Newborn Special!! |Grand Rapids Michigan Newborn Photographer

It’s that time of the year where my wheels are spinning.  I actually have time to think and  am so excited to try out some new things, some new props and I’m in need of  several beautiful babies.  I’m looking for several  babies under 2 weeks of age.  I would like them to be born between February 18th – March 18th or between April 9th-May 9th. If you or someone you know is having a baby I have some sweet deals that you won’t want to miss out on!

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+Dennis {Grand Rapids Wedding Photography}

Wow.  January 23rd and I’m just getting around to the year’s first blog post!  I took a much needed 2 weeks off in December and then spent the last 3 weeks getting kids back to school, removing all things Christmas from my home and wrapping my mind around all the “business” stuff that keeps be busy during the winter months…..Taxes, organizing & planning.  Those 3 things can be all consuming, if only being a photographer meant just taking pictures…..and then like a dream I am offered a pleasant distraction. A session comes up on my  schedule and finally I’m back at it, if only for a moment and all is right with the world again.

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!


2012 Gift Certificate Special!

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!

Brittany + Alex – Engaged! |Grand Rapids Wedding Photography

I’m at my peak of busy time trying to wrap up 2011 knowing that 2012 is just around the bend.  Before I know it my calendar is going to flip and I’ll be in the thick of it all over again.  I’ve recently had an opportunity to do a few more engagement sessions for my fabulous couples whose weddings I will be shooting next year.   I wish I had time to blog all of them or even just a few of them but it is crazy busy over here and blogging takes time….and thought…mostly because I always have so much to say and this seems to be as good of a place as any. As we approach Thanksgiving I have so many reasons to be thankful and I ponder all the different things every day.  But having this job of documenting, truly,  the joy of life….well… I’m so blessed.

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!


Jim & Shanda {Grand Rapids Wedding Photography}

During that amazing stretch of Indian Summer Jim & Shanda were married. Simply put, I think it may have been the most gorgeous day of the entire fall season.  When I think of fall I think of fruit and more specifically harvest. Combine it all, meeting & being engaged (patience), planning a wedding (gentleness & self control), family and friends helping you orchestrate a day of your dreams ( kindness), even the weather cooperates (peace) and you have an amazing harvest of  some true “fruit”…..specifically love & joy.  It was a joyful celebration of the blessing of life & love. I was thrilled to be a part of it.