Swartz Creek Michigan Wedding Engagement and Lifestyle Photography by Jeffrey Simms » Housekeeping

Mid Michigan Wedding Photographer Booking

admin — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 02:05:59 +0000

Attention 2012 Brides and Grooms! Booking for the 2012 season!

Are you planning an EPIC 2012 Swartz Creek, Saginaw, Bay City, Lansing, East Lansing, Flint, Owosso, Grand Blanc, Mt Pleasant, or Mid-Michigan wedding? I’m currently booking weddings for the 2012 wedding season and it’s time we discussed your wedding photography needs. We are booking AWESOME, YOUNG, FUN, EXCITING, and ENERGETIC couples for 2012.

Head over to our wedding collections page and check out the information. If you are digging what you see then click on the Contact link above or send me an email. I hope to hear from you soon, have a great planning season!

Schedule Your Session With Jeff | View Photography Porfolio

2011 Wedding Season

admin — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 14:07:20 +0000

Wedding season 2011 kicked off last weekend with Sue and Dave’s wedding. I am crazy excited for my all my couples this year.

Thanks for having me as your wedding photographer, I am blessed! This will be a great year, let’s get it started!

Jeffrey Simms Photography Facebook Like

admin — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 18:48:37 +0000

If you haven’t LIKED us on Facebook yet, please do so!

Schedule Your Session With Jeff | View Photography Porfolio

Engagement Session Scheduling!

admin — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 16:59:34 +0000

Attention 2011 brides and grooms!

This is a reminder that if you haven’t scheduled your engagement session yet, let’s start looking at dates. Even though it’s difficult to think that the green grass was here today and gone within a few hours. Winter is almost over (kind of, right?) and Spring will be here soon (hopefully, very soon).

Let’s talk about setting up a date for your engagement session today!

Schedule Your Session With Jeff | View Photography Porfolio

Michigan Photography Cyber Monday

admin — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 04:31:28 +0000

Happy Cyber Monday to all the potential new clients! If you’ve wanted a session or want to book your 2011 wedding, now is the time to do it! By confirming through email (info@jeffreysimms.com) your intention to book and mailing your retainer of 25% postmarked by Friday, December 3, 2010, you will receive 20% off your wedding collection or session (engagement, senior, or family). This Cyber Monday Photography Offer is only valid tomorrow, Monday, November 29, 2010.

Current clients with galleries on our Instaproofs website also get something! All prints are being offered at 30% discount! Simply login to your Instaproofs gallery and purchase your prints as normal, the 30% will already be reflected on your order.

Happy Cyber Monday Goodness!

Contact Jeff. View Porfolio.

Your Wedding Day Photography… FREE Finalists

admin — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 03:18:11 +0000

Thanks for all the entries to Your Wedding Day Photography… FREE! It was a difficult process to narrow down the 36 entries to the finalists. Thanks to the judging panel, you guys had a great task and the hardest job!

I am excited to announce the 4 finalists in no particular order… To vote, Like the Jeffrey Simms Photography Facebook page and Like your favorite couple’s picture, that’s it! You must Like Jeffrey Simms Photography Facebook page to vote.

The finalists pictures are under the album name of Your Wedding Day Photography… FREE 2011 Finalists (or click the link). You can leave a comment if you want, but only the Likes count as votes. Voting will run until Friday, October 15, 2010! Now to the finalists pictures and stories!

ALICIA& RYAN STORY

A little background info on us before the story: We have been together for 6 and 1/2 years. Started dating when we were in high school. Went to college in the same area to be together, then after Ryan graduated he was offered a job in Texas and accepted. We continued our long distance relationship for 2 years before I finally got to move to Texas after I had graduated from college. The distance was hard to handle, but it made our relationship stronger than ever. Sooo on to the proposal..

