Hi! Thanks for checking in to learn more about me! I am Hannah, owner of Hannah Jo Watkins Photo. My pronouns are she/her.
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The term 'camera enthusiast' doesn't even begin to touch who I am! When I'm not exploring the world through my lens, you'll find me in the vibrant, bustling Metro Detroit, my home! A city that's as diverse and dynamic as the images I capture. My love for photography started back in middle school when my mom gifted us a small digital camera for family vacations. Little did she know, she was igniting a passion that would define my life. I found it thrilling to immortalize moments and began taking portraits of my friends in high school. Capturing their smiles, their quirks, and their personalities was exciting and fulfilling in a way words could never describe.
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But hey, I'm not all camera and no play! I'm a board game aficionado, and nothing beats a night of friendly competition. Whether it's the strategic 'Phase 10', the hilarious 'Cards Against Humanity', or the classic 'Monopoly', I'm game for it all! My current favorite is National Parks Monopoly! And when I'm not indulging in board games, you'll find me on the pickleball court. If you've never tried it, it's a mix of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, and it's an absolute blast!
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At the end of the day, however, my favorite pastime is simply spending time with my beautiful fiancee Leah and our adorable dog, Winifred. Their love and support are the driving forces behind my work, and they are my biggest cheerleaders. Leah, especially, is a great model when I want to experiment with new photography techniques!
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So, here I am, ready to capture your moments, your stories, your realities. Ready to offer you photographs that will bring you joy for years to come. Because at the end of the day, that's what it's all about. Capturing moments in time that you can look back on with a smile. So, whether it's portraits, events, or just scenic shots you're after, I'm your photographer, ready and excited to work with you!

Meet the Photographer: A Peek Behind the Lens

I Just Got Engaged&mdash;What Should I Do First?
Congratulations on your engagement! You&rsquo;ve just said &ldquo;yes&rdquo; to spending forever with the love of your life, and now you&rsquo;re probably feeling a mix of excitement, joy, and maybe even a little bit of overwhelm. But don&rsquo;t worry&mdash;you&rsquo;re not alone! There&rsquo;s a lot to think about when you first get engaged, and it can be hard to know where to start.
To help you navigate the whirlwind of emotions and tasks ahead, here&rsquo;s a guide to the first few things you should do after getting engaged.

<h4>1. Celebrate the Moment</h4>
First things first: take a moment to soak it all in! Enjoy the excitement of being newly engaged. Whether it&rsquo;s popping a bottle of champagne, having an intimate dinner, or celebrating with friends and family, make sure to take time to enjoy this special moment. This is the beginning of a beautiful journey, and you deserve to savor it.
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<h4>2. Share the News</h4>
Once you've had some time to enjoy the moment, it&rsquo;s time to tell your closest loved ones. You&rsquo;ll likely want to share the news with your family and friends, so consider calling or FaceTiming them before you post on social media. Share your excitement with those who matter most, and let them join in on your joy.
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<h4>3. Take a Deep Breath (and Enjoy the Engagement Period)</h4>
Now is the time to enjoy being engaged. You&rsquo;ve just made a huge commitment, and the world is buzzing with excitement. Don&rsquo;t feel the need to dive into wedding planning immediately. Take a few days or weeks to just enjoy the fact that you&rsquo;re engaged and living in this beautiful, happy moment.
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<h4>4. Talk About Overall Wedding Thoughts</h4>
Before diving into the wedding planning, take a moment to discuss your timeline with your fianc&eacute;. Are you eager to get married soon, or do you want to take your time? There&rsquo;s no rush&mdash;some couples plan quickly, while others enjoy a longer engagement. Talk about whether you want a big celebration or something more intimate and start discussing potential wedding dates.
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<h4>5. Create a Budget</h4>
It&rsquo;s never too early to start thinking about your wedding budget. Discuss with your partner how much you want to spend, whether you&rsquo;ll have a big wedding or a smaller, more intimate one. Being on the same page financially will help make planning easier in the long run.
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<h4>6. Research your Most Important Vendors&nbsp;</h4>
Now is the time to research what types of venues you like and begin setting up tours. Once you pick a venue, use their information as much as possible! They have recommendations for catering (if they don't include it) and other major vendors such as photo, video, floral and decor, coordination, etc. This is also a great time to consider what types of photo styles you want.
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<h4>7. Enjoy the Engagement Period</h4>
Finally, remember that the engagement period is about more than just wedding planning&mdash;it&rsquo;s a time to deepen your connection with your partner. Take this opportunity to enjoy being engaged, go on dates, travel, or work on strengthening your relationship before the wedding whirlwind begins.

I Just Got Engaged—What Should I Do First?

