Hello.
Lexilu Photography is located in Michigan and we love to shoot weddings...especially non-traditional couples.
We love to have fun while shooting although we will try to behave ourselves during the ceremony...we promise.
No two weddings are alike, which is why we customize each and every wedding we shoot to match the needs of our couples.
To learn a bit more about us, click below and LIKE us on Facebook to see our latest and greatest and read about what we are up too!
Wedding Coverage
My goal with each wedding I cover is for you to have a fabulous, fun and relaxing experience that results in images that capture the love, affection and beauty of your relationship. You will walk away with images that you absolutely love that will remind you over & over of the beauty of your special day.
Custom Wedding Coverage:
Your wedding photography coverage will be a unique experience specifically designed for you and your family. We will discuss exactly what you are looking for, and come up with a plan that best captures the love and emotion that will come with your day.
Wedding coverage fees include, full day coverage documenting multiple images including but not limited to, bridal preparations, portraits of bride and groom, family group photos, and ceremony and reception coverage. Engagement, Bridal and Day After sessions are also available. Fee also includes my time & artistic talent during the shoot, post processing of your images and a personalized viewing and ordering gallery following your wedding.
I love collaborating with newly engaged couples. Communication is key in getting to know what you are looking for and what photos are important to you. I am always open to your thoughts and ideas. Capturing YOUR unique relationship, the love and little moments of your lives, are at the core of my work and heart.
My goal is for you and your entire family to have the most enjoyable relaxed and EASY experience while creating the most beautiful, authentic and heartfelt images imaginable.
What does Coverage Include?
First and foremost is keeping everything as simple, easy and stress- free as possible. I do my best to keep in contact with my brides and grooms so that nothing important gets missed. If you have a special event planned for each other at the reception...such as a special dedication dance, please let me know in advance in an email. This will ensure we are watching for it to happen, and will be in a position to capture it. Of equal importance is creating a relationship of trust and friendship between us. An atmosphere where you are relaxed in front of my camera, and are free to be genuinely yourselves. We will create a time-line so that your photography is organized and planned to include the photos you will love, while not turning your wedding into a photo shoot. It is YOUR day, our photojournalist coverage style allows us to capture the important family photos, along with once in a lifetime candids, Blending both candid and posed seamlessly is our priority as you celebrate this unique and very special time in your life.
Scheduling:
Once your day is reserved with me, I will send you an email with the password to our online Questionnaire. This is found in the Clients page on our site, along with your online gallery access.
All information you provide will be kept confidential and I will use it solely to create your unique wedding day time-line of coverage.
Preparing:
To assure the most organized wedding coverage, upon scheduling, you'll receive a preparations email full of simple easy tips to help you get the most out of your experience with Lexilu Photography.
Keeping it easy, you’ll receive complete instructions on.
Selecting Family Group Photos
Preparing a list of important “must have” photos
Tips on time management for getting in the shots you want
Deciding to do a First Look Session or not
You will also have your own private online gallery and shopping cart from which you (and your guests) can directly order professional quality prints. You will receive a print credit (amount based on wedding package of (25% to 50% off) that can be used to order as many prints as you wish and can be shared and used by all who order prints from your gallery. Send the gallery access code to guests, bridal party and family, and as a gift, give them the 50% coupon to order their own prints.
The print credit is active for 90 days from the date of Wedding gallery opening, and 60 days for Lifestyle Session galleries.
Galleries remain active for 6 months following launch unless Digital Negative are purchased. If Digital Negatives are purchased or gifted there is then NO expiration date to access of your photos.
There is no maximum or minimum print order requirements imposed and no package pricing. You are free to order what ever you want.
When your cart total, after discount, reaches $1000.00 in combined sales, you will receive your entire collection of digital negatives as our gift. Your high-resolution digital negatives are available for immediate download and include both original and web resolution image size and come with print release rights for online sharing and personal use printing. Digital negatives will also be available for guests to your gallery. This will also remove the expiration date on your gallery.
