Amanda + Mike / Downtown Grand Rapids Marriott Wedding

Breegan / Senior

Emilia + Michael / Torch Lake Wedding Photographer

Oh, where do I even begin when it comes to Emilia and Michael's Torch Lake wedding? From the moment I laid eyes on her custom-painted wedding dress, I knew I was in for something extraordinary. As someone who adores all things colorful, this day was like a dream come true. So let me take you on a journey through this vibrant celebration, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Torch Lake.

Emilia's Unique Style:
Emilia's wedding dress was a work of art in itself, a testament to her unique style and personality. It had intricate flower paintings and bursting with colors, it was impossible not to be in awe. But the icing on that cake was her shoes – comfortable and unconventional, thats exactly what I would do if I was getting married at this point in my life!

A Torch Lake Oasis:
The wedding took place at Emilia's family home on Torch Lake, and it couldn't have been more picturesque. With perfect weather gracing the day, we were blessed with clear skies and gentle breezes – an outdoor wedding photographer's dream come true. The entire setting was adorned with vibrant flowers, mirroring Emilia's colorful vision. The guests, too, embraced the theme, donning vibrant outfits that added to the cheerful ambiance.

A Groom in Pink:
When I asked about how to spot Michael when I left to go to the venue, Emilia's response was simple yet unforgettable: "He's the one in a pink suit." Michael's choice of attire perfectly encapsulated the lively spirit of the day. He even had blue shoes!

Joyful Reunions:
One of the standout features of Emilia and Michael's wedding was the palpable excitement and love that filled the air. Friends and family reunited with genuine warmth and enthusiasm. Their families were not only fun but also incredibly funny, and they kept me on my toes throughout the day. Her Uncle even scared me so much sneaking up behind me while I was shooting the full bridal party that I swore I was about to pee my pants which the brides dad worked into his reception speech so that was a great story to hear without the proper context hahah I love to leave a lasting impression!

In Conclusion:
Emilia and Michael's wedding was not just a job for me; it was an experience filled with vibrant colors, laughter, and love. It's weddings like these that remind me of why I'm so passionate about what I do. It is always fun but It does carry a weight because it only happens once and to give every ounce of myself to capture everything the best I can. The memories of that day continue to bring a smile to my face, and I hope they do the same for them and their families.

ARTCATION / CHICAGO

A few months ago I thought it would be fun to have a trip that is just all about art and wished I had an art friend to go on that trip with who loved art as much as I do. Then I realized, oh my word, I made that person!

Art is something that really bonds me and Grace because we are both so consumed by it. So we set out to Chicago. Thankfully Ryan could come because without his expertise in driving, parking, finding a cool hotel and basically doing all the work of the trip, this wouldn’t have happened. I get overwhelmed planning trips and I’m so thankful when he does it.

So we went to Chicago for a couple days, just the three of us before school started as a final send off to the best summer ever.

Although we had MANY meltdowns on this trip, it was still really fun and I’m excited to do it again next year.

There are some missing things since this doesn’t have any of my iPhone photos or videos like me getting car sick on the way there, tour of the hotel room, her singing in the parking garages, etc. so this is just what Ryan shot and I am so thankful for him.

I’ve never thought of hiring a vacation photographer before but my goodness, WORTH IT. Just to follow you around, take photos from an outside perspective, have a fun little impromptu portrait session wherever you feel like. It was really cool. So go hire Ryan for this. It is worth it. :)

Grace loved jumping, singing and dancing in all the parking garages.

The ceiling was amazing at the art museum! They had a special Van Gogh gallery up which we were so excited about since we have been doing our own versions of his paintings lately.

Now I was really interested as I really loved Van Gogh when I was younger but Grace was more interested in this square hole in the wall that looked into the other gallery room.

Then meltdown #1 happened. She didn’t like me holding her hand but it was really busy there and she didn’t like not being able to touch things so she fell apart.

So I waited. She eventually was able to come out of it.

Another hole in the wall helped her mood.

But not for long. Meltdown #2.

She was just so overwhelmed I think.

I feel like this is an important part of the trip and I’m glad Ryan took photos of it.

This is life with Grace. She is so sensitive and still little. In hindsight, she wasn’t ready for a big museum like this. But she tried really hard to take deep breaths and to keep going with me.

After the Van Gogh gallery we ventured into the rest of the place which was better since it wasn’t as crowded.

