Archives

{Amber & Nate} – Millcreek Barn Wedding – Michigan Wedding Photographer

Amber & Nate’s fall wedding was full of gorgeous colors – beautiful dresses, HOT PINK shoes (yes, hot pink, I was DROOLING), and amazing fall colors…..so why are all these in black & white?

Umm, because they needed to be…..not to “save” the photo, but because I had to. Had to. I’m slightly obsessed with this heavy/grainy/filmy black & white, and a selection of Amber & Nate’s photos was begging for it. Really, they were.

It was so much fun to be a part of this wedding. Nate & I used to work together (briefly), and best man Kyle Bultman (of Kyle Bultman photography) and his wife, my friend Katie, were there to lend a hand (or a fong) and to capture a different perspective. Kyle and I both know that even when a different duty calls, it’s difficult to put down that camera.

Anyway, back to the day…..Amber was sweet sweet sweet from the beginning to the end, and being able to witness the depth of love they have for each other, and for the Lord, was amazing. And their families? Oh, don’t even get me started, because I’ll probably cry again. They were inspirational.

If you want to see some of the gorgeous colors of the day, go here. But for now, just enjoy (hopefully as much as I have) this little preview!

Archives

{Rock the Frock} – Michigan Wedding Photographer

I love my brides. I really do.

I love your dresses. Your updos. Your SHOES (I’ve had two Stephanies with Uh-MAZE-ing footwear. Coincidence? I think not).

But most of all I love how well you all listen when I say “trust me” and you get into that pose that may seem a little odd to you….not what you are used to doing….maybe uncomfortable…or seems a little umm, well, you know. Each of you has helped me define what I call “rock the frock.”

It’s not trashing the dress…oh no, just the opposite (insert numerous clear plastic bags sacrificed for the good of the dress here). It’s OWNING what you have….it’s WORKING what you have….and CELEBRATING that on your wedding day, you are your most confident and your most beautiful.

Even though you aren’t all featured here on this blog……I’d love to, but it would be eight pages long…..It has been a joy over the past few years to see each of your faces on your wedding day. You have all, in your own way, rocked the frock.

Thank you for helping make THIS girl’s day, each and every time!

Archives

A very special delivery

This blog post means so much to me – – just the ability to write it is the result of a lot of prayer, hope, and an amazing gift (I am NOT talking about my writing here).

A few summers ago I had the honor of photographing one of the saddest moments of my dear friends Tina & Bret’s life….and without going into a lot of the details, I know what I provided for them was a priceless memory of their daughter.

Now I got to celebrate with them as they welcome Liam into their home. What a blessing it was to hold that sweet baby in my arms and know he was the result of years of prayers by many people.

Tina, Bret & Liam….I am so happy for you all, and look forward to watching you grow as a family.

Archives

{McCourt Family} – Grand Rapids family photographer

Brian and I first met through the Mars Hill Runners Group a few years ago – and though Brian continues to run, well, at least that makes one of us!

Thanksgiving weekend I had the pleasure of meeting his beautiful children – not only are they gorgeous – but their personalities are beautiful & fun. Brian definitely has a couple of winners here!

It was fun to capture this family, and while he’s waiting for all the photos, here’s a little taste of what’s to come!

Archives

an apple a day

As I started editing these photos today, I realized I had a fabulous family session ahead of me: a one year old, Leo, a beautiful family, and a lot of apples in an orchard. I’ve been going gaga over them all afternoon.

Seriously, gaga, and not the “Lady” type.

So anyway, to stop gushing….nah, I’ll just keep going. I only selected a few photos here, but could have blogged the whole lot of them.

Apples shoved in pockets. Apples in piles. Apples in a cute little 1 yr old’s mouth….but enough from me…I’ll let you share in my love of this beautiful family!

Archives

Thankful – Michigan Wedding Photographer

The year isn’t over, but this is the time to be thankful, right?

I’ve had some amazing clients this year, gone to some fabulous places, met new friends, endured some challenges which hopefully have left me smarter and stronger. As I sat in a condo at a waterpark in the Wisconsin Dells, I realize some of the most important things in my life have nothing to do with my work:

They are my family. They are the sounds of Sadie clucking (yes, she learned how to cluck this weekend) – my brother cuddling her (he really is a fabulous dad), a father who came through surgery well, a sister who is about to become a mother, another sister who had to say “see you soon” as her boyfriend deployed, and a mother who reminds us all in subtle ways we are loved.

I have fabulous friends, great clients, and a career I love. I also have a horrible habit of NOT blogging anything, so this one should be a doozy.

I can’t share everything in this post, but I want to share some of my favorite images, that make me grateful I get to do what I love. And I hope you love them too, but more importantly, that you find time to think about what you are thankful for this year.

Archives

Mini Sessions – for a cause!

Bill & Trace Dicocco are lovely loving friends of mine, and I’ve watched/participated in their journey around the world and back over the past few years. Though I’m so happy to be able to see their faces in person (instead of just over skype), it’s a bittersweet turning of a page in the book of their lives.

Because Trace has not only been an amazing friend and source of inspiration, but a constant encouragement to me in my photography, this is my gift to them – to help support their move home. This mini-sessions will hopefully pay for a plane ticket back to the states…..and will maybe be a good way we can all show our love to them!

Session location is still TBD, but it will be fun regardless! Use the contact section of my website to reserve your spot now!

Archives

{Diane & Mike} – Washington DC Wedding Photographer

Diane & I first met when I was working in the Michigan legislature (back before I figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up), and developed a special bond that has kept us together – albeit with brief periods with loss of contact – for over 10 years.

When Diane & Mike announced their engagement – well, first of all I was so excited and happy for them – but also excited & happy that they wanted me to be a part of their day. Plans were hatched, a super fun engagement session at their favorite spots in Washington DC last July, and voila, we were here at their special day.

Everything took place within two blocks – from hair & makeup to the wedding and reception – and each walk included a gorgeous view of the US Capitol.

With beautiful weather, a fun wedding party and a riotous group of friends, this wedding was a blast to be a part of – and not just because I count Diane as one of my special friends.

Next blog post includes pictures from our trip to Rome….yes, Rome. I followed Diane & Mike to Rome for a special papal blessing at the Vatican, followed by a little photoshoot at some unique locations – like Trevi Fountain! Stay tuned, those are next, but for now, enjoy!

Archives

{Nikki & John} – Johannesburg, MI – Northern Michigan Wedding Photographer

The weekend of April 30th I had the pleasure of driving up to Johannesburg, MI to photograph Nikki & John’s wedding – now I had never met them, or even talked to them. Nikki’s wonderful mother was handling the details of this wedding, and so I had no idea how cool they would be. Which was very cool.

The girls were hilarious. The guys were laid back, and apparently enjoyed that I was from another small Northern Michigan town – because I was simply called “Ellsworth” the whole evening.

Backing up a bit….Nikki and John were high school sweethearts…..but a few years passed of separation, and they recently reconnected, and that old love never died. Talk about sweet. Sweet, sweet sweet.

They have an easy natural love between them, and a lifetime of love ahead of them.

Archives

Meet Ally – Hudsonville Senior Rep

I first met Ally a few years ago as she was becoming a young woman – and was struck by her beauty then (not to mention her amazing personality). Seeing her as a (nearly) grown woman is simply a sight to behold.

She has the voice of an angel.

The eyes of a disney princess.

A heart of gold.

And a lifetime of hope & possibility in front of her.

I am honored to be a part of celebrating Ally’s final year as a high school student, and am eager to see where life takes her!