A quarantine birthday party - Kalamazoo studio portraits (and photography giveaway notice)

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I think we all know at this point that due to the whole COVID-19 situation we’re in, that quite a few birthdays in spring of 2020 are not exactly what we were expecting them to be.
As a human being that loves people, but typically opts for social distance activities on my April birthday (Hammocking, eating charcuterie, petting dogs, etc.) rather than a big party, I didn’t expect many of my plans to change. But the mood certainly did.
It’s so important to be doing what we can to keep others safe at this time, and staying home and distancing is so appreciated by those who don’t have that choice. That being said, I have missed the absolute heck out of shooting! So, I did what any photographer with a tripod, an indoor studio, and a bottle of wine would do: I hosted by own quarantine birthday party.

First of all, if you want to replicate the vintage party vibes, grab that handy 1/2 pro mist filter, and some iridescent cellophane. If you don’t have the filter, a little Vaseline around the edges of your lens is a classic standby to get those bloomy highlights. I also had some pink and coral gels to compliment the foreground, feel free to mess around with whatever color scheme suits your fancy.

Second of all, this mini self-portrait shoot was exactly what my heart needed, and I cannot wait to get back into the world of documenting lovely people. Which brings me to the fun part…

So many incredible humans have given up their birthday celebration this year to keep others safe, and that’s beautiful and worth recognizing. So here’s the Stay-at-home birthday giveaway!
If you or someone you know had their birthday effected by the pandemic in any way, drop their name on Facebook or Instagram and two people will be randomly chosen to be gifted an entire photo shoot to be redeemed safely at a later date this year. Studio, headshots, stylized, outdoor, whatever. Their choice entirely, and their day to celebrate.
The winners don’t have to be a fan of either page to win, and I’ll be choosing one winner from Facebook and one from Instagram, so feel free to throw the same name out twice! Here are the links that matter:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/entradaphotography

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/entradaphotography



Thanks for being fabulous Michigan, see you soon.

Emily - High fashion portrait photography

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I had the pleasure of getting in one last studio session a few days before the stay-at-home order was announced, and I was so thrilled that I did.
Emily is a crazy talented model who came to me with the concept of shooting portraits inspired by the sign Aries. She stylized the wardrobe like a boss, showed me her inspiration board, and let me go crazy with my lighting and camera tricks.

I used a 1/2 stop Pro Mist filter to get the dreamy vintage vibes, and edgy strobes to bring the drama. Additional drama was brought by Emily killing it.
This was the perfect mood booster to be editing within the first few days of home office life, and I can’t wait until we’re able to work together on a new concept!

Nate and Olivia - Adventure couples photos in Michigan

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This is an interesting time to be alive right now. People are staying inside, not having contact with one another, and doing their best to make sure the world is safe very soon. I appreciate all the efforts, and I’m right there with you.
Since wedding season has been pushed back a little, I still want to show off adorable people in love, so here’s the cutest camping shoot I never got a chance to show you!

Nate and Olivia are awesome people who were models for a commercial shoot last summer. When we were wrapping up, I saw the golden hour light getting just too perfect to not take advantage of and asked them if they wanted a few bonus portraits while we were there. Nate also being a photographer, completely agreed that we couldn’t waste all the pretty backlighting, and let’s be honest, these two just straight up need to be in front of the camera more.

Things I learned from this:
1. Seriously, Nate and Olivia genuinely will make your life better by being in it. Dang rays of sunshine is what they are.
2. I absolutely need to do more camping/adventure couples shoots this year! I love incorporating a narrative, and a personal story into the photos I take, and Michigan has a ton of natural beauty that simply must be documented.

More previously unreleased photo sessions coming to the blog through the next few weeks!

Chelsea and Nick - Intimate Kalamazoo wedding ceremony

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When Chelsea reached out to me in July, I could tell immediately this wasn’t an average wedding inquiry. Her wedding celebration was scheduled for a date in September when I was sadly not available, so when I got her message asking about July availability, I knew there was a very good reason for it.


