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2012 Weddings on Mackinac Island were just Fabulous.

The weather for most of the season was warm and sunny. The Brides and Grooms were so kind and happy to be on Mackinac Island for a special Destination Dream Wedding.  Family and friends made for the most pleasurable season ever. The smiles were “spactabulas”.  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. When you arrive you are picked up by horse and buggy and taken to your Hotel/Inn/Resort and your Wedding dreams begin. That’s where a local photographer is your best friend for your special day. There’s something to say about knowing the special places on the Island and the years of experience that brings you additional entertainment, surprises and just Pure Michigan fun.

I know these pictures will put a smile on your face and joy in your heart.

Below are just a few pictures from the 2012 season.

Erin & Nick 2012  Mission Point Resort

Danielle & Erik   “Somewhere In Time Gazebo” Fort Mackinac

Brett & Jason  “Island House & a stroll around the Island.

Wendy & Bill  “True Elopement” Just the two of us.

A Fall Dream comes true.

All 4 seasons are beautiful on Mackinac Island for any event.

The colors in the spring and fall are amazing

and the smell of Lilacs and Fall leaves turning colors are fabulous.

If you are spending time on  Mackinac Island and would like your event photographed give me

a call for dates and costs starting from 1/2 hour sessions to 12 hour Wedding packages.

Booking for the 2013 & 2014 season  /  231-631-2002

info@photosbyblair.com  /  www.photosbyblair.com

Artistic Mackinac Gallery & Studio  /  1500 Astor St. Mackinac Island, MI  49757

Congratulations Grand Hotel’s 125th Birthday Celebration. It has truly been an honor to have had the opportunity for photograph Weddings and Events the past 16 years at the Grand Hotel on Beautiful Mackinac Island. A tribute to a “Grand Hotel” from my opportunities and perspectives. History & Memories. Hope these pictures put smiles on everyone’s heart.

On July 10, 1887, Grand Hotel opened its doors for the first time.

The Celebration Flags.

One of many Grand Hotel’s horse drawn Carriages.

The 660′ Porch is “Spactabulas”.

From Weddings on the Grand Porch to,

Pure Michigan events.

Mr. Dan Musser Sr. Past President.

So much History… Children’s Birthday Party Grand Hotel 1935 with my mother Dr. Mercedes A. Lapine and Aunt Charmine.

To the award winning movie “Somewhere In Time”. Christopher Reeve & Jane Seymour.

Somewhere in Time is a 1980 romantic science fiction film directed by Jeannot Szwarc. It is a film adaptation of the 1975 novel Bid Time Return by Richard Matheson, who also wrote the screenplay. The film stars Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, Christopher Plummer, Teresa Wright, and Bill Erwin. Reeve plays Richard Collier, a playwright who becomes smitten by a photograph of a young woman at the Grand Hotel. Through self-hypnosis, he travels back in time to the year 1912 to find love with actress Elise McKenna (portrayed by Seymour). But her manager William Fawcett Robinson (portrayed by Plummer) fears that romance will derail her career and resolves to stop him.

Did you know there was another movie made on Mackinac Island 1947. By george there was:

“This Time for Keeps”.

This Time for Keeps is an American romantic musical film released in 1947 and produced by MGM. It is about a soldier, returning home from war who does not wish to work for his father’s opera company or to continue his relationship with his pre-war lover. It stars Esther Williams, Jimmy Durante, Johnnie Johnston and Lauritz Melchior and it was directed byRichard Thorpe. The film was shot in color on location at the Grand Hotel, on Mackinac Island in Michigan.

There’s just nothing like the “Grand Hotel” view when sailing to the Island.

From spring time to:

Summer:

To Fall:

and Winter.

The “Grand Hotel” is truly “Somewhere in Time”

Come and help us celebrate “Grand Hotel’s” 125th Birthday. A week long celebration.

 I do be-leave a big birthday cake is in the making for 8pm July 10th on the “GRAND” porch. See you soon.

