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2014 Mackinac Island Wedding Season

The 2014 Wedding Season on Mackinac Island was as always, fun and magical. It’s always a honor to meet so many great Brides & Grooms, family and friends. As one of the top (10) destination Wedding Islands in the world we know it is “Somewhere In Time” yes it is a Magical Island. Below is a sampling of memories from many Weddings through-out the 2014 season. Enjoy and give feedback if you like.

Any additional questions please call Steven Blair @ 231-631-2002 or stop into my Gallery at 1500 Astor St, Mackinac Island, MI, in between Main & Market St., or visit my website at www.photosbyblair.com

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2012 Mackinac Island Weddings

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.

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Erin & Nick 2012  Mission Point Resort

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Danielle & Erik   “Somewhere In Time Gazebo” Fort Mackinac

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

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

A Fall Dream comes true.

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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


Mackinac Island Lilac Festival 2012

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 14th, 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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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

 


Artistic Mackinac Gallery & Studio 2012

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.


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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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.