Her dad was very close to losing his battle with stage four cancer. He was slipping a little more each day, and they knew the likelihood of still having him with them in September was almost completely none. Rather than feel sorry for themselves or moving dates, Chelsea and Nick decided to have a private ceremony in her grandmother’s home so that her father could experience the joy of giving her away.
I was so honored to be asked to document such an important event for them, and at the time I had no idea just how much it was going to affect me.


There was an unmistakable energy in the house when I arrived, preparations just like any other wedding ceremony, Chelsea wore her dress, and Nick his suit. They went through the motions of their Irish knot ceremony, Nick completely unable to take his eyes off his future bride the entire time.
Chelsea had chosen the absolute perfect song for her first dance with her dad: “Daddy” by Abby Anderson. At this point, it wasn’t possible for her dad to stand comfortably for the entirety of the song, so Chelsea got down on her knees and held him close for their dance. The lyrics perfectly communicated all the words no one could find, and there was genuinely not a dry eye in the room, mine included.

This day was gorgeous, and perfect. It had so much joy, and also such a weight on the little time we have with those we love. Chelsea’s father passed away eleven days before their wedding celebration. This day truly made me reevaluate the importance of photos, and documenting memories. We often take for granted the opportunity to capture and hold a moment, always thinking there will be another one down the road, but the truth is you never really know.


Hold the ones you love.
Take lots of pictures.
Tell people you love them.

Nicole - Kalamazoo studio portraits

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Michigan winter is kind of an odd beast from a photography perspective. On one hand, you can’t feel your feet for several months and the sun might not show itself for three weeks at a time. On the other hand, snowy engagement sessions are amazing, and the frigid weather is the perfect opportunity to utilize cool lighting and indoor locations! Our Kalamazoo studio ends up being my cold weather sanctuary most of the time, and the coffee is always flowing.

Nicole is not only an awesome model, but an incredible person as well. I’ve known her for years, our first shoot together taking place in 2016. Nicole is consistently stunning, and my work has been through quite an evolution since then. She came to me with a portrait concept and then just let me go crazy with experiments and camera tricks. It was a refreshing shoot and a great time featuring gels, shutter drags, and Butter’s the cowboy corgi.

Rachel and Jake - Downtown Grand Rapids engagement photos

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When I first met Rachel and Jake, I could tell they were pretty perfect for one another. Their first date at Brewery Vivant led to many more, and now they can’t see a life without one another.

One of the best parts of photographing in Grand Rapids is the sheer amount of variety you get between locations. We started at Riverside park to incorporate some of Michigan’s natural winter beauty, and then obviously had to stop in for a brew and warm up at Brewery Vivant before finishing up downtown. Not only is this place a stunning old church that was repurposed into a thriving pub for beer enthusiasts of all types, but the staff went out of their way to make this engagement session an amazing experience for Rachel and Jake.
They gave us free rein of the pub and even led us on a mini tour of the brewery with the manager. I for one, was in heaven.

These stunners were nothing but smiles and laughter despite the frigid cold, and that is my favorite type of person.
Congratulations Rachel and Jake! Your Barn at Monterey Valley wedding is going to be amazing!

Michelle and Drew - Traverse City winery tour engagement photos

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As long as I’ve known Michelle and Drew, they’ve been one of the most effortlessly cool couples. Always down to explore, show their family and friends a good time, and find new passions together.
For us as photographers,a huge goal whenever we shoot an engagement session is to incorporate special details or locations that help tell a couple’s story. When they talked about Traverse City and the Suttons Bay area and all the memories they hold, it was such an obvious choice for the engagement session. I am also a huge fan of Northern Michigan, and will look for literally any excuse to venture up that way. These two hold wine memberships at more Michigan wineries than I think most people do in a lifetime, so we started with two of their favorites (Blustone Vineyards and Black Star Farms) before finishing up in the winter igloos of Hop Lot Brewing Company.

Will shoot Traverse City engagement photos any day.

Congratulations Drew and Michelle, your 2020 wedding will be the party everyone talks about and you deserve all the happiness you bring each other!

