments happen. I recommend having all the details you would like to have photographed (invitations, both rings, jewelry etc.) in the room with the bride so I can document it first thing, and then be able to focus on the ladies or gents getting their swagger on.

3. Do a first look

Tradition leads us to believe the first time you’re supposed to see your bride or groom on your wedding day is when you’re walking down the aisle, but that is so untrue.
If that’s what you choose to do as your big reveal, that’s absolutely fine! But let me drop some benefits of first looks on you real quick:

A. You have all the time in the world to get photos done beforehand

B. You actually get to spend your wedding day with your person instead of having to keep separated

C. You’re both significantly more relaxed, and able to enjoy your day

D. When not surrounded by 200 people, you get to share a beautiful intimate moment and let me tell you, the photos are GORGEOUS.

4. Organize the family

When the ceremony ends, most people immediately switch to the celebration mindset (Which is great for some amazing incriminating dance photos later on!) But, the best way to knock out the family photos, if not done before the ceremony, is to make sure all the family stays in the area. One suggestion is to give those you want included in photos a heads up before the wedding day, but you can also have the officiant give a reminder announcement after the two of you have kissed, and skipped your married selves back down the aisle.

5. Don’t be afraid to get a little dirty

Your dress is perfect, your hair is done, you look amazing. But after the wedding day, are you really going to wear the gown again? What is the actual likelihood that the style will still be in when your daughter gets married? You can stress out about every leaf that gets trapped in the train, or you can take a walk through a field, sit by a waterfall, and laugh with your forever partner as we document every moment.

6. Include a second shooter

I can’t emphasize enough the difference a second shooter makes on a wedding day. It’s so much more than just another person with a camera. More often than not, I will have one my favorite second photographer hang out with the groom while they’re getting ready freeing me up to focus on the girls, watching for candid moments during portraits, and just generally giving the peace of mind that the day is being documented just as it happens. Not only will you receive more photos, but you’ll be able to breathe easy knowing that someone is watching the dance floor as grandma is showing off her break dancing skills.

7. Trust your photographer

This one sounds like a no brainer, right? You took the time to find the person that fits your style and personality, you know exactly what you’re getting. It’s so easy to forget all of this when you’re feeling the pressure to greet all of your guests and make sure the schedule of events is running as it’s supposed to. That’s why when I approach you to sneak outside for ten minutes to grab some golden sunset portraits, it’s because I know these are going to end up being your favorites of the day. They will be worth it!

Most importantly, enjoy your day! It is a celebration of the love you share, and nothing makes for good photos as much as natural smiles.

Most importantly, enjoy your day! It is a celebration of the love you share, and nothing makes for good photos as much as natural smiles.

- Esther

Favorites of 2017 - Weddings

Whew, what a year this has been! 
Loads of travel, adventures, and photographing some of the prettiest weddings my eyes have ever seen. 
I feel beyond blessed, and so happy to have gotten to know all of you. 

As we celebrate the ending of this year, and coming of the next, I wanted to leave you all with a collection of some of my favorite photos from the 2017 wedding season. Some are silly, some are sweet, all make me smile when I see them. It was so hard to bring it down to this few, let me tell you. 

To everyone who was a part of my 2017, thank you! 

Looking forward to another year filled with amazing people.

Mia and Ni - A Kalamazoo Portrait session

I've been wanting to do a greenhouse shoot for (no exaggeration) years. 
I had photographed people in greenhouses and gardens, but I had been dying to put together a stylized shoot where we could take some pretty people and hang out in a plant-filled-wonderland for an afternoon. 
So thrilled with the lovely ladies that were a part of it. Ni and Mia were both effortless to shoot, and I ended up with way too many favorites to choose from!

Huge thank you to Vandersalm's who let us adventure around, that place is amazing. 
Go buy a succulent, you won't regret it. 

Jyotika and Bhajanpreet

So, I've been going through the photos captured over the past year, and realized just how many of them never got blogged.
Wedding season has me running around quite a bit, and while albums are shared on the Facebook page, and previews put on Instagram, the poor blog doesn't see nearly enough.
That's why this winter I'll be using the opportunity to share some "Throwback Thursday" photo sessions!
Starting off with these two:
Oh my gosh. 
They were all smiles and laughter the whole time we were shooting their engagement session. It was like something out of a fairytale, and I smile every time I see these photos.

Mr and Mrs Fish - A Lawton wedding

The moment Stephanie and Ryan started describing their wedding plans to me, I knew it was going to be completely stunning. 
Stephanie's sisters had their own weddings at the Lawton Community Center, and it held a special place in her heart. She wanted to preserve the tradition, but with her own personal twists, which were executed perfectly.  
This wedding is exactly why encourage doing a first look so much!
First of all, Ryan's face! I melted!
Second, we had so much time to do portraits that we were able to work with the most ideal lighting, get plenty of photos for everyone, and still have time to sneak out for a few more at sunset. 
Third, they actually got to spend their special day together instead of being cooped up in separate rooms, and that was amazing to watch. They both have so much love for each other, and I can't imagine a better celebration. 

