Kelly & Steve Engaged! - Chelsea, MI Photographer

Kelly and Steve's story started a get together with some friends. They chatted that evening and had some drinks.... Steve showed some interest in Kelly and somehow the conversation turned to... let's go for a run together in the morning. Kelly was certain Steve wouldn't meet her in the morning at 10:30 after a late night.... she was right!

Around 11:30 or 12, Kelly got a phone call from a frantic and apologetic Steve. Many I am SO sorry's later they met for that run. If you know Kelly... you know she's tough and doesn't put up with much crap! So... her punishment for him for being late and making her feel like he wasn't serious about the promised meeting time... she made him run 5... Yes FIVE miles with her! According to Steve, he had never run more than a mile and a half at a time and "she dragged his butt the entire way"!

Good news is... lucky for Kelly, Steve survived the run and obviously a few more dates! These two compliment each other so perfectly. They have so much fun together, don't take life too serious, and truly just enjoy each others company.

This session taught me a lesson... Never ask a "bride to be" to jump off from a 3 foot wall, because they REALLY want these great photos and will put themselves in danger if I ask them to.

I asked them to jump and Kelly had her shoes off... pretty sure she fractured her heel :-( There's a first time for everything. Lesson learned!!!

I am so excited for their big day next year! Let's get to the wedding date asap... that way, I will know winter is OVER!

I count them all as my heros. - Tecumseh, MI Photographer

I have tried to find the words to share how much this session meant to me as both a photographer and just a mom/friend/person in general. The biggest pride I take in my business, definitely has to be the relationships and connection I make with lots of clients. I don't take it lightly that you are asking me to capture a moment in time of the people you love. This session was no different, however... it was definitely bittersweet.

From the photos, you will see a BEAUTIFUL baby girl (Brooklyn) and her sister Taylor, whos eyes sparkle so... that it gives me chills. Taylor has the sweetest demeanor just like her momma. And little Brooklyn, is such a little peanut! She weighs in at roughly 7.5 lbs at 3.5 months old. You might notice she has a scar on her chest. To say this amazing family has endured a lot over the past few months would be the understatement of the year.

About 6 months ago a past client of mine, Jennifer, contacted me to purchase a gift certificate for her friend who was expecting twins. I was head over heels with excitement to do those photos. 3.5 months ago, Cathy delivered two beautiful little girls, Makinsey and Brooklyn. The twins were hospitalized but were doing well. After about a week, they found that both girls were having some heart problems and both were transferred to a larger hospital for more care. Both girls were in the NICU and later underwent heart surgery. My heart ached each time I saw Cathy (moms) facebook status updates... to see those tiny girls enduring so much was heart wrenching... but it must be said, their parents (Cathy and Dan) held on tight and were along for the ride with heads held high. Their spirits and determination were amazing to say the least. The girls had lots of ups and downs with the surgery and care over those months.

On August 8th, Sweet baby Makinsey got her wings and now looks over her beautiful family from heaven. In the words of her mommy, she is now at peace. I know it goes without saying, but she is so missed by everyone. Here she is, photo taken by mommy the week she was born.
Now you might understand why I count this family as some of my heros. Finally, after a LONG wait, I got the opportunity to meet Dan, Cathy, Taylor and baby Brooklyn! Oh my goodness... what a strong family. Cathy had the wonderful idea of including Makinsey in her twin sisters photos. We tried to get creative with ideas. Definitely bittersweet because the fact that Brooklyn has come SO far deserves to be documented and praised. I kept thinking as I was looking through my photos, the amount of physical endurance and life changes she has been through in her short little life is more than most of us adults can say... yet she still smiled at me many times through her session! Brooklyn, your life is such a symbol of hope and love. I am sure you will do big things. It's already evident what a sweet spirit you have and I know you will carry your sisters memory with you forever with the help of your beautiful family. The photo of Brooklyn above clinging to the teddy bear... that bear belongs to Makinsey. Makinsey, we all miss you so much, but your legacy will not be forgotten. I am sure your sisters will need you to look over them throughout the years... with a spirit of determination that Brooklyn has... it might get her into trouble someday! ;-)

To the Wimple family... I want you to know what an honor it has been meeting you all. Thank you for sharing your girls with me! I look forward to watching Brooklyn grow! She's amazing.

Chase Alexander - Jackson, MI newborn photographer

Oh goodness! This was a GREAT newborn shoot! Newborn sessions can take a long time and this one did but it wasn't because the baby wasn't cooperative! He was an absolute gem!

After I spent the first 20 minutes just snuggling with this little ball of snuggles, we started his session with some classic stuff and curly newborn goodness, but near the end, his daddy decided to pull out all the stops and Christian (daddy) you were THE BEST! Chase's daddy is really into... ummm what do you call it... like street car racing... you know making your street car the baddest... ya, that stuff, so he pulled out all the fun stuff and we laid Chase on that roller thing! Too cute...

The motorcycle picture made me an absolute wreck! This is baby Chase's mom's motorcycle and I absolutely LOVE this shot! He looks so happy laying there doesnt he?! What you can't see, is his dad is behind him holding onto him with a promise to me and his momma that he wouldn't let go ;-)

Thank you Christian and Kelsey for a WONDERFUL session. You two are going make amazing parents, Chase is a lucky little guy!!! Anytime Chase needs a good snuggle in, just give me a call!

Oh that Morgan - Machester, MI Photographer

Ahhh... it's so hard for me to even put down in words how amazing this sweet girl is. Her momma is one of my brides from last year (see the gorgeous bride on the blog header above). They used to live in Kansas City but lucky for us, they have moved back this way!!! I was so excited to do Morgan's pictures so when I got texts from her mom the week prior that included photos of Morgan in her boots and adorable cowboy hat, needless to say... I was GEEKED!

Morgan is so much like her mom in the sense that... you put them in front of the camera, it's the most natural thing in the world. A photographer's dream really.

This was my first session to include a horse, so I would be lying if I said I wasn't at all nervous. I have spent my fair share of hours in the barn with my daughter Kenedey, when she is taking riding lessons, so it wasn't the horse that bothered me... the nerves, for me, were more about how would I capture a beautiful animal and little girl all in the same frame ;-)

Turns out it was very natural and just felt like a chance to be outside with 2 of my favorite girls and a horse named Justin! We had to keep him from eating grass and since Ginger already sold me out on facebook I would be a fool not to share my true need for comfort when I tell you ... I was a total genius when I wore FLIP FLOPS to the session. Yes, I said Flip Flops... who does that to a barn session?! Apparently me!

Anyway... thank you so much girls for another wonderful session. You two are total rockstars in my world and I am so lucky to be able to say we started our relationship as business and now I count you as friends! Hugs!