Mike & Tori |Grand Rapids Wedding Photography|

33 sessions and 3 weddings in 21 days…  That all seemed like a good idea when I was scheduling it but now I’m BURIED in photos! {YIKES!!}  The weather has been great, my clients have been amazing (and so patient) , my family has been supportive by tolerating a less than organized house and eating meals on the fairly simple side (and a little later than normal). So while I’m out and about with my camera every day it’s left me very little time at my desk; I can’t believe this is the last week of summer. Next week my house is going to be a lot quieter and will stay picked up for longer than a few hours.   My schedule will change to an easier balance and we will be back into a more settled routine, I’ll have time to catch up on work and housework, and maybe squeeze in a full shopping trip to the grocery store…. with a LIST.  Do I dare to dream of such things??

Mike and Tori’s wedding was beautiful.  It was so sweet and simple and it just makes me wonder when and how and why weddings got to be so complicated.  At our meeting they told me that they were going with a simple appetizer and dessert reception in the church’s gym/fellowship hall because there were so many people that they loved and wanted to be part of the celebration that it was the only way to avoid leaving anyone out.  Every table had a cake on it in the center, all the cakes were brought by their friends and family.  I watched as the guests studied the tables and decided where to sit based on the cake.  I loved this!! (I’m a little crazy when it comes to cake)

The focus wasn’t on the cakes or the party, it was the marriage.  Young and old came from near and far to witness as these two accepted and made a promise to be committed to God’s gift of marriage.  A marriage that will undoubtedly be a platform to share God’s love and grace with each other and everyone that crosses their paths. There isn’t a cake in the world that could top that.


Katie & Ethan| Grand Rapids Wedding Photography

I love these two.

I love how sweet, gentle and courteous they are with one another; loving and respectful.

I love their families.

I love that they are so affectionate with one another.

I love that they’re they’re optimistic yet realistic, excited but grounded, hopeful and faithful.

I love that they are sentimental.

I love that they have truly embraced that two are stronger than one; life is just better with the one you love beside you.


Jaxon – 6 weeks old| Grand Rapids Michigan Newborn Photography

I don’t usually photograph many infants at 6 weeks, it not that I can’t, it’s just not your “traditional” time . When his Mom called and  started telling me how important it was to her to get some photos of him soon since he was growing so fast and I was immediately on board with her sense of urgency.  At 6 weeks he’s a 12 pound little butterball.  His little cheeks are so round & sweet,  eyes big enough to  melt anyone’s heart, and his creamy beautiful skin. He’s gorgeous.  Babies really grow SO incredibly fast, the ages and stages just flow from one to the next.  In just 6 weeks his little personality is now emerging and he just loves his Momma.  During the session his eyes roaming, listening  for her familiar voice and he breaks out into a huge grin when he finds her face.     If you think his smile is sweet, you should see the smile that comes onto her face when she looks at him… so beautiful.  Can you believe I make a living at doing this?

Watching them together I am reminded of that song by Celine Dion – “Have you ever been in love”…

Have you ever been in love
You could touch the moonlight
When your heart’s shooting stars
You’re holding heaven in your arms
Have you ever been so in love


One in a Million | Grand Rapids Michigan Wedding Photography

Truth:

I’m a hopeless romantic. I honestly believe in happily every after.  Notice no one ever said “easily ever after”?

I believe in love at first sight. I can remember the exact moment I saw my husband for the first time.  I think about that all the time.  Why do I remember that moment so clearly and yet so many other people I’ve met through my life I can’t remember that “first moment”?

I am crazy about wedding cake.  I crave it!  I am truly a “cake” person but honestly I think cake just tastes different (better!)  when there is a woman wearing a white dress in the room.  When couples smash wedding cake in each other’s faces it freaks me out.

I think couples should re-propose at least once a year. Won’t  it increase your love for each other if you propose and he/she said “yes” again? Life can get the best of you,  does your husband/wife know you’re STILL in it to win it?

I pray for every single couple that I photograph the morning of their wedding.  I  pray for the day, for the families, for the celebration and that God would give me a vision for the day;  that the keepsake of this wedding would Glorify Him.

I bite my lip to keep from crying when the bride and her father dance; but the anniversary dance gets me every time. Watching a couple who has been married for a VERY significant amount of time dance (the Grooom’s grand parents at 63 years!) should give all married couples hope and courage to face all the days ahead.

My favorite part of this day came during the best man’s toast. He spoke about how his brother is picky (choosy)… he takes his time, makes careful and thoughtful decisions and prefers “the very best” and his beautiful new wife is no exception. Knowing the groom had given his bride a “One in a Million” necklace earlier I am overwhelmed by this truth.   So sweet.

It seems “True Love” is still alive and well.

Fabulous Venue: Thousand Oaks

Beautiful Church: Trinity Lutheran Church, Conklin

Gorgeous Flowers: Gail Vanderlaan Floral

BFF’s| Grand Rapids Family Photography

Sisters are blossoms in the garden of life.  ~Author Unknown

I titled this BFF’s because I’m adding these two to my personal list.  I’ve have the privilege of photographing them for several years. Lauren was 4 the first time she came to me and her little sister was born about a year later.   They crack me up,  Lauren is all business when were “working” (Let’s use that term very loosely because being with them is way to much fun to use the “w” word),  she’s about as close as I’ll ever get to a super model and although Claire doesn’t seem to mind it she’s more business as in …Let’s get on with it so we can be done.  Seeing them in their rolls as “big sister” and “little sister” is so sweet….Lauren is  caring and sweet with Claire, she offers direction and guides her.  Claire is quiet. She listens and follows Lauren lead.  They hold hands, they laugh, little hugs & kisses; Lauren helps Claire smile by lifting up her lip….Claire cracks up after Lauren kisses (and kisses) her cheek.  Want the dog in a pose? No problem, Lauren is on it.   It’s seriously more fun than I should be allowed!!