Contact me for more info  - You’re going to love it!  email gillisphoto@mac.com or call me at 616.550.8997.

*We’re looking for boys and girls, twins are welcome also!

Jessica and Dennis are planning a wedding in August. If I close my eyes really tight I can feel the warmth of the sun and just imagine how wonderful it will be when summer returns.  I was one of those people freaking out for snow a few weeks ago, actually complaining about our lack of winter….and then the temps dropped, and the snow came.  I couldn’t have been happier to see the sunshine on Saturday morning along with the gorgeous the fresh blank of snow.   When couples decide on a winter session this is exactly what I try to hold out for  Sunshine.  I’m all about  a beautiful day where the colors are vibrant and images that convey warmth especially when the thermometer doesn’t.

Once again, I’m thankful for an opportunity to spend a little time with this couple before their wedding day.  Just an hour, short and sweet and the chance for us to “click”, to see their smiles & hear their stories of how it’s all coming together.  I never get tired of it.

Enjoy!

P.S.  She showed me a photo of her wedding gown and I’m still dying over it.  So.Absolutely.Fabulous. Can’t wait!

So I love black Friday and cyber Monday as much as all of you, who doesn’t want a great deal?  I’ve had a fantastic year this year and to show my appreciation I’m doing something I have never done and that’s offer a gift certificate special. I’m offering 4 gift certificate options for 2012 sessions from now until 11:59pm on 11/28/11.  Each certificate is discounted $50!

Click here to purchase!

If you’ve been neglecting getting your family photo done or you know someone who is having a baby, this is a gift you or your loved one will absolutely love, long after your iPad2 has passed.  I recently read a post on why people put off getting their family photo done, 2 reasons….1.) the same old excuse….I don’t like how I look, I hate my hair, I need to lose weight….2.) $$$.   Let me address both of those…I love every photo I have of my parents as well as my husband’s family.  I’ve asked a few people recently…”Do you ever look at your family photos and say…I would love this photo if only my mom was a little thinner or her hair styled differently?”…Isn’t that ridiculous? of course not!!  ….Secondly, my clients who have said to me….”when we first getting our kids photographed it seemed expensive and we weren’t sure we wanted to do it, as our kids have grown we look back and are so happy we made this investment, they grew up so fast, we can’t imagine not having our photos.  They’re memories we can’t afford to live without”. A to the MEN!

It’s time people!! Commit to having fabulous photos in 2012! Gift certificate are available for purchase until 12/17/11 but only on sale until 11:59pm on 11/28/11.

Certificates will be mailed directly to you but can be mailed elsewhere if you indicate that in your order.  Sessions must take place before 10/1/12 and expire on 11/1/12 (because its just not pretty outside after that).

Can’t wait to see your beautiful smiles in 2012!

Brittney & Alex were amazing!  Listening to them talk about the details of their day was really sweet.  A simple celebration is being planned, on the water, probably barefoot, as comfortable and casual as they can pull off. They’re excited for the wedding but mostly just can’t wait to be married.  Brittney & Alex – You’re going to love it!  Blessings to you both, can’t wait for your wedding day!

Hotel – Moana Surfrider – Ceremony/Reception – Outrigger Canoe Club

Somewhere, over the rainbow, way up high,

And the dreams that you dreamed of,
Once in a lullaby.

Oh, somewhere over the rainbow,
blue birds fly, And the dreams that you dreamed of,
Dreams really do come true.

Someday, I’ll wish upon a star,
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
Where trouble melts like lemon drops,
High above the chimney top,
That’s where you’ll find me.

I can hardly believe it’s been 10yrs. and that my baby is now 10yrs. old. This morning at the Healing Fields she walked all the way to the top of the Face with her Dad while I just walked around through the flags.  When I saw them coming back down she got to a point where she saw me and my waive put her into a straight sprint towards me which happens often. But for a brief instant I thought  ”Stop! Don’t run, be more reverent for where we are!”  but I didn’t stop her, I picked up my camera and started snapping. Because she’s 10.  Because she lives in America she does not live in fear. She doesn’t understand terrorism or war and she only knows what it’s like to be free. She is kind and courteous and respectful and is interested in the flags and the names and the stories, she will remember the victims through the news, stories and our recollections.  I don’t believe any of the victims of 9/11 would want those terrorists to steal another moment of joy from anyone, especially a 10yr old child.

My oldest son, now in his senior year of high school about to embark on the world and has arrived at the  the reality that freedom is not free. His eyes have been opened to world events…His generation is going to have a lot on their plate.   He is quiet, he take it all in, he is reflective….He remembers.

- – - – - – -

I’m proud to be an American,

where at least I know I’m free.

And I wont forget the men who died,

who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,

next to you and defend her still today.

‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,

God bless the USA.

Gorgeous Day, gorgeous couple, no detail overlooked, family an friends from around the world came and celebrated with this couple ,at the home of the groom’s parents, who very sweetly and generously hosted this lovely celebration.  I have attended many beautiful weddings and I am always amazed at how all of the little details come together.  At every turn of this wedding there was something beautiful to look at…the flowers were spectacular, a gorgeous ceremony and then to the groom’s parents home where a beautiful reception awaited us. It started on the patio, sweet glowing little lights strung above and even the glasses of champagne were sparkling and there certainly wasn’t a shortage of smiling faces.  After a bit we were escorted down to a clear tent that looked like something out of a movie set, it was that amazing.  As I was leaving late in the evening I couldn’t resist capturing an image of the party below that I knew would carry on late into the evening….and down at that part was a  beautiful couple at the very beginning of their happily ever after.  Congratulations Jordon & Iliana!!!