hi! & welcome to my blog for ksenija savic photography. i am a fine art photographer & this is the place where I will keep you up-to-date on all my photography, life, portrait, weddings, make-up, new products, favorite vendors & personal updates -- pretty much an open online journal of sorts. please take a moment to familiarize yourself with my blog! there are many different features & categories to browse through. i am also constantly updating with new posts weekly, so be sure to RSS feed, bookmark this blog & check back often!! keep in mind that this welcome post will remain pinned to the top of the blog at all times, so all new posts will follow below! ***also, if you are searching for a particular post, remember to use the search bar located above in the main header on the far right corner. it searches by key words, so simply type in the name of the post that you are looking for, click "go" & it will take you there! just as easy as that.
comments completely make my day, so if you like what you see, please leave me a comment! i love, love, LOVE hearing from you!!! thanks for stopping by. happy blogging!
ksen
*oh! & if you are wondering about my name, ksenija -- it is pronounced more like "s-e-n-i-y-a"... or you can call me ksen ("s-e-n") -- whatever is easiest for you!
happy wednesday everyone! today's "wednesday's whimsy" regular programming will be interrupted by something of greater importance....
you may remember Rachel from a previous post of her make-up trial.... well the BIG day for Rachel & her sweetie Matt happened at the very end of May. the entire day was beautiful, fun & of utmost perfection! there were sooooooo many intricate & wonderful personal details throughout, which made it even more so special. we began at Rachel's parent's home, where i had the honor of not only doing Rachel's make-up look (who was given that gift by her Mother), but also her Mother's (who was given that gift by Rachel-- aren't they cute!!?). of course, i couldn't resist to snap a few photos before we took off to get ready at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe Park, where the ceremony took place, as well. the day was packed with a mini photo adventure alongside the water on Lake Shore Drive & the Grosse Pointe Academy, & then continued for some grand reception fun at Partridge Creek with DJ Matt of Miller's Mobile Music playing some great tunes! the best part about it all were the smiles that were permanent fixtures on Rachel & Matt's faces alllll day long! their love is strong, undeniable & happy -- it was amazing to be a part of.
i also had the pleasure of working with Captured Productions -- Aaron & Renee', a husband & wife team, who are AWESOME! they are so passionate about their work (& you all know how much i love that! ). Aaron from Captured Productions created a sneak peek video trailer from Rach & Matt's wedding -- go to their blog or simply click here to check it out!
for those interested in viewing even more images from their wedding day, please check out the slideshow at the end of this post!
Rachel & Matt, to say that i have thoroughly enjoyed the entire process of meeting, chatting, emailing & getting together is most definitely putting it lightly. words could never thank you both enough for being not only the wonderful people that you are, but for being so open & allowing me to document your incredible love for each other. as you know, i feel very honored that you chose me to be there for your BIG day... as well as honored to call you both my friend. i wish you a lifetime of laughter, smiles & love -- much like the emotion captured in the images below. thank you for your patience during this busy, busy time... i hope you enjoy the sneak peek -- i have been dying to share it with you & your loved ones!
first up, Rachel's stunning dress :
this is a close up of the invitation... of which Rachel not only came up with the idea, design/monogram & layout for, but also did the wording & font picking! she is sooooo talented. her friend's company, Paisley Quill, executed it & had them printed in thermography :
i LOVED her shoes :
Rachel was just glowing that day :
the details --- oh where do i even begin?! between Rachel & her mother (whom Rachel calls 'the original Martha Stewart') the programs were formatted, printed, cut, folded & each ribbon was tied (all by hand, mind you!) just to start...
Matt... ready to see his bride :
& looking incredibly handsome himself!
he also happens to have the best personality :
getting ready time!!!
just love the feel to this image :
Rachel... absolutely gorgeous!
Rachel & her Mother :
Matt actually handmade the card he wrote for Rachel!!! how amazing is that?! it was a beautiful moment :
i could go on & on about how beautiful Rachel is, inside & out :
every detail was perfect :
Rachel's Mother also made the black & white damask cones that held the flowers at the end of the pews :
i this moment. there is just something so peaceful about it :
everything about the ceremony was elegant, heartFULL & loving :
wooooohoooooooo!!!! the new Mr. & Mrs. Hartung!
the day was glorious! i love that if you look closely, you can see Aaron's hand with video camera -- a true action shot! neither of us wanting to miss a beat :
talk about a beautiful couple :
!
another top fave from the day.... so dreamy :
i have to say, these gorgeous gals were a blast to work with!
the guys...
...were a whole lot of fun, too!
on our way towards the water :
& some alone time for the newlyweds :
these two do not have a problem making each other laugh out loud!
the wind had all sorts of things in mind for her veil that day... it was awesome :
love, love this series :
i mean, seriously! is she the cutest or what?
now time for some yummy reception details :
remember....these were allll made by hand!
