So many things about this day were so amazing! What a perfect way to end 2011, and start 2012 with a bang! Erin & Nick are such a gorgeous couple, I fell in love with them at their engagement session last summer, when we decided to go to her family farm, for something different! I think the thing I love most about them is… well, everything! Anyone who decides to have a NYE wedding has to be pretty spectacular, right? Especially when the groom decides to surprise his bride with a FIREWORK show after the ceremony, who needs bubbles?! Way to go, Nick- such a special moment, along with many others…

Since they were having a candle lit ceremony, it was dark outside once the guests started to arrive, so we decided a “first look” would be the best option for Erin & Nick. Having a first look  is a great option for couples with a tight timeline (or for couples who want a romantic candle lit NYE ceremony ) A “first look” is a “sneak peak” that allows a special time that is carved out just for the bride & groom, away from guests, details, and things that may distract their attention from the gravity of seeing each other for the first time on your wedding day. The moment Nick saw Erin, literally brought tears to my eyes, it was such a beautiful thing to be a part of. I love the creative feel that is captured during a first look, but I am also a sucker for tradition. More than anything, I want my brides to be happy, and Erin was glowing the entire day!

Congrats Mr & Mrs. Lapinske on your new adventure together! Soak up some sun in Jamaica, and please, bring some warmth back to the Mitten!

blessings, dayna

 

 

 

 

 

I can honestly say I have been looking forward to this wedding since last summer when we photographed Jackie and Brian at their friends boat house (see their engagement photos here!) They are just so fun together, and an all around gorgeous couple, inside and out, so I expected nothing less for their wedding, and it didn’t disappoint! I love when couples are willing to try anything- and trust me.. and that’s what they did.

 

Was it freezing cold for the majority of these photos? YES, could I feel my fingers after NO, but that’s not what matters. It’s my joy in life to capture the little moments of their day, and the love between the two of them, come rain or shine, and we made the best out of our time together… Blizzard, frostbite, runny noses and all!  ;)

 

Thanks to all who made this such a special day for Jackie & Brian (especially Roary the Lion!) … I’m sure they are missing the Aruba sunshine today, as they just got back into the Mitten from their honeymoon!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shannon and Shawn are expecting baby #2! It seems like just yesterday we were playing cards when Shannon’s water broke with Lukas.. Can’t wait to meet Baby Ward #2! Big brother, Lukas, can hardly wait to meet his baby sister! Best of luck Shannon & Shawn this Holiday season, as you anxiously await your newest bundle of joy!

(Note: you see Lukas learned his “pout” face just before baby sister makes her debut… he needs SOME bargaining chip with mommy and daddy- way to go Lukas! Brilliant!)

 

blessings, dayna

 

This was an awesome wedding for me, I was a second shooter for Meg of Meg Darket Photography. It’s always awesome when we work together, because we just have loads of fun… but I’m not too sure you could call this wedding “work” If I had one word to describe George and Joanna it would be adorable, sickly perfect for each-other, fun, hilarious, sweet, that couple you imagine growing old together in one of those cheesy chick flicks, all that describes them, minus the cheesy part. They were just perfect… if I had to pick ONE word to describe them

I haven’t had a chance to second shoot since I started my own business with Dayna Mae Photography, and it was awesome to just sit back, capture moments, be creative with details, and the bride and groom without the *stress* of posing all the family pics… haha if I have to be honest So I was thrilled when Meg and I decided to “trade” and second shoot for eachother, just to see how other photog’s handle various situations, and to just fall in love (again and again) with wedding photography. George and Joanna were the perfect couple for this!

Thanks Meg, for an awesome experience (and great dinner… LOL) and George and Joanna for letting me be apart of your special day. You guys are just fabulous!

blessings, dayna