Today’s Bliss Filled Feature is sure to warm you up on this snowy day (for most of the country, anyway!). The completely awesome Heather J. Photography sent these engagement shots of  Anne & Greg over and I couldn’t wait to share them with all of you. How appropriate is this shot for today?! Love. Love. Love.

One reason I am so excited to share this is because it shows all of you that you don’t need a fancy location, expensive clothes, or any of the frilly stuff to have an awesome shoot. I am a true believe that you should always be yourself in front of the camera. Less is always more! I mean, seriously, look at these two! They are so in love. The best accessory of them all.

Some Notes from Heather: We got together in late December for their engagement session in my hometown of Ruby. It was pretty cold that day, but luckily, they had furry hats and waterproof boots to keep them warm and dry.  Their whole session was a ton of fun, but if you ask me, I think they had a little too much fun throwing snow at one another at the end of the session.

These hats are my absolute favorite. Don’t they look cozy?

And I saved the BEST for last…. Snowball fight!!!

Thank you so much for sharing these Heather! Anne & Greg are sure to have a fantastic wedding. I can tell they are  a really great couple just by looking at these photos. Congrats, you two!

If you want more from this session, click HERE to head over to Heather’s blog.

There have been a few requests to see examples of the amazing films from some Real Bliss Weddings, so here you go!

The first is from Dawn & Rocky’s big day, filmed by the always amazing Jamie Honce.

Dawn and Rocky – Wedding Film | Our Lady of Sorrows, Shenandoah Country Club from Jamie Honce on Vimeo.

The second is by Two Penny Productions, from Lisa & Matt’s beautiful Detroit Wedding.

Lisa & Matt from Two Penny on Vimeo.

The third beautiful film is by Tri-Foot Productions, from Joanna & Tom’s wedding.

Tri-Foot Trailer: Joanna & Tom’s Wedding Day from Tri-Foot Productions on Vimeo.

Our fourth film is by Epic Motion and features the beautiful details from Kayu & Shannon’s wedding.

Trailer: Shannon and Kayu get married at the Michigan League in Ann Arbor from Epic Motion on Vimeo.

The fifth and final video is from Deanna & Cass’ big day, by the fabulous Days To Remember Media.

Deanna and Cass’ Preview from Lee Higginbottom on Vimeo.

There are so many wonderful products for home entertaining out there. I thought I might as well share a few of my favorites. I hope these help you create the ideal experience! I am dying to get my hands on some of them. :)

MiGi was started by two former Martha Stewert Living editors. No wonder their ideas are spot on! My favorite is their Nature Collection. You have got to see how pretty some of these products are!

Sur La Table is one of those stores that has every single neat little gadget that you could possibly need. Since Spring is in the air, you should check out some of the perfect items for a fab grilling gathering. I am in LOVE with the pizza stone for the grill!

Wrapables is super fun shop with loads and loads of fun trinkets, tools and items. Since I am craving sushi tonight, don’t miss out on their sushi bowls and serving sets! Perfect for a stay-at-home date night with your sweetheart or a girls night in!

Well, after 400 entries, five thousand votes, and the help of a few industry friends… Here are your Bliss Blog’s Second Annual Photo of the Year Contest winners! Yesterday, we announced the winners of the Engagement category. Today, we announce the winners of the Homegrown category and tomorrow the winners of the Around The World category. Check back to congratulate all of the winners, or see if you are one of them!

Little known fact about our Homegrown Category: Only 48 votes separated first and third place!

Congrats to…

Congrats, Rachel! Flashes of Life Photography has won the top spot!

Also, congrats to our Second & Third placed photos by Inner Circle Photography & Melanie Reyes Photography!

A big Thank You to everyone who voted! Please make sure to visit the winners’ websites and blogs to enjoy more of their beautiful work.

The world of calligraphy has always been in demand from brides around the world. Over the last few years, the industry has boomed due to new artistic styles and creativity. Take a look at these gorgeous examples. I may have a new obsession…

Crystal Kluge Via Benign Objects Blog

Crystal Kluge

Katherine Murray

Laura Hooper

Pen & Ink

Also, check out these fabulous links for inspiration!

Penned & Pretty

Laura Hooper

Swoon Over It

You may remember Anne from the post she created 3 days before her big day!

Anne & Aaron are a fantastic couple who are surrounded by some of the most amazing family and friends I have ever seen! I had a really great time working with them and I am sad that it is over. I always looked forward to our meetings because I knew that we’d have a blast. Anne is quite possibly the most upbeat and happy bride we’ve ever had and I just know that her and Aaron will have a very long and exciting marriage. Just look at those smiles! Congrats you two!

Event Coordination by Bliss Weddings & Events, Photography by CMH imaging, Venue: Polo Fields.

Amee & Matt are a fantastic couple. I honestly couldn’t imagine a more perfect fit! The new Mr. & Mrs. Smith spent the start of their wedding month by tying the knot in beautiful Hawaii and then headed out on an amazing honeymoon to Tahiti and Bora Bora. I had to admit that I was just a little jealous of the amazing travel plans! We wrapped up the celebrations with a wonderful at home reception at the always inspiring Royal Oak Music Theatre. I had a great time working with these two to create the at-home reception of their dreams. It was a long process, but the end result was fantastic!

Side Note: They may be the kissiest couple I have ever seen in photos. Love it!

Full Service Event Planning & Rentals provided by Bliss Weddings & Events, Photography by Bates Photographic & Design, Location: Royal Oak Music Theatre, Flowers by Watkins Flowers, DJ: Sara G. with Platinum Mix Productions, Cake by Wedding Cake Art & Design Center, Favors by Shutterbooth, Catering by 2 Unique, Makeup and Hair by Whitney James (contact me for details)

Bates Photographic & Design

Bates Photographic & Design

Bates Photographic & Design

See more photos here…