How to Tell My Boyfriend I Want My Proposal Photographed?
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You&rsquo;ve been dreaming of your proposal, and one thing&rsquo;s clear&mdash;you want the moment captured in beautiful photos. It&rsquo;s a special memory you&rsquo;ll cherish forever. But how do you bring up the idea to your partner without seeming like you&rsquo;re planning the whole thing? Here&rsquo;s how to approach the conversation thoughtfully and smoothly.

<h4>1. Be Honest but Light</h4>
Express your excitement and your desire to have the proposal photographed, but keep it casual. Make it clear that it's just a wish, not a demand.
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<h4>2. Show Consideration for Their Feelings</h4>
Remember that they might want the proposal to be intimate and private, without worrying about a camera. Show you understand that, and be open to their thoughts.
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<h4>3. Suggest Alternatives</h4>
If they are unsure about a photographer, suggest a less invasive option, like a &ldquo;post-proposal shoot&rdquo; or even having a friend take the photos.
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<h4>4. Respect Their Wishes</h4>
If they are not on board with the idea, don&rsquo;t take it personally. Some people don&rsquo;t like having a camera around for such an intimate moment. You can always plan a photo session afterward.
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<h4>5. Send Your Partner Blog Post!</h4>
Hi! If you are reading this because your partner sent it to you, they sense a proposal coming soon and would love for it to be captured! I, a photographer, would love to capture it and help you plan it! I have helped tons of people plan their proposals to their partners and photographed it for them. It is one of my favorite types of sessions to be booked for!

How to Tell My Partner That I Want Our Proposal Photographed

I have a quirky and delightful treat for you today! I've photographed many weddings in my time, but never one quite like Jessica and Darryl's Halloween-themed wedding at the Warrior Pavilion in Oscoda, Michigan.
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Oscoda - it's a small town with a big heart, nestled right on the shores of beautiful Lake Huron. This was my first time at the Warrior Pavilion, and let me tell you, it's an absolute gem! This venue is a little out-of-the-box, just like our bride and groom. It has a rustic charm that's undeniably Michigan, but with an elegance that makes it a perfect spot for a wedding.
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Now, let me talk about our couple, Jessica and Darryl. They're the kind of people who make my job an absolute joy. Fun-loving, adventurous, and a little bit goofy - just like me! When I found out they were planning a Halloween wedding, complete with guests in costume, I knew I was in for a treat (no tricks, I promise!).
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The wedding ceremony was as unique as the couple themselves. Along with the traditional exchange of rings, Jessica and Darryl included for a handfasting ceremony - an ancient Celtic ritual where the couple's hands are tied together to symbolize their connection and devotion. It was a beautiful, intimate moment that I was honored to capture.
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But the real cherry on top of this spooky day was the Viking toast. Now, I'm no historian, but I can tell you that this tradition involves a lot of hearty cheering, laughter, and of course, drinking! It was such a fun, unique way to kick off the celebrations.
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As the day turned into evening, we were treated to a stunning sunset over the water. I whisked Jessica and Darryl away for some bride and groom photos, and let me tell you, the result was pure magic. The golden light reflecting off the water, their beaming smiles - it was a photographer&rsquo;s dream!
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So, there you have it. Jessica and Darryl's Halloween wedding was a day filled with love, laughter, and a little bit of the unexpected. And just like the best kind of Halloween candy, it left me wanting more. Here's to Jessica and Darryl, a couple who truly knows how to throw a party. Their love story is as beautiful and unique as they are, and I'm so grateful I got to be a part of it. Until the next adventure!

A Spooky Spectacular: Jessica and Darryl's Halloween Wedding at Warrior Pavilion, Oscoda, Michigan

Let me share with you the magic that unfolded at Kelsey and Tom's wedding day. This couple, I mean, they are the dictionary definition of love and joy. Their wedding reception was held at the Italian American Banquet Center, a charming venue tucked away in the heart of Livonia, Michigan. The perfect setting for their love story to unfold.
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Now, let's talk about the weather, shall we? Oh my! It was as if the sky itself was in on the celebration. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm, golden glow on everyone. It was the kind of day where you can't help but smile, feeling the sun on your skin and the love in the air.
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The church ceremony, it was nothing short of beautiful. At St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Allen Park, the church was a beautiful space with gorgeous stained glass. The couple exchanged vows in the presence of all their loved ones, their eyes sparkling with love and happiness.
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Then we moved to Hines Park for the wedding photos. With the touch of fall colors, it was like stepping into a painting. We made multiple stops throughout the park, each spot more beautiful than the last. It was a blast! Kelsey, Tom, and their wedding party were great sports, laughing and smiling, making my job a breeze.
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Now, let's not forget the reception. Great DJ, check. Good food, check. Fun wedding party, double check. The night was a whirl of dancing, laughter, and good times. As the music filled the air and everyone got down on the dance floor, I was there capturing the joy and the fun, the love and the laughter.
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In short, it was a day to remember. Kelsey and Tom's wedding was a testament to their love, a celebration filled with joy, laughter, and beautiful moments. And I was lucky enough to be there to capture it all. So here's to Kelsey and Tom, to love and laughter, to happily ever afters, and to beautiful wedding days like this one. Cheers!
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Venue: <a href="https://www.iabc-livonia.com/">Italian American Banquet Center</a>
Floral and Design: <a href="https://www.michaelbanthony.com/">Michael B Anthony</a>

