The softness of the sand, the gentle sounds of the waves and the warmth of the sun will always make for a beautiful Wedding Day. The back drops that are available in Northern Michigan make for a dream Destination Wedding come true.
Congratulations Shanna & Ivan.
Sunsets on the water makes for interesting photography. So many options, never enough sunset time.
Sand on your feet, so natural.
Let the fun begin. As the evening went forward chances were made.
Lake Michigan started looking more and more inviting.
and then the Bride and Groom went for it with a little help from the photographer.
Sunsets on your Wedding day, nothing else like it. 
Just like that the Bride & Groom get wet.
The sunset colors make for great silhouettes.
and then the light changes. Sure was great color while it lasted.
A walk into the horizon for the Bride & Groom.
Their day they’ll never forget. Congratulations, I can tell your soul mates for life. It was a pleasure to photograph a part of your special day.
Steven Blair / www.photosbyblair.com / “Artistic Mackinac”
Weddings on Mackinac Island. Dreams do come true.
Jenny & Adam’s special day at the Grand Hotel. The weather was fabulous and the celebration was their dream come true. Adam waiting for his lovely bride with her flowers in hand.
So many different photograph possibilities with all the windows.
A small family Wedding made for a very relaxed celebration.
We had a couple of hours to take photographs and that is a rearaty with most weddings. Keep that in mind when your planning your wedding day. Schedule as much time as you possibility can with your photographer. Give them time to be creative. They will thank you for it.
The chairs on the Grand porch, the view, and all the smiles.
Horse and carriages are so much of the Island that you just have to photograph the bride and groom with this part of the Island.
The flowers at the Grand Hotel in the spring are fabulous and make for great backdrops…
So many different venues.
Congratulations Jenny & Adam, wish you all the best in your Life travels together.
Don’t forget the rings…
At 12 noon May 30th, 2011 we had a heart felt dedication to or servicemen and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice to our country. Thank you for your service.
We realize more every day that
“Freedom is not Free”.
Thank you everyone who are still serving our great nation.
The Lilac House Bed & Breakfast will be opening for the 2011 season May 6th.
Step back in time, spend a leisurely vacation in historic accommodations at “The Lilac House Bed and Breakfast”.
A block from the boat docks, on the corner of Market and Astor Streets on beautiful Mackinac Island.
So much history to see on Mackinac Island.
A little background on “MACKINAC”. The name is pronounced “Mackinaw” and is Chippewa Indian for “Turtle”. An apt description, since the Island, when viewed from a distance, resembles a partially-submerged turtle with a semi-flat shell.
and of course Lilacs everywhere…
For additional information visit the link below:
http://www.lilachousebedandbreakfast.com
or call 305-304-0320 to make a reservation.
Mission Point Resort Bridal Show Sunday Mother’s Day May 8th, 2011
10:00 to 1:00 pm
All you need to plan a Memorable Mackinac Island Wedding under one roof!
Admission is free!
• Meet with Local Vendors: Photography By Blair
• Meet our Professional Event and Catering Staff
• View our Lovely Function Spaces
• Enjoy Beautiful Mission Point Resort
www.photosbyblair.com
Looking forward to meeting all the Brides that are planing on having there Wedding on Mackinac Island.
A few Wedding pictures at Mission Point Resort.
Beautiful Lawn area.
On the putting course with the ponds.
The Gazebo is so Beautiful for your special day.
There are so many venues on the grounds of Mission Point Resort for beautiful pictures memories of your Wedding Day at Mission Point Resort. Feel free to call me with any questions on the up coming Bridal Show.
231-631-2002.
info@photosbyblair.com / www.photosbyblair.com
Reservations Call: 1-800-833-7711
Sunsets are very important to many Brides & Grooms as part of there Wedding day. Below are the sunset times for the 2011 Wedding season for Northern Michigan.
April 30th, 2011 – 8:42
May 15th, 2011 – 8:59
May 30th, 2011 – 9:13
June 15th, 2011 – 9:23
June 30th, 2011 – 9:25
July 15th, 2011 – 9:20
July 30th, 2011 – 9:06
Aug 15th, 2011 – 8:45
Aug 30th, 2011 – 8:21
Sept 15th, 2011 – 7:53
Sept 30th, 2011 – 7:26
Oct 15th, 2011 – 7:00
Oct 30th, 2011 – 6:38
If you would like the exact time on your Wedding day in northern Michigan give me a call at 231-631-2002
read more…
Michigan Lodging & Tourism Association. The Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference, Kalamazoo, MI March 20-21-22, 2011.
