Guided Light Photography, LLC | South Bend, Indiana | Wedding & Senior Photography 574

New Blogsite

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:30:00 +0000

I am so excited to announce that we will now posting on our new blogsite. Make sure you update your following to the new url. www.glphotographyllc.com, www.guidedlightphotography.com, or www.glphotographyllc-seniors.com

amy+jeff | wedding | 9.12.09

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:46:00 +0000

Slide show of Amy's Favorites......courtesy of Pictage.

wedding : jeff and amy 9.12.09

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:39:00 +0000

Jeff and Amy are just so cute. I love them. We enjoyed their e-session last year and from the moment we met them we just knew their wedding would be amazing. They proved me wrong, it was FANTABULOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!

Just take a look at her dress. I couldn't be more in love with this dress.

Don't forget about the glamourous Amy (more to come).

These beautifully flowers were done by Designs by Vogt

The Stanner's so graciously lent their lake house as the ceremony and reception venue. This house is so luxurious. I would LOVE to shoot here again.

I love how her accessories go oh so well together. Her hair piece was by Portobello Jewelry. Earrings and necklace set from JCPenny's.

Once again, my glamourous bride.

Here's Jeff and the guys hanging out. It was a ND vs. MSU game day and I know how hard it was for them to pry their eyes off the TV to take some awesome pictures. BUT, I have to say that I just love everything about these guys. They were a great bunch.

The girls all looked fabulous.

And they knew it. :)

The handsome groom.

The guys watching the game.

Amy, I love you! I just have to say that. :)

See, I told you that peeling them off the game was worth it. :)

Gotta love the simplicity of this cake from Cake Sensations by Laura

Amy was peaking out the window and saw Jeff.

I love her tears after seeing him. She has such great friends.

Amy and her dad, neither had a dry eye.

Jeff's first look at his blushing bride.

They had such a fabulous ceremony.

I love this shot of me and Amy. She's just so beautiful and happy.

This amazing team (A Grand Occasion) worked so hard to pull off an amazing event for Amy. I know that Amy would agree with me when I say that Katy & Jake are AMAZING!!

Ryan and his wife were awesome, they truly are The Simple DJs

Vendor Spotlight : Northernlight Filmworks

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:03:00 +0000

I met this amazing couple (John and Jen Moon of Northernlight Filmworks) the day I decided to quit my job at Burkhart. I found it fascinating that they used the same equipment that a photographer does for their cinemotography. They totally rocked out our little shoot out in Indy last month. Check out the amazing video the put together. I'm in awe!!!

http://vimeo.com/6617716

Ps. Check out 2:06 minute. They got a great shot of me laughing (candid). Which is rare because I have camera radar.

Sneak Peak : Jeff and Amy 9.12.09

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:59:00 +0000

I'm so excited to show a little sneaky peaky of the fabulous wedding that Jeff and Amy had this past weekend.... More is definitely on the way.

Grace : It means "A Gift from God"

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:01:00 +0000

Right now, I'm sitting at the South Bend Chocolate Cafe watching my car so that no one steals my gear that I am supposed to be shooting with at this moment. I have some time to kill before my next session begins at 5pm. I am reading devotionals that I don't take the time to read on a daily basis, like I should. I am going through all the things that I need to be doing, but can't do because what I need to do it is at the house. I'm wondering, how has life gotten me to this point in my life?

All my life, I went back and forth with what I wanted to be when I grew up. I was decent at doing hair, maybe a hair stylist? I loved to cook, maybe a chef? I loved taking pictures, maybe a photographer? And don't forget the #1 dream of every little girl, I wanted to be a singer. None of these things seemed to be something I could do for a living.

I started my business in 2005, just photographing for a friend of the family. I was fresh out of high school and still wasn't sure what I was going to go to college for. Then, I did another wedding for a friend of the family in early 2006. It was then that I realized that I REALLY wanted to do this full time. I started to work at Picture People to gain experience. I could not do it. I didn't like working in a studio AT ALL. I started to give up. If I couldn't work in a studio then surely I couldn't make a living off of photography then why continue, right? Wrong. That year, I met the most amazing person I have ever met. My husband. He too had a passion for photography and wanted to help me grow my business.

