Snow looked like a long shot for this January 14, 2012 Wedding in Bay City until two days before the Wedding.  A Winter storm moved through and dropped a few inches of pure white bliss to add to the already stunning Bride and Groom.  Melissa and AJ are so comfortable in front of my camera and I enjoyed working with the two of them.  The day was just perfect!

Here are some beautiful images from the snow filled and sunny Wedding day in Bay City, Michigan.

The Bay City Michigan Wedding vendors for the day include:

Bay City Michigan Winter Wedding Photography

White on the ground and smiles on everyone’s faces makes for a fabulous day in Michigan, and a reason for a Winter Wedding in Bay City, Michigan.  Here is some train station Depot and Hilton Hotel inspiration for your Winter Wedding.

Bay City, Michigan Wedding Photographer

Ever wanted a Winter Wedding where you snowmobile into the ceremony location and leave on  a snowmobile with cans dragging and a veil on your helmet?  Here is some inspiration for your dream.

Winter Wedding Northern Michigan Photographer

Here is a beautiful inspiration for your Northern Michigan Wedding Engagement session in Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park along Lake Michigan.

Traverse City Wedding Photographer Paul Retherford

Fusion Winter Wedding Photography video from Bay City, Michigan at Pere Marquette Depot and Hilton Double Tree Hotel on Saginaw river by Paul Retherford Wedding Photography.

When you think of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Miners Castle, and Lake Superior in January a Wedding probably does not come to mind.  For my beautiful Bride, Dawn, and her handsome Groom, Bill, that is exactly what they think.  Their original plan was a winter Wedding in Montana but they wanted their family and friends to be involved too.  They made regular trips from their home in Chicago to Northern Michigan for a snowmobile week.  The weekend after New Years is always a great snow time of the year will few people on the trails.  What better time to invite 30 friends up for a week of snowmobiling and partying to commence with a beautiful Wedding.

The entire day was just perfect with Dawn and Bill.  The Bride and Groom’s smiles radiated heat throughout the day.  If you have ever thought of a Winter snowmobile Wedding in Northern Michigan watch this fusion Wedding video below.

This was an intimate Wedding with a minimal amount of details.  Their accommodations and Wedding reception all took place at Cherrywood Lodge in Munising, Michigan.  This is a winter sports dream location with trails located at their front door, a nice restaurant and bar for the guests, and snowmobile rentals available with brand new sleds!

Come visit Dawn and Bill’s Wedding website at Lake Superior Winter Wedding.

Northern Michigan Upper Michigan Lake Superior Photographer

The first snow in Petoskey, Michigan and we caught it with a beautiful Engagement Session along Lake Michigan in Petoskey, Michigan.  We captured all the images, audio, and video on Sunday morning.  Michelle and Ryan are getting Married this Summer in the Petoskey area with a reception at the Perry Hotel in Petoskey.  Watch the Fusion Engagement Session video I put together for them here.

Congratulations to Beth and Tony on your beautiful Wedding on Lake Michigan.  The beautiful beach in Frankfort, Michigan and the artsy local of the Cabbage Shed.  It was truly a pleasure to be part of your day.  You took a different road on your Wedding details and I love you for that.  Cheers to your feature on Inspired Beach Weddings Blog!  Check it out at:

http://blog.inspiredbeachweddings.com/michigan-beach-wedding/beth-and-tonys-michigan-beach-wedding/

Lake Michigan Beach Wedding Photographer

Please check out Destination Brides and the feature of Ashley and Aris on their beautiful Blog.

Rock star Creative team included:

This Summer I captured a beautiful Wedding in Northern Michigan that began with lots of questions regarding my contract. My contract is set up to benefit both parties and really make clear what both parties duties are in regards to Wedding Photography.  The Client wanted phrases put into the contract that I did not feel were appropriate and/or needed.  I politely told him that the contract was written by my attorney for the benefit of both parties and I am not comfortable changing anything unless you would like to pay for the attorney fees.  We agreed on the contract as stated.

To make a long story short, I just received an email this morning from the Father of the Groom and it says,

“Paul I know it has been several months since you took pictures at my daughters wedding.  We watched the CD which you made tonight and I thought back to when I contacted you regarding the contract and the concerns I had regarding your services.  Not that I ever doubted your integrity, but I just want you to know that we were very pleased with your work.  Thank you for doing such a great job the memories you created will last a life time.  You truly are a professional.  If you ever need a reference, please know you can use us.  Our telephone remains xxx-xxx-xxxx.  Again thank you and Merry Christmas.”

