Family!

Last week, I drove down to Schoolcraft, MI to do a family session for the Bolz family. Every time I see them, I'm touched by their sense of 'family' and their closeness...this is what family get-togethers should be like...exchanging stories, sharing cooking duties and taking turns occupying the kids. They inviting me to stay for dinner afterwards and I shared in the dinner table conversation.  Family photos just in time to celebrate the holidays...I had such a good time and the kids were so well behaved, I can't wait to watch their family grow through my camera lens!

Ryan and Samara (W. K. Kellogg Manor)

What a great place for a wedding...the W. K. Kellogg Manor was perfectly suited for this autumn wedding. The wind and cold kept us inside for most of the day but, we didn't mind, this mansion was so beautiful and interesting. The staff and service was exceptional and, I have to say, it was my favorite wedding meal ever! And I've had A LOT of great wedding meals. The McPherson family made me feel like they had known me for years and everyone was so happy to be a part of Ryan and Samara's big day. I can't wait to get all of the photos done and sent to the happy newly weds but, for now, here's a little preview.

Jon senior session (Ann Arbor, MI)

Sunny days can be a challenge for portrait photography...especially when you don't know your surroundings. I've been to Ann Arbor plenty of times but, never really walked around or explored much so, I let Jon lead the way. He had some great spots picked out and we had a great time.

Lennox senior session- Grand Rapids Portrait photography

I first met Lennox about 4 years ago when I photographed his family's portrait. It was exciting to photograph him again and see how he has grown in to a very bright, mature and handsome young man.

I picked the first location, an old train trestle downtown...at first, the sun was way too bright and making me work hard to avoid harsh shadows and highlights.  Then Lennox picked the second location (top secret) with a cool wooden dock, paths thru tall switchgrass and a really cool hill parked under high voltage power lines. By the time we hiked up the massive hill, the sun was starting to set and the light was awesome. We would've stayed longer but we didn't have flashlights to make the trek back through the woods. I can't wait to take someone back there to my new favorite portrait location!!

Theo!

I drove up north this weekend to visit friends and photograph their son Theo.  Let me tell you, this little man is an expert in cuteness! I followed him around for a couple hours while he played around at grandpa's house; he had my laughing so hard I cried! It was warm outside, so his shirt did not stay on long and the cold garden hose was a welcomed relief.

Inaugural Intersection Wedding

I had the pleasure of photographing the first ever wedding at the Intersection concert venue here in downtown GR. I had my work cut out for me between very little light to work with and a huge wedding party of 25 people, but, in the end, I had a blast. From an impromptu match of Rock/Paper/Scissors between the bride and groom during their vows to the groom dipping his mom during the mother-son dance.  Everyone in attendance was over-joyed to be a part of Matt and Val's special day! Here's a peek...btw, Valerie was completely at ease in front of the camera and is one of the most stunning brides I have ever worked with.

ah...babies

I recently had the privilege of photographing my friends', Nick and Cindy, baby Abernathy. She was born Oct 25th (the day after my birthday :))and her parents couldn't be more pleased. Having photographed their wedding last year, I am beginning to feel like part of the family. Baby Abby slept the whole time, which is fine, I'm sure the next sitting will be different! I just wanted to share.

Wisest (Wiseman+Forrest) :)

It's been a month now, since I photographed Allison and Chase's wedding...I'm just now realizing that I never posted a blog for them!

I have to say that this was one of my favorite weddings ever. By this, I mean, I had a great time and they weren't trying to fit any mold with their special day. These folks were some of the most charismatic people I've ever met. Nothing was rushed or forced, it was a very natural. I reminded them "pretend I'm not here!" They had no issue with that. I felt honored to be a part of their big day. Here is a few of my favorite images from that day....enjoy!

Riverside senior session

Last Sunday, I met up with Eric and his folks for a low-key senior portrait session. Basically, his mom forced him to do it; had it been up to him, he wouldn't have had seniors pictures at all.  We went down to Riverside Park and the weather was perfect. The rain had stopped and we had some really good cloud cover. All in all, a good day in the Park.

Jacobs wedding

This time, I traveled south to Plainwell,  to photograph the wedding of a couple I barely know and had only met once prior to the big day. I always say, it's good luck when it rains on your wedding day and as with the last wedding I shot, yes it rained, in fact we had wind and thunderstorms, but luckily not until after the ceremony and all of the formal photos!! Every time I travel to shoot a wedding, it's an experience; whether it's 40 miles or 400...it doesn't matter, every trip imprints images into my brain. These are the images that I try to include in my blogs; it could be 2 images, it could be 6. Even though this blog shows only a few, the few that I have chosen are the ones I feel represent the day. I hope you enjoy my blog and if you do, please tell your friends :)

Reynolds wedding

I've just finished editing their wedding and realized...'shoot (no pun intended) I forgot to post a preview blog.'  I am so sorry Jake and Kristi.
For those of you that weren't there, a quick recap of how the day went:
It was crazy hot out during the day and just before the ceremony storm clouds rolled in and it began to thunder. Everyone looked a little worried but I kept thinking 'it's GOOD luck if it rains on your wedding day, I hope it rains on my wedding day'  It began to rain softly just as the couple recited their vows. I wish I could remember some of the words because it was awesome, definitely the most creative vows I've ever heard. All throughout the ceremony, people on tubes and kayaks floated by on the river shouting words of encouragement and congratulations, it was quite entertaining! After the formal photos and some goofing around, we went into the tent for dinner and the rain came in torrents! Perfect timing!

These are my favorite shots from that day.

Bethany and Rich

so sweet

love is

I recently had the pleasure of photographing an engagement session with two very cool people, Bethany and Rich.  These two are laid back, genuine and just happy to be. We went to Post Family Farms in Hudsonville, MI...Whoa, definitely a beautiful spot! We walked the wooded trails, pet some goats and scoped out some sweet spots to hit up on their wedding day there. We even discovered a litter of adorable kittens...at which point I had to make a fast getaway as not to bring one of them home with me!