It was a pleasure and honor to photograph this great event again this year. The three day conference was motivating, inspiring and showed a tremendous positive attitude toward the future of Michigan. All three days were packed with events and speakers that seem to see things moving forward in Michigan. Very positive outlook on all the new Pure Michigan’s promotional campaign adds that are delivering a beautiful vacation destination and we are ready with open arms to show them our warm and summertime fun hospitality.
Governor Rick Snyder speaking at the award banquet. So many hard working people in our state deserve the awards they all received.
From the opening welcome at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts,
to the many dignitary’s that came and spoke at the conference.
George Zimmermann, Debbie Stabenow, SteveYencich,
and of course our Governor Rick Snyder.
Some of the awards recipients included:
Tricia Lee Decker, Gail Anthony, Stephen Carmen
Dan Musser & Ken Hayward from the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. (picture below)
I look forward to 2012 conference in Grand Rapids, tell then, a “Spactabulas” summer to all who live and visit in our beautiful state of Michigan.
Traveling through out Michigan from Grand Rapids to Mackinac Island, the 2010 Wedding season was fabulous. It was a pleasure meeting so many beautiful people. Everyone comes from different walks of life but Wedding Celebrations are special, the different personalities are so enlightening, the smiles are addicting as depicted in the following pictures. If you are still searching for a photographer for 2011 season we still have a few weekend dates open on the calendar. Feel free to contact us at 231-631-2002 or info@photosbyblair.com
- Nick & Chalice / July 17th, 2010 / Grand Rapids, MI
A beautiful day, downtown Grand Rapids for these Newlyweds. Great group of friends for the Wedding party and ready to have fun with the camera. It’s so important to let the kids relax and the camera will do the rest with an artistic touch of experience.
““GORGIOUS!!!! Steven Blair, we just love our pictures. They are so captivating and reflecting the feeling that was shared that day. Thank you so very much.”
Nick & Chalice / July 17th, 2010 / Grand Rapids
A Beautiful Sunset for Nick & Chalice at there reception that evening.
Nick & Chalice / July 17th, 2010 / Grand Rapids
There’s nothing like a “Beach Wedding”. Traverse City and the west side of Michigan as we call it “The Third Coast” has the most beautiful beaches anywhere. The venues are the ticket to a safe beach wedding so keep that in mind
Park Shore Resort is one of those special venues.
Michelle & Jeff / Sept 12th, 2010 / Traverse City on the Beach
Michelle & Jeff / Sept 12th, 2010 / Traverse City on the Beach.
Michelle & Jeff / Sept 12th, 2010 / Traverse City on the Beach
Downtown Traverse City, a difference place, a different time, in the city. The old Opera house was the venue for this unique wedding. Walked to the Bay, the Boardman river, to photograph my different acting styles. This group are actors from the Old Town Playhouse, Traverse City, MI
Jane & Keith / 10-10-10 / Downtown Traverse City.
Reflections: There are so many possibilities. Pick your lines.
Jane & Keith / 10-10-10 / Traverse City, MI
Shady Lane Cellars is located on a historic 150-acre farm between Traverse City and Suttons Bay on the Leelanau Peninsula. Strategically situated to benefit from the meso climate created by Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay, it is a prime vineyard site and a spectacular wedding venue.
Allen &Tiffanie / Sept 18th, 2010 / Leelanau County Winery
Timberlee Hills nestled in the hills of Leelanau County just north west of Traverse City is a quite venue with breath taking views of Lake Leelanau and the hills that surround this property are like non other.
Liz & Patrick / Oct 16th, 2010 / TimberLee Hills / Leeanau County
The Homestead Resort, Glen Arbor, Leelanau county.
Katelin & Jeff / Oct 8th, 2010 / The Homestead Glen Arbor
Katelin & Jeff / Oct 8th, 2010 / The Homestead
Old Mission Peninsula Wine country. A great place to photograph your Wedding party at any one of your favorite Winery’s on the Old Mission Peninsula.
