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Genuine Cloned Mackinac Island Lilac Trees

One of a kind, no where else in the world can you purchase

“Genuine Cloned Mackinac Island Lilac Trees”

then on Mackinac Island at “Artistic Mackinac Gallery & Studio.

Located on Astor Street, middle of town, between Main & Market streets.

This is a Genuine Mackinac Island Lilac

Much time and research went into this plant. First a search for the perfect Mackinac tree, then the long genetic process…. finally, this clone.

Mackinac Island(also known as “Lilac Isle”) is home to the world famous Mackinac Island Lilac Festival which draws thousands of visitors every June. Your lilac tree can be enjoyed for generations and makes a perfect gift for any milestone event.

Lilacs are revered as the most beautifully scented of all blooming plants. Mackinac Island’s lilac trees are known to be centuries old, extremely hearty and prolific bloomers.

Clusters of lavender flowers bloom in the spring. Lilacs thrive in full sun, but can be planted in partially shaded areas.

Side yard of Artistic Mackinac Gallery & Studio.

Artistic Mackinac Gallery & Studio has many of these Lilacs mounted exclusively on Canvas. If you are planning a trip to Mackinac Island this summer please stop by and visit, relax and enjoy the colors.

This is actually the hybrid lilac Sensation which blends the white and purple colors from two different plants into one. When it starts to go to white that means eventually the entire bush will revert back to one color over the next decade or so.

Looking down Market street towards Fort Hill and Marquette Park on beautiful Mackinac Island.

The many different colors of Lilacs and the aroma is fantastic.

These are all matured plants from 3 years to 8 years.

2 years: $35.00

3years: $45.00

4 years: $75.00

5years: $120.00

6 years: $190.00

7 years: $240.00

8 years: $350.00 / Some Blooms.

Call Steven Blair / Photography By Blair for additional information: 231-631-2002

Trees can be shipped anywhere in the U.S., from beautiful Mackinac Island.

Steven Blair Photography By Blair 231-631-2002 www.photosbyblair.com info@photosbyblair.com

 


Pure Michigan Conference 2012 Grand Rapids

Pure Michigan Conference 2012 at the Amway Grand in Grand Rapids was the best conference ever. Over 900 participants this year and the mood was very positive. Michigan is ranked No. 7 nationally in both total and leisure travel by the U.S. Travel Association. From our Governor Rick Snyder and many of our State representatives and “Miss Michigan”  Elizabeth Wertenberger. Also in attendance was Dan Musser from the Grand Hotel and Mary McGuire from the Travel and Tourism Bureau on Mackinac Island.  Michigan was well represented at this conference. George Zimmermann the director of “Pure Michigan” and Steve Yencich director of the Michigan Lodging & Tourism Association along with the mayor of Grand Rapids George Heartwell presented us with a very bright outlook for the future of tourism in Michigan. It was again an honor to photograph this event.

Below are some highlights and additional  information, links for your pleasure.

According to at least one study, Pure Michigan returns more than $2 in tax revenue for every $1 invested, making this a very successful program that takes pressure off future budgets. … Our first priority in Michigan is revitalizing our economy and creating jobs. The Pure Michigan campaign attracts thousands of new tourists to Michigan, creating opportunities for local business owners such as restaurants, gas stations, hotels, bait shops, boat rental companies, and everything in between.We had a very early spring in March this year.

One of our “Pure Michigan” ads links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW8X1bw7LxU&feature=bf_prev&list=ULB2o7PSwuWYw

Elizabeth Wertenberger “Miss Michigan” 2011

The morning dancers to wake us up, get us and motivated for the day ahead. What an amazing performance. Hat’s off to them.

There also were many awards presented for excellent  achievements in the tourism industry which are all well deserved when you here and understand there story. Quite amazing.

Over all, I was motivated to see Michigan move forward in a positive energy for the future of our state.

Additional pictures can be viewed at :

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150799605869200.415773.260949219199&type=3

Tourism officials and industry analysts say the campaign is paying big dividends for Michigan: 2 million visitors who wouldn’t otherwise have visited, spending $605 million. And between 2009 and 2010, the tourism industry grew by $2 billion, enough to generate an additional 10,000 jobs for Michigan, they say.

“I think the Pure Michigan campaign has to rank among the most well-crafted and appropriate destination campaigns in the United States, Yesawich said. We focus on destination marketing. George Zimmermann is doing a terrific job, in a challenging economic environment, to make Michigan a summer seasonal destination.”“According to at least one study, Pure Michigan returns more than $2 in tax revenue for every $1 invested, making this a very successful program that takes pressure off future budgets. … Our first priority in Michigan is revitalizing our economy and creating jobs. The Pure Michigan campaign attracts thousands of new tourists to Michigan, creating opportunities for local business owners such as restaurants, gas stations, hotels, bait shops, boat rental companies, and everything in between. According to the 2010 study, the latest available, more than 2 million visitors who would not have traveled to Michigan otherwise spent $605 million statewide as a direct result of the $9.8 million Pure Michigan program. This research revealed that this new visitor spending generated $43 million in incremental state tax collections, creating a return on investment of $4.32 for each state dollar spent on tourism advertising”.

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Mackinac Island Weddings 2011

2011 Wedding Season on Mackinac Island was “Spactabulas”. So many beautiful summer days, Brides & Grooms and family and friends made for the most pleasurable season ever. The countless hours that are put into making your special day is endless from scheduling all the important meetings from the dress, tuxes, venues, music, reception, minister, ceremony venue,  guest list, photographers, guest room for all your friends & family, and then you arrive to catch your Wedding boat to Mackinac Island. Then you arrive and are picked up by horse and buggy and taken to your Hotel/Inn/Resort and your Wedding dreams began.  Below are some of the most memorable wedding pictures and stories of 2011.