Steven Blair: Photography By Blair / www.photosbyblair.com / www.artisticmackinac.com / info@photosbyblair.com

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The 63rd, 2012 Mackinac Island Lilac Festival starts today on beautiful Mackinac Island and runs through Sunday June 17th, Lilac Festival Parade Day.

The first land in the Upper Peninsula 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, to bring people to the Island to enjoy a great horse drawn parade amidst the lovely lilacs that fragrance the Island in June. What began as a one day event called the Mackinac Island Lilac Day has blossomed into a ten day festival.  Look forward to seeing you.

The schedule of events are located at this link:      http://www.mackinacislandlilacfestival.org/

From the big bands to,

the horse and buggies to,

Lilacs, Lilacs, Lilacs….

Lilacs, Lilacs, Lilacs….

Lilacs, Lilacs, Lilacs….

Lilacs, Lilacs, Lilacs….

10k race Sat morning at 9:30

Round Island Lighthouse Open House for July 14^th, 2012 information attached. This benefits the Round Island Lighthouse Preservation Society.

 For more information please visit this site: www.roundislandlightmichigan.com

Many bands will come to the Island to perform,

and more then 6 weddings will celebrate there special day during the Lilac Festival.

Friday June 15th, is the Market Street Art Gallery Walk Open House from 6pm to 10pm. Artistic Mackinac Gallery & Studio is located on the corner of Astor & Market St. Come and visit us and see painting artist Noel Skiba who won 2nd place in the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Poster Contest. Also, our governor Rick Synder requested a painting from Noel to be used for The Mackinac Island governors mansion  invitations while in office. Come and watch Noel paint live in person.

Come and join the fun On Beautiful Mackinac Island.

All pictures owned and copyright: Steven  Blair  photosbyblair.com  Artistic Mackinac Gallery & Studio.  231-631-2002

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The 2012 season is officially upon us. Welcome to Artistic Mackinac Gallery & Studio on Beautiful Mackinac Island. Our featured artist this year is internationally known “Noel Skiba”. She will be painting off and on throughout the summer season at the gallery. It is truly a pleasure to watch her paint.

 We look forward to your visit as always and do plan a little extra time to stop by the gallery and browse the many island scenes on canvas. Featuring Four Seasons on Mackinac, Round Island Lighthouse, Mackinac Bridge, many of the historic building, Grand Hotel, Flowers on Mackinac, Somewhere in Time memorability. We have full time photographers to photograph your special day weather it’s your wedding, family reunion, engagements, graduation, or just a last minute portrait of your family while visiting Mackinac Island. Located on Astor St, middle of town between Main and Market streets.

Steven Blair, Island photographer, owner of Artistic Mackinac Gallery & Studio has been photographing on Mackinac Island for over 20 years. A Freelance and Wedding photographer.

This spring the Gallery went through a complete remodel that has been needed for many years. It’s now a very quaint and pleasant atmosphere to view Photograph Art as I have envisioned for many years. A place you can relax and enjoy some Island art.

One of many new features on canvas for 2012. Four Seasons on Mackinac.

The lilacs are in bloom and the sweet aroma is breathtaking.

One of my favorite canvases is the Lilacs that shine on Mackinac Island.

The wild flowers on Mackinac Island are intense this time of year. From Lilacs to Trillium’s and Lady Slippers in the wooded hills.

Noel Skiba’s painting art on Astor Street.

Taking in some early evening  colors on Astor Street.

Here is a sampling of some of Noel Skiba’s painting art. It’s breathtaking.

The story of lilac, according to Greek mythology, begins with a beautiful nymph named Syringa (lilac’s botanical name). Captivated by her beauty, Pan, the god of the forests and fields, chased Syringa through the forest. Frightened by Pan’s affections, Syringa escaped him by turning herself into an aromatic bush – the flower we now refer to as lilac.

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.

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

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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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

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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.