Holly & Dan / Nov 13th, 2010 / Traverse City, Mi & Honor, MI
Holly & Dan / Nov 13th, 2010 / Traverse City & Honor, MI
Holly & Dan / Nov 13th, 2010 / Traverse City & Honor,MI
Holly & Dan / Nov 13th, 2010 / Traverse City & Honor,MI
Holly & Dan / Nov 13th, 2010 / Traverse City & Honor MI
An absolute pleasure having the opportunity to photograph Model: Joanna Moja again. The winter afternoon was more then you could have wished for. Spirits watching over us. The striking blue skies, the white pure snow with a hint of sand colors at times and the personality of Joanna. Hope you enjoy the essence of Mother Nature and the pure softness of the subject.
Did I mention Blue skies.
The Michigan hat was perfect and of course, warmth….
On the shores of Frozen Trout River Pond.
Intense:
and then the sun set…
Checkout https://www.facebook.com/photographybyblair FB for the full session.
A Fabulous Season for Brides & Grooms in 2010.
Photographing Weddings from Mackinac Island to Grand Rapids and all of Northern Michigan makes this a beautiful career. Smiling faces and happy hearts motivates my artistic talents. The weather was very kind to us and the summer lasted tell October. The pictures in this set are “Destination Weddings on Mackinac Island” at the Grand Hotel, Mission Point Resort, Island House, Inn at Stonecliffe, Little Stone Church and St. Anne’s Church.
Danielle & Andrew 8-15-10 Mackinac Island, MI
Christine & Brandan 7-31-10 Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, MI
Danielle & Andrew 8-15-10 Mission Point Resort, Mackinac Island, MI
Kristin & Steve 8-14-10 Mission Point Resort, Mackinac Island, MI
Stacy & Craig 7-25-10 Mission Point Resort, Mackinac Island, MI
Melissa & Joe 6-23-10 St. Anne’s Church, Mackinac Island, Mi
Megan & Young 8-27-10 Island House, Mackinac Island, MI
Tami & Eric 7-11-10 Grand Hotel. Mackinac Island, MI
Additionally, my Gallery on Mackinac Island was surprisingly busy and many potential brides stopped in and I had the opportunity to view my work up-front and personal. I really enjoyed the opportunity. It was a banner year for me totaling (33) Weddings, (5) Wedding Engagements, three of which were surprises, I really enjoy the surprise engagements, (4) Family Reunions, (2) Graduation parties, and (2) Conferences, including the “Pure Michigan Governors Conference” held at the Grand Hotel last May. I have been commissioned again to photograph the 2011 conference in Kalamazoo in March. I will highlight that later in the blog.
A great first year season on Mackinac Island.
After many years of planning the consideration of opening a store on Mackinac Island where I can showcase my Love for Photography. It will also be a great location for potential Brides to come and review my work for there Wedding Day. It’s located at 1500 Astor St. , half way between Main street and Market street right in the middle of town and next to the Lilac House B&B. Contact Steven Blair at 231-631-2002 or email to info@photosbyblair.com
In this pictures is my float for the Lilac Festival Parade.
The Lilac House B&B picture is below.
Look close to the right back of the picture you can see the side of the gallery. Come up and see us sometime and stay a night or two at the historic Lilac House B&B. Contact info at lilachousebandb@aol.com
More information to come. Stay tuned…
61st Annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival June 11 to 20th, 2010
As spring slips in to summer the Mackinac Lilac Festival lures visitors with the fragrant scent of several varieties of lilacs including some that date back to more than 150 years. Horse drawn carriages clip-clop down the streets while a different life style you have to see to believe still exists.
The idea: bring people to Mackinac Island to enjoy a great horse drawn parade amidst the lovely lilacs that fragrance the Island in June.
From June 11-20 the event offers nightly live entertainment, wine tasting, movies and even a street hockey tournament. Register to enter the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Golf Tournament at the Grand Hotel Jewel golf course. Choose from many tour offerings from the Governor’s mansion, gardens and Island architecture.
Stay for a day or make reservations for a Mackinc Island Lilac Festival hotel or inn package. Take a carriage ride or just rent a bike and take your own tour of magnificent Mackinac Island in full bloom.
What began as a one day event called the Mackinac Island Lilac Day has blossomed into a Lilac heaven. A ten day festival. Celebrating Mackinac’s lilac collection began in 1949 after a conversation with Evangilene “Ling” Horn and Nurse Stella King who encouraged the then teen and today’s Mackinac Island Carriage Tours veterinarian Dr. Bill Chambers to have a parade on Lilac Sunday.
