Northern Ireland: Dark Hedges (part 4)

 May 4, 2023

When it comes to Northern Ireland, I believe that Dark Hedges is one of the more recognizable locations. Our photo session at Dark Hedges took place VERY early, as it's a tourist favorite, and we wanted to beat the crowds. Up early? No problem, especially since we got to shoot in some pretty sweet sunrise lighting.

Dark Hedges exists as an actual drivable road in Ballymoney. It's a tunnel of beech trees along Bregagh Road, planted by James Stuart in the 18th century, lining the path to the Gracehill House estate. "Hedges" in the name comes from the appearance of the trees, in the way they block much of the light passing from one side of the road to the other. It's said to be a haunted place. Hauntingly beautiful, for sure!

The road was used in one of the early seasons of the Games of Thrones series (think a trip down the King's Road when the Starks are heading to King's Landing!) and thus the notoriety!

We got pretty serious and shot at Dark Hedges for quite awhile. Such a cool spot and so many angles to use! I even ended up hanging out under my friend, Sam, shooting from between her feet when I saw a great viewpoint! Anything for the shot! Our models were Lynsey and Conor and they were a dream to work with. Conor had a perfect Irish look to him (plus that accent) and Lynsey looked phenomenal! 

We followed up these photos with another quick shoot further north at Ballintoy Harbour. It was windy and chilly, but Lynsey and Conor got through it (after a quick dress change) and it rounded out our session (especially since it was another Game of Thrones shooting location!).

Retreat: Here We Go Elopements @herewego.elopements
Hosts: @sonderbylovephotography @samanthajoyphoto
Location: Dark Hedges, Ballymoney, Northern Ireland
Florals: Victoriana Floral, Northern Ireland
Models: @lynseybrowne 
Lace dress (Ballintoy): @thehiverentals

See the rest of my Northern Ireland elopement journey!

Part 1 - Beginning in Northern Ireland

Part 2 - Dunseverik Ruins

Part 3 - Giant's Causeway

Part 4 - Dark Hedges and Ballintoy Harbour

Part 5 - Manor House Elopement and Dunluce Castle

Baby Zoe Turns 1! (Grand Rapids Children's Photographer)

July 27, 2023

Baby Zoe is finally visiting Michigan from Kansas with her mom and dad, and I couldn't be happier to see her again! 

Zoe is my niece, and the day after her birthday, we went to the studio to take a few photos and do some cake smashing! She got her practice round in the day before on her actual birthday, and we even were able to reuse the homemade cake from her party (babies don't eat much and she wasn't TOO messy!)

My girls love their baby cousin, so I got the three of them matching outfits to wear together. I'm not sure Zoe knows what to make of her big cousins yet, but I know Julie and Elaina are crazy about her and can't wait until she's big enough to play! 

Now we've got to wait until Christmas time to see our little Gummi Bear again, and we are already counting the days!

Hello, Baby Zoe!

This is the only time we were able to get a couple smiles out of her during photos!

Cousins!

Matchy matchy!

She looks so much like her daddy!

A quick one with Grandma and Grandpa!

Sneak Peek: Megan & Stephanie

August 13, 2023

Sometimes it's just so hard to choose! It doesn't help that we took well over 5000 photos during the wedding yesterday, but it was so hard not too! Stephanie and Megan have been on my schedule for over two years and I am so glad we finally got to see the two of them tie the knot yesterday at the Felt Mansion in Holland. It's a gorgeous location, and it was a beautiful day, with beautiful people surrounded by beautiful relationships! And dancing. Lots LOTS more to come, but for now, here's your sneak!