Allison and Josh - Kalamazoo engagement photos

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I’ve grown really find of winter engagement sessions over the last few years.
There’s a certain romance to the snowy landscape around Kalamazoo, and it’s hard to beat that soft light all day long. In addition, you’re forced to think a little bit harder about warmup locations which adds to the challenge and creativity, with the added bonus that snow-loving couples tend to not let anything phase them. It’s a win all around!

Allison and Josh are sweet, authentic and have the warmest smiles around. Turns out they had been so close to knowing each other from one connection or another all their lives, but when the time was right and they finally met, it was definitely meant to be. They already had fantastic ideas for where they wanted to shoot their engagement photos, and as always, Kalamazoo delivers.

Congratulations Allison and Josh, I’m so stoked for your wedding this year!

Gillian and Stephen - Dayton Ohio wedding photos

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There’s so much that was special about Gillian and Stephen’s wedding that I’m not even sure where to start.

First of all, Gillian is mad talented, and so many of their wedding details was hand made by her. I’m not just talking centerpieces here, she made her silk gown (With pockets!), hand knit her veil, and even baked their wedding cake from scratch from her grandmother’s recipe.

Second, these two are so in love and perfect for each other, it was truly moving. They didn’t bother with a formal first look as Stephen was such a help through the dress making process that he had already seen it, but was still blown away by her. We did all of their portraits before the ceremony in the gorgeously low November afternoon sun, and I could’ve easily shot with them for hours.
Their wedding parties were also the sweetest. Nick, the best creative partner and second shooter around, made a cameo in the groomsman portraits at the demand of everyone else in them, and it’s still one of my favorite group shots ever.
The ceremony and reception were nothing but friends and family having an amazing time together and complete laughter from everyone there, and the dance floor constantly showed the swing dancing portion of Stephen and Gillian’s history.
Now, one of my favorite moments.
Gillian and Stephen were so thorough in making sure all their guests were taken care of and had champagne for the toast, that they forgot their own. Thankfully, someone had gifted them a bottle of whiskey, and so they toasted with full champagne flutes of the good stuff.
The whole day was an amazing time, and the best way to finish off the 2019 season. I will 100% be a destination wedding photographer any day.

I adore you sweet people, congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Bloomingdale!

Melanie and Mike - Downtown Kalamazoo wedding photos

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I’ve known Mike for years, and I can say with certainty that there is not a better person in this world for him than Melanie.
She’s a real-life Disney princess, and brightens up every room she walks into. Mike is confident and fiercely loyal to the people he holds dear. Through the months leading up to the wedding, every time I received a message from Mel about a new detail or photo request, I grew even more excited to be there documenting their day.
The ceremony took place at the First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo (excuse me, stained glass like this should be illegal) and the look on Mike’s face when he saw his bride was making it hard for anyone to not lose it.
They took the cutest trolley to The Fountains banquet center to start the party to end all parties. Their wedding included the most unique garter toss of all time, and I dare anyone to top a surprise lightsaber fight.

Melanie and Mike, you are incredible people, and I hope your future together is as magical as every Disneyworld vacation you will take.
Congratulations!

Jayna and Brandon - Bay Pointe Inn wedding photos

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Jayna and Brandon’s wedding was a super special day, and came exactly when I needed it to.
Not only is Jayna a gorgeous bride, but she's an incredible human.
Theirs was the first wedding we had in November, which means all the craziness of October portrait sessions and edits was coming to a close, and the amount of sleep I was averaging was a whole lot of not much. Jayna was like hitting a creativity reset button.
From the first moment we arrived, she was asking what we need, and telling us how much she trusted us to do what we need to make the photos amazing. She was telling all her friends and family about how she chose me, and how passionate I am about my work. She made me so excited to shoot her wedding, and get incredible photos for them, and I genuinely fell in love with the work all over again because of her.

The weather on their wedding day was pretty similar to their engagement session (The parking garage rain photos that are still to this day some of my favorites) so I knew this would be the right group of people to embrace it, and not shy away from a little rain, hail, snow, and wind. Literally all of those within just a few hours, and not a single complaint out of any of the wedding party, once again resulting in some of my favorite photos.

