Michigan engagement photographer
Every once in a while, I dedicate a little time to a creative shoot to test a technique, location, or sometimes just because this is a fun line of work, and I want to make an idea come to life.
”Direct flash and nightlife” were the inspiration for this shoot (also sounds like a candle from Bath and Body Works to be honest), and Olivia and Colton were the perfect models for the job. We jumped around downtown Grand Rapids with a single flash and all the vibes.
Olivia and Garrett’s engagement session had all the necessities (specifically flowers and wine). They were already so sweet and natural in front of the camera, but it is definitely a portrait session pro-tip to have a sip of something before, or during your session to loosen nerves and just generally make photos more of a complete activity, or maybe even a date night.
It was a fairly hot Michigan fall evening when we adventured around Al Sabo preserve looking for the best photo and picnic locations, and we were certainly not disappointed.
Congratulations you two!
Oh 2020, what can I say about you that hasn’t been said already?
There is no doubt that one year ago, none of us had predicted what we would be put through, but sitting here on New Years Eve, waiting to wave goodbye to 2020 with only the middle finger on each hand, I am truly humbled at all the wonderful moments this year also contained.
I wanted to share some of my personal favorites of the 2020 wedding season. Some of these photos represent what the year was, some show my progression as a photographer wanting to take more unique and risky portraits, and some just show the amount of love that continued to show itself through a historically challenging time.
I grew in a lot of ways this year, and I thank you all for growing with me.
Here’s to you beautiful people making the most of it, Happy New Year.
Casie and Matt are some of the sweetest people you will meet. I could tell from our first video call (a very 2020 statement) that they were going to be so easy to work with, and that was definitely the case.
We started in the downtown St Joseph area and wandered around some of the most perfect golden diffused light before heading to Tiscornia Park to finish up with all the beachy vibes you could want for a later summer engagement session. I love shooting with couples who are really up for anything, and these two were ready to jump in the water before I even asked.
Congratulations gorgeous people, I’m so excited for your 2021 wedding!
Britt and Zach are easily some of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet. They’re both driven and ambitious and spend so much of their time looking out for each other and the people around them.
When we were finally able to get an engagement session on the calendar (Thanks 2020), it was the perfect sunny beach day for a mini road trip from Kalamazoo to Warren Dunes. This spot has always had a million different locations to photograph in, and Britt and Zach were super down to adventure around with us.
Congrats you two! Your September wedding is going to be the stuff dreams are made of (and I’m not just saying that because the wedding meal is tacos).
When I first met Amanda at Bell’s Brewery (a great sign) to talk wedding photography details, I could already tell that she and Eric were going to be beautiful people to spend time with.
She told me all about their shared musical interests (Griz is their favorite artist), their dog who they wanted included in engagement photos named Griz (No seriously, they love this artist), and how they found each other and fell in love.
We started the engagement session at Provin Trails just outside of downtown, which is a hidden gem and the perfect place for the goodest boy Griz to get an adventure in before heading into the heart of Grand Rapids.
The year 2020 has not been kind to concert goers this year, so to incorporate their love of the music culture, we went to their favorite Griz mural (The artist, not the dog for those who are keeping track at home) and even swapped outfits to their favorite concert wear to complete the engagement session.
It was the best time and an amazing day. I can’t wait for the wedding you two! Keep showing love and spreading love.
As I’m getting ready to finally get back out there shooting intimate wedding ceremonies and engagement sessions (safely, and with nice long lenses) I’m still loving going back through previous work, so here’s another un-posted session in the meantime!
You would not believe the amount of times I’ve heard that someone doesn’t enjoy having their photo taken, but then they show up and absolutely nail it.
That was definitely the case with Cole. Ashley warned me at our first meeting that he hated photos so much that we could probably only talk him into a 30 minute mini-engagement session. She did, and it turned out that’s all they needed.
I had the best time walking through the woods of Al Sabo with them in the warm fall morning light, talking about their plans and their experiences. Ashley was glowing the whole time, and Cole just kept looking at her like she was the only thing in his world.
Their wedding plans may have shifted a little due to the COVID-19 situation, but their love is going to be just as strong when the wedding day arrives.
Congratulations you two!
Leah and Tommy’s story is a pretty sweet one.
Tommy bought his grandparent’s farm and is now fixing it up and making it their own. They wanted to make sure to include personal touches all through the engagement photos, so we wandered around the property, fed cows, and pet cats, then adventured a little further and ended up at the hunting cabin his dad had built on the property.
The entire time, I don’t think Tommy stopped smiling once. He has such a joy for life that you can’t help but smile right along with him! Leah is equally wonderful, and sweet, and without a doubt has Tommy’s whole heart.
Congratulations you two, I can’t wait for your Monterey Valley wedding next year!
If you’ve been around me for longer than five minutes, you may know that I’m mildly obsessed with dogs. When Kerrie and Robert pulled up to our decided engagement photo location with probably the most precious pup of all time, I knew it was going to be a good day. (Spoiler alert: he’s also the ring bearer at their wedding, giving a new meaning to “golden retriever”)
Robert’s family has been making memories in Ludington Michigan every summer for generations, so it was a no-brainer where they wanted to document the next step in their lives together. These two have infectious smiles, big hearts, and great taste in dogs.
Congratulations Kerrie and Robert, I’m so excited to document your wedding in August!
The day before Kristin and Will’s engagement session was mid sixties and sunny, great photo weather you might think! The day of our shoot comes around and the springtime air was replaced with low forties and enough wind to ruin just about any mood. You would never know it to look at these two. They took the whole thing in stride, laughing through the entire session, and joyfully pointing out every dog we saw along the way (I care deeply about that, Kristin gets me).
We wandered around ta few of the great locations downtown Grand Rapids has to offer, and then finished up with a pint at City Built Brewing. Honestly, it was perfect.
Congratulations Kristin and Will! Your October wedding is going to be magnificent.
When I first started talking engagement photo ideas with Amanda and Mark, she had one simple request: Her donut obsession needed to be represented. Obviously, Kalamazoo engagement photos meant Sweetwater’s was the clear option, and now I’m looking for any excuse to work delicious donuts into photo shoots!
These two are so unique and talented, and I have complete confidence their wedding is going to be a perfect reflection of who they are.
Congratulations you lovely people, I can’t wait to celebrate your marriage!
What a fantastic year 2018 has been!
Some really special people promised forever to one another. The more I got to know many of them, the more it felt like was photographing an old friend’s wedding, and I was celebrating their love right along with the guests. I’ve been so honored to have been trusted with some of the most important photos of these wonderful people lives, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. Here are a few favorites from the 2018 season that have always made me smile when I come across them.
Thanks for being part of my year, I can’t wait to see what 2019 brings!
