Cozy Casual at Home - Bianka and Beth

Ann Arbor, MI

Congratulations Bianka and Beth! These ladies have been beside each other for 19 plus years! They met through work, as their professions collided, putting them on their path together.

This was a cozy casual engagement session at home with the pups, which Bianka and Beth are loving rescuers. What an adorable little family. The doggies were leery of this photographer just as much as the ladies were at first, but I believe I won all of them over. They were the type that explains to me in the beginning that they hate getting pictures taken. (I'm used to it). That is exactly the reason for a photojournalistic style. Documenting the awesomeness that they don't even know they are doing...  

It was so great to see these ladies laughing and focusing on their story.  It was empowering. Love always is, though, right? Sometimes, this job makes my heart swell. 

We had so many laughs, that I was still smiling for days afterward. Anyone that knows these two knows what I mean. Sweet, kind, funny, and so down-to-earth.

Their story stays with me and I am even more excited to photograph their wedding in June!  

Here is a little preview of our Sunday Funday:

Rustic Backyard Wedding-Sara and Holly

Conklin, MI

Congratulations to these lovely ladies!! I am so honored that I had the opportunity to capture this day for Sara and Holly. These beautiful ladies met in their residency program, were together for two years before the proposal, and ended up living in Alaska! They BOTH proposed. Holly chose Christmas day, a picnic and a walk in the woods. Sara chose a weekend away, at a B&B in Seattle. She "stumbled through her words", full of emotion. I love that they both had to propose.

I believe our initial consult was over the phone while they were camping. I knew I liked them right then and there. They are unsure where they will land after the bit in Alaska (maybe Hawaii?!!), but I am sure their adventures will be amazing and keep going strong.

The wedding day began in fun (and sun!! This was the hottest day of the year! Wowza) as the group was getting ready at the gorgeous farmhouse. Lots of jokes, funny faces, and silly times. 

My favorite part of the day was actually the exchanging of the vows. If I could get a copy of those words... So honest. So true to love. I don't usually get to pay attention, as I am shooting, but I just had to stop and listen. They each talked of humility, insecurities we all carry when joining hearts, comforting and nourishing those insecurities in each other, and the honesty of love. They talked about staying true to yourself, holding onto your inner strength and self-love when finding a partner to share your world. It was absolutely brilliant and heartfelt, and I am not doing their words justice. These intelligent and insightful women could easily have been writers. 

I am so happy for you both! Thank you for choosing me to tell your story. Here is a preview of the day...

Blue Dress Barn Wedding, Rebecca and Jessica Roost

Blue Dress Barn, my new favorite venue! Benton Harbor, MI

Congratulations Mrs. and Mrs. Roost!! Whooo hoooo!! I have been so excited for this wedding. I have known Rebecca for years and I am so ecstatic that these two found each other. These two just fit and make sense. Both Jessica and Rebecca are completely out-of-this-world-gorgeous, both inside and out. They make your day better by just being around. Both personalities bring light to the room.

Rebecca proposed to Jess while picking apples at a local orchard. These two are so so fun. Lots of giggling. The Roosts had moved away to New York and lived out there for a bit, but a whole lot of people are glad they made the move back to Grand Rapids (including me!).  They have a huge circle of close friends and family. Amazing people, seriously. Dan, a good friend of the girls, made his debut as Dan the DJ/MC. How fun was that?!! He did a fabulous job and kept everyone dancing all night.

I had so many favorite parts of the day! One was the getting ready part. The room was divided by a sheet and the girls were not to see each other. Twenty people getting ready in one little divided room- super fun. Everyone was so excited! Another was how the sun rays kept falling right on the two of them during the ceremony, giving me goosebumps! Also, right after the ceremony, the entire bridal party ran to the bridal suite and we could hear them all jumping up and down and screaming. It was such a cool finish to the beautiful ceremony and a fun sign that the party was about to begin.

I am so honored that I was chosen to document their big day, and I am always honored to be called their friend!! Thank you, ladies. You're the best.

Enjoy the sneak peek!

Thank you to my second photographer, Lauren Nicole!!