Below is an example of how the print credit would work. This example is based on 10 orders each totalling $107.00. Each order was placed seperately online right from the gallery, Because each order was placed withing 90 days of gallery opening, each order qualified for the print credit of 50% off. Additionally, the combined sales reached $1000.00 and this couple was gifted the Digital Negatives to their images, with personal print rights. Digital Negatives can be purchased seperately at anytime but will be gifted when cart total reaches a minimum of $1000.00. Online galleries will expire 6 months after opening unless Digital Negatives are purchased or gifted. At that time there would be no expiration date on the gallery.
Sample using print credits.
Gallery opens May 1, 2012
Print Credit Expires August 1, 2012
Gallery Closes October 1, 2012
Bride and Groom ordered
15- 4x6 prints $6.00 ea.
5- 5x7 prints $7.00 ea.
5- 8x10 prints $15.00 ea.
Value of prints $200.00
Discount applied, 50% $100.00
Shipping $7.00
Total cost $107.00
Amount applied towards gift $100.00
Parents of the groom order
Parents of the bride's order
Maid of Honor's order
Aunt Sally's order
Grandparent's order
Ring Bear's mom's order
Flower Girls mom's prder
Friend's order
Cart totals reached $1000.00 and the digital negatives were issued.
Gallery expiration renewed .
Orders were made within 90 days of gallery opening and qualified for print credit discount.
Savings of;
$1000.00 on prints (valued at $2000.00)
Digital negatives valued at $1000.00
Total savings
$2000.00
Following your wedding day:
I will get right to work saving your images and backing them up. Then the post production process begins. I do not batch edit a photo collection. I believe that each image taken, deserves to be polished to perfection or as close to it as possible before it is presented. Therefore, I personally select and edit each photo that will go into your gallery with cosmetic and artistic touches applied. You will look your best in each image that is presented, and your images will be ready for printing. Because I personally edit the photos, post production time can be longer than other studios that batch edit photos. Therefore, I do not guarantee a set time, but do promise that you will receive your fully edited, polished, photos in a timely manner. Please allow me to contact you when your edits are completed.
What is an Engagement Session?
This sounds like a silly question, but an engagement session can be a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Your parents, groom, may be thinking it is just a simple snapshot in a studio on black background. No offense against the typical photo, but if visions of a newly engaged couple posed stomach to stomach, or her standing behind him; arms around his neck, her ring on his shoulder, comes to mind.....this being the one close head shot that goes in the paper, then please read on.
I see things just a little differently. An engagement session to me, is a portrait session where you and your fiance get dressed up in your style and go have fun with your photographer (ME :) a few months before your wedding. I sense the eye roll and smile...."Your style?" Yes, you have one, or you like one.
From old vintage treasures, be it bow ties & a 40's hairstyle with dress; gas pumps, cars or suit cases. Cowboy boots, hay fields, urban streets, brick graffitied walls...did one of these things catch your attention? Maybe a day at the beach, on a row boat, or simply holding hands in the rain appeals more to you. Somewhere, there is a style that speaks to the both of you. Your favorite movie? I saw an engagement photo shoot that replicated the movie the Notebook...talk about beautiful!
So, you see, where I am going here, we need to find something that you love...that you both love, besides each other...and put you in that setting. One beautiful couple had the habit of going to the ice-cream shop...it was "their thing." So, this is where we went, or began. The photos are gorgeous, beginning with them at the ice cream counter of an old country store and ending near sunset in a grassy field. My sessions are usually between 1 to 2 hours...I don't rush. So, plan to get dressed up, and have fun.
Cant I just get a head shot?
Yes, sure you can. If that is what you want, I will give you a standard head and shoulders pose...outdoors in natural light, on a brick wall, or field, or ice cream shop, or a vintage row boat......lol ...maybe dancing in the streets downtown. Oh, wait, what was the question again?
Why an engagement shoot is so important?
Your engagement session will give you a beautiful, keepsake collection of photos. With an engagement session, you get pictures to show off before the wedding, and not in wedding clothes. Perhaps use them for wedding invitations/save the date cards. Yet, an engagement session also has other benefits. We will be able to get to know each other and will make the wedding day experience that much more comfortable. It’s bonding time between me and the two of you. This is the time where I get to know you better, find out if your eyes blink a lot, or if you need help in some posed shots (ie, what do I do with my hands? should I look at you? look away? etc), along with the angles that looks best for your facial expression. You will see that I am a clumsy, totally organized, unorganized photographer, who loves what she does.