She was trying to get out of Ryans way to take a photo of this painting which made me laugh.

I have a video of her trying to talk to this head but he wouldn’t talk back haha

Meltdown #3. I think I said something wrong because I was frustrated with her attitude. I was trying to go Grace speed which means really fast and be really accommodating but she still was acting rude. So we had to work through that one again.

Grace was SO excited to see this Van Gogh painting as this is one that we both made paintings of and have the most fun doing. She couldn’t believe it was there in real life!

This was her favorite thing there, these little miniature rooms. It was so cute! I was glad she was finally really interested in something

This sweet girl loves to be of service to others. She was so insistent on opening the door for a bunch of people. It was a really heavy door too!

This was so funny. We walk into this room and this GIANT painting is just a bunch of dead animals and Grace was like OH NOOO and I was like ok time to go and she was so sad to leave them because she felt so bad.

Teaching Grace how to find her light.

Meltdown #4

We were trying to figure out the plan for the rest of the day and in that process Grace couldn’t stop inturupting so when I told her to be patient she lost it again. Ryan distracted her to jump around to bring her back to being happy.

We found this nice little spot outside of the museum to draw for a while

Meltdown #5

We were taking those fun, happy, silly photos together and I was tickling her but I tickled too much apparently and she turned just burst into tears in a split second.

So we had a chat about that and got it together again.

Meltdown #6

This is when the hotel couldn’t find our reservation and then while we waited for them to figure it out, I asked how late the pool was open and she said they didn’t have a pool and Grace was just shattered.

They then figured out we were not at the right hotel! We were one building off, thank goodness! That girl was so looking forward to this super cool pool they had at ours.

Our hotel is so cool! It is a two bedroom apartment with the coolest view. It was such an awesome place!

I wish I would have taken photos at the pool since it was a really unique one but I was sleepy and they had a hot tub haha

We watched a lot of “is it cake” on this trip. Then off to sleep to rest up for day 2!

I taught Grace how to hold our big camera and how to focus and take photos! This is me and squeaks.

This fountain shot like a million feet in the air. Grace loved watching it from the giant windows!

Well things don't always go the way we hope haha

They had this Barbie Cafe that we thought would be cool but didn’t realize you need reservations for places like that.

We had tickets for the WNDR museum for a certain time so we were scrambling for food. I saw a Target and was like this will save us!

Easy quick food and tables to draw while we wait!

WNDR was way more her speed. She loved it and it was fun to get cool photos of her!

This was a place where she could touch everything and that made her very happy.

Grace LOVED this LED floor! We stayed here for a good long time. It was really cool how it reacts to pressure on it.

Grace stayed at this thing for a while. Each button plays a piece of the music so you can build it all into a finished song if you press all the buttons.

I liked this thing a lot. It flips little tiny circles to white when it sees you to make your shape. The sound it made was really cool.

Her shoes gave her a blister so Ryan carried her for the longest walk ever back to our car. I am so glad he came with us!

We then went to the Blick art supply store and I was SO excited about this but Grace had Meltdown #7. No photos of this one.

Within 5 minutes of being there I told her no to something she wanted and she lost it. So I sent her to the car and I shopped. After a while she came back and gave me a hug and said sorry and we continued on.

After that we went to dinner because you know what, maybe shes just been super hungry all day and that is what all the meltdowns are about.

Chasing the sunset to take photos of Grace!

Meltdown #8

I asked her to stand in the grass but there were tiny bugs flying around.

This is the best photo ever of me and Ryan!

After struggling to hold the heavy camera, she took a couple regular boring photos and then started guiding us to get more personality in the shots! haha she has learned from the queen of getting personality out of people and I couldn’t be more proud!

She started yelling TICKLE EACH OTHER!

We spent the evening drawing and watching more “Is it cake” and went to bed.

I have so many other photos with my phone but these are just the ones that Ryan took and I am so thankful for his eye during this trip.

Having our own professional photographer for our Artcation was just the best! I will cherish these memories of seeing my time with Grace from an outside perspective forever.

I highly recommend hiring a vacation photographer!

