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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


“Grand Hotel” Birthday Celabrates 125 years on Beautiful Mackinac Island, July 10,1887 to July 10th, 2012

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 ReeveJane SeymourChristopher PlummerTeresa 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 WilliamsJimmy DuranteJohnnie 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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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.


Memorial Service Mackinac Island, MI

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.


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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2010 Weddings on Mackinac Island

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.


Mackinac Island Lilac Festival

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.


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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.