This is why I do my “job” and love to work with people and make them believers in Paul Retherford Wedding Photography.   Made my day.

Off to take our daughter to see Santa Claus and then Grandpa’s birthday.  Cheers!

Yesterday I had a great conversation with George McDonald from Harbor View Entertainment in Traverse City, Michigan.  He is a great guy and is very knowledgable about the industry.  He has done thousands of events and continues to love his career choice too!  I would not hesitate to hire George at Harbor View Entertainment for any of your Northern Michigan Wedding locations.

Here is the information that George has provided on his website.

George McDonald, Traverse City, Michigan, provides professional DJ entertainment and planning for a wide variety of occasions.

Call Today for a Free consultation.

Destination Wedding location at Beachwalk Resort in Michigan City, Indiana near Chicago, Illinois on Lake Michigan white sand beach by Paul Retherford Destination Wedding Photography.

Chef Wendy and Scott from the Perry Hotel in Petoskey, Michigan were married on a beautiful November 5th day.  The outdoor Rose Garden Wedding location was all set up for harsh weather, but we only had sun and mild fabulous weather.

The Wedding Ceremony was beautiful and all of the guests were toasty warm under the heated canopy with side curtains. Scott looked dapper with his tux and fall orange hints of color.  Wendy was beautiful in her white Wedding dress and leopard design shoes.

Following the Wedding Ceremony at the Perry Hotel Rose Garden we captured a group shot on the front porch with all of the guests.

The Bride and Groom around Perry Hotel, their work place as Chefs.

Great food, wonderful friends, and good times at the Wedding Reception at the Perry Hotel in Petoskey Michigan.

If you would like to see more beautiful images from this Wedding watch the Perry Hotel Video below

Rockstar Wedding Vendors for Perry Hotel Petoskey Michigan Wedding:

This is my second house that I have now sold For Sale by Owner (FSBO) in Michigan during the down market.  Our first house we had for sale with a Realtor for 6 months and I sold the house less than two weeks after the listing expired on Craigslist.

Before you even think about selling your home For Sale by Owner talk to at least 3 Professional licensed Realtors in your area and have them do a market analysis.  This will give you numbers on what you house is worth in the current market since they use houses that have sold in the past year as comparisons.  You may also decide that a Realtor will work best for you.  If you want to still do FSBO, check out my information below.

Here are a few ideas for selling your house For Sale by Owner.

1)  Make your house look good by removing and personalization and finishing up projects that are incomplete.  A new buyer does not want to complete a  house or have to overlook clutter to imagine if it fits into their lifestyle.  All family photos should be removed.  De-personalize everything.  Allow the buyer to imagine their lifestyle in your home.  Simple is good.

2) Take Professional images and lots of them.  Capture all angles of house including special features that are unique to your house.  This not only helps pre-quality people but gives them a nice image of your home, while answering lots of possible questions they might have for you when they see it.   You are prequalifying people.  Both houses I had offers from the people who saw the house and I did not have a lot of people who were not serious.

3) Create a Professional looking website with the images and all the information you have on the house.  This can include images, descriptions, seller’s disclosure, lead based paint disclosure, bills, what you love, etc.

4) Make nice signs that can be referred to for information.  Also have brochures available for people to take, in front of your house, if they are interested.  Print out brochures that you can put on pin up boards at grocery stores, banks, etc.  with your contact number and house website.

5) List your home on Zillow, Trulia, Craigslist, Owners, and listedonrealtor.  All of them are free except Owners and listed on realtor.  I do the free listing on Owners and pay the $80 or so to get listed on realtor.  Make sure to always maximize your images and information on the sites and refer back to your beautiful house website that you created.

6) Offer a 3.5% commission for buyers agents and a cash offering to anyone who is not a realtor and brings a buyer.  This will get the excitement going and make people want to show your house.  Incentives are good.

7) Make sure to mention serious inquiries only on all your information.

8) Always answer all calls immediately and be prompt with all emails regarding the house.  Play on the initial excitement of the possible buy.

9) If you receive a verbal offer and it is close to your price,  make sure to have the buyer fill out a purchase agreement and put down a deposit of at least $500, and $1000 if possible.  This brings serious offers only.  I got burned in accepting a verbal offer on the Buyers word that they had pre-approval and the funds for down payment.  Always remember to protect yourself.

10) Make sure to always tell everyone why you love the home and how this home is the perfect place for them.  Make it a point to listen to the Buyer and find ways to place the Buyer in your home.