When we decided that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together, we also decided that we wanted to go into business together. But surely we BOTH couldn't make a living do so right? Wrong. Over the past 3 years of being with my wonderful husband (and best friend), he has done so much to push me and encourage me to get out the mind set that this would only be a weekend job. Well, it use to be a weekend job and I'm not really sure how some people do it, and I don't even edit the pictures. :)

As I sit here and think of what I can do without my list, without my graphics, without my family, I realize that this is what I'm suppose to be doing. God has blessed a very unfortunate situation for our family and has opened many, many doors for us. These doors would not have been so open with me working for someone else. This week is booked solid. Next week is looking pretty booked as well. I would not have been able to do this on my own, and I know that.

God has worked in mysterious ways for my family and my business. He has done so much and I have done so little to thank Him. Therefore, I give Him ALL the glory for where my life is at in this very moment. I never dreamed that I could do this. BUT, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Now, if only that strength would get me out of bed on Sundays to praise Him.

Trash That Dress

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:58:00 +0000

In light of the trees changing colors and the weather cooling down, we are wrapping up our trash the dress sessions for the year. This could either be your wedding dress or a formal dress you wore to prom or a formal dance. We have discounted the session to $100 for $200 if booked now through October 31st. If you are brave enough to schedule your session in November, the session will be discounted to $75.

Here are just a few examples of what is to come.

My beautiful intern: Kayli

The fabulous : Mandi

See, this is how much I love these sessions. I made Chris do one of me.

My gorgeous bride : Stephanie

Last, but not least, my amazing senior rep : Tess

Newborn : Holden

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:51:00 +0000

I use to work with Dani at Hollywood Video WAY back in the day. Jamison worked with us too, but at a different store. When Dani found me on Facebook and said she was pregnant, I was so excited to photograph this little guy's pictures. He is such a stickin' cutie too. He just kept cooing and moving and making me almost wish Bryce was a little tyke again (almost). At first, he wanted to stay awake and get to know me, and eat, but when he was ready for his close-up, he put on his charm. I just couldn't help myself in being my camera happy little self. Just take a look and decide for yourself.

Newborn : Layla

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:02:00 +0000

You may remember Layla's lovely parents', Heather and Scott from their wedding last year. They have been our sample album couple for over a year now. Now, I get the priveledge of introducing their beautiful baby girl that recently came into the world a month ago. She is such a gorgeous little thing and I'm so excited to show off the images.

Newborn Sneak Peaks : Layla and Holden

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 01:42:00 +0000

There must be something behind newborns and not wanting to fall asleep during their sessions until the last minute. Layla and Holden were too excited to want to go to sleep and everytime we tried to have them sleep, it didn't work in our behalf.

Here is just a sneak peak of little baby Layla for Heather and Scott...

...and little baby Holden for Dani and Jamison.

E-Session : Dave and Kristi

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:28:00 +0000

Kristi and Dave called us only looking for engagement pictures. BUT, once they met with me Dave left saying that we were the photographers for them. They booked us the following week.

They have some great ideas in store for their guests and I'm excited to photograph their wedding next July.

Senior : Tre

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:45:00 +0000

Tre came to his session in nothing but jeans and a t-shirt, but he knows how to rock them. That is why we are pleased that this football captain from Clay High School is our first 2011 Senior Ambassador.

Vendor Spotlight : Valley Screen

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:13:00 +0000

I met Karen, President and CEO of Valley Screen, last week at a Business After Hours event for the Women Business Owner's of Michiana. As soon as she found out that I was a photographer, she couldn't wait to show me their new "baby". She had come up with an amazing idea for parents to use in nurseries. I asked her to send me some graphics so I could blog about them and let everyone give their opinions and get on board with this awesome idea.

They are removable decals for your wall. They could be phrases, poems, or even an image of your baby with some great frames that they's created.

Follow their progress in this new venture on facebook. Find them by searching for GoBigShots.

Teddy & Erin are MARRIED!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:38:00 +0000

I'm really excited to finally blog the incredible wedding of Teddy and Erin from July. They had an amazing line up of vendors that did such a beautiful job ensuring Erin's vision of the perfect dream wedding came true. From the dresses that Erin wore, the flowers that she held so elegantly, to the beautifully decorated reception hall, everything was simply perfect.