I was in Texas visiting Ryan for 2 weeks, and we woke up that morning to head the Dallas World Aquarium. I was getting ready and Ryan was sitting on the couch watching me. I knew something was up because he was just watching me, instead of getting ready himself. I complained, and told him to start getting ready so we could leave since I was almost done. He said he would just wait until I was completely ready to go. I continued finishing up, and I went over to my jewelry box to put on my usual ring, earrings and necklace which had all been gifts from Ryan. But when I opened my ring box, I found a great surprise. The promise ring Ryan had given me 4 years before was missing, but in its place was a beautiful diamond ring. In shock I just turned around where I found Ryan getting down on one knee. Ryan asked me to marry him, and immediate tears of joy began rushing down my face. Ryan knew that was a “yes”.

JENNIFER & MATT STORY

The summer of my senior year in high school, my family rented a cottage on Silver Lake near Mears, Michigan. Little did I know, this would be where I would meet AND get engaged to the love of my life!

This past August was me and Matt’s 5 year anniversary. I had mentioned to him that it would be nice if we could take a little vacation together to celebrate. He agreed and asked if I wanted to go to Silver Lake. Of course I said yes since it’s such a special place for us. We looked around and found a little cottage on a channel complete with a canoe and rowboat that we could use to get to the Lake.

On our second day there, Matt was pretty quiet. I wasn’t sure why and didn’t want to bother him about it so I let him be. That afternoon, he was studying for his CPA exam and I was reading a book on the porch. After about five minutes, he asked if I wanted to go mini golfing because he didn’t feel like studying (he was so nervous about the upcoming proposal that he couldn’t focus on studying). So, we went mini golfing and when we got back to the cottage he made me dinner, candlelight and all! We had decided earlier in the day to watch the sunset on the sand dunes, so after dinner he was anxious to get going so we wouldn’t miss it (again he was very nervous, it was only about 6:30pm at this point). A little while later, we took the canoe and made our way over to the dunes on Silver Lake. We climbed to a point where you could see all of Silver Lake on one side and Lake Michigan on the other. We sat for a while and watched the sun go down. As we were getting up to leave, Matt said he had to talk to me first. He began talking about how the past 5 years have been great, but he wanted more. I was slightly worried at this point since he seemed so serious; I jokingly asked him if he was breaking up with me. He laughed a little, said no and continued on. As he was talking I started to realize what was happening and now I have a hard time remembering everything he said! I know it was something along the lines of “For the past 2 years I have been thinking of the perfect way to do this. I can’t wait to marry you, have kids and grow old with you.” Before I knew it, he was down on one knee. He pulled the ring out of his pocket and asked me to marry him. I was in shock. I had been waiting for this moment for so long! I immediately said yes, hugged him and wouldn’t let him go. As we were standing there talking, a jeep full of tourists went by who had apparently watched as Matt proposed. Everyone cheered and yelled “Say yes!” Everything about Matt’s proposal was everything I had hoped for. It was absolutely perfect!

ANTHONY & KELLY STORY

March 19, 2010: Kelly and I were in Philadelphia, attending the National Science Teachers Convention. This Star Trek like convention was extremely stereotypical. Science experiments, nerdy physic teachers, and explosions everywhere you turned! We attended (slept through) multiple sessions, and then hit the streets of Philly. We visited the Liberty Bell, US Mint, Liberty Hall, and ate amazing Philly cheese steaks. It was a great vacation, but things were about to get even better! Two months prior, I planned a short hiking trip that overlooked Philadelphia. It was a perfect spot for an engagement. I had it all planned out, and I was extremely excited! I even had champagne and glasses hidden in the bottom of my hiking bag. What happened next has gone down as one of the funniest moments of our time together!

It was a perfect sunny spring morning. We drove to the hiking location, and I was 100% positive that this was going to be an awesome day. However, things didn’t go as expected! I grabbed my top secret hiking bag, and we started on the trail. One mile up the trail, I noticed that I left my camera in the car. Kelly (the passionate runner) volunteered to run back to the car to grab the camera. At that moment, I was a little nervous that she knew about the engagement. However, she had no clue! When she returned, we continued to hike up the trail. Twenty minutes later (deep in the woods), Kelly unexpectedly explained that she had an unbearable stomach ache. Kelly made it clear that she needed a rest room, and she needed one fast!

