A perfect day for a carriage ride on Mackinac Island!

ON A PERSONAL NOTE: I feel like my eyes are about start screaming at me for all the hours I’ve spent on the computer this week, and it’s only Wednesday. I officially declare that Northern Michigan wedding photographers don’t really have “down time” in the winter months. So today I am gently reminding myself that I am stronger because of the struggles, and I am determined to make this week fruitful with time well spent. I will continue to plug away on the computer, as well as fold my laundry, eat healthy meals, and log in 25 miles on the treadmill this week.

There is nothing as powerful as a made up mind.

ABOUT THE PHOTO: Sometimes you click the shutter, and even though everything is moving fast, or you’re about to get plowed down by a speeding bike, or step in horse poop, or the sun is directly in your eyes… everything just comes together in a perfect moment. And I’m SO glad I was able to capture that moment for A & R this past summer during their carriage ride around Mackinac Island. It’s the all- American vibe of Grand Hotel, the vintage Victoria Carriage, the fast Hackney’s, the golden sunshine, and a perfect kiss!

NOTE TO BRIDES: Mark and I NEVER ride in the carriage with you. If we did, how could we capture stunning pictures like this one! We follow along, or direct the way, on bikes. The carriage ride is a quiet, romantic, time in your day for just the two of you. Onlookers will cheer for you, clap for you, and celebrate with you as you ride around town, and it’s a truly magical experience for just the two of you (with your photographer capturing these moments along the way!)!

Raising my coffee cup today to all our 2017 brides!

A perfect day for a carriage ride around Mackinac Island for this bride and groom! I love Mackinac Island!!

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Beautiful Wedding Cakes on Mackinac Island

ON A PERSONAL NOTE: Only good things are going to happen around here today. Today, I have no room for regret or a pity party. So far today we’ve spoken with 3 new 2017 brides, eaten a healthy breakfast, managed not to watch any politics on t.v., and now I’m gearing up for a 5 mile run. You wanna come to Casa McCoy today? Well, only good vibes, strong cups of coffee, and smiles are allowed. And a pair of running shoes wouldn’t be bad either, if you feel like running and chatting with yours truly today.

ABOUT THE PHOTO: I’m in complete wedding cake frenzy over here today! I spent a few hours yesterday gathering cake photos, and it’s just sinking in how many AMAZING cakes we got to photograph (and taste!) in 2016!!!

This cake was created by Grand Hotel, for a reception in The Cottage Restaurant.

NOTE TO BRIDES: ALWAYS make sure your photographer has set aside some time to photograph all your reception details. I know how many hours you ladies put into creating a vision for your day, and an empty reception room is one thing you most likely will never get to see!

Happy Tuesday everyone, let’s make it a great one!

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Wedding Carriage on Mackinac Island

ON A PERSONAL NOTE:  Happy Monday Friends!  Did anyone do laundry yesterday, then fold all the clothes up neatly and put them on the end of the bed to be put away.  But then when bedtime came and the clothes were still neatly folded up on the bed, just swooped them up and threw them on the floor?  Because I didn’t.

There really is nothing worth more then today, not yesterday and not tomorrow.  Today. So I’m plotting out my day so that I can continue to put foundations under daydreams and make them real, so I can continue to budget out 2017, to meal plan for the week, and to quite possibly make time to refold some clothes this morning.

ABOUT THE PHOTO: If the goal was to photograph an adorable couple with their magical horses… MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.  It was such a beautiful day for these two on the island, followed by a super fun party at Grand Hotel!

Mark and I are going into our 10th year (WOOHOOT!!!!) on Mackinac Island, and I one thing I’ve learned to talk with our brides about is, “your dress is going to get dirty!” If you’re getting married on Mackinac Island (or anywhere up north!) you’re most likely going to tromp through beautiful fields full of wild flowers, or walk to the beach, or stroll around the woods.  But pretty candid photos like this one are worth gold.  So Brides, I promise you, have no fears because it will be totally worth it!!
 

Let's clink coffee cups this morning, to a fantastic day!

A moment during a lovely carriage ride around Mackinac Island just after the wedding ceremony!

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