Heather & Jason 62511

 A beautiful June afternoon at Mission Point Resort starting with the ceremony at the Gazebo and then a Cinderella carriage ride through the Island.

That takes you through downtown Mackinac Island,

Heather & Jason 6-25-11

Heather & Jason 6-25-11

Heather & Jason 6-25-11

Heather & Jason 6-25-11

To the lakeshore over looking the straights of Mackinac,

To the ride pass Grand Hotel to West Bluff.

Heather & Jason 6-25-11

Heather & Jason 6-25-11

Then the ride from West Bluff to East Bluff,

Passing by the Fort Mackinac to East bluff,

Heather & Jason 6-25-11

 Heading to East bluff over looking The straights of Mackinac and Round Island Lighthouse,

Heather & Jason 6-25-11

Heather & Jason 6-25-11

and the ride back to Mission Point Resort.

Heather & Jason 6-25-11

Then some family pictures on the lawn,

Heather & Jason 6-25-11

 to that special time with the bride and groom.

Heather & Jason 6-25-11

Then to the reception to celebrate into the evening.

Congratulations to Heather & Jason.

Heather & Jason 6-25-11

A very beautiful couple, just the two of us, Kelly & Kevin on the porch of the Grand Hotel.

A gorgeous day for their Wedding on Mackinac Island.

Kelly & Kevin 09-04-11

 A ride downtown Mackinac Island.

Kelly & Kevin 09-04-11

Kelly & Kevin 09-04-11

Kelly & Kevin 09-04-11

Kelly & Kevin 09-04-11

Kelly & Kevin 09-04-11

Kelly & Kevin 09-04-11

Another beautiful Wedding at the Grand Hotel with the Bride in the lobby before the celebration.

Lindsey & Horatio 9-18-11

Pre-Wedding ceremony pictures on the front steps of the Grand Hotel.

Lindsey & Horatio 9-18-11

Ceremony at the Tea Garden on the front lawn of the Grand Hotel.

Lindsey & Horatio Sept 18th, 2011

You may kiss your Bride.

Lindsey & Horatio Sept 18th, 2011

Lindsey & Horatio Sept 18th, 2011

Lindsey & Horatio Sept 18th, 2011

The wedding carriage ride down east bluff hill and on there way through downtown.

Lindsey & Horatio Sept 18th, 2011

Downtown Mackinac Island ha-ray in front of the big store. Hav’in fun yet.

Lindsey & Horatio Sept 18th, 2011

Lindsey & Horatio Sept 18th, 2011

A great Wedding shoot with this couple. Lots of fun and energy with this couple and wedding party.

Lindsey & Horatio Sept 18th, 2011

 End of the season on Mackinac Island brought a Somewhere In Time Wedding at the Grand Hotel.

Oct 7th, 2011 Vicki & Tim were married on the porch during the “Somewhere In Time” weekend and truly dressed for the occasion.

Vicki & Tim Oct 6th, 2011

Vicki & Tim Oct 6th, 2011

Vicki & Tim Oct 6th, 2011

Some colored pencil art that the bride & groom asked me to create.

Vicki & Tim Oct 6th, 2011

Vicki & Tim Oct 6th, 2011

Vicki & Tim Oct 6th, 2011

A just married wedding carriage ride through the hill on Mackinac Island.

Vicki & Tim Oct 6th, 2011

Vicki & Tim Oct 6th, 2011

East end of the Grand Hotel Porch over looking the golf course and Lake Huron.

Vicki & Tim Oct 6th, 2011

A stroll down the Grand Porch on this beautiful fall wedding day.

Vicki & Tim Oct 6th, 2011

A grand kiss on the deck of the grand steps.

Vicki & Tim Oct 6th, 2011

At the site of one of the scenes from the “Somewhere In Time” movie.

Vicki & Tim Oct 6th, 2011

Then the clothes were changed for the period and festivities at the “Somewhere in Time” bash at the Grand Hotel.

If you’ve seen the movie you’ll know what this picture/scene represents.

Vicki & Tim Oct 6th, 2011

Vicki & Tim Oct 6th, 2011

I will post a blog on the somewhere in time festivities and add more of Vicki & Tim’s wedding day in that blog.

Vicki & Tim Oct 6th, 2011

Congratulations Vicki & Tim and thank you for such a unique  photo shoot on your special day and the fun at the “Somewhere In Time” festivities.  Also your visit to my gallery “Artistic Mackinac Gallery & Studio” in your time period clothing.

Vicki & Tim Oct 6th, 2011

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Lilac House Bed & Breakfast Mackinac Island, Michigan

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.

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Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism 2011

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.

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Notice: After 22 years and over 900 weddings I am retiring from the wedding industry. If there are any bride and groom's that are still considering purchasing their copyrights to their pictures. Please message me or email info@photosbyblair.com and pass this on. It has been a "Spactabulas" amazing adventure and I met so many beautiful & wonderful people on my journey photographing one of many special days of your lives. I'm humbled to have had this opportunity to be a part of your special day. I will continue to sell my freelance work online & on Facebook. Another chapter with magical, music memories from beautiful Mackinac Island, MI. To all my family and friends, I miss you all so much. PL&H.