As a result, we made a direct detour to the closest town. However, the detour took us in the opposite direction of the lookout. Knowing the importance of the day, I tried to convince Kelly to be one with the nature, but she refused. The detour final took us to a local privately owned Sunoco service station. Ironically, this gas station did not have a public restroom. Luckily, the owner let Kelly use the restroom after explaining the severity of the issue. At this point, all I could do was laugh about the situation. The perfect romantic day was not working as planned! After the ten minute pit stop, I was optimistic that she would want to continue hiking. However, she explained that she needed to go back to the hotel. The engagement was postponed!

After a few hours at the hotel and a bottle of pepto, Kelly began to feel better. My plans for the perfect engagement didn’t work out, but I was determined to pop the question! We talked about going to Atlantic City for the night, prior to the hiking trip. An hour drive later, we arrive in Atlantic City. The sun had just set, leaving little light on the ocean. We went directly to the beach to enjoy the mini sunset. This was the perfect opportunity! I broke out the ring, got on one knee and asked her to marry me. She had absolutely no idea! She busted into tears and said those magical words YES. It was a perfect in all aspects. After celebrating on the beach together, I came clean about the prior proposal plan. We laughed for hours while walking the Atlantic City pier!

Overall, I think it’s a great engagement story! We love sharing it with all!

ASHLEY & NEELY STORY

Neely told me we had this photo shoot for a client for the company he works for. I believed it, considering they do promotional pieces all the time and that I would be there as a useless prop.

He picked me up from a local hotel and brought me to the Bridgewater Place with all the River House condos overlooking the beautiful city of Grand Rapids and the Grand River. We took the elevator up, and on the way he made a point to mention something about every article of clothing he was wearing…odd.

We got out of the elevator and he said, “Crap…I gotta call Andy (his boss), I forgot what room it was.” Naturally, I thought it was normal, he forgets sometimes! So we walk into room 2000 and instantly I knew it wasn’t a client photo shoot.

There were rose petals everywhere, candles, champagne and glasses waiting to toast ‘something’ and a table and ONE chair set up and waiting for someone. That chair he told me to take a seat in, and after some hesitation due to the fact that a camera was pointed at it, I did.

He then started three different speeches (that I later found out), but my most memorable part was the four roses.

one-for the first date, pretty on it’s own, but room for growth.

two-for the perfect pair, a match made in heaven

three-for the trifecta, all good things come in threes!

four-for FOREVER and that’s how we will remain

He got down on one knee and pulled the ring out from under the table and pulled it all together. He said something along the lines of, “Now I want to give you something to wear!” (in reference to his outfit earlier)

He placed the box on my lap after I instantly said “Yes,” as if the ring was going to walk itself on my finger…eventually he snapped out of his nervous and excited state to put it on my finger!

Then his best friend Jason (the best man), his mom, my mom and my dad all popped out of a room in the condo! How charming!

Later that evening we went out to Six One Six to eat and watched the best fire work show from our 20th story balcony overlooking such a beautiful city.

And here is a video of the proposal!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95drd_m9_4o

Contact Jeffrey. View Porfolio.

Your Wedding Day Photography… FREE Update!

admin — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 05:00:58 +0000

I want to say thank you to all the entries and wish everyone the best of luck during the voting process. The response has been overwhelming!

We have a panel of judges who have a tough job this week narrowing down the top finalists! The finalists will be announced on Monday, October 11, 2010 on my blog, http://blog.jeffreysimms.com. Upon announcement the finalist pictures will be uploaded to a gallery on Jeffrey Simms Photography Facebook page and voting will begin immediately. Voters will need to LIKE the Jeffrey Simms Photography Facebook page in order to LIKE (vote) for their favorite couple(s).