A few things I learned that day:
1. Brandon and Jayna are not afraid of showing emotion, and I am so about it.
2. Always check to see how many Fireball shots are being taken at a reception before you offer to pay for it (Thankful to learn this one second hand haha).
3. A military wedding isn’t a military wedding until there is a pushup competition.

Mr and Mrs Miller, you two are so good for each other. You bring so much joy and encouragement to those around you, and I wish you nothing but years of happiness!


Abby and Shane - Kalamazoo Loft 310 wedding photos

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There is a lot that was special about Abby and Shane’s wedding.
They initially planned the ceremony to take place at the Skydeck above their reception venue in downtown Kalamazoo, but when the weather had other plans, the Entertainment District came through with a stunning plan B: What I’m pretty sure is THE most beautiful minimalist chapel of all time. These two took it all in stride, and were genuinely just happy to be marrying each other.
Additionally, Abby is the queen of rentals, and I mean that in the best way possible. She had on a stunning Rent the Runway dress for their engagement photos, and all the flowers at the wedding were created by Events by I Candy, and loaned out for the occasion. I seriously had no idea they weren’t real until I picked them up, I am still kind of floored at how perfect they were!
Also.
I am not even ashamed to say that I cried on their wedding day, and here’s why.
Abby had helped to care for Holly, an incredibly sweet girl with downs syndrome, and became very close to her family. She knew Holly may never get a wedding day of her own to cherish, so she decided to share her day with Holly and her father so that they could walk down the aisle and have their first dance together. The amount of love and selflessness that Abby and Shane have for other people is moving in so many ways, and I hope to make even a fraction of the difference that they make in the lives of those around them.

Abby and Shane, it was an honor to get to know you and your story. I’m so excited for all the memories you’ll create together through the years, congratulations again!

Kristin and Will - Downtown Kalamazoo wedding photos

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I’m going to be perfectly clear and just start out by saying Kristin and Will are badasses.
They met in the military and are no strangers to hard work and commitment. Their hobbies, interests, and goals all compliment each other so well, and the amount of fun I had on their unseasonably cold engagement session day told me the wedding was going to be incredible.
The ceremony took place at St. Lukes in downtown Kalamazoo, and we had a stunning October day for two people to promise their lives to each other.
Kristin is one of the few people who I truly think rivals my obsession with dogs, so their puppers obviously had to make an appearance in the wedding photos post-ceremony (dressed to the nines in appropriate wedding fashion). We then took a break from the wedding party to walk around downtown and adventure over to the reception venue.
I’ll be perfectly clear about something else real quick: there is nothing I don’t love about Loft 310. Their staff is lovely, the amount of white everywhere makes lighting so flattering, and their dance setup truly reflects the party that was Mr. and Mrs. James. The dancing started and didn’t stop, and I was in heaven for all of it.

Congratulations Kristin and Will, you two are made for each other!

Rachel and Dustin - Big Rapids farm wedding photos

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Rachel and Dustin are down-to-earth people with huge hearts. She contacted me about being their wedding photographer before they were even engaged (He asked not long afterwards, and it was an easy yes from her) and I was beyond honored to get to know them so much through this process!
It didn’t take long to see that they are such a good fit for each other. They both have great senses of humor, and never take themselves too seriously. They were good friends that became the best of friends, and everyone who knows them can see it was meant to be.

The wedding took place on the property of some of their dear friends, and it was completely stunning any direction you look. I had the opportunity to see the farm at their engagement session, and I had been looking forward to their day even more so ever since!
Their wedding included everything from an emotional first look with Rachel’s dad, a hayride through their hometown, and a cake cutting with Dustin’s pocket knife (you do what you have to do!). Dustin’s vintage truck made it into some of our last portraits of the night, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Congratulations you beautiful people, thanks so much for letting me be a part of it all!

Natalie and Libby - Michigan backyard wedding photos

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I don’t even know where to start with Natalie and Libby.
On our engagement adventure last year, their humor and taste went so well with my own, that we just naturally kept in touch through the planning process. They have shown me nothing but genuine care and friendship, and that’s how they affect those around them.

Their wedding day was one of my favorites. I adore shooting small, intimate weddings and it’s even more of a bonus when the location means so much to the couple. The ceremony took place on the property belonging to Natalie’s dad, where she grew up and made memories. They did a first look (there were definitely tears) and left such a good amount of time for portraits that I fell in love with too many not to edit an actual ton.


Natalie and Libby, I hope you have an amazing life and many more cats together! You deserve all the best, and I was so thrilled to be part of your day.

Amanda and Mark - The Treasury wedding photos

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These two people are pretty special.
I first met Amanda as I shot her sister Kristi’s wedding, and I could already see how thoughtful and caring she was to everyone around her. Mark compliments her perfectly with an equally big heart, and adoring eyes that he never seems to take off Amanda.
Their wedding day was filled with personal details, from the paper flowers that Kristi hand made, to Amanda’s wedding dress that was originally worn by her mother and customized to be the dream gown that she rocked with a pair of Converse all day.
The venue itself was insane. The Treasury in Pontiac Michigan was once a bank, with an incredibly designed ceiling, grand windows all along the mezzanine (where we did their emotional first look)and a retired vault that the super accommodating staff let us take photos in. By far one of the most unique spots I’ve had the pleasure to shoot in, it was incredible.

I genuinely feel like these two are more than a couple who’s day I documented, but they’re amazing people who I am honored to call friends.

Congratulations Amanda and Mark!

Kerrie and Robert - Greystone Golf Club wedding photos

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From the moment I met Kerrie and Robert at their Ludington engagement session earlier this year, I could tell two things:
1. They love their dogs so much (same, I also love their dogs).

2. Their wedding was going to be an incredible day.

Both of these proved to be completely true. They had personalized details all over their wedding day, from the “Meeple” cufflinks that Robert made his groomsmen, to the cutest and ring bearer ever (You could call him a gold retriever) to the stunning floral headpiece Kerrie’s sister made for her, and the beloved classic car her dad prepared to be the perfect transportation for the day. Every detail was so thought out and special.
The weather for an outdoor Greystone Golf Club ceremony was about as beautiful as any day this year, blue skies as far as you could see, and ideal conditions for golden hour portraits right on the golf course.
The party went on late into the night fueled by reception pizza, a s’mores bar, and a cowboy hat that I think graced the head of every single person on the dance floor.

Congratulations Kerrie and Robert, I hope you always smile like you did that day!

Deziree and Mike - The Barn at Monterey Valley wedding photos

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When I first arrived on Deziree and Mike’s wedding day, I was immediately floored at how stunning the venue was. Like, any direction you point a camera has nature, rustic charm, or a beautiful detail. Turns out it only got better! Their wedding party was full of supportive people who adore them, and Deziree and Mike were completely deserving of all the beauty that surrounded them. They care for each other, aren’t afraid to show their feelings, and have built such a great example for their family of what it is to be loved.

Through all the festivities, the Barn at Monterey Valley staff were so sweet and helpful, and genuinely added so much to the wedding day (For real, I will shoot here again any day).
The evening included a s’mores pit, sundae bar, the most intense cake cutting I have ever witnessed, and the first piggyback sparkler entrance in my eight years of documenting weddings.
It was a great time.

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Double!

Tammy and Paula - Sherman Lake Outdoor Center wedding photos

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What can I even say about Tammy and Paula that could possibly do them justice? You can’t help but love them when you first meet, they are both such bright, beautiful l influences on your day, and you can tell their hearts of gold touch everyone they come in contact with. They balance each other perfectly, Tammy is steady and organized to Paula’s enthusiastic and spur-of-the-moment additude. They support and love each other, and it’s genuinely an inspiration.
Their wedding day took place at the stunning Sherman Lake Outdoor Center. Their first look took place at the lakeside fire pit, and ceremony at the outdoor chapel. I absolutely love first looks. We were able to get most of the important photos out of the way beforehand, and you could not beat Paula’s reaction as Tammy walked towards her down the aisle. You could see so much genuine joy in all the faces of the guests for these beautiful humans, and we were honored to be a part of it.

Congratulations Tammy and Paula, you have so many happy years ahead of you!