Rachel's Mother also made the dark charcoal grey table runners (all 15!) by hand & the linen for the cake table... on top of that, all the table numbers, menus & place cards were made by hand!!!
yep.... you guessed it! her Mother also made the charcoal grey panel of fabric with the mirror garland behind the head table (image on your right!) :
Rach & her sweet niece Ellery ... & as for the shot on the right, Matt you asked for it!!! :
you might remember Ellery.... this little one has gotten so big since her portrait session & is FULL of personality --- not to mention such a cutie-patootie!!! :
here she is with her Mom, Jamie (Rachel's Matron of Honor & sister-in-law) & Dad, Mark (Rachel's brother) - i adore this portrait :
we ventured around for just a bit on the grounds of Partridge Creek before dinner began :
the lighting was nothing short of incredible that day :
reception time!
the beautiful ladies!! when i first met Rachel, she was with her Mother (on the left) & Jamie (far right), as well as Ellery... (although Ellery was still in Jamie's belly!) -- i will never forget it :
their first dance as husband & wife :
father/daughter; mother/son :
these girls were always having a fun time :
as was everyone else!
we snuck outside to get a few romantic shots near the end of the night :
:
congrats again Rach & Matt!
*****CLICK HERE!!!* to view their slideshow & see more photographs from their special day. ****
W.O.W! lots of things happening on this lovely wednesday! this week i was contacted by Aletha from Pearls Events, a well-known event consulting, coordinating and planning firm, about being a featured photographer on her blog known to have nationwide readership. needless to say, i was just ECSTATIC & completely honored that she chose to do a spotlight on me!
the collage she put together are images from Karen & Giancarlo's wedding! her blog is one to RSS feed for sure -- just take a moment to cruise around it & you will easily fall in love with her passion & love for what she does.
below is just a snapshot i took from her blog, however to better check out my interview CLICK HERE!!
unless i am shooting a wedding, every Sunday i go to church. this past sunday the entire service was about creating your "bucket list." now, some of you may have seen the movie, The Bucket List, & know what i am talking about. however for those who haven't, the bucket list is basically a list of things you want to do before you 'kick the bucket'. the movie is absolutely wonderful & currently out on DVD. i would highly recommend it... Jack Nicholson & Morgan Freeman are the main characters & do such a great job (as always).
however, my point of today's "wednesday's whimsy" is not to give a movie review. ever since Sunday, i haven't stopped thinking about how important it is to create your own bucket list. i create all sorts of lists for many things in my life & yet for some odd reason, this particular concept had not occurred to me! i know there are SOO many things that i want to do before i die, however i feel that there is something about actually writing them down that is... almost, in a way... scary, if i should dare say so?! maybe because by writing it down on paper, you are holding yourself accountable? but why not hold yourself accountable for the things you want to do in your lifetime?! maybe because you would consider yourself lucky if you accomplished half of the list?! but half is surely better than none, right? or maybe, for me, it's just because i am always so busy that i don't have the slightest clue when i would plausibly even begin to accomplish some of these things?!!! these were a few thoughts that whizzed through my mind...
...and with all these thoughts running through my head, i found that i had come to a point where i was facing what i call a "fear wall". fear walls are literally when i acknowledge that i am, for some reason or another, afraid of doing something. all the while, this also makes me realize that that means i need to break down my "fear wall" & do that of which i am afraid of -- make sense? i truly believe that change is good for the soul & challenging yourself only makes you stronger, better & more alive!
therefore.... i am happy to say that i have started my own bucket list! however, although some things come very naturally to me, i still feel like i am missing many, which brings me to a question for you :
on this beautiful Wednesday, i ask you one huge favor....would you be so kind to share at least one thing with me that you would like to do before you 'kick the bucket?!?'
i would not only SO greatly appreciate it, but i feel that it would be a beautiful, inspiring thing for everyone to share in on!
thank you!!! here is the start of my bucket list in no particular order :
1. witness something truly majestic (yes... i got that from the movie, but who wouldn't want to?!!!)
2. rescue at least three more animals
3. go back to Italy, perfect my Italian & learn how to make a cappuccino with a cute foamy heart design on top!
4. help a stranger in need (or two, or three, or four...)
5. have children (either my own, adoption or both)!
6. visit Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, the Great Wall in China, Nepal, Thailand, Israel, India, England, go back to Alaska....
7. have an art show or two
8. publish an inspirational photography book
9. spend at least two weeks with my family in Yugoslavia again
10. enjoy real, wonderful conversations with people daily
11. laugh until i cry
12. find the time to paint on the blank canvas in my room, barefoot, on a beautiful spring day
13. have a reunion with my close group of Italy friends (it has been over two years since our last)
14. do a marathon
15. give to the causes i believe in
16. donate time to a children's charity, a breast cancer charity, animal rescue...
17. take a road trip adventure back up to the U.P.
18. call a friend i haven't talked to in a really long time
19. spend more afternoons at farmer's markets 20. take more recent photos of my parents
21. continue to invest my heart, soul & passion into my business daily
22. drive through a rainforest
23. catch a BIG fish!