Amber + Nick / Silver Lake Dunes Engagement Photographer

Amber is one of those brides that is very thoughtful about our process and our side of things, and really appreciates all the hard work and sacrifice that goes into our work. She’s one of those clients that really get what you do and why you do it. For that reason and the very pleasant email exchanges we had, not to mention the Zoom call, I wanted to do a really special job for her and Nick. With both of them being dirt bike racers, I immediately thought of Silver Lake. I have always wanted to shoot there and I knew it could be really special. I also wanted to bring Holly along to give it that extra punch of creativity which she 100% provided!

We got some really fun stuff at the dunes and then we rushed to the closest beach for some sunset and fun water shots. We got there just in time to catch a quick bright sunset and then we got right in the water! This was supposed to just be some bonus shots but they turned out to be some of my favorite images! It was also a fun memory taking the pictures especially because that was me getting soaked, holding the light for Holly behind them. Totally worth it.

I am truly excited for their wedding day not only because they are great as a couple, but they have an amazing venue in Leona Rd! That will be my 4th wedding there and it’s quickly becoming my favorite! Keep an eye out in May!

As a bonus I decided to let chatGPT write an alternate blog for me… Partly because they write in an entertaining, slightly cheesy way that makes me chuckle but also to test you guys and see if anyone even reads these things 😂 Also it’s good for the Google juice. Enjoy!

A Breathtaking Engagement Session at Silver Lake Dunes

In the heart of the Silver Lake Dunes, MI, amidst the stunning landscapes and ever-changing dunes, we had the privilege of witnessing a love story that radiates style, thoughtfulness, and an undeniable connection. This special couple, who are not only celebrating their upcoming wedding at the Leona Rd wedding venue but also commemorating their engagement, brought their A-game to an unforgettable engagement session at Silver Lake Dunes.

From the moment we met this couple at the Silver Lake Dunes, it was evident that their love was something truly special. Their chemistry was so natural and infectious that it set the tone for an engagement session filled with genuine laughter, stolen glances, and a sense of togetherness that left us inspired.

Against the backdrop of the ever-shifting sand dunes and the serene beauty of the lake, their love story unfolded in front of our lenses. Their ability to be completely themselves in each other's company made our job as photographers an absolute delight.

As we bid farewell to the breathtaking landscapes of Silver Lake Dunes, we couldn't help but feel the excitement building for their upcoming wedding at the Leona Rd wedding venue. If their engagement session was anything to go by, their wedding promises to be a grand celebration of their love, style, and thoughtfulness.

The Leona Rd wedding venue, with its charm and elegance, is the perfect canvas for this couple to paint their love story once again – this time surrounded by family and friends. We're eagerly looking forward to capturing their journey from engagement to marriage and witnessing the magic unfold once more in a setting that holds significance for them.

In conclusion, their engagement session at Silver Lake Dunes was a testament to the love they share and the excitement that surrounds their journey together. As we eagerly await their wedding day, we're reminded that their love story is a perfect blend of style, thoughtfulness, and a connection that's destined to last a lifetime.

Tags: Grand Rapids Wedding Photographer, Engagement Session, Silver Lake Dunes, Love Story, Style, Thoughtfulness, Connection, Leona Rd Wedding Venue, Creative Michigan wedding photographer, Documentary Michigan wedding photographer, Fun engagement photos, Lake Michigan Engagement photos

Mike + Amanda / Grand Rapids Engagement Photographer

Knebl Family // Muskegon Family Photographer

I am so excited to show these photos! This family came into our life during some real rough times. We had to get our house finished and ready to sell and then fully move out of in a really tight timeline and during our busy season and I was just a wreck since it was all just too much.

It is no surprise it has been a rough year for us since our house caught fire and we have yet to find a new home to settle in. Grace and their youngest daughter were best friends in preschool so when I reached out on Facebook for help, Jessica came over and just kept coming until we finished moving. She then brought her husband to help move the big stuff, all the kids played together, it made what was such a heavy and difficult time so much better not only having help but also having the company.

I have found in life it’s often in my hardest times that I make friends which seems weird. My friend Jen is the same story. I had Grace and was blindsided by significant postpartum issues and couldn’t take care of Grace and Jen, who I didn’t know at all, just came to spend days and nights and eventually take Grace to become a part of her family haha.

The kindness I’ve encountered from people when I’m a mess has impacted my life a lot. I think its easy to want to put on your best face when meeting or hanging out with new people to make a good impression. Well, not me apparently. I’m just broken and living in sweatpants, crying out for help and somehow people don’t run away but rather just lend a hand and thats a powerful thing to experience.

