The Murray Family (Grand Rapids Family Photographer)

August 5, 2016

Two-year-olds are tricky creatures. They are adorable and lovable and SUPER hard to photograph. Always on the move, they have their own opinion and cannot be bribed. I always go into sessions with little ones like this with low expectations. Little Sophie wasn't having any of me and my camera at first. Mom and Dad tried their best tricks but NOPE! She was over it already. Super cute newborn brother was a dream, at least.

Well thankfully, two-year-olds also warm up. Sophie never REALLY wanted to be my best pal but she decided a couple cute smiles were possible. And we got tons of great candid shots of her with her family. Her and Noah were adorable on a blanket together. Goose watching with her dad, Paul, was fun too (especially when we talked her into looking at me by asking her if a goose was coming up behind me!) and cuddles with her mom, Amber... sure why not a few?

Though this wasn't your standard, posed family session, I love it just the same!

^He was made for this ;)

^You've GOT to get a couple quick shots of Mom and Dad, right?

^This is how she was feeling about me for the first half of the session.

^Awwwww, so adorable!

^They sure left a mess on the grass for us, but the geese helped in some ways.

^No, Dad!!!

^Definitely my favorite.

^Yay! A good one!

^And a couple adorable outtakes.

^LOOOOVE these ones too.

^A little Daddy lovin'.

^A great group if I do say so myself.

^She's nothing if not absolutely adorable ;)

Sneak Peek: Josh & Jami

August 20, 2016

All I can say is that the weather just can't keep my couples down this year! Severe storm warnings (although they didn't happen) and lots of rain... no problem! So excited to work on more of these but first... a sneak!

Tory & Krysten: A Summer Wedding (Mid Michigan Wedding Photographer)

July 16, 2016

Working at Krysten and Tory's wedding was such a pleasure. One of the most flattering things to hear is how excited someone is to have you be the one to photograph their wedding. Tory and Krysten made me feel this way from the start, like there was no other choice for them. And I thank them so much for that! Way back in October last year, we had our first session together for their engagement photos, and it was lots of fun (and MUCH colder!) so I knew these two would be a great couple to work with on their wedding day.

On first arrival, my second shooter, Mandy and I were a little worried about where to do portraits... more on that later. But we were floored by the amazing decorations waiting for us inside. Krysten told me that they were having paper bouquets and decor. What she didn't tell me was how amazingly talented her new mother-in-law is! I can't rave ENOUGH about these gorgeous designs and how well done and perfect all the paper decorations. And there were so many, they must have taken forever! Jean, you've got some talent!

Next, I have to rave a bit about the weather. You all know how much of a scorcher this summer has been. Tory and Krysten were blessed with one of the VERY few cooler weekends and I couldn't have been happier (especially since I was about 11 weeks pregnant and very nauseous ;). It was a beautiful day and RIGHT behind Forest Edge, we discovered a beautiful willow tree. Mandy and I did a lot of playing with light and we are not sorry for it in the least.

The reception was great. The food was perfect. What a wonderful day we all got to be a part of. And the best part? Probably all the happy tears and excited smiles from the bride, groom and their families. All day. Seriously, all day long. I'm sure I cried more than a few times myself! A room more filled with love would have been hard to find!

Congrats to you both. You are absolutely perfect for each other and I couldn't be happier for the both of you!

Make-up: Ulta, Midland, MI
Hair: Ashley Holley
Bridal gown & bridesmaid dresses: David's Bridal
Tuxes: Men's Wearhouse
Ceremony & Reception: Forest Edge Banquet Hall, Freeland, MI
Officiant: Scott Parks
Flowers and Paper Designs: Jean Rowley
Videography: John Main
Cake: Mary's Creative Cakery, Shields, MI

^Sidenote: love that tattoo!

^Aren't these amazing?!?

^Handmade, like everything else. So impressed.

^Yay for a lovely first look.

^Tears of joy!

^Brotherly love :)

^Post ceremony elation, always fun to see.

^So sunny, but NOT hot!!!

^Seriously. She made all of these. Wow. (I'll stop now)

^The first of the light playing images...

^Oh willow trees, how I love you!

^Awesome shot from Mandy, thank you!

^Groom's are silly.

^A few more awesome details to share. Adorable.

^So polite :) But seriously, you shouldn't waste cake (and this was a GOOD one!)

^Loving the first dance lighting!

^Mandy is the queen of the close up!