A Perfect Wedding Day Overview: Kelsey and Tom's Big Day

Hey there, lovely people! Let's chat about Rustic Meadows, nestled in the heart of New Lothrop, MI, a beautiful wedding venue. And boy, do I have some exciting things to share with you!
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First off, let's talk about the ceremony site. It's outdoors, but hold on, don't let the fear of rain dampen your spirit! These guys have it all figured out. The site is technically covered, so no stress for a sudden shower. How cool is that? Almost as cool as a good 'ol Michigan winter!
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Moving on, they have a fantastic indoor space that can accommodate a good amount of of guests. So, if you're planning a big wedding, Rustic Meadows has got your back. It's like they've thought of everything - just like how I've got every angle covered when I'm clicking your pictures!
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Now, let's get to my favorite part. The grounds of this venue are simply beautiful. As a photographer, I couldn't ask for a better backdrop for the wedding photos. It's like walking into a beautifully painted landscape.
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This place also has a magical charm during sunset that would make any photographer's heart skip a beat. As the sun dips and bathes everything in a warm, golden glow, it's nothing short of magic. It's like the venue is putting on a show, and the sun is the star performer. I guarantee, your sunset photos are going to look absolutely dreamy!
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Last but not least, the staff at Rustic Meadows is super nice. They're accommodating, helpful, and go out of their way to make sure everything runs smoothly. It's like having a team of friendly helpers who are as excited about your wedding as you are!
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So there you have it, folks! Rustic Meadows is a charming blend of comfort, beauty, and hospitality.
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Venue: <a href="https://www.rusticmeadowsbanquet.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rustic Meadows</a>

Rustic Meadows: A Photographer's Review of a Beautiful Wedding Venue

Hannah was perfection. We had our wedding on the Ovation Yacht, and it rained the whole day. Hannah helped things go seamlessly and was helpful beyond expectations. Thank you for making our day so special.

Danielle & Matt

If you are searching for a photographer, look no further. Our session with Hannah was so much fun, and the photos just blew us out of the water with how great they are. We were constantly laughing, and Hannah made us feel so comfortable in front of the lens. We have found our photographer for all our milestones in the future

Kadie & Mandy

Hannah did an absolutely amazing job with our wedding photos! She has such a great personality. We will definitely be booking her for future events!

Dharma & Jake

Hannah was my favorite vendor I hired for my wedding. She answered every question I had and explained how to pose for pictures well. We got our wedding pictures back to us way earlier than what was in the contract, and does incredible work! I highly recommend her!

Hailey & Kyle

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The Traditional Wedding Collection package is the perfect choice for couples who want to capture every precious moment of their special day. With 8 hours of coverage and a second photographer, you can trust that no detail will be missed. From the bride's getting ready shots to the reception, our experienced photographers will be there to document it all.

Timeless Wedding Collection

The Timeless Wedding Collection package is the perfect choice for couples who want to capture every precious moment of their special day. With 8 hours of coverage and a second photographer, you can trust that no detail will be missed. From the bride's getting ready shots to the final dance of the night, our experienced photographer will be there to document it all. This package also includes an engagement session.

Luxe Wedding Collection

The Micro Wedding Collection is the perfect package for couples looking to capture the most important aspects of their day. With 2 hours of coverage, our photographer will be there for the ceremony and time for portraits after.

Micro Wedding Collection

The Extended Family Session package is perfect for those looking to capture their updated extended family photos. This package includes a 90 minute session that is dedicated to capturing the unique and special bond of a family.

Extended Family Session

The Senior Sessions package is perfect for seniors looking to capture their greatest accomplishments and next milestone. This package includes a 90-minute session that is dedicated to capturing the uniqueness of each senior!

Traditional Senior

The Family Sessions package is perfect for those looking to capture their updated family photos and milestones. This package includes a one-hour session that is dedicated to capturing the unique and special bond of a family.

Traditional Family

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All You Need (Website + Booking System) Plan

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Light and Bright, People Centered Wedding Photographer

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Write in a friendly and easy to read tone

Write in the following style of this sample text which is surrounded by parentheses. (I am your most out-of-the-box soul, the term "goofball" does not even begin to describe me! When I am not traveling I am stationed in the amazing Great Lakes State of Michigan! I love potatoes, in most forms (with the exception being cheesy potatoes because I am lactose intolerant, lol) I am a complete animal lover! I cry when the dogs die in movies, not the people... whoops. Most importantly, I'm here to take beautiful photos of you that you will cherish for years!)