Let the festival begin.
For more festival pictures visit:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=11770&id=106126789411655&ref=pb
Visit http://www.mackinacislandlilacfestival.org/index2.php
for additional up-dated information.
Last weekend on Mackinac Island Mi, I had the opportunity to photography a very special wedding engagement proposal. Steve called me prior to the date to set up this fantastic start to his new life with his sole mate. We spent a little time planing and brainstorming on the phone then on May 30th, two hours before the photo shoot, Steve and I staked out the site opportunities for set up. His girlfriend had no idea that Steve had anything up his sleeve and that pictures were being taken, “we were just going to have a glass of wine out by the water” that turned into champagne and was the start of the proposal. Both sides of there family’s knew he was going to propose. Just not the bride to be.
By this time there were many lookers on wondering if something was going to happen. The excitement begins.
It’s really happening. It took a while to get to this point. Steve’s goes down on his knee. Here we go!
An absolute blast. The opportunity to capture such a special moment in two peoples lives.
The anticipation .
I think she said “YES”.
The kiss you never forget.
The gig is up. See that camera and the photographer over on the dock .
“Sole mates”. Smiling memories and just so happens, a freighter in the straights of Mackinac.
I say the freighter is good luck wishes to the happy couple.
I am so excited for this couple and feel honored to have been a small part of the beginning of their engagement. It was truly a photo shoot I will never forget. I wish them a lifetime of fun together.
The magic of Mackinac Island is always happening around you. Doesn’t matter where your at, it matters what is in your heart. Anyone can pull off special moments just like this. Just a little time and thought into your endeavors can put smiles on many faces.
For me, I’m ready to photograph any event for a life time of smiles and memories.
Last weekend May 22, 2010 was Mackinac Island’s Prom and they joined with Beaver Island
and Grand Maris for there Prom celebration at Mission Point Resort on beautiful Mackinac Island.
You can’t ask for a better way to make your entrance but from a horse and buggy.
As you can see the weather was close to perfect and a great night was starting.
We spent about an hour taking photographs at the Gazebo and having some teenage fun.
What is a Prom?
A Prom means a Promenade Concert, or a concert where part of the audience stands in a “promenade” area of the hall.
Weather your prom is on Mackinac Island or anywhere, your memories or priceless at this time of your life. Having this time documented in picture form is memories, memories, memories.
I know all the kids had great time at there prom and wish them all the beat in there future endeavors.
King & Queens:
When I left at 9:30 they were dancing the night away.
You must be very careful as a photographer when considering photographing a bachelor party outing. I have photographed many through the years and so far I have enjoyed them all. I just returned from a weekend bachelor party in Grand Rapids. It was a super weekend. Started Friday afternoon in the backyard of the grooms house playing Frisbee and Baseball, then to a baseball game at 5th 3rd Ballpark Friday night. The weather was perfect for outside activities.
Bachelor Gifts in these cases: Watches
5th 3rd Ballpark
The Groomsmen
Saturday morning tee-off time at 9:30am was just the start of the day.
The Ball and Chain.
The boys had 3 trick golf balls, (1) a smoke ball, (2) a streamer and (3) a sand ball. When you hit the sand ball it never moved in a straight line. Great gags. Click on the link below to watch the smoke ball.
Nick & Chalice BH Party SBlair (302)
Groom, Groomsmen, and Users.
Then off to Paintball in the afternoon.
Paint Ball mania.
Click on link below to see video.
Nick’s Bachelor Paintball Party SBlair (425)
Groom in white as Paintball Man
The day ended with dinner and a party at the Grooms house. I’ll save those pictures for the Bride & Groom’s porfolio.
One of the most significant events in any woman’s life is her engagement, a time when she accepts a proposal of marriage from her beloved. As a sign of his love and commitment to her, she can expect to receive an engagement ring, a sparkler that she will cherish the rest of her life.
Your engagement photography session with your photographer should be giggles of fun. It’s a time that you can reflect on your courtship and the personality’s you two have created together. I so much enjoy photographing couples that are ready to just have fun and let the camera work with your relationship. The time we spend together during this session helps me learn more about you two so I can better understand your inspirations for your Wedding day. All the decisions you make planning your special day, your photographer is the one who will capture all the beauty, your emotions, the romance, joy and the art of your Wedding day that will last for a life time. Your engagement pictures can be the start of the your celebration for your family and friends.
