Jeff & Jana {Grand Rapids Wedding Photography}

I’m in the thick of it with weddings, high school seniors, booking families and even squeezed in a newborn session this week.  I have had so many fabulous sessions that it’s a crying shame that I don’t do a blog post from every session.

I had to do a quick post of these images of Jeff & Jana.  I’ve been borderline hyper for their wedding since their FABULOUS engagement session last fall.  They’re awesome to work with, up for anything I suggest and totally trusted me.   Their wedding was in Rockford and their reception was at The BOB in Grand Rapids which is such a great place, it’s fun, spacious and has a ton of character and don’t even get me started on the food…LOVE it!

The wedding was fun, fun wedding party and who doesn’t love a bride with a bunch of sisters? They had these card board cut outs of themselves as children which were so adorable I’ve decided I need to get some myself.  All that being said, my very favorite thing was their “favor” or should I say lack of a “favor”.  Jeff & Jana decided to forgo the “favors” and instead made a donation to the “Be The Match” program for the National Bone Marrow Program.  What a better way to start out your new life than to extend the gift of life to someone else.  Party favors make the table pretty but really only last one night. They’re often tossed out or not even taken.  Who knows what will come of this gesture, what kind of awareness brought on, who will be prompted to register and be matched and life can be saved.

Kayla -Class of 2011 {High School Senior Photography}

I had a super fun session with Kayla last night downtown Rockford.  The weather couldn’t have been better, especially for these kids who usually slide on at least one long sleeve top.  I truly love the humid weather that we’ve been having but those steamy days aren’t as comfy for everyone so we all  appreciated the breeze last night and the break in the heat.  Kayla wasn’t in a rush so I didn’t have to be either which makes for a fun but long session. I envy these kids with their lives wide open and sitting in front of them.  All they have to do is reach out and grab it.  Don’t we all just wrestle with …”If I could go back I would……”.  I truly love my life and if I had one bit of advice to pass on its this….take time to savor it.  Just be still for once in a while.  If you’re always chasing your next dream you’ll miss the life you have right at this moment.  Feel the breeze, smell the air, eat dessert first,  GIVE, LOVE, LAUGH.  Life is just a vapor.  On that note….I’m off to the beach with my sweet husband and our brood of children.  Have a blessed day!

Josh & Krissy {Michigan Weddings}

When I’m busy shooting the first thing to be neglected is always my blog.  I’m thankful for my friends that shoot me emails reminding me to update it so that they can see what I’ve been up to (so sad that they keep track of me this way!).  I’ll keep my writing to a minimum and just say that I have shot some absolutely amazing weddings this summer.  Josh & Krissy were incredible to work with. The reception was Thousand Oaks in Grand Rapids which is so spacious and gorgeous but seriously the coolest thing about this wedding was when Star Farm took the stage.  How cool is it to have an 80’s band playing at your reception?  Although it was difficult, I resisted the temptation to cut loose on the dance floor.  Amazing wedding, amazing night, the guests had an absolute blast!

Just married (2 year ago:)!

I don’t break out my camera for the heck of it very often, even though I should.  I have new ideas, new locations I want to work at, I’m always messing around with my equipment and sometimes it’s fun to have a few warm (and dressed up!) bodies to work with.  Joe & Emily just celebrated their 2 year anniversary and when I requested that they “model” for me they were totally ready and willing.  We had a great time, got some great images and I just have to give a shout out to Joe for hanging out with 3 women (also thanks to Jess, my assistant, for tagging along for the heck of it as well!) and not even complaining even once.

Weddings are hectic, plain and simple.  I know that a lot of photographers offer “the day after” sessions and I’ve always had this sort of “well, it wasn’t REALLY the wedding day so why would anyone be interested in that ” attitude.  After spending 3 hours with Joe & Emily (driving & shooting) it sort of brought a whole new awareness of the fact that so many couples are missing out on cool photo opportunities of just the two of them. I wish I could demand that every couple allow me 2 hours of time on every wedding day, but I’m realistic and know that the wedding day has enough demands as it is.  So here is where I am…Did you miss out on photo opportunities on your wedding day? Did you get married in a different season or did the weather not cooperate?  Were you not satisfied with your wedding images or are you just in the market for some new updated photos of just the two of you??  Connect with me and let’s document that fact that you two have still got it and intend to keep it….love that lasts.

Which reminds me…Do you think Steve will do this with me?  Will my wedding gown fit?  Will anyone notice if I cut off the super puffy should sleeve things off of my wedding gown?

High School Senior Photography – Brynn!

Here we are back into the swing of it. July 4th is just around the corner and the “BTS” (Back to school) stuff will be (unfairly) on display starting next Tuesday.  I’m not even settled into my summer routine yet!

I know that most kids are so busy during the summer with jobs, camps, mission trips etc. and I encourage you to take a look at your schedule and figure out when you’re available and get it scheduled sooner than later to avoid the dreaded “BTS” rush.

Senior sessions are an adventure!  I love trekking around Grand Rapids or any location trying to find anything that’s unique, interesting and different from what everyone else is doing.  The main focus of my photos is always going to be YOU! If you have something special in mind let me know, otherwise call or email me and we’ll chat about your options.  ALSO, if you’re interested in splitting the session with a friend(s) check out my website for the sweet deal I offer every year. Everybody is suddenly getting in on it!

Here are some photos of Brynn, she’ll be a senior at Rockford High School (Go Rams!).  She was sweet to work with, she’s totally into photography and wasn’t wild about being on the other side of the camera, but she did great and I enjoyed hanging out with her as much as anything during our fun night on the town.