My family and I down to earth, real people. We are not a big company, I work out of my home. I am not too great at business or house keeping, I am told this is my artistic side and artists we are, through and through. We create, design, eat, sleep. dream and down right love photography with a passion. We drive through places and instead of seeing historical land marks we see...great places to shoot! We see junk as art to be used in our photo shoots...( actually have a deal with a junk yard for shoots!!!) Yes, photography is our love, a love that will translate into one of a kind artistic collection of photos for you.
How can I make my session show OUR style?
Props, clothes, hair style will all play a vital part to how the photos appear. Let's talk, via email, facebook, and come up with something that you love...let me take your style of choice and blend it with my artistic side to produce one of a kind photo collection, that becomes more than just an announcement in a paper. Let's create something that you will treasure forever.
First Look Wedding Photography So… (you may be wondering) What is a ‘First Look’?
It’s something that is quite common in the USA and other areas of the world and can add something extra to your day, especially with wedding ceremonies in the darker winter months.
The very first time that bride and groom set eyes on each other on their wedding day is a powerful moment. Filled with significance and emotion, it is a tender and intimate experience that you never forget. Amongst all the excitement of the wedding, however, this moment can seem all too fleeting.
If you want to appreciate those few seconds of heart-skipping joy, you really should consider a First Look photo session. I find that many modern couples are adopting this new trend because it helps relieve some of the pressures and nerves of the wedding day as well as resulting in amazing photos.
Basically, we stage that magical moment earlier in the day, in private, so that you can both appreciate and share it in your own time. Then, if you find yourselves overcome with emotion, you’ll have time to dry your eyes and re-touch the mascara before the ceremony!
Winter weddings are an ideal occasion for First Look photos because I can make better use of daylight for the photographs. Natural light is so flattering and it disappears far too quickly on short winter days. Having your First Look photos done in the morning, before your ceremony, enables me to set up beautiful daylight shots of just the two of you. It also allows more time to document the day and capture all the other images we’ve planned.
In my experience couples are also much more relaxed once they have taken this first momentous step, and they are free circulate with friends and family without being hidden from their partner until the big moment. It is particularly helpful for nervous brides who otherwise would come straight from their dressing and preparations into the intensity of the wedding ceremony. This way, the bride can mingle with friends and family as the excitement builds up.
Of course, if you a stickler for tradition you will want to follow the accepted pattern of having a ‘big reveal’ at the ceremony, and there is no denying the impact it makes. On the other hand, many modern couples like to add their own twist to make their wedding unique to them, and celebrating the First Look in this way fits well with this approach.
So, if you both feel relaxed about breaking a few rules, you really should consider this idea. I’d be delighted to discuss it with you to explore any concerns and to see how it might enhance your wedding photography.
Your First Look session can also incorporate the Bridal Party and most of the Family Formals if you choose.
Couples come to us all the time looking for answers about their wedding photography. Here are a few statements that we hear a lot:
“We want to get married at our church, but it’s not very pretty and we’re afraid we’re going to miss out on having great photos.”
“We want awesome shots of us as a couple, but we also don’t want to miss out on spending time with our family and friends on our wedding day.”
“We are on a tight budget so we’re having a friend take photos on our wedding day, but we really want to have a professional take the most important shots – the ones of us as a couple.”
The answer: A Bridal Session!
What is a Bridal Session and why do one?
A bridal session is a portrait session of a couple in their bridal attire on a day other than their wedding day. These types of sessions can take place before or after the wedding. The concept may be a little nontraditional, but it can also be the perfect solution for couples struggling with how photography will play a role in their big day. In addition to that, we LOVE to shoot them!
BRIDE ONLY SESSION- If the Bridal Session will be of the bride only then we will arrange the date to coincide with your last fitting. We will go to a beautiful location and shoot artistic portraits of her in "the dress!". We will be able to capture all of the details of your dress, hair makeup...just as it will be on your wedding day.
COUPLE SESSION- A couples Bridal Session is arranged so that the groom sees his bride for the first time...it could also be called a First Look session. You will have a combination of portraits together, as well as individual portraits. In the end you will have a beautiful collection of bridal photos.
