John & Kris: A Baby on the Way (Kalamazoo Maternity Photographer)

September 26, 2015

Babies. I love babies. I have a baby so now I love them even more than before. John and Kris are expecting their first, a boy (name pending), in November. I'm so excited that they wanted me to help out with their maternity session (and thanks Amanda for sending them my way!). These two have very vibrant and fun personalities, so it was even more of a pleasure to work with them at Verhage Farms in Kalamazoo. An apple orchard and pumpkin patch was a perfect setting for our shoot.

I can't wait to meet their little man in a few more weeks (can you believe that Kris is 35 weeks in these photos?!?) and wish everyone a safe and easy delivery!

^She's awesome.

^Made it herself. We'll have to incorporate it into his newborn session too!

^Got style?

^Seriously, I did NOT look like this at 35 weeks!

^Mustache?!

^I think it's a law that you need a man-with-pumpkin photo when you do fall maternity photos.

^Ahhhh hazy light.

^Smooch!

^The hayride came by JUST as we were getting ready to leave. Perfect!

^Good thing our allergies aren't bad ;)

^Already so loved.

Mia: Pretty Little Lady (West Michigan Children's Photographer)

September 26, 2015

Every once and awhile, a little lovely kidlet, like Miss Mia here, doesn't want to do her photos. It started out well, but after a bit of up and down, Mia decided that this photo stuff is ridiculous. She wasn't mad at me (which happens occasionally too!), but she really didn't want to pose for photos without her mom, Katrina. Despite the gorgeous day and lovely backdrop (her mother and my alma mater, Grand Valley State University's Allendale campus), we couldn't convince her otherwise. Even a few phone calls to her grandma couldn't talk her into it.

Even though we couldn't talk Mia into any more shots alone, we were able to get a few great shots of her (the first set before she got mad and some where Mom hid from the camera behind the star of the show), and she got to show off her smile after all. Thanks for making me work for it, Mia. Not every job can be an easy one! ;)

^Silly faces while she was still into it ;)

^What a little precious!

^Here's where things started to go downhill!

^A quick shot before she gets mad at us for putting her down again (she loves that phone!)

^Even though it wasn't a "Mom and me" session, we got lots of cute ones of Mia and Katrina together!

^Sneaky Mom is hiding behind Mia!

^Wearing her big sister's old dress. It works!

Backyard Prettiness: Part Seven, Eight & Nine

July 21, 2015

Our backyard is feeling just about spent for the year. There are a few good weeks left before the frost will start coming in, and we've still got some good flowers in the back. Two of these last few "sessions" were from some of the hotter parts of the year, however, and the flowers were definitely going strong! The last shoot was after a little cold weather and lots of those plants are still holding on. All in all, it was a good year in our backyard!

^There are seasons for most of our flowers but the roses go all summer long. Love it.

^I missed our orange double lilies (just what I call them) because they didn't last long this year.

^The flox at their best.

^This stargazer came out of the peony plant last year. I came back again.

^My hydrangea is also doing great!

August 13, 2015

^Some of the darker flox. They are dying out but still got some color to them.

^My fine, ready to flower.

^Hosta flowers. They are gone now but there were lots at one point.

^I was very upset because I thought I missed my gladiolas, but a few more came up. Phew!

September 23, 2015

^The roses aren't ready to quit yet!

^This little guy has been going strong ALL summer!

^This feels like a good "end of the season" photo, as berries are a bit reminiscent of Christmas!

Ryan & Bethany: Three Years!!! (Grand Rapids Couple Photography)

August 30, 2015

First of all, I need to thank these two for being so amazingly cool. I made a mistake with their session and they were very kind about it, despite my lapse. I'm definitely glad I got together with them, though, as their session took place at a lovely park at the perfect time of day, and on a night where the temperature and weather was perfect. After such a hot and humid couple months, it was a welcome change. Also, there were lots of ducks.

Bethany and Ryan got married three years ago now. Their wedding was one of my favorites from that year (and it still holds a special place in my heart... so bright and happy!) and it's always wonderful to reconnect with your couples from years past. Thanks again to Ryan and Bethany for their understanding AND for helping me put together a perfect little couple's session. Check it out!

^So. Many. Ducks.

^What a cute little park! So glad we happened upon it.

^Sunset is almost always a great time to shoot!

^Back under the willow. Couldn't resist.

^I found the park because of this sunflower field. It was getting a little sparse but we got a few shots anyway.

^You two are awesome!