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!

Frank & Sam: A Sweet Wedding (Kalamazoo Wedding Photographer)

August 1, 2015

Meeting amazing people is just one of the perks of my job. These two stopped by my studio to meet me last year when I was very very pregnant and uncomfortable. We hit it off from the start, however, and I was so excited to get to do their wedding this year. Frank and Sam are a fun couple and obviously are crazy about each other. I got to see that again for their engagement session when we met during Tulip Time this spring. Lots of colors and getting to know each other a little better. Good times of course!

On their wedding day, it was very warm but nothing too crazy, so overall it was a great experience. No one was TOO nervous and I loved seeing the look on Sam's face throughout the day. She has such a happy smile (especially looking at her new husband) and I'm pretty sure Frank was thrilled to be marrying his gorgeous bride. We stopped at different spots on the Western Michigan University campus, where they met, and got some great shots. And Sam wore a cathedral veil, so extra kudos to her for that ;)

Though their wedding was marked with a bit of tragedy in the loss of Sam's friend, Rachel, just a fwe months prior to their big day, Frank and Sam made the absolute best of a beautiful day and thoroughly enjoyed themselves with family and friends. These two are an amazing pair, and I'm a happier person for having met them!

Hair: Industry Tanning and Hair Salon, Paw Paw, MI
Bridal Gown: Memories Bridal, Kalamazoo, MI
Bridesmaid dresses: Bellisima Bridal, Kalamazoo, MI
Tuxes: Men's Warehouse
Flowers: Ambati Flowers, Kalamazoo, MI
Church: First Baptist Church, Kalamazoo, MI
Limo: Leisure Transportation Group, Kalamazoo, MI
Reception: Indian Run Golf Club, Scotts, MI
Cake: Continental Bakery, Battle Creek, MI
DJ: Pro DJs, Battle Creek, MI

^Those blue doors. Awesome.

^Rachel's dress sown in to Sam's dress. So sweet.

^I always love details by Kate!

^Dressing the flower girl.

^Just a quick chat before the ceremony.

^What a backdrop!

^He caught us!

^The wind plays a few tricks on Sam and her veil.

^Definitely one of my favorite shots!

^Can't get over the color of those doors! Love it.

^Another favorite. I guess I like Sam's laugh/smile :D

^Where it all began...

^Awww, so much fun (and tasty too!).

^The DJ really did a great job in getting everyone at the reception to enjoy themselves.

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^I wanted a few more girl photos :)

^A little cigar celebration.