Derek Cookson Photography – Royal Oak, MI Wedding and Portrait Photographer bio picture

  • WELCOME!

    My philosophy of "Life, Laughter, and Love" was inspired by my wife when she had it engraved in my wedding ring, always there to remind me what's important. It's also what guides me to capture what I do, when I have a camera in my hand.

    Friends will ask me if I consider it work, but I ask, how can it be? When I am blessed to be able to share such wonderful moments in peoples lives, to be shared forever, I can't call it work, but I can tell you it's the best job in the world. And I would love to share it with you!

    -Derek

First, before I type anything more, I have something to say. THANK YOU. Thank you to all my clients, friends, family – to me, you are all one and the same. This year was a CRAZY one, full of new things, old friends, and smiles, love, laughter, and everything in between.

Thank you to everyone for entrusting me with your beautiful families, your timeless memories, your hugs and kisses.

Thank you for allowing me into your homes, and to your once-in-a-lifetime events.

Most of all, thank you for allowing me to show you how amazingly beautiful you are, inside and out.

Enjoy this video, it’s something from almost EVERY single photoshoot I did in 2010. I wanted one or two, but some got more, (I can’t help it, I fall in love with them!) Watch it in HD, and enlarge the video, enjoy the music, but most of all, enjoy seeing yourself, your friends, your family. Chances are, if you’re reading this, YOU’RE IN THE VIDEO!

-Derek Cookson

Filed in: Discussions
comment

Jaimee and Justin had a long road towards getting married – Justin was deployed in the marines and I didn’t even get to meet him until the wedding day…but what a day it was!

The full event was at the beautiful Petruzello’s Banquet Hall in Troy, MI, and the lighting gods were on my side… AMAZING sunset, and Christmas lights EVERYWHERE! (anyone who knows me knows I LOVE Christmas lights! they just make any photo better!)

From his proud fellow servicemen, the awesome models-ERR ladies on Jaimee’s side, swords, full dress blues, and having the always amazing Christina Misany-Trader along to second shoot beside me, it was truly a day to remember. Congratulations to the happy couple, and ALL the best for you in the future!

Don’t forget to tag ALL your friends in the photos over on the facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/derekcooksonphotography

Filed in: Weddings
comment

A few of you might remember the popular engagement session from Stacey and Lyndon in the cemetary – well did you expect their wedding to be boring either? Not only was it on the night before Halloween, it took place at one of the venues I grew up secretly wishing I could someday work with: the beautiful Willistead Manor in the historic Walkerville area of Windsor Ontario!

From the hottest wedding boots and dress, to the unique “skeleton wedding cake”, the entire night was a visual feast for the eyes. Masquerade Masks, Ostrich feather centerpieces, and one amazing old Victorian backdrop made this photographer not even know where to START!

Underneath all the showmanship though, there was something so…earnest between the happy couple too. Not only did Lyndon give one of the most heartfelt grooms speeches, but the love and respect between them was enviable, and you could tell this is one couple doing things THEIR WAY and not accepting anything less!

Enjoy the photos, and don’t forget to head over to our facebook page to tag your friends, at http://www.facebook.com/derekcooksonphotography

Filed in: Weddings
comment

Loreen is kinda like the little Chaldean sister I never had…and I couldn’t be happier to have been able to capture and share her wedding to Patrick!

There was amazing food (homemade hummous from her Mom!), a belly dancer, duck hunters on the river (Our formals were literally interrupted by two hunters in a hidden boat about 50 feet away blasting some poor ducks from the sky! yikes!) and a beautiful venue at Gino’s Surf in Harrison, Michigan. Add to that a lovely sunset and some beautiful weather, and it was a day to enjoy!

But most of all, there was a wedding… a lot of dancing, a lot of laughs,  and a BIG congratulations to Pat and Loreen!

Don’t forget to tag your friends in the photosover on our facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/derekcooksonphotography

Filed in: Weddings
comment

I’ve known Mandi and her family since we were little kids, so it is an understatement to say I was honoured to have her ask me to capture her wedding day. Not only are they a perfect match for each other, but Doug is one heck of a great guy as well – add in one kickass collection of friends and family, and you’ve got yourself a CELEBRATION!

Our day started off at the hotel in Livonia, but moved quickly to the BEAUTIFUL Historical Village at Greenmead Park, where the ceremony was held in an old church right out of the picturebooks! So much charm, and with Mandi’s touches everywhere! (Seriously, if she wasn’t already happy in her career, this woman would have a future as a wedding planner for sure!)

Congratulations to the two of them, and don’t forget to tag all the amazing people in the photos on the facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/derekcooksonphotography

Filed in: Weddings
comment

Jeannie and Brad wanted to go play in the Christmas lights of Downtown Rochester…and I couldn’t be happier to come along for the ride!

What a great way to celebrate TWO fantastic things – Christmas, and their upcoming wedding! Wish the loving couple good luck, and enjoy the lights! Don’t forget to check out more on the facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/derekcooksonphotography

Filed in: Discussions | Engagements
comment

« Previous Next »

F a c e b o o k