Michigan Wedding Photography Giveaway

admin — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 01:38:19 +0000

I am happy to announce something super exciting for our potential 2011 clients… Your Wedding Day Photography Giveaway! Details to follow at blog.jeffreysimms.com later this week.

Because a blog is nothing without pictures, here’s two. The first from Stephanie and Joe, the second Taryn and Craig… more coming from both of their weddings soon!

Contact Jeffrey. View Porfolio.

Follow Friday

admin — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:00:54 +0000

Photographers
k.holly photography: What can I say, I like Michigan photographers that rock! I’ve never met Kristen, but I think she has some great work on her blog and would love to pick her brain on her style. Check her out and leave some comment love on her blog. Michigan photographers ROCK!

Tweets
Blogstomp: Yesterday I bought this action to “blog faster and blog better.” I’ve made this type of action before but sometimes it just doesn’t work like it’s suppose to. I’ve had a handful of times when I’m running a blog resize and logo action that the white space is off or the action cannot find the logo. Enough is enough, this action seems to do what it purports… I like when things work like they say. Go follow this new company!

Matthew West: I’ve played Matthew’s music in church a few years ago, when this song was all over the place. I found his music again because of a song called When I Say I Do. Check out the lyrics for When I Say I Do, which would be a great first dance song for a couple!

There must be a God, I believe its true.
Cause I can see His love, when I look at you.
And he must have a plan for this crazy life.
Because He brought you here and placed you by my side.

And I have never been so sure of anything before,
Like I am in this moment here with you
Now for better or for worse are so much more than only words
And I pray everyday will be the proof
That I mean what I say when I say ‘I do’
Yeah I mean what I Say when I say ‘I do’

You see these hands you hold, will always hold you up
When the strength you have just aint strong enough
And what tomorrow brings, only time will tell
But I will stand by you in sickness and in health

Cause I have never been so sure of anything before
Like I am in this moment here with you
And now ‘for better or for worse’
Are so much more than only words
And I pray every day will be the proof
That I mean what I say when I say ‘I do’
Ya I mean what I say when I say

Take my hand and take this ring
And know that I will always love you through anything.

And as the years march on like a beating heart
I will live these words ’til death do us part’

Cause I have never been so sure of anything before
Like I am in this moment here with you
And now for better or for worse
Are so much more than only words
And I pray everyday will be the proof
That I mean what I say when I say ‘I do’
Ya I mean what I say when I say ‘I do’

Big Trip!

admin — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:00:19 +0000

Later today I’ll board a plan and head south. This weekend I have the honor and privilege of shooting a destination wedding in Sanibel Island, Florida! I’m so excited for this opportunity and can’t wait to get there to celebrate with Kristen and Jason. Packing for this has been crazy but also such a thrill! I’ll get back to any email or phone calls as soon as possible.

Follow me on Twitter for all my updates while in Sanibel!

ProPhoto 2.1

admin — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:27:50 +0000

Just upgraded to ProPhoto 2.1 if you haven’t checked this awesomeness out, stop, and click here right now!

Exciting Week

admin — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:50:28 +0000

There will be many new updates to my website and blog this week! I’ve finishing up the blog changes today and the new website should be read to roll later this week (fingers crossed). It’s only 10:45 AM and I feel like I’ve done so much already! I plan to have as much completed before I head to Memphis on Wednesday but I can’t guarantee that everything will be solid by then, I can hope though! Watch this post and my twitter for status updates.

I finally made the jump to WP 2.7 and ProPhoto2. I was waiting for the opportune moment to make these upgrades and believe now is that time. There’s a lot of new functionality on the blog so I’ll break it down in the coming days.

Posted @ 10:50 AM

If you have an iPhone or iPod Touch check out my blog on it. I would love to hear your thoughts or feedback on the plugin I’m running to make my blog more iPhone and iPod Touch friendly.

