Happinest Photo bio picture
  • Welcome to our blog!

    Thanks so much for stopping by! We are a husband and wife team who love photographing weddings together, sharing our lives, recent experiences and of course our shoots with all of you. I (janelle) also love documenting new additions and the various stages of growing family. With the advent of this new blog we will also try to share our wedding knowledge with you, our favorite local vendors, perhaps some fun craft projects, entertaining ideas, or a whole smattering of yummy finds both locally and regionally. Hope this becomes a frequent inspirational stop for you. Please feel free to leave comments or shoot us an e-mail to say hello! Thanks for visiting.

A Party Apart and FWMoA

Last week Cheryl from A Party Apart asked if I could find time to get a few images of their decor from the Fort Wayne Museum of Art gala that was this past Friday.  It was a fundraiser and an unveiling of their new gallery space – which was amazing.  The new building is a sleek modern structure that still manages to maintain a level of warmth, due in part, no doubt, to floors that appeared to be reclaimed hardwood.  I can definitely see this being a great intimate reception spot for couples that appreciate sleek minimalism.  Cheryl’s choices complimented the building beautifully – the picture of understated elegance.  I think my favorite room was slate blue, but my favorite structural element might have been the entry hall floor.  You will have to see it for yourself when you go after the museum reopens to the public on March 27th.

my cousin Lee’s cute family

There have been a lot of people who have influenced my photography career over the years and even my background in art.  My cousin Lee is one of those people.  As a junior higher I can remember him taking the time to look at drawings of mine– he always had something encouraging to say.  As a college student he introduced me to stacks of old photography magazines and talked gear with me as I purchased my first slr.  Lee has always dabbled in photography and has documented countless family functions and family members over the years.  So as you can imagine it made me feel pretty special when he asked us to take some family photos for him!  But really how could you go wrong with his cute cute kiddos?  Had a blast with you all!  Hope you did too.

Lee - March 5, 2010 - 10:36 pm

Janelle,
These are wonderful pictures.
It’s amazing you had everyone smiling. Thanks.

where to get cute hairbows for kiddos?

Ever wonder where does everyone get those cute hair bows, little hats with flowers, cute diaper covers, etc?  I submit to you one of my favorite online pleasures: ETSY.com you may have heard me mention it before.  It is kind of like ebay, only for artisans and crafters.   You can find virtually anything on etsy, they have the cutest stuff for kiddos, your home, weddings, gifts, I’m telling you once you’ve discovered etsy there is no going back.  If you’re really crafty you can just look for inspiration and then make your own, either way it’s addictive— don’t say I didn’t warn you! :)

A sampling from Gals with Girls just one of the many shops you can find on Etsy!

Sarah - March 2, 2010 - 12:34 pm

I love love love Etsy!! They have so many adorable things for kids!!

jackie @ simply elegant - March 2, 2010 - 1:11 pm

Hello. My name is Jackie, and I’m addicted to etsy. Love it.

admin - March 2, 2010 - 1:29 pm

I know right?

Joy Marinelli - March 2, 2010 - 2:43 pm

Janelle!
Love the blog and love esty!

Meredith - March 2, 2010 - 7:08 pm

Um yes…etsy…VERY addictive..and yet oh so enjoyable

Reese turns ONE!

I had the pleasure of photographing Reese when she was an itty-bitty brand new baby, so of course I was super excited to  come back in honor of her first birthday!  She is a total cutie-pie with bright blue eyes and a spunky little personality!  Love her mom’s sense of style and the sweetest little white eyelet dress she put Reese in for the shoot!  Thanks for having me back out again to document YEAR ONE!  Enjoy the sneak peek.

Meredith - March 2, 2010 - 8:28 pm

Such an awesome time with Janelle. She always makes us feel so comfortable, and I have no idea how she gets such AMAZING shots from a one year old just toddling around and being her nutty self….very fun and VERY worth it. She’s captured Reese’s true personality..thanks Janelle:)

Lyndsey - March 3, 2010 - 10:14 am

Adorable! I love her with her hat and perals! What a wonderful picture!!

Ft. Wayne Bridal Extravaganza 2010

We were excited to participate in the Bridal Extravaganza at the Grand Wayne Center in downtown Ft. Wayne again this year.  We always enjoy getting to meet new brides and other vendors.  This year we got out our old booth and it seems to have warped since last year… so my amazing hubby built us a brand new booth only 2 days before the show, and while it was a lot of work,  it was well worth it.  We enjoyed meeting so many of you!  If you saw us there, enjoyed seeing our work, or if we could answer any questions for you please don’t hesitate to shoot us an e-mail or call for a chat!  Happy wedding planning to you!

Kari Geary is a flower fashionista— or at least that’s what I think.  She is so incredibly talented at putting together unexpected elements in beautiful combinations that are so interesting and fresh!  We love her and her beautiful work with flowers!  If you missed seeing her this weekend at the show put her on the list of vendors to consider, she and her work are fabulous!

The Bride to Be is an amazing little boutique right here in Ft. Wayne.  The first time I went in the shop I went home to bemoan to my husband about how I might need to buy another wedding dress, of course I would marry him all over again, but a new dress— they have the yummiest!  Two fabulous sisters  Kate and Sarah, run the place.  They have a great eye for picking out classic gown with a fashion forward flair, plus we love that they are located in our neck of the woods, so don’t hesitate to set up an appointment at this swank little shop– you won’t be disappointed!

A Party Apart is one of those names I’m sure you’ve heard around town.  Kelly Geiser is an event planner for Party Apart and her work is beautiful.  If you want something unique I wouldn’t hesitate to call Kelly.  Here’s their display at this years bridal show— all that yummy candlelit glass- I love it!

Trista is one of those vendors we see over and over again.  She is so sweet and always goes above and beyond on wedding days. She’s incredibly flexible and will work with you to get you just what you’re looking for.  Don’t hesitate to give her a call.   Here are a few of her beautiful bouquets from the bridal show!  I love the use of dusty miller!

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