I believe in love.

This song makes me smile and think about the wedding day. I smile during the vows that a couple makes to each other. It’s at that moment I believe that they will do whatever it takes to be there for each other. It’s at those moments that I look over at the father and mother of the groom and see their smiles as they hold hands. It’s at that moment that I have hope for unconditional love.

You know it when you see it. It’s the father and mother of the bride holding hands. The mother of the bride wrapping her arms around her husband as they dance during their daughter’s wedding. It’s the groom when he sees his bride for the first time in her wedding gown. No matter what life throws them, they love each other truely and unconditionally, and their ability to work through tough times and good times together shines at these moments. It’s beautiful. The laughter, the tears, the smiles. Pure joy and love is what it’s all about.

Then I read this book and it was like a light bulb went off and things started to make sense.  I quickly realized that Julie’s primary love languages are 1. acts of service and 2. quality time.  Spending time with her and keeping up my end of the chores around the house was what she wanted to feel loved.  I wish I had read this book a long time ago (even before we were married.)  It’s changed my perspective on love and life and I hope that everyone (even unmarried people) have the chance to read this book.  I love my wife and now know how to show her.

Here’s a photo of Megan and Adrian, one of those couples that I knew were in love from the moment I met them and it showed during their engagement session. I cannot wait for their wedding later this year.

I’m a father to three beautiful children Charlie, Jacob, and Catherine and they are my world.  Here they are on a recent vacation to New York.  This was supposed to be a serious photo, but there’s always one of them that is laughing.  I love them.

I’m married to the most amazingly talented woman Julie.  She’s an amazing mother, a crossfit gymnastics instructor, a helper to those in need, and a friend to many.  My world lights up when she enters the room, and she’s my best friend.

I love photographing weddings.  I was hooked after my first one.  At the end of the wedding my feet hurt and I was exhausted, and I said to myself “I have got to do this again.”  I love the laughter, the smiles, the tears, the first dance, Daddy Daughter dance, the groom when he sees his bride for the first time, the father of the bride when he sees her in the dress for the first time,   the flowers, the dancing, and everything in between.

Here’s a video of me doing what I love to do.

If you’re interested in getting to know me better, you can find me on twitter, facebook, my blog, and a few other places.  Here they are if you’re interested in having a conversation.

Twitter, where I share things from time to time about life, laughter, love, and things that make me happy http://twitter.com/edwardjohnphoto

My most recent work is usually published on the Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/EdwardJohnPhotography

I’ve had a flickr account for quite some time and you can see photos from me going back a few years. http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwardjohnphotography/

Lately I’ve been posting things that inspire me on Pinterest. If you havn’t become a member of Pinterest yet I highly recommend it. Although be prepared to lose a lot of time in your schedule. http://pinterest.com/edward_maurer/
I have a daily photo blog that I’ve been updating not exactly daily but it is the place where I experiment and constantly improve my photography. http://edsphotography.blogspot.com/

Special thank you to the fabulous Miranda Hopkins for capturing these photos for me.

A sample engagement session shot on the campus of Michigan State University with Amanda and Ronnie.  The intent of this video is to give you an idea of how I work during an engagement session. Every wedding package includes an engagement session in order to give us an opportunity to get to know each other and to prepare for photography on the wedding day. Lean more about wedding photography by Edward Maurer.

Special thanks to Andy Owen of Owen Video for producing the video.  He’s an amazingly talented wedding videographer and a pleasure to work with.

Music Credit: “I Wish You Love” performed by “Nancy Falkow,” courtesy of Triple Scoop Music.

Lastly, the most emotional day of the entire year was when I captured this photograph.  That’s Joyce in the center. She was the mother of a bride from last year and one of the most amazing people I have ever met.  I believe in you Joyce!!!!!

I met Dana through our gym Oakland County Crossfit. It’s the sport of the future and I was excited when she wanted to go there for some portraits.