Church St. Patrick's Catholic Church

Reception Palais Royale

Band Steve Edwards Orchestra

Florist Michael Angelo's

Tuxedos Louie's Tux Shop

Wedding Dresses Demetrio's

Wedding Planner Celebrated Events

Vendor Spotlight : Celebrated Events

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:23:00 +0000

I had the distinct pleasure of working with the incredibly talented Cynthia Basker, owner of Celebrated Events, during Erin & Teddy's gorgeous wedding. I know, I know; their images are coming, I promise! While getting to know Cyndi, I have been so encouraged by her to follow my heart and do what I know I need to do for my business and my brides. She is such an inspiration to me and I admire her business sense and professionalism.

Here is just a glimpse at her amazing talent. As a photographer, and obsessed by the details, Chris was in heaven when I sent him into The Palais Royale during the cocktail hour held in the lobby of The Morris Performing Arts Center. There are so many images to choose from so if you'd like to see more of Cyndi's masterpiece, go to Erin and Teddy's image gallery and look under the section labeled Details. You will not be disappointed.

I asked Cynthia for her advice on planning a wedding and her words of wisdom are: " to not get lost and/or caught up in the whirl of planning, and lose sight of what all the planning is for. It's easy to get wrapped up in the myriad of details that planning a wedding entails, when in reality, all you really truly need to get married, is each other."

Erin had such a wonderful day with none of the stress that can come with planning because Cynthia flawlessly put together a BEAUTIFUL wedding that Erin could enjoy. I would recommend to every bride the benefits of having a wedding planner, especially if that planner is Celebrated Events.

Carmela is 12 months

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:27:00 +0000

I met Lara after she came back from having baby Carmela. We worked together on the TCU billboards. It wasn't until I did her little girl's 12 month pictures that I actually got the chance to meet her.

This little girl makes me want to have more kids. She is just such a sweet little girl full of smiles and giggles. Josie and I had so much fun photographing this little fire cracker. Enjoy the outcome. :)

And my FAVORITE composite I've EVER done!!!

Isn't She Fabulous?!?!

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 19:59:00 +0000

Sonia, of Nicholas J. Salon, invited me to come help out with their Ambush Make-Over and take some pictures of the ever-so-beautiful, Ashley. She rightfully won as a mother of 3. Just as most mothers, she puts her kids' needs ahead of her own. Her mom heard about the make-over and entered her to win. Already a very beautiful woman, Holly and Rebecca did a beautiful job of enhancing her beauty.

With Jennifer Love Hewitt in the Ghost Whisperer as the inspiration, Ashley got a look that is not only flattering on her, but very easy to maintain.

Great Job ladies.

Joey and Jules are married!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:03:00 +0000

Jules called me in May wanting to see our work in person. She was living in California with Joey and couldn't make it out until Memorial Day weekend, but really wanted to see how we could fit her budget. After deciding she had to have us, we started the process of making her day PERFECT. Since we didn't have a lot of time to get to know one another, we did our best to make it work. I met with her at the Blue Heron and met the FABULOUS Jenny. We worked on the schedule of the day and we made she sure it worked perfectly for the Blue Heron too. Jules was so easy to work with and wanted us to use our experience to make her day special.

I am so excited to say that her day was simply flawless and I hope everything was exactly how she imagined it.

FINALLY!!

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:12:00 +0000

In the past few months, I have wanted to blog about my feelings. Unfortunately, once I blogged them, they were pretty much out there for the world. Well, now I am able to tell everyone.

If you have been following me on facebook you will know what this blog has lead to. For those that haven't, I will tell you, just in case.

In the past month, we found out that Bryce is a little behind on his developmental skills. He is in the process of developmental therapy through the first steps program. I have chosen a therapist for him that will help him learn to talk and work through his aggression. As a mom, I have understandably blamed myself for being so busy with work and the business.

I have also made a few changes in who I am as well. When I went back to work, I never quite got a grasp on balancing work, the business, and my family. My business was growing to new heights that I never thought that I could take it to, and I was having a hard time keeping up. My faith took the biggest back seat out of everything. I could feel God pulling me toward him, I just kept resisting. It was time for me to take that step of faith and follow him once again.