24. breathe in the air & watch the sun set at the Arno in Florence again
25. find that field of sunflowers
near the end of the movie, there are two profound questions that get asked:
"have you found joy in your life? has your life brought joy to others?"
i don't think it could be put more clearly. & with that, i leave you with just a little bit of food for thought. as readers of this blog, i hope you know HOW much joy you bring to my life with your comments, emails & incredible support. thank you. i only hope that every once in awhile i am doing the same in return to you & your day!
below is the video of John Mayer's song "Say" from the movie The Bucket List. if you haven't heard this song yet, i think you should take a moment out of your day just to sit back, relax & enjoy it. it is pretty darn awesome! happy, happy wednesday!
Danielle & Taso had the most beautiful wedding at the end of May! after getting to know Danielle & Taso from many great chats over yummy Caribou coffee & their super fun engagement session, i knew that their wedding day was going to be such a BLAST! and that it was indeed! their friends & family are just as amazing & loving as these newlyweds -- it was so incredible to witness & document. we first started off the day with Taso at his parent's home & then ventured onward to Danielle's. they had a gorgeous Greek ceremony filled with many wonderful traditions that took place at the Assumption Greek Church in St. Clair Shores. with a little bit of time, we made a quick pit stop at Blossom Heath for some fun outdoor photographs & then went onward to Barrister Gardens for some most AWESOME reception fun! they had a fantastic Greek band, Ellas, as well as dj Dan with Elite Entertainment -- this crowd danced until the very end of the night -- or early morning, should i say!?
there is also a slideshow with mannnny more images at the end of this post -- fyi!!!
Danielle & Taso --- !!!! i *heart* you both sooo much! i feel so lucky to have been able to share in & document these happy moments as you both start your life together. your love is contagious, pure & truly wonderful. every time i have been with you both, i leave feeling happy & alive. thank you for that -- may you always continue to light up each other as you do all those that surround you!!! & finally.... your super big sneak peek! i am very excited to share it with you, you have no idea!!! enjoy.
Taso getting ready with a little help from his father :
the stud, the groom, TASO!!!
isn't he handsome?!
a loving moment with his mother :
the guys... were SO great to work with!
& a ton of FUN :
meanwhile, Danielle...
was getting pampered by her Aunt (who also did her hair & make-up that day!) :
looking stunning as ALWAYS!
getting ready!
in Greek tradition, her shoes were brought to her (by Taso's brother, his groomsman cousin & his cousin who came all the way from Greece for the wedding!) :
Danielle looked absolutely radiant :
& so did the ladies!
who were also a lot of fun!
isn't her ring AWESOME?!
a great moment with her father :
Danielle & her Mom know how to have a good time :
i love everything about this photograph :
arriving at the church in grand style :
Danielle's Grandma :
Taso gets his first look at his bride!
he was just a bit happy!!
& together, their smiles were literally from ear to ear :
sealed with a most wonderful kiss!
introducing, Mr. & Mrs. Tingas!!!
the bridal party!
are they the cutest or what?!
love, love, love!
one of my top favorites from the day :
one absolutely striking pair!!!
i adore the way Taso looks at Danielle :
time for reception fun...
first up, some fancy details :
these two have a a great time no matter what they do!
an endearing moment with Taso's brother :
brother's doing what they do best -- having a gooooood ol' time!
i have no clue how E.T. ran off with their rings, however when i caught him, he surrendered & let me take this photograph before i took them back to the rightful owners:
'first dance' time!
another top fave from the day!
ready for some fantastic Greek dancing?!
tooooo.much.fun!
! just too cool :
there were some shots of this going around!
look what i found under the table?! just too cute :
we snuck out for a few late, late night romantic shots...
...which comes very natural to these two lovebirds!!!
CONGRATS again Danielle & Taso! Danielle, Corey & i had the best time with you & your beautiful friends & family!!!
*****CLICK HERE!!!* to view their slideshow & see more photographs from their special day. ****
hi! & welcome to my blog for ksenija savic photography. i am a fine art photographer & this is the place where I will keep you up-to-date on all my photography, life, portrait, weddings, make-up, new products, favorite vendors & personal updates -- pretty much an open online journal of sorts. 
please take a moment to familiarize yourself with my blog! there are many different features & categories to browse through. i am also constantly updating with new posts weekly, so be sure to RSS feed, bookmark this blog & check back often!! keep in mind that this welcome post will remain pinned to the top of the blog at all times, so all new posts will follow below! ***also, if you are searching for a particular post, remember to use the search bar located above in the main header on the far right corner. it searches by key words, so simply type in the name of the post that you are looking for, click "go" & it will take you there! just as easy as that.
happy blogging!
ksen
the entire day was beautiful, fun & of utmost perfection! there were sooooooo many intricate & wonderful personal details throughout, which made it even more so special. 
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