11) Lastly, have a plan in mind and a number that is your ultimate low number.  You may have to end up doing a short-sale in this market too to get out.  Use price drops as an incentive to get people to make an offer too.

There is a lot of psychology into why people purchase houses.  People buy houses for many different reasons.  My intention in writing this blog was to help you work through questions that may arise on the sellers side.  Always remain positive and upbeat because you never know when a buyer is going to shake your hand and you are going to sell.

Keep in mind that even with an written accepted offer you are not guaranteed a sale.  I had four offers on my last house sale with the last one closing.  Keep the house information live until you are closed.  That means keep showing the house and telling people you have a pending offer and will get back with them if the house does not close.

Here are the two examples of my house websites

http://www.paulretherford.com/house

http://www.paulretherford.net/house

Hope this information helps sell your house For Sale by Owner | FSBO

Angela and Scott came down from Harbor Springs to capture their Engagement session Photography at East Park in Petoskey, Michigan near Bay Harbor.  Here is the Fusion Wedding Photography video I put together from the Engagement session.

Amanda grew up on a farm in Charlevoix, Michigan.  She always knew that she would like to get married in her hometown. Amanda and Matt live in Minnesota right now and planned their Wedding on trips back to Michigan to visit the family.

They were Married at Amanda’s Church, Community Reformed Church in Charlevoix, Michigan by Amanda’s brother-in-law, Christopher Maki.  It was a beautiful fall day at the beginning of autumn.

Amanda and her bridesmaids began early getting prepared for the Big Day.    Hair and makeup were completed by Erica Zorteau and Sarah Johnson.  They did a perfect job.

The entire event was planned by N|M Event Design in Bay Harbor, Michigan with Danielle Vogelheim.  She does an amazing job making sure every last detail is considered.

The Bride and Groom decided to see each other prior to the Wedding and capture all family and Wedding Party images prior to the Ceremony.  This would allow them to arrive to the Wedding Reception early and get the night moving along. Amanda and Matt had their first glance at Mount McSauba in Charlevoix, Michigan.

The Wedding Ceremony at the Community Reformed Church was beautiful.  The brother’s of the bride built a birch tree trellis for the front of the church.  It was beautifully decorated by both NM Event Design and Bloom Floral Design of Bay Harbor, Michigan.

Following the Wedding Ceremony there were six antique muscle cars waiting for the Wedding party to transport them to the Wedding Reception at the family farm.

Some beautiful bride/groom images on the way to the Wedding Reception.

The Wedding Reception took place in a brand new steel barn on the family farm.  NM Event Design did a wonderful job making the rustic barn elegant.

Rock Star Charlevoix Michigan Wedding Vendors

Check out more of this beautiful Charlevoix, Michigan Wedding with a Fusion Wedding Slideshow at Charlevoix Fusion Wedding Photographer.

As a Platinum member of Canon Professional Services (CPS) I am able to provide my Clients with the absolute best service and assurance that their Wedding will be captured with the top Canon Wedding Photography gear.   CPS will loan and lend me gear on short notice to replace gear that might be in for repairs.  This assures that all of my Clients will receive all of my creative skills.  Canon continues to push the realm of creativity with their Professional line of Photography gear.  Thank you to Canon Professional Services!

The Grand Hotel is located in Northern Michigan on Mackinac Island.  Mackinac Island is a non-motorized island with lots of history and charm.  Ashley and Aris were looking for a destination location that was not too far from their hometown of Chicago but had it’s own personality too.  They were amazed when they visited the Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island and immediately fell in love with the area.  They made a few trips up to Mackinac Island to plan their Wedding day.  They worked with Marty Haines, the Grand Hotel Event coordinator.  The day was exactly as Ashley and Aris had wished, a warm, bright, blue, Summer day.  Enjoy a few images from their day and the Fusion Wedding slideshow at the end of this blog.  If you would like to see more you can go to their Wedding website at http://www.printsbypaul.com/ashleyaris

Grand Hotel Fusion Wedding Photography video

Grand Hotel Tea Garden Wedding Time Lapse Video

Mackinac Island Grand Hotel Wedding vendors and details:

Wedding location Grand Hotel tea garden

Wedding reception location Grand Hotel Pontiac room

Grand Hotel flowers by Margaret’s Garden

Wedding Carriage by Grand Hotel

Wedding Coordinator Grand Hotel, Marty Haines

Wedding hair by Astor’s Salon Grand Hotel

Wedding makeup by Elana Darrus Artistry

Wedding Harp by Claire Happel

Wedding Photography by Paul Retherford Wedding Photography