God had been giving me signs here and there about where he wanted me to be. He kept pointing me home. After meeting with many vendors in the industry, including fellow (and fabulous) wedding photographers and hearing how they, "just took that leap of faith", I decided that home is where I needed to take that leap of faith. After A LOT of praying, I felt God was telling me that now is my time to trust Him.

Well, I did. Now, I am home working harder than ever to make sure that my brides get the best of me. Please be patient though. I'm still trying to catch up. You can expect to see more blog posts and LOTS of new things.

Stay tuned for some fabulous additions to GLP.

Sneak Peak for Jules

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:28:00 +0000

I fell so in love with Jules and I just couldn't wait to post a few of my favorite images that I took. Stay tuned, more to come.

LA and Emily are married

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 13:06:00 +0000

I sometimes hear the best stories about how the bride and groom met while the girls are getting ready, but let me tell you, the entries from LA's diary that his sister was re-telling left me in stitches. I won't tell you what they said, sorry, but let's just say that his love for Emily started when they were in the 8th grade.

Eventually, Emily noticed LA and decided that he just might a cool kid afterall. Whatever tricks he had up his sleeve worked as she is now madly in love with him.

Congratulations LA and Emily! You're finally married.

My Beautiful Wife

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:28:00 +0000

Piece and Quiet

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 22:51:00 +0000

This is my favorite time of the day. I get so excited to take my lunch because it's 60 minutes that I can enjoy to myself working on what makes me smile, my business. I love coming down to the riverwalk byt the Farmer's Market and sit on the rock steps and watch the river move by me, listening to the dogs being walked behind me, and the kids walking with mom and dad. It seems to be the perfect moment in such a fast paced world.

Chris and I decided that in order to get those moment with our family again, we were going to work on down sizing our tasks. I have picked up some responsibilities of editing and designing, along with purchasing a new Dell Mini netbook so that I can work on the administrative part on my lunch. Right now, I am working on getting it set up, but it is enjoyable to know that I will have more time to spend with the kids and instead of telling Josie to wait until I'm done updating the accounting, I can play our new favorite game, Barbie, Queen of the Prom, the moment she asks.

Don't get me wrong, I've had this opportunity before, but our old laptop couldn't hold nearly as much information as I required it to have. I am in total awe of this computer. Maybe because it's my own and there is something about purchasing a product with cold hard cash that you personally worked your tail off to obtain that sets you on cloud 9 when using it.

On a side note: I was just told that I am doing what a classly like myself should be doing on a beautiful day like today. What a nice thing to be said.

On a family note: Bryce will be 2 years old on September 16th. I can't believe how quickly time has flown by. I wish he would start to talk. He isn't as responsive when you call his name as I'd like him to be, but that could just be a kid-thing. I have heard over and over again that I should look into getting his hearing tested and maybe even get tubes put in his ears. I'm not sure about the tubes part, but he has an appointment on Thursday morning to find out what is going on with him.

I suppose that's it for now. I need to get a few things accomplished before my meeting this evening. Stay tuned, I will be blogging more often now that I will have my Mini on me at all times. :)

Happy Monday!

It's a Sister Thing

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 02:28:00 +0000

Misty and I work at Burkhart Advertising together. She's in Marion so I don't get to see her but maybe 2 or 3 times a year. When Misty told me that she was going to have a baby, I was so excited, I couldn't contain myself. Then, she continued to tell me that 3 of the 4 sisters in her family were also pregnant, due around the same time. How exciting is that?

When Misty said that her sister's wanted to get some pictures taken with them and then all the grandkids, I couldn't resist. Even though it started to rain on us, we picked the perfect location for a gazebo to not ruin our fun.

Look how cute these kids are. I can't wait to see the babies in the next few weeks.

Teddy and Erin are gettin' hitched

noreply@blogger.com (Guided Light Photography) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 04:24:00 +0000

I knew Erin in middle school. She was always the pretty girl with a huge personality. The biggest Notre Dame I've known (sorry guys, pretty sure she beats you out in that #1 fan thing).

When my mom posted our old cheer leading picture on facebook, I had to tag her. After talking about her wedding a little and looking at our albums, Erin decided that Chris and I were the ones she wanted to photograph her wedding. I'm so glad to because her wedding is going to be fabulous and she's going to have an awesome guest book too. :)

Here are just a few imges that will be featured in her guest book.