These photos can be used at the reception, but will be the most cherished photos you will have.
How a Bridal Session works.
The Bridal session is scheduled on a day other than the wedding day. You will be dressed in your wedding clothes, have hair and makeup done just as you would for the wedding. Bring flowers, etc...and we will shoot at a location of your choice. These are the photos that will fill your walls, the ones you will want to post on Facebook. Additionally, this type of session becomes so important for weddings in the evening, during cold weather, or extreme heat, or just for that fun modern couple.
Photos from a bridal session are much different from the traditionally posed shots we can get in following the ceremony when we are limited by time, lighting and location. Bridal Session photos yield great artistic portraits because the shoot is focused strictly on that. Knowing that you already have your bridal portraits taken allows little worry about timelines following the ceremony.
Additionally, if your Bridal Session is planned BEFORE the wedding day, you will be able to practice hair and make up. (See if these are really the colors you want for your actual wedding day. Do you want curls? Hair up or down?) Though formal shots and many shots will be taken on your wedding day, it’s still a lot less to worry about for you... and for me.
Why do a Bridal session with your groom?
Creative artistic poses are fun yet can be time consuming. They simply cannot be rushed and done as efficiently or relaxed following the ceremony. As discussed earlier, following the ceremony we are limited on time, and will need to get in family and bridal party shots as well. Not to mention, lighting will be limited to flash, and may not give the most flattering results based on the location...ie, dark church.
Bridal sessions on the other hand, are shot outdoors in natural light with occasional fill flash used. You will get beautiful, artistic shots with this type of session. Additionally, with your Bridal Portraits already taken, we will only need to shoot the family and bridal party following the ceremony ensuring your reception starts on time. I have intentionally kept the pricing LOW LOW LOW on my Bridal Sessions to encourage you to choose this route with your wedding photography.
We want a couples bridal session, but what will the groom wear?
Many tux rentals offer the groom a rental for the day at low to zero cost. Find out if your tux rental has this option. If not, the groom in a suit and tie will still yeild beautiful portraits.
Tips to remember for your Bridal Session:
Don’t wait for your bridal session to try out the makeup artist and hair stylist for the first time. Prior to your bridal session do a full run through with your makeup artist, hair stylist and your dress. Have your mom or friend take pictures of you so that when you go in for your bridal session everyone is clear on how you want to look. If you wait till your bridal session to test this out you might not get exactly what you were hoping for. The bridal session is too important. Make sure you are prepared. Treat this photo shoot as if you were preparing for your wedding day. Surround yourself with people you love but will not make you nervous and constantly correct your every move during the session. Many times brides bring relatives or friends that are so worried about the dress getting dirty or how the bride is smiling and quickly it turns into the bride losing focus and it will show in the pictures.
Bridal Essentials: Don’t Leave Home Without Them: Powder, Blush, Lip Stick or Gloss, Bobby Pins and Hairspray, Flip Flops, and please plan accordingly with your stylist so you are not late to your bridal session.
We are on a very tight budget, can I schedule a Bridal Session only?
Absolutely, I understands that times are tough for everyone. We are happy to provide you with Bridal Portraits of you and your groom. These will be the keepsake photos that you will cherish for a lifetime. We can schedule a Bridal Session without wedding day coverage anytime, before or after the wedding.
Every bride is unique and has different wants and desires for her own wedding day, which is why we do not have a "one size fits all" mentality when it comes to your wedding.
Contact us via our contact form and we would love to set up a time to connect on the phone or even get together for coffee and hear what you are looking for in your wedding photography!
Welcome to your
Online Gallery
simply click on the link below to access your own private online gallery and shopping cart from which you, and your guests can directly order professional quality prints , all from your computer.
If you forgot your access code, please email me .
A note to our Bride and Groom,
You may want to grab a cup of coffee, and your wedding schedule, and sit down to fill out this form together. It is quite lenghty so you will want to have all of your information handy before beginning. Thank you in advance for taking the time to do this for us. We will be using the information collected to put together your wedding day photography timeline. Filling it out as completely as possible will help us be super organized on your big day!
So, when you are ready to begin...click below.
Thanks again,
~Luanne
