Santa Days 2011!

LOTS going on here at Touch of Love Photography! However, I wanted to spill some of this excitement before time creeps up on me, as it always does!

For those of you who do not know... I have officially opened a studio in downtown Tecumseh. I opened my doors for the first time this last Saturday and was able to see lots of you who came by. Studio hours are by appointment only, but things are coming along nicely. I still have some painting and "homing up the place" to do, but it's coming along :)

Santa Days 2011 is now SCHEDULED and ready to go! I have had MANY inquiries, and was able to finally nail Santa down today for official dates and times. So here goes!

Who: You and Touch of Love Photography

What: Santa Days 2011 - This is a unique Santa experience. NOTHING like mall type Santa, your child(ren) will have an opportunity to interact with Santa 1 on 1. While we capture some adorable Christmas photos, we will sneak Santa in for a surprise. In the past, it has made for some AMAZING photos and cute moments caught on camera. I guarantee a photo with Santa, so we have some ways of kinda "setting things up" so no little ones are scared. We strive to make this truly an EXPERIENCE, and not just a quick in and out sit on Santa's lap thing... think a whole production :)

Where: Touch of Love Photography Studio (134 W. Chicago St. Tecumseh, MI)

When: We will hold 2 dates this year. Saturday November 26, 2011 beginning at 1pm and Saturday, December 3, 2011 beginning at 1pm.

Cost: Package pricing will start at $50 (session fee included)

What else should you know? Some fun things to consider...

• We have had clients do a pajama session. Send your kids in their PJ's, or your best Christmas attire.
  
• Each session will be roughly 20 minutes.
• Please have fun with this... bring anything you want to your session. We had nerf guns, stockings, hats, etc. ENJOY yourselves!
• Have more questions? Call me anytime 239-691-7010 or email: kari@touchoflovephotography.com
• We will be taking donations of perishable items in exchange for a free 4x6 print. All donations will be made to the local food pantry.
• Christmas Cards will be available for purchase at the time of your session
• All prints will be available in time for Christmas. No later than Dec. 22. Holiday Cards sooner.
  
• Because of this being an event, and already discounted fees, Bebe' Collection and Bebe' 2 Bus clients, this event is seperate and will not be combined with your session discounts.
• Online proofing WILL be available after package purchase is made, so should you choose to add on at a later time, you will be able to do so.
  

This truly is a magical experience that we put a lot of work and heart into. We can't wait to have you join us year after year!

To schedule your appointment, please contact Kari @ 239-691-7010 or email: kari@touchoflovephotography.com

photo challenge | a touch of sun

I always find it so amazing how things just fall into place around our lives... I knew I loved this shot as soon as I took it, and then found out that the challenge this week is "A Touch of Sun"!!! PERFECT! Things seem ironic... but for me, it's reminder of God's incredible sense of humor and LOVE :)

This little guy, Drew, has been a part of my Bebe' Collection, and he became a toddler in what seemed like a matter of 3 months, not a full year! Crazy how time flies :) Enjoy!

Enter your “A Touch of Sun” photo into the I Heart Faces photo challenge this week.

Checking in!

Once again... I can't believe it's been so long since I have blogged! This time of year, things get crazy busy with photography and my head starts to spin a bit... it requires a few deep breaths and the realization that I WILL get it all done... maybe not as quickly as I would hope, but eventually.

Here are some sneak peeks from recent sessions! Enjoy :)

Those of you looking to schedule fall sessions, please consider doing so soon. My fall schedule is filling QUICKLY! Don't forget to consider fall sessions as your Christmas Card photos too! No, it's not too soon to think of those ;)

Summer Mini Sessions - Chelsea, MI photographer

Finally have a date set for Mini Sessions!

One of my absolute favorite locations is downtown Chelsea, MI. It's so quaint, classy and casual. It offers SO many options for different photo settings that are unique and fun all at the same time. So, that's why I decided on Chelsea. Those of you coming from my area... believe me, it's worth it! Due to a busy summer around here, I will only be offering mini sessions one time this summer and this is the date. A maximum of 4 people will be allowed in each mini session. However... if you have more kiddos than is allowed, just give me a call, and we will work this into the time frame accordingly. Currently I have only 4 slots left, so you will need to act quickly. A signed contract and full payment of package is due upon booking to secure your session time.

Mini sessions are great for those who aren't in the market for a full blown session and would like just a few images for their home. These images are great for showing off your adorable family on Facebook and can even be used for Holiday cards! It's never too soon to think about that!

Each mini session will yield about 10-15 proofs and will last a maximum of 30 minutes.

I will have several openings for times, many are already taken, but I still have some time slots remaining.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Times:
9am: - FULL
9:30: - FULL
10:00 - FULL
10:30 - FULL
11:15am- OPEN
12:00 pm - OPEN
12:45pm - OPEN
1:30 - OPEN

Mini sessions are so much fun! Basically we shoot for 30 minutes and have a few minutes buffer just for those who take a few extra minutes to warm up! I will run these mini sessions just like a typical session. However, outfits should be limited (no clothing changes). Bring any props you would like, anything that fits you, your child, or what your vision is... the possiblities are endless!

