Millenium Park Grand Rapids Engagement - Sarah and Aaron

Grand Rapids, Michigan
Millenium Park

Congratulations Sarah and Aaron!! These two came to the session full of energy and smiles.
They met online (Bumble) in August of 2019. Their first date was at Zoobies, in Lansing. They had some drinks and then had so much fun talking they forgot to have dinner. Now they talk about how it was the fastest 3.5 hours ever and that they knew within 15 minutes that they had found something different and special. Sarah broke all the "be cool" rules and told him about things like the Scandinavian cookbook she picked up at the library before they met. They set up the second date before they even left. She texted her best friend from the car, "Now THAT was a first date!" They had three dates that first week. They finally ate dinner together (sushi - one of their favorite meals) on Tuesday, and did an escape room and Italian on Friday. Sarah says that falling for Aaron was truly the easiest thing she’s ever done.

Aaron proposed this past July (7/30/2020) and they will get married one year to the day (7/30/2021). He had asked her stepfather for permission before he passed away in March. With Covid shutting everything down, he had a really hard time getting a ring and keeping Sarah from finding out that he was looking for one. Her sister and best friend helped him find the perfect vintage inspired ring. He asked permission from her mom and dad too. He got the ring on a Wednesday afternoon and had to ask as soon as possible. They went to Tunnel Park, in Holland, on Thursday for a picnic dinner after work. She may have known it was coming, but it didn't make it any less perfect. They ate on the beach and watched the sunset over the water. When no one was around (he knew she would hate an audience), he got down on one knee and asked Sarah if she would marry him. She said yes four times! Then came a wonderful night of calling family and friends and a champagne toast when they got home.

Things they like to do together… Everything. They love cooking, watching TV, spending time with family, and going on walks together. Pre-covid, they have gone to Les Mis, Phantom, Hamilton, Harry Potter Orchestra, Trans Siberian Orchestra, took several cooking classes, trips to Chicago and DC, skiing, shopping, mini golfing, trips up north, cider mills, Michigan football game, and celebrating Christmas outrageously, including three trips to Bronner's Christmas Wonderland.

Stay tuned for the big day at Grand Rapids Public Museum!
Please enjoy the preview of their fun engagement session, photographed on the last week of good weather here in Michigan…

Family Beach Vacation in South Haven Michigan

South Haven, MI
Ryba Family

So glad that I got to meet my cuz and the fam in West Michigan on their vacation! Just a little traditional shoot by the water… What a great idea to get some photos at your favorite vacation spot! Special family memories always come from vacations.

I gotta give a shout out to our big arse Italian family’s favorite vacation spot in South Haven. It is AMAZING!
Find serenity and have all the family fun at the same time!
https://lovemyhaven.com/382654/

Man, these kids grow fast! I still picture them with chubby cheeks and baby faces, and Gracie is talking about her senior portraits already. That was eye-opening. Denise and Jason’s wedding was about two decades ago. It goes by so fast.

Cherish the good times, and later cherish the memories.

Apple Blossom Chapel and Gardens

Fennville, MI
Fenn Valley Vineyards
Apple Blossom Chapel and Gardens

Congratulations Tara and Caitlin!!

These two met at work, when Caitlin fell in love with Tara’s sweet dance moves and great personality. Their first official date was at Founder’s Brewing in Grand Rapids.

Did you miss their adorable engagement session at Founder’s? Please check it out here:
https://lookatthebiggerpicture.com/blog/founders-brewing-engagement

For the proposal, Caitlin was sneaky and invited Tara’s best friends to The Detroit Zoo during the holidays, making it look like it was their idea. Caitlin found the perfect spot in a somewhat secluded part of the zoo in front of purple Christmas lights (Tara’s favorite color), and Caitlin (in her very awkward manner) got down on one knee and proposed, not knowing that Tara also had an engagement ring waiting for her at home!

Their shared interests include Batman, craft beer, Harry Potter, and exploring new things together.

My favorite parts of their wedding day:
—Tara’s animated facial expressions- a photographer’s dream!
—They were so easy to shoot because they were laughing and interacting with each other the whole time!!
—We snuck off to the winery to get some really great shots and give them some alone time
—Tara’s veil. It glowed the whole sunny day!
—I love the Calcutt family! I got to see Erin (Caitlin’s sister) and Bryan, who I photographed over 4 yrs ago! I was so honored to continue to document new adventures in the Calcutt family.

—A huge thank you to Maria Lewis Photography for her talent, skill, fun personality, and knowledge of what is needed without me even saying anything. I absolutely adore working with her!

Tara and Caitlin are so fun and I loved this oh so much! Please enjoy the preview: