{06.28.2008} Congratulations Matt & Jenny!

Saturday morning Justin and I were off to St. Ives Resort in Stanwood, MI to capture Matt and Jenny's big day. Weather was perfect, rain wasn't supposed to move in till dinner time, and Jenny and Matt were fabulous!

Matt and Jenny's first meeting. They originally did not want to see each other before the ceremony, but changed their mind a few weeks before to be able to spend time with their family and friends after the ceremony.




The closeness of this wedding party was amazing. Entertainment is always appreciated! *giggles*

Thank you for making us a part of your day! Have a wonderful week of relaxation and getting comfy in your new home! I can't wait to hear where you decide to go in December...Disney or Bahamas...such a challenging choice!

{06.27.2008} Congratulations Greg & Lisa!

And the day started with a BANG!

Just kidding! It was great watching Lisa choose from the "I do" and "I don't" gift from Greg to open pre-ceremony. She of course choose the "I do" gift, but was told she could open the other as well. And how creative to place an antique (disabled!) grenade in the other box.

The day started at the fabulous farm house Lisa grew-up in...although newly remodeled. This house, built in 1936, was amazing. Even though it was updated, it still had the antique feel without the previously updated 1970's style.

Greg remembers meeting Lisa for the first time at age five in Lisa's backyard near one of their many barns. So guess where we started...

Greg and Lisa said their vows at the Sherman Lake YMCA outdoor chapel on Friday evening. Just before their big kiss a storm, that was not on the radar before we left the main building, came in and it poured. Umbrella's went up and anyone stuck in the rain was running for the ivy covered trellis.

Since the rain put a damper on outdoor shots at Sherman Lake, and of course the rain stopped after we were packed up to head to The Fountains for the reception, Justin and I took these fabulous newlyweds over to an abandoned plant across from the hall for a few urban shots. This would be an incredible location to rock out a trash the dress session.

Ask Greg...I know how to make a man smile. *giggles*

I am truly honored to be a part of your day. Thank you! Have an amazing time in Cabo San Lucas!

{06.24.2008} Happy 1st Birthday Jarrett!

Jarrett came into the studio on Tuesday for his one year pictures. This little man should not be one yet! Seriously! Jarrett brought his mom, both sisters, his grandma, a tractor, a several clothing changes, a baseball chair, lots of new tricks, and a balloon...of which I still have!

Jarrett's real birthday was on Wednesday, June 25. Happy Birthday little man!

{06.22.2008} Taking the weekend off!

Yes, we all need time off. And once the wedding planning for 2008 began, I choose this past weekend to be my break for June. The Grand Rapids Flickr group planned their annual picnic for Saturday morning, and the Grand Rapids Camera Club pulled together a biker shoot for Saturday evening with Resurrection Life Church in Rockford. Camera still in hand, smiles on faces, and my kids by my side!

Captured before the bikes hit the road and to pray for a friend who was in an accident Friday.

Pulling into Townsend Park...

I need, no, I want...

And my favorite capture of the day...Rebecah. Biker chicks ROCK!

Thanks much RLC! I think I can speak for everyone...we had a blast!

| local love |

| event planners |
pearls events

stella event design

| flowers |
flowers by deShane
ashley barnhart, MCF


| entertainment |
the photobooth company
moonlighting sound and lighting
dance tracks dj service ~ cathy weideman
x-treme creative entertainment


| hair |
lacey hullinger


| spirits |
party world


| misc |
absolute michigan

{06.15.2008} Congratulations Brent & Jami!

Brent and Jami were married on Saturday in Lakeview at Brent's parents gorgeous home overlooking the lake in their backyard. Being that they were at home everything seemed to be more relaxed which was wonderful and the weather could not have been more perfect.

I hope you had an incredible rest of your evening! Have a great time at Myrtle Beach!

{06.13.2008} Blues on the Mall :: Grand Rapids

Blues on the Mall downtown Grand Rapids started Wednesday, June 11. This is part of summer I crave. Getting out, camera in hand, people watching, spending time with friends, bikes, and amazing music.

NEW! Sample Album

I'm so excited! Yes, it took a MAJOR push to work on a new album, but it's done! I love bringing my laptop to meetings because it allows to show an entire wedding, but at the same time I needed an album...I'll admit, the only thing I had prior was a standard proof album. It takes being set on fire to get things done sometimes! Here's a small sample of the pages!

{06.07.2008} Congratulations Justin & Sarah!

Saturday was fabulous! Despite the threat of more storms, the rain held off long enough for pictures, ceremony, more pictures, and everyone to arrive at the reception. THAT in my opinion was fabulous!

Justin and Sarah pledged their love in front of hundreds of their closest friends and family at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caledonia with their reception following at Centennial Country Club in Cascade.

Every detail about Justin and Sarah's day was elegant, beautiful, and fabulous with bold color.

Thank you for making me part of your day! Have a wonderful time on your honeymoon!

whisper :: i love you

as the family poses for a picture. mom leans over, and with an ever so soft kiss on the forehead, whispers "i love you" to her new baby. the family gathers with smiles around the photographer.

kiss your baby tonight. whisper i love you. kiss your baby every night. whisper i love you.

{06.05.2008} severe weather alert

This mornings storms brought on a fun show. Kids decided it was a "pajama day." I never complain about pajama day...well, till they decided to head out to play when one of my lovely July brides stopped by to chat about her day-of game plan. My husband's children took it upon themselves to have a little fun when mom was busy. Two brand new sets of pj's, trashed.


I'm not a fan of mud. Nyla is.

{06.02.2008} no voice monday

double wedding weekend. allergies. no voice. sweet flower.

{06.01.2008} the perfect Sunday

And just when you thought there was nothing more to fit into this weekend...

Sasha and I stayed in Stevensville Saturday night. Sunday morning we took full advantage of our free day. Breakfast in St. Joseph at Caffe Tosi, then shopping on State Street. And you can not leave St. Joe when your camera is in the back seat with out a picture of the pier. I jazzed it up a little bit...you like? Sepia, ISO 100, f3.5, and 10mm...add a bit it rust!

I then met up with Miss Gracie back in Cedar Springs!

Gracie is one of my most favorite little blonds in the world. We attempted studio pictures a few weeks ago, but this child's energy and curiosity levels and are off the charts...in other words we needed to give her more room to run than in the studio!*giggles* So I went to her home tonight to capture her on her own home turf.