Also, fireworks, 
Yes. 

Congratulations Ryan and Stephanie! Looks like there is one less fish in the sea. 

Brandon and Kati

Hearing Brandon and Kati's plans for their wedding day next year, I am beyond excited to get to be the one to capture it! They are adding so many personal touches, and really embracing what it means to have their day. It's going to be legendary. 

So glad we were able to get in a fall engagement session while the leaves were still in color!

Up North p.2

The second half of the northern adventure was just as splendid. 
We made a one night stop in Marquette that included the most amazing discover of Dia De Los Tacos! No lie, the best taco truck I have ever found in my life, and discovered completely by accident as David and I stopped for gas. Sadly I have no photos of this beautiful thing, as my hands were quite full of tacos and not cameras. 
I wish I could tell you I'm sorry. 

We then made our way to the porcupine mountains where we stayed in a yurt one night to escape the rain. I have to say, I've never felt quite so much like a millennial in my life, but no judgement! It was dry, and was right off of the beach which made for the perfect excuse to climb out of bed at 5:30 am to watch the Michigan sunrise. 

The following night was right back to tent camping. There is some evidence that tent camping might not quite be ideal for ones sanity or sleeping habits as the last night before heading back across the bridge, David spent a good hour or two staring into the woods with a headlamp, and a hatchet in each hand confident he heard a bear. Right when we were debating whether we should sleep in the car, or drive through the night, a tiny black rabbit hopped out of the trees, and up to our campfire. 
David paused for a moment before saying "I'm willing to admit.... The bear may have been a bunny." But let me tell you what, I have absolutely every confidence that this man would have had the situation well in hand regardless of the intruder. He's pretty awesome. 

The finale of our trip was an afternoon spent on Mackinac Island eating way too much fudge, as trolls are meant to do. We know our place. 
Overall, being without cell reception was super refreshing, and I would encourage any person who hails from the mitten state to explore the gorgeousness that is the upper peninsula!

- Esther

Up North p.1

It's crazy to think how often we Michiganders forget there's practically a whole other world right in our backyard.
This camping trip was everything I didn't know I needed until we were out there with the mosquitos, pasties, and more stars than I think I've seen anywhere. It was perfect. 
There were way too many photos to try and fit them all into one post, so there will be another half of "hipster stock photos" coming soon!

Favorite campground: Lake Kingston. You have a ton of property to play on, and we could hang our hammock right on the water. What more could you want??

Favorite beer discovery: David and I are a little divided on this one, but my favorite was Woody Wheat from Austin Brothers, and His was Yooper Ale from Upper Hand. Both amazing, and links are in the gallery. 

Favorite camp coffee: Kalamazoo Coffee Co. Backpackers Blend as always. 

You'll have to wait on part two for dining recommendations (spoiler alert, I think we found the best tacos in the 50 states) and BTS stories such as the "Bear incident". 

Until next time!

- Esther

Lexie - A South Haven senior session

Lexie was a breeze to shoot with from start to finish. Not only was I in love with her style (I need a blouse in each color I think) but her natural posing and bright smile made it incredibly hard to choose favorites. 
I can tell there are so many awesome things in your future!

Adventure time

Hello all! 
As I've mentioned before, I place a lot of value on travel. 
Seeing and doing things with the people I care about is something I've always cherished, but never took the time to really do until about a year ago, and now I'm scrambling to make up for lost time. 

This trip isn't exactly what we had in mind when David and I started planning it eight months ago, but the weather around the world right now between forrest fires and hurricanes isn't something I could've predicted. Instead of our original destination, we decided to take a week and a half in one of my favorite places on earth: Northern Michigan. 

It may not sound as exotic, but I am unbelievably excited, and can't wait to discover things that were under my nose this whole time. 
If you don't hear from me due to lack of cell phone reception, no worries! I'll get in touch as soon as I can, and there will be loads of adventure-y photo things coming your way :)

- Esther

Mr and Mrs Babcock - A Knob Hill Bed and Breakfast wedding

It was obvious from the moment I arrived that Sara and Bobby were so in love, but the care they had for their family was nothing short of moving. The day was full of genuine moments, dogs with bow ties and the most picture perfect details of all time.

France (and Ferraris)

Yeah, this is the part where I make high pitched noises of excitement. 