I also added a Share and Enjoy buttons for Digg, Facebook, Twitter, and Email. You can use any of those to submit and share to Digg, Facebook, Twitter, or send someone an email linking to my post. I think this is a good addition and believe it can be helpful.

I also added some colors and new background… now it’s time to do something other than sitting in front of the computer!

Posted @ 12:15 PM

Vote! Vote! Vote!

admin — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:40:47 +0000

It’s been awhile since I posted this, but please vote for my photos over at Bliss Weddings Wedding Photo of the Year! Every vote counts and helps, so please, please take a moment to vote for my two photos #6, #7.

sometimes a daily picture

admin — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 23:08:35 +0000

I just setup my new photo idea website, so take 90 seconds and check it out here.

Too Much

admin — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:21:15 +0000

A lot of things have happened in the past weeks… Christmas, a new year (welcome 2009!), my 24th birthday, internship starting, new tech toys (more on this soon), and of course, pictures! I have a lot of new things to post in the coming days, so don’t feel neglected blogosphere! So much more to come, check back in a few days!

Merry Christmas, Happy 2009, & Happy 24th birthday to me! Below is a picture of my fiance’s Christmas that I took before we ventured up to the Upper Peninsula for a week. Don’t ya just love the Christmas lights bokeh? I do!

P.S. Don’t forget to vote for my 2 photos over at Bliss Weddings Wedding Photo of the Year 2008 Contest!

Favorites of 2008

admin — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 03:47:06 +0000

Two of my photos have been selected from over 100 submissions to be voted as Wedding Photo of The Year 2008 by Bliss Weddings.

I’m very happy, honored, and humbled that 2 of my photos have been selected into the top 17 out of photographers from all over the United States. Please take a few moments to visit the blog and vote!

Go vote for my 2 photos over at http://blissweddings.wordpress.com/vote-now

Here’s my two photos that you’re voting on.

Ready To Tanqueray?

admin — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:44:08 +0000

Here’s my first attempt at off camera lighting for a product. I figured why not take a picture of something I enjoy… I didn’t go in and fix the background because I didn’t have the time and I’m just figuring things out still. The background is actually left over drywall that I cut into two pieces, one for the background and the other the table top. I had some difficulty trying to get the drywall white using only OneLight. If I had more time I would go back in and clean up the table top and better white balance during the shot. Another light may have helped separate the background from the Tanqueray. The bottle was pretty much empty so that is why you aren’t seeing any glorious London Dry Gin. Any CC would be appreciated and encouraged, thanks!

OU Basketball

admin — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 23:24:14 +0000

Here’s a few shots from today’s basketball game. I’m not too happy with how the pictures turned out. I used my XTi with a 70-200 f2.8 for the majority of the game and my 5D for the wide angle, but didn’t take much with it. After using the 5D it’s hard shooting with the XTi now. If sports is gonna become a bigger venue for me then I need to consider using another camera along with the 5D and retire the XTi. The difference in color is so apparent when comparing the two cameras… Anyone looking for a entry level dSLR?

Photo gallery link is live on SPMSportspage.

PW Rebate

admin — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:34:08 +0000

Thinking about buying some Plus II’s? Now is a great time to do it. PocketWizard USA is offering US purchases a $25 rebate on every Plus II purchased between December 1st, 2008 and February 28, 2009. Buy your units from your favorite Authorized PocketWizard Retailer then follow the instructions on the attached rebate form to get the rebate. For more information check out the promotion page.

This is pretty much amazing since I blogged yesterday about adding PocketWizard’s to my setup! Magic, fate, miracle? Whatever it is, I’m a happy camper right now!

My e-Session Favs

admin — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 20:48:23 +0000

Here’s a few of my favorites from my e-Session with Inner Circle Photography. We ventured downtown to Detroit and hung out for the afternoon. We had a lot of laughs and waiting on the People Mover.

I’m working on a Save the Date magnet right now too from one of these pictures, can you guess which ones?