ANNNDDDD….then these ones that just make me laugh hahaha

Jordyn / Grand Rapids Senior Photographer

Mary // Grand Rapids Maternity Photographer

Over the past 2 years, I have been stepping away from shooting weddings with Ryan so I can spend more time with Grace and Lucy. I have always loved shooting in the studio and love the flexibility of it. Being able to shoot during the week and having the weekends with the girls is just a dream!

I’ve been pondering what would be my next move. I stumbled into these maternity studio sessions and immediately was like YEP this is for me! I find pregnancy to be fascinating. The things a woman’s body goes through is completely nuts and It should be celebrated. I have one single image from each of my pregnancies that is magical and I cling to those two pictures because they show the best of me in a time when my body was being pushed to the limit. I look at them all the time and I’m constantly amazed.

So I want to do that for other women. I want to give them images I would dream of having for myself that show beauty and strength and softness all at once.

Ryan shot Mary’s wedding and oh my goodness, she’s just kind of always a goddess but pregnancy suits her so well! I remember editing their wedding and was just like OH MY! and WOW! All the way through haha. It’s such an honor when clients come back after their wedding and a joy to see their families grow.

Bea + Will // The Felt Mansion Wedding

Brittany + Brian // Boatwerks Wedding Photographer

I am SO excited to FINALLY be able to share this wedding with you guys! Brittany and Brian contacted us almost 3 years ago after following our work since 2008. We have since then done 2 engagement sessions for them, Brittany’s extended family and even one for her brother and his wife! We obviously love them so we knew it would be an amazing wedding with lots of love to go around!

Needless to say their wedding did not disappoint! Heck, we were just glad to have it after a covid reschedule and then a family health reason which rescheduled us a second time. It really reminds you of how important family is and how important our job is to help remember the love that we have for them. Weddings are all about family after all. Combining them and creating them!

Thank you Brittany and Brian for being some of our biggest and most loyal cheerleaders! I hope it was worth all the anticipation!

Stephanie + John // Ludington Wedding Photographer

We get such a wide variety of weddings and clients. I feel like I have serviced the whole spectrum of couples. Ballrooms, barns, churches and parks… I am so happy that the AirBNB trend is continuing. If you are low key people like these two, all you need is a few of your favorite people and you can have a fun wedding weekend without the huge cost of feeding 300 people!

If it was my wedding today, it’s exactly what I would do. I just loved being a part of their family for the day. I have the most kind and welcoming families at my weddings and they were no exception. I hope you love all these great candid photos as much as I did!

Janelle + Kyle // Grand Traverse Resort Wedding Photographer

Kinsey + Shane // Grand Rapids Elopement Photographer

Maisha // Grand Rapids Maternity Photographer

We photographed Maisha’s wedding back in 2018 and it was such a magical day. Like, butterflies were landing on people kind of magic. Then when we had the chance to photograph her whole family, we were all in and again and it was magic too! The picture of everyone on the front porch of the parents house is just so amazing and we just enjoy everyone so much. So when Maisha said she’s cookin’ up a baby and wanted to do maternity pictures, I was so excited!

She is so beautiful and has such a great attitude, I couldn’t wait to make this happen for her. She is going to be such an amazing mom. Let’s also be amazed that she’s 35 weeks pregnant in these. That first shot above thats all perfect and awesome took like 20 tries. We tried jumping in place, running and then finally running into a sort of jump and she was a trooper through it all!

I really enjoyed this. I love studio work and creative ideas that are unique to people and really hope to do more of these this year!

Katherine + Patrick // Leona Rd Grand Rapids Wedding Photographer

Leona Rd! What a cool new venue!! Of course Ben and Mindy who brought you The Cheney Place brings another gem to Grand Rapids in the form of this re-imagined school house with all kinds of classy modern but retro vibes with lines in all the right places. The light is so good here and everywhere you turn there is vignettes to make all the photos look so interesting. Can't wait to return!

Kathrine and Patrick are just such fun and carefree people. They are how you hope every couple turns out to be. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them and their family. Couples and weddings like this are what keeps me going and striving to be the best so thank you and enjoy these fantastic photos!

Chrissy + Jimmy // Florida Wedding Photographer

Jourdan + Spencer // Grand Rapids Wedding Photographer

Katherine + Patrick / Muskegon Engagement Photographer

Kolby + Mike // Willowbrook Mill Wedding Photographer