Please contact me by phone: 239-691-7010 or email: kari@touchoflovephotography.com to schedule your time. If the remaining open slots fill, I will consider opening one or 2 more. Please feel free to ask if you have any questions!

Can't wait! xoxo Kari

SummerTIME! Brooklyn, MI Photographer

So many things going on in our lives around my place right now... busy busy busy, but not the too busy type. We are doing all kinds of things around here that are so much fun and so much family time. Of course my blog always takes the backseat... thank you blog for understanding, and my readers too for understanding ;). I have been trying to make some commitments over the last year and really stick with them and I thought I would take some time to tell you a little about those. I try to stay active in Facebook, but blogging is a commitment!

I can't recall if I have shared this on my blog or not so I apologize if this is repetitive... Back on November 16, 2010, I had Lap Band (Weight Loss) Surgery. I have struggled with my weight my entire life and I am embarrassed now to admit... my weight was OUT.OF.CONTROL. I had no clue then how out of hand it was. I couldn't get a grip on it myself, and after a lot of soul searching, doctor searching, and taking a huge leap of faith... the surgery was a huge success. I had zero complications, started feeling great right away and have adjusted to this new way of life seemingly. I LOVE it. Not the surgery... but for the full throttle dive I took into life since having the surgery. Today... I am down 60 lbs. and by far not done loosing. I still have a ways to go to where I would like to be, but im much closer than I was 60 lbs ago.

I listen to a radio program on Family Life Radio called Intentional Living, it airs weekdays at 4 (if you ever want to check it out), but it's really inspired me to live my life and also encouraged me to inspire my family to really live our everyday lives with Intention. I am so pleased with where this has taken us...

I have been steadily working out in the gym and now pounding pavement (since the weather broke) to get into shape. I followed a training program of some sort, but mostly just consistently kicked my own butt in the gym and on the road as well. After 6 months of INTENTIONALLY sticking with it... I participated in my first Mini Sprint Triathalon (click on link for pictures)!!! (On Sunday June 28th). I cant even begin to put words to how incredible it feels and felt that day to FINISH what I set out to do. I kept trying to think of how to describe the feeling of the finish, and the only thing I can compare it to... is giving birth to one of my kids. WEIRD right?! I guess it's that post adrenaline rush, the endurance, the perservence... No, I didn't get a beautiful child in the end, but I did get a whole boatload of self esteem, a stronger mind and body (I had no clue were in there), and proud cheers from family and friends which brought me so much joy. These are the kinds of things I want my kids to see me accomplishing in life. I do it for them as well as myself.

I have been doing things with the kids too since school has been out. We have been to the Toledo Zoo, the beach numerous times, play dates with friends, visits to grandparents, hanging out at the lake, visits with out of town friends, 5 generation pictures with my family, family pictures, doctors appointments with Kenedey for her broken thumb :), bonfires in our backyard, a trip to Frankenmuth (that was a blast... errr not!) and a lot of relaxing in the backyard with my Unlimited by Jillian Michaels book! Today, we topped it off with a trip to Domino Farms in Ann Arbor (insert big fat BORING here), and then went to Calder Dairy Farm.

So anyway... just wanted to update you to let you know I am still here... still doing lots of photo shoots, and throughly enjoying LIFE and SUMMER!! Hope you are as well!

Steve & Kelly Mizerik ~ MARRIED!! Jackson, Michigan Wedding Photographer

When he was little, Steve looked to his sister older Lindsay before he would talk to strangers. Often times, she would tell them, "well he won't talk to you, but I can tell him what you are saying". Definitely a protective big sister and a little brother who relied on her.

During her teen working years, Kelly spent EVERY.SINGLE.SATURDAY. morning cleaning fans at Lake Columbia's Beach Bar where her manager was on top of the "list of duties"! That manager happened to be Lindsay (Steve's big sis). :) After getting to know Kelly well, Lindsay decided she had done her big sis job of evaluating and she told Steve, "you are really going to like Kelly, she's a really great girl"! Well Lindsay... GOOD WORK! These two are absolutely perfect for each other!

Descriptive words cannot even touch the amount of joy, fun, and love surrounding this wedding day! June 4, 2011 couldn't come soon enough when I first talked with Kelly about her big day. We had an AMAZING e-session last year, so I knew Kelly and Steve would be the perfect fit with my shooting style. I have known Kelly since she was about 8ish? So this day was so special to me :)

Steve and Kelly have an absolutely undeniable connection to each other. No doubt are they incredibly close friends, but more importantly, they have the most unique respect and admiration for each other. I feel like it's not something you see in young couple's all the time and I think that's what sets them apart and will sustain them through the years to come. It's AMAZING to be a part of their love and friends and family.