Engagement Photoshoot
80% of the Weddings I photograph are destination Weddings so most of the engagement sessions are a place that most Bride and Grooms have never been before. It’s so important the the photographer know the venue so you feel as relaxed as possible. The photographer should set the mood to help the couple feel like there at home. I travel all over Michigan but mostly the Bride & Groom will travel north to Traverse City, Petoskey, Mackinac Island, Northern Michigan, to take advantage of the Great Lake beaches and sunsets.
Engagement Pictures
I so much enjoy photographing couples that are ready to just have fun and let the camera work with your relationship.
Engagement Pictures
Sunrises to Sunsets: I will work with you at any time of the day.
Engagement Pictures
Engagement Pictures
It may seem obvious but it is so very important for a model to choose the right photographer. Most photographers have a certain style to which they always stay true to so, for the model to do this research is essential. Simply reviewing the photographer’s portfolio and trusting that gut feeling about what is there can be a great guide. Personality for me is one of the the most important bonds between the photographer and model. Without that bond it will be very hard to feel comfortable in front of the lens and it will show in the photographs.
Communication and Planning Between Model and Photographer
Even a quick casual meeting before the shoot builds chemistry and trust or provides the warning signs to cancel for either of the participants. With communication the model has a better idea about the photo shoot, more ideas to contribute and a chance to rehearse.
Planning is equally important to the photographer to ensure fresh new images and less dependency to find inspiration for every picture during the shoot. Some plans are never carried out, some plans become great photo shoot ideas or even evolve into something unexpected through improvisation.
Model Release – Ownership and the Use of the Photographs
This is not a cut and dry issue but one thing is certain: the photographer automatically owns all photos taken.
The future use of the photos can be determined by the type of release signed. Most importantly who can sell the photos and the possible changes in ownership of the photos.
There can be as many types of releases as photo shoots. It is up to the model and the photographer to agree on the terms. If a model refuses to sign a release the photographer has every right and a very good reason not to photograph that model.
Most photographers do not do photo shoots without a model release. The model release is not written to take advantage of the model, it is there to protect the interests of both parties.
read more…
Wedding cakes can be a wonderful, exciting, colorful and magical addition to your special day. I will capture not only the cake cutting but all your additional joys, many of them I hope to be surprises you will cherish the rest of your life. Below are samples of a few Wedding cakes I have photographed through the years and some history of the “Wedding Cake”
One of my favorite Pastry Chief’s, Kim Sperl, her work is below.
Kim can be contacted at Bella e Dolce / 231-625-8232
Exquisite Cakes & Pastries
Your Special Day, Gorgeous, Romantic & Fun in Northern Michigan. Venues in and around Traverse City and the Grand Traverse reigon, beaches and more…
TimberLee Hills
http://www.timberleehills.com
The Homestead Resort
http://thehomesteadresort.com
The Park Place Inn
http://www.park-place-hotel.com
Wellington Inn
http://www.wellingtoninn.com
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
http://www.grandtraverseresort.com
Frog Pond Village
http://www.frogpondvillage.com
Great Wolf Lodge
http://www.greatwolf.com
Ranch Rudolf
http://www.ranchrudolf.com
The Willowbrook Mill http://thewillowbrookmill.com
Holiday Inn
http://www.tcwestbay.com
Grand Traverse Resort & Casinos
http://www.casino2win.com
Traverse City area has many Beaches available for your Wedding Day plans.
The past 30 years I have been working to develop a unique appreciation for the real nature of life, which has incorporated my own style of Photojournalistic Photography.
As an entertainer in my younger years I have had the opportunity to meet with many personalities and I find most of us are positive and want to be happy. I bring these experiences every time I go for my camera. As a member of the ISP (International Society of Photography), I have been honored with two awards in 2003 and 2005 in Washington D.C., for best achievement in Outdoor Photography. My passion for Wedding Photography is a passion of love and creativity that captures your images for a lifetime. As a skilled photojournalist, I will capture your story as it unfolds naturally, capture every moment you expect, and even some you don’t. If you are looking for the pure essence of artistically creative photography, this my forte.
Your wedding day is one of the most significant days of your life. Once the guests have left and dress packed away, your photos will be a connection to your friends, family, and most importantly, your love for each other. Steven Blair has captured thousands of special moments in a relaxed and professional manner.
“My camera is
an extension of my personality and the poetry of the moment. read more…
