Photography | Paxton Photography

Ashleigh & Dan | Wedding | August 23, 2015

Ashleigh and Dan (and Jaxson, too) were married at the top of the mountain at The Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor. The day began with wet, ominous skies, and as the ceremony time rolled around, the sun came out and greeted us with a beautiful day. I think the best part was Jaxson’s three barks at the first kiss when everyone clapped and cheered!

Into the evening we had a chance to play with a new idea. The Homestead does not allow sparklers to be used on site, so we tried glow sticks. I actually really like the smoothness to the look of the glow sticks! And then there was my pond idea. I’ve been stewing on this one for a while and just waiting for the right time to try it out. Success! And after looking at the final product, I felt the moon would be a great addition. Oh, the things I see in my head! Do you think they’d let me put a boat in the pond . . . .

Photography, Wedding

Julie & Steve | Wedding | August 22, 2015

Julie & Steve were married at the First Presbyterian Church in Tecumseh, MI. It was a long haul down but so worth it. These two were wonderful, gentle, and kind souls.

Photography, Stuff for Fun

Puppies!!!! | Just for Fun | August 17, 2015

As it turns out, working 12-16 hour days for 3 months straight is bad for my attitude. So, now that we have crested mid-season, I decided it was necessary to briefly hang up the electronics and see if I could find my real self. Even if it was for just a few hours here and there. I took an afternoon down the river with the ladies for Niki’s bachelorette party (of course shenanigans occurred til the wee hours of the next day), I took an hour on the beach with my babe, the kid, and the dogs (Ollie is learning how to swim this year, she’s still afraid of the water though), and took an hour to have a little fun with some new babies. Puppy breath always bring me back to my happy place.

I am now refreshed, with a spring in my step, a slightly larger smile, and considerably breezier attitude! So, bring on the remaining half a page of “should have done yesterday”, mass shipping, and two more months of serious heavy-season! I suppose I could also look at perhaps doing the laundry and cleaning the house, too. I suppose . . .

Business, Photography

Dr. Smyka | Office | August 14, 2015

Dr. Smyka’s Dental office needed some updated photos for their Traverse City Dentist office website.

Family, Photography

Rule Reunion | Family | August 12, 2015

Alis tells me that they bought the cottage in 1947. Since then the family has continued to grow. And grow, and grow, and grow. This year’s family reunion consisted of 13 branches of the family tree, totaling 73 people. They have had their large group photo taken on the front steps of the cottage, every three years, since the late 60s. Just amazing! And Alis (in her early 90s) is one spunky, happy, and kind, gal! It was my pleasure to be a part of this giant family madness!

Business, Photography

Amazing Day Wedding Officiants | Dean | August 12, 2015

Meet Dean. Dean is one of Amazing Day Weddings’ officiants from the Petoskey area.

Children, Family, Photography

The Rolston Boys | Family | August 10, 2015

Oh, brother!! Yup, four boys! This wonderful family has not only 4 boys, but two giant beastly babies, too. I was so impressed with these young men. They were so appropriately kind, playful, open, easy, generously gentle with the dogs, and respectful with their parents. My hope just may be restored in the next generation!