autumn

Travel & Inspired Places

0 · Oct 23, 2018 ·

It happened again today. I drove up over the hill on my simple little drive to pick up Gretta from school and I was awestruck. There, just above the shades of amber and orange that are adorning the tops of the trees, was a glittering view of Little Traverse Bay. The road was perfectly framed with the dancing gilded leaves, on one side reflecting the sun’s magnificent beams and on the other, matching the turmoil of the grey sky above. The bay itself unsure of what color to reflect and shining in its own deep and smoky turquoise splendor.

Have you ever been lucky enough to live in a place that’s so beautiful, you actually gasp every time you turn a corner or drive up a hilltop?

I always thought I wanted to live in Leelanau County (Michigan’s pinky finger for those of you less familiar with Michigan’s geography). I have ties to the area and it’s been a dream of mine since I was a teenage (you can read more about that here). This past spring we were presented with an opportunity to relocate into Northern Michigan, but it wasn’t exactly where I had envisioned us being. It wasn’t my beloved Leelanau. I said no.

If you’ve been following along, you know that that “no” wasn’t the end of the story. Summer rolled around and the opportunity hadn’t gone away. Long story short, we moved to Northern Michigan, a placed filled with so much beauty and brilliance I cannot even believe how lucky we are to call this place home.

I always fantasized of adding a segment to my journal called “Life in Leelanau” because it’s always been such an inspiring place which we spend so much time in. With this turn of events, that doesn’t seem appropriate. However, since we do live in such a highly traveled tourist destination, I do still hope to share more about the places around us that inspire. The sparkling aqua waters, the golden sunsets, the food and outdoor adventures to be had, the rows and rows of charming summer homes – inspiration will not be lacking. I sometimes feel guilty for not sharing more and kick myself daily for failing to throw my camera in my car. With that being said, you can expect to see more of these types of features as I play tourist myself, learning about our new home town and the coveted areas that surround it. I cannot keep this town to myself and I believe this is the final piece of motivation I need to figure out how to make my camera really work. And there might still be a little trip or two to Leelanau that pop us as well.

An Autumn Editorial with Samantha James Photography

0 · Nov 30, 2017 ·

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the landscape around here changes. A mere month ago, I was driving down roads framed by tones of amber, chartreuse and gold. They all seemed to mimic the sun’s golden gleam and although the days were cool, the scene would instantly warm me.

Now here we are, 30 short days later and there’s not a trace of yellow left to be seen. There are a few leaves that simply refuse to let go, but they’re hues are muddy or silver, a cool contrast to October’s beauty and yet still somehow magical in a much more subtle way. These are the strong leaves, the ones that refuse to give up and give into the inevitable fact that winter is coming.

On the day of this particular project though, it was the warmer hues that inspired me. Gretta and I took a walk down our road looking for the perfect foliage, trying to decide if our focus should be on the canary shades or more on the apricot and pumpkin tones. We found maple leaves that looked as though they were wearing rouge and copper ones that almost appeared metallic. By the end of our walk, our arms were overflowing with branches and we sat to sort out our favorite treasures.

In the end though, we used it all. Brown, honey, rose and all the colors of a golden sunset found their way into our palette. And while the textures were simply magnificent against the empty space and simple white dress, I let color take control of this project. I took even more inspiration from the hues of the stunning distant drum roses from Grace Rose Farm and a few bronze mums that I found at our local wholesaler. Often I try to keep colors subtle and muted, I like a certain amount of elegance and refinement but paired against the white backdrop of this space, I let all the colors flow in letting fall color my world.

Photography: Samantha James Photography | Floral Design: The Day’s Design | Wardrobe: Ali Nicole Bridal | Hair & Makeup: Cheeky Strut Salon

Planning a wedding for next fall? I have a few openings left and I would love to recreate something like this or even make design an autumn concept that’s completely new to you. Let’s chat!

Autumn Leaves :: A Reminder to Never take Life for Granted

0 · Oct 24, 2016 ·

There’s a house near town that has the most amazing grape vine draping over its fence. And every single time I drive by, I get the sudden urge to pull over and take a picture. The foliage slowly turned from lush green to shades of golden corn, honey Dijon and chartreuse. Little specks of brown have formed delicate patterns on each leaf and the entire plant is singing with perfection.

Yesterday I drove by the adorned fence once more, but I was instantly saddened by the realization that the lushness has dissipated. It was no long full and vibrant but rather preparing itself for the long winter months ahead. Only a few speckled leaves clung to their woody stems, the rest littered the ground beneath. I had missed my chance to stop and take a picture and now I would have to wait another year entirely for this phenomena to take place again.

Fall is fading away all too quickly.

I know this isn’t a new message, but it’s once that’s constantly on my heart. Beauty if fleeting. Life as we know it right now in this exact moment will never be exactly like this again. A couple weeks ago our pastor stood up on stage and shared how silly he thinks it is to buy someone flowers – even his wife – they’re just going to die. But as morbid as it is to think about, his wife is going to die someday too. That doesn’t mean that he shouldn’t love her while she’s here. It just means that we should treasure every moment of their life without reserve. In the same way, we should treasure every leaf, every blossom and each delicate stem while it is able to grace us with its presence. Winter is going to be here all too soon and while there will certainly be days of glittering snowflakes and blankets of white, there will also be gloomy grey skies, bitter winds and days not fit for man or beast.

Autumn Leaves | The Day's Design | Kelly Sweet Photography

Photography: Kelly Sweet Photography

I’ve had a couple of goals on my mind for this autumn season and this is just the reminder I needed to push myself forward and not take this time for granted.

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The above photo was the setting for Tim & Christina’s first look, a most gorgeous autumn wedding in Northport, Michigan. You can see the entire day here.

Mattie & Nick :: An Autumn Engagement

0 · May 11, 2016 ·

I remember this autumn day – not because I had much to do with the planning or even tagged along with Mattie and Nick’s engagement session, but rather because it was glorious. It was the kind of October day that every bride dreams of. Blue skies, heavenly temperatures and most majestic display of colors.

If I were planning my own wedding day in the autumn, I’d want it to look just like this. It would be casual, with hints of burgundy and brown. The soft glow of sunset would warm each and every photo and add that extra layer of romance. And this field absolutely takes my breath away every time I see it, its so far beyond words I can’t even grasp a way to accurately describe it.

The evening would be treasured as we all would know that winter was on its way and the feeling of the warm sunshine upon your skin will become only a memory. We should never take these days for granted, you never know what lies around the bend.

The custom dyed silk ribbons have been ordered. The flowers are being prepared. And in three day’s time, Mattie and Nick will be walking down the aisle in celebration for their love of one another.

Photography: Ashley Slater Photography | Flower Crown: The Day’s Design | Bride to Be: Mattie of Spark & Wildflower

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