I always fall a little bit in love with the couples whose weddings I photograph. My children become accustomed to hearing their names and stories and we forever regard them as friends.

First, I’m really lucky and always work with fabulous people, but also, watching someone up close on the most important day of their life gives you immense insight into their character.  Lucy & Robbie are two of my favorite people: creative, smart, beautiful (obviously), funny and so in love. Their reception was full of clever ideas and unique personal touches. And I think just viewing the photos will make you fall a little bit in love with them too.

all their favorite books adorned the tables

Lucy’s grandma arranged all the bouquets and arrangements. Aren’t they gorgeous?

Lucy’s beautiful sisters created the wedding cakes– such a clever and sweet idea.

Lucy and her friends folded one thousand paper cranes for good luck and used them everywhere in the decor.the ice cream cart was such a quick and fun way to treat everyone croquet on the lawns

great grandma

Lucy’s gorgeous sister Sophie– at only 15, she’s a full-on party planner; many of the ideas here were hers. I’ll be asking her for advice when my kids get married.

Lucy and her beautiful sister Cate with Grandpa.

Honestly, could she possibly be more beautiful. And yes, her hair is naturally blonde, naturally curly, naturally gorgeous.

]]> http://www.michellelehnardtphotography.com/2012/10/10/rachel/feed/ 0 http://www.michellelehnardtphotography.com/2012/09/10/tiny-little-albums-to-love/ http://www.michellelehnardtphotography.com/2012/09/10/tiny-little-albums-to-love/#comments Mon, 10 Sep 2012 03:44:51 +0000 admin http://www.michellelehnardtphotography.com/?p=495

One of the problems with digital photography is we often offer you too many images to love. It’s a good thing. Back in the day, we’d sift through the proofs, and purchase the one or two photos where our family or child looked decent.

Ah, but now, you are likely to scan through your proofs (online of course) and dream of printing them ALL. Most of us have limited wall and bookshelf space so I find these little albums the perfect way to enjoy several photos in a tiny and inexpensive package. An added bonus: the front and back covers are magnetic and can be hung on any metal surface.

I’ve created dozens of these little books and use a pro service to print them. The 3×3 books contain up to 12 photos– 10 inside and 2 cover photos; 2.5×3.5 books contain up to 14 photos– 12 inside, a front and back cover. Of course, I usually use fewer because it is visually appealing to mix vertical and horizontal images.

Each little book is $15 each or $35 for three. A plain cover (your choice of leatherette in ten colors) version is available for $12 each or three for $30.  I don’t charge a design fee because if you’ve already paid for photos I’m happy to put these together for you.

I think these books are perfect for children, missionaries and especially high school seniors. But they would also be a fun way to feature family photos and even wedding photos (though how could we ever narrow wedding photos down to just 12 or 14?).

Personally, I think these are the perfect gift in a tiny package.

However, I’m thrilled to refer you to two young, incredibly skilled photographers:

Tracy Hill– a photography major from BYU–  http://tracyhillphotography.blogspot.com/ You’ll love her artistic eye, gorgeous use of light and clean editing. Tracy is a wedding specialist who also creates beautiful family and individual portraits.

Veronica Olson vo@olsonfamily.net, a photographer from the University of Utah. Watch for her photography in Martha Stewart one day, you’ll be proud to say you ‘knew her when.’ Veronica prefers to photograph individuals.

Both Tracy and Veronica are far more skilled than I and offer incredible photography for reasonable prices.

Enjoy! And be sure to send me links to your family photos.

Michelle

I’m afraid her gorgeous face is going to be a distraction for some of those Elders…

Darling Megan is off to Houston for 18 months. Sending off one missionary is hard enough, but Megan’s brother is also on a mission; be sure to give their mom some sympathy when you see her.

We all miss you Megan, take care!

Lucy and Robbie are getting married today!

Many congratulations to them and their families– Lucy and Robbie are two of the best people I have ever met and I feel privileged to be part of their day.

We met ten days ago for these pre-wedding portraits to take advantage of the beautiful evening light at Temple Square. Again, Lucy didn’t wear a stitch of make-up, her hair was done by her cousin and her bouquet by her grandma. Her natural, no-fuss style is simply gorgeous.

I love the new tradition of formals rather than bridals– yes, we want  a few photos of just the bride (and just the groom) but their interaction creates pure magic. For LDS couples, we have the added benefit of capturing the first moment the groom sees the bride in her wedding dress (we can’t photograph inside the temple).

For Lucy and Robbie, we wanted to test our video skills for that moment. They were kind enough to indulge our amateur ambitions and we had a great time making this video. Hans and Xander did most of the filming while I shot photos. You can see their sweet relationship so clearly in motion.

The question delights me, because although I certainly use Photoshop, I want my photos to look natural, classic and beautiful. One of my biggest pet peeves is the painted, smoothed faces seen in overphotoshopped photos; I want you to look like you.

Now, with these three girls, I’m afraid you’re going to accuse me of going to town with the paintbrush. But I didn’t! I promise. This evening was simply the combination of the perfect setting, glorious light and three absolutely stunning girls. I know, I know it looks like I painted perfect complexions and tanned legs…oh to be eighteen!