As I said before, I was brought along this European adventure as the travel photographer, but here's the reason why:

I had the honor to travel with a group of exceptional, hardworking people. They decided that experiences are worth the investment, and that led to plans for a supercar road trip from the South of France to Milan, Italy. 
After all the planning, and arrangements they felt that it would be a shame to go through an experience of a lifetime without a photographer to capture it, and I am incredible humbled that they allowed it to be me. 

*Happy dance*

I've been into cars ever since Top Gear stole my heart almost eight years ago, and this was a literal dream come true. 

Kristina and Mike

I adore this couple. 
They are creative, intelligent, and appreciate the finer things in life such as fluffy cats and taco trucks. I am honored to call Kristina one of my closest friends, and I can't describe to you the amount of excitement I felt when I heard Mike was finally going to propose!

He popped the question on the sand dunes of lake Michigan, and there seemed no better place to start their engagement session. Since we're all fans of the craft beer scene in our area, we finished up with brews from Watermark Brewing in St. Joe. Such an amazing day with phenomenal people. 

Congratulations you two, your wedding next year is going to be legendary. 

Ireland

At 18 hours from plane to plane, Ireland was the shortest stop on our trip, but stands out in my mind as an easy favorite. 
The moment our group left the airport,we climbed into a cab driven by a man with a huge personality, and tons of recommendations he was all too thrilled to share. 
While the Guinness factory was cool, if you're pressed for time skip it entirely and go straight to the Teeling Whiskey tour (I may be biased as this was already my favorite whiskey before going, and may have been overly excited when I found out how close the distillery was to our hotel).

For dinner, please don't let the name fool you, the Hairy Lemon is the place to go. Their shepherds pie is to die for, and everyone there is so friendly I never wanted to leave. 

This place stole a piece of my heart to the degree that photographing an Ireland wedding is definitely on my bucket list. By that I mean I will gift you day of coverage, and a pre-wedding or day after photo session in exchange for travel. No kidding. 

Have you ever been to Dublin? Please share your experiences and recommendations!

- Esther

Mr and Mrs Osetek - A Henderson Castle wedding

Megan and Jesse have been together for years and years, and when they invited all their friends and family to celebrate with them, it was literally the party of the decade. 
The wedding took place at the beautiful Henderson castle in Kalamazoo, MI, and every detail was fit for royalty. 

Iceland

When I was asked to be the travel photographer for a super car road trip through France and Italy, the answer was a clear yes. I'm always, always up for travel, and who in their right mind would turn down the opportunity to eat that much gelato?
But when they added in the intention to do a "pre-trip" stopover in Iceland and Ireland, I was beyond excited. 
There's an otherworldly beauty you'll find in Iceland, and my one regret is that we didn't get to stay long enough to shoot more of it. 
There's definitely another trip here in the future. More road-tripping, rye bread ice cream, and definitely more Skyr. 

-Esther

 

Mr and Mrs Ramsay - A Hitching Post wedding

What an incredible honor it was to be the one to capture the day of these phenomenal people. Every detail was as perfect as could be.

Poland P. 2

Not going to lie, I have the biggest soft spot for Air BnB apartments. If you want to see a location as the locals do, it's the way to go. Every time I've stayed at one of the rented homes listed in any given location, the hosts have been nothing but remarkably hospitable, and ready to offer up their favorite places to eat. 

Our apartment for the second half of the trip was just a short walk from the city square, and absolutely perfect. 

When you're within walking distance of so many amazing restaurants, you do the only thing any right minded human being would do: you eat. A lot. (But it's totally fine, because walking! Right?.... Yes?)

My advice is to find the tucked back, residents know, you-have-to-look-for-it type eateries. You won't regret it. The best pizza in Poland (in my humble, but well fed opinion) came from "Ti Amo Ti", which we almost missed entirely. Off the street, and down a small alley will lead you to a vibrant garden full of small tables, each with a carafe of red wine, and any number of perfectly crispy pizza combinations. 

If I'm going for favorite restaurant of the whole trip however, "Pod Wawelem" is an easy winner. I ate too much here. Way too much. No regrets.

Favorite dish: Zurek soup (oh my gosh, my life will never be the same)
Favorite dinner beer: Tyskie

Pair the two of these with an after dinner lemon vodka, which tastes like fresh squeezed lemonade to be honest, and you're golden. 

We also became shameless tourists, and took a river cruise. 

Turns out, we missed our boat.... While we were standing right next to it.... Trying to find our boat.

But then got an entire tour to ourselves, which is easily the best outcome to being a lost fumbling American I've experienced so far!

This city was so rich with history, and the beauty of it was only enhanced by the excellent company of my travel companion. He makes every trip an adventure, from a destination wedding, to a spontaneous flight halfway across the world. 

Can't wait for the next one. 

-Esther