The mood of the day was so relaxed. The perfect atmosphere where you just want to let loose and have a great time. Well I can say... a GREAT time it was. I fully expected either Steve or Kelly to be a little bit nervous, but when I was around them individually, I didn't sense any nerves... excitement, YES... but not nervousness. However... the I picked up on all kinds of emotions once I got around Kelly's dad, Bud! Bud is a super special guy and he and Kelly have the kind of father daughter relationship many girls can only dream of. Kelly gave her dad a hankerchief that had the words, "Dad, you will always have a special place in my heart" embroidered into it. I saw him pull the hankie out a few times throughout the day to show it off. :) Heartwarming.

Their ceremony was beautiful and Steve was ALL smiles as Kelly walked down the aisle. I watched him bust up laughing when Lindsay (big sis) came down the aisle in tears! Oh how the times have changed!

After the ceremony, we headed downtown Jackson for photos. This bridal party was up for ANYTHING! I was pleasantly surprised when they wanted to escape the blazing hot day and stop inside the Night Light bar to sit down and have some cheese steak... I was all, "oh... okay!" LOL definitely a first! Somehow, while inside the bar... groomsmen Dave worked it with the bartenders and got permission for us to get Kelly on top of the bar. Can you say ROCKSTAR!!! Only you Kel!!! Mermaid fit dress and all, you rocked it!





As I walked around the reception that night, I kept looking for a paper and pen because there were so many thoughts swirling through my head about memories from the day and I didn't want to forget a single moment. I even came home that evening and wrote a list!!! (something I have never done)!

The venue for the reception was at Daryl's downtown in Jackson, MI. The Rose Room had such a great ambiance and set the mood for such a great night. One of my favorite moments during the toast was when Kelly's Dad was giving a speech, and he said something to the effect that Kelly always takes care of things and now she will take care of Steve... HILARIOUS when Steve's mom stood up and gave her own little standing ovation!!! haha!

At one point during the evening, I asked Steve if he could get Kelly in a chair and have all the guys lift her for a little Hora. Two times during the day, Steve became my personal hero. First when he walked out of the ceremony and first thing he said was, "these pictures out here are going to be awesome, the light is PERFECT!!!" Steve, when you are ready to pick up a camera, let me know ;) Then again... with the hero thing, when he said, "you just get ready, I got this" ;) Good work my man! He surely got it done!

Kelly & Steve, it was truly an honor and pleasure to be part of your day. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for you all because I know... whatever it is, if it's anything like all the times I have had with you... it's going to be a FUN time! I love you both dearly and look forward to watching your marriage grow and thrive. Hugs to you both!

Now hurry home from your honeymoon, because I miss you!

~Kari

Chelsea, MI - Wedding Photographer

April & Nathan ~ MARRIED!!!

I am so excited about weddings this year!! My schedule is pretty light which is in some ways nice because I can just sort of take my time with edits and the burn out never sets in. I am going to enjoy!

April and Nathan had a very intimate ceremony with only their immediate family (around 24 people) at The Teacup Chapel. It was very sweet and felt so cozy among their families.

From what I have learned about this adorable couple, Nathan typically presents himself to new friends as someone who is pretty laid back and a bit on the quiet side....

Does this look like someone who fits that description?
Ya, it doesn't to me either ;) Nathan and April were so much fun to photograph. I was a tad nervous because I had never had the opportunity to meet Nathan before the big day, so I was a bit unsure how he would feel about so many pictures. *sidenote: I get it when guys don't really love the photo part of the wedding day :) I prefer the fun and my side of the camera too!

Nathan however... he was a complete trooper and so much fun! April and Nathan have such a sweet relationship. A little background... April has her daughter, Faith (who I kept calling Hope) LOL im a dork! Then Nathan, his little guy is Aiden. I could go on and on about these two kids, and what an amazing job their parents are doing with blending their families.
Faith is a old soul to say the least! Having a conversation with her felt like I was chatting with a 20 yr old. She absolutely idolizes both Nathan and her mom, and had such a sweet disposition about their family finally coming together. Such a refreshing perspective.

One of my most favorite moments of the day was when April gave Aiden a pocket watch that had a train on it. The boy LOVES trains!! He played with her gift to him all day and showed it to most everyone at the reception. When she spoke to Aiden during the ceremony one thing she said really stood out to me... it was something along the lines of how she and Faith hoped to continue their special friendship with him in the years to come.... cue tears. I just thought it was really neat to approach it that way. Nathan also spoke to Faith during the ceremony and I promise you, there was not a DRY eye in the house.

below: Aiden showing his grandma his pocket watch
Another super emotional part of the day was when April's dad got to see her for the first time before walking her down the aisle. She is his only child, and it was such a privilidge to be part of watching their moment together. I could just see the pride, joy, and hope for the future all mesh in at that moment.
Their reception was at the Comfort Inn reception hall in Chelsea, Michigan. I had never been to a reception there, it was a great venue and looked great with all the extra touches April added to the decor!

April and Nathan, thank you so much for having me as part of your big day. It was such a beautiful wedding and I know you will have many beautiful years together.

xoxo