They have been together for six years already... since the start of high school, and through so many changes and challenges, they have stuck together. They have a lot to look back on, but so much more lies ahead. When we met up in Grand Rapids for their engagement session, it was pretty clear that they are completely themselves when they are together, with no pretense. Somehow though, they still have that spark, they are still vibrant, and there is something about their relationship that still seems new and exciting. Even as we walked around the city, freezing, they were so cheerful, smiling, and joking, totally comfortable, and still totally infatuated with each other.

If they could go back to 9th grade, when Kristen finally agreed to go out with Joe, and they went to that high school winter dance... could those kids possibly have known that it was the beginning of the rest of their lives? You just never know what the future will hold, but they will be facing it together. Thanks so much for choosing me to photograph this time for you. Your engagement session was so much fun, and I look forward to your wedding in September!

Some friendly neighborhood ducks swam up to say hello while we were right by the edge of the Grand River. Unfortunately for them we had no food. However, it worked out to our advantage, and I think they made a nice addition to a few of their photos!

We left the city and went over by Kent Trails, near Johnson Park, for a few more rural photos that would show what a beautiful wintry day we had. We again found ourselves near the banks of the Grand River, but with a totally different feel.

Love this...

Thanks again for braving the cold, and for bringing handwarmers...
you guys are great!

2009 ended with a pretty memorable cold snap,
but that didn't stop Ashley and Alex from meeting me
in downtown GR for their engagement session
the day before New Years Eve!
They had each other to keep warm and cozy...

They sat in the snow... willingly!
I obviously have awesome couples to work with.
I didn't even have to bribe them!

This is a popular spot for photographers for its pretty light, dramatic lines...
but I will be honest, that day it was not my initial plan to stop there!
However, we had already gone halfway across the bridge so I figured,
why not keep going?
Then we found it: shelter from the cold wind...
and some of my favorites of the day! :)

We needed to warm up some more... ;)

Another favorite:

Ashley and Alex, you are an adorable couple
and I so very much appreciate you braving the chilly weather
for your engagement session! It was fun to get to know you both better,
and I am very excited about the wedding, meeting more of your friends
and family, and capturing all the details and moments of your day!
It means a lot that you have chosen me to be a part of it.

I met Lynae and Mickey earlier this fall
to talk about their wedding and we had such
a nice conversation - they are so easygoing and friendly,
and as we wandered around a nearby park during this session,
I saw more of the love they share with each other.
We joked around, I took some photos,
but what I really remember was how
the three of us just truly enjoyed
one of the last *perfect* fall afternoons.
The air was sweet, the sun was golden as it lowered in the sky,
and my boots proved to indeed be waterproof ;)...

Lynae laughs a lot! I love it.

Lynae and Mickey,
your engagement session was honestly a reminder for me
to stop and relish the moment I am in!
I was taking photos, and yes I love these pictures of the two of you!
But it was just so nice to spend a little time getting to know you better
and to enjoy nature, laugh, and relax.
I have a feeling your wedding day is going to have
much the same vibe...
I am really looking forward to it! :)

I met Erika and Danny for the first time earlier this month
for their engagement session.
We were blessed with a beautiful day, and the setting they chose
was the home where they are starting their lives together.
I think it was the perfect choice.
I got to know them both a little bit while we wandered
around on their property...
Here are some of my favorites! :)

Erika and Danny are getting married in March 2010,
and already have some amazing details planned...
Congratulations on your engagement,
and I can't wait for your wedding day!

Katie and Chad are getting married next summer.
When I first met with Katie over coffee, we totally lost track
of time sitting and talking about all kinds of things -
mostly wedding details - but many other subjects came up on tangents, and
we really just clicked so easily.
I am so excited that I am going to be their wedding photographer,
because I already feel like I have made a friend!

Last month Katie, Chad, and I
met up in a gorgeous setting, the fall colors were
amazing with all these beautiful golden yellow maple trees
lining the driveway, and the white fence and green grass...
oh yeah, and the adorable couple! :)

Wedding date! Can't wait!

Katie couldn't keep the serious sexy face without cracking up,
but I love that about her! She's so happy and quick to laugh.

I had a really nice time talking with you both during
your engagement session - and I hope you love your pictures! :)
I look forward to meeting with
you again, and of course your wedding day...
It's going to be so beautiful, and I can't wait to be a small part of it!
Congratulations and happy planning!!!

Kristi and RJ
are getting married this Friday!
After a busy summer of planning we finally made it to a beautiful park
for their engagement session.
It looks like the fall foliage was at its peak,
it just makes me happy to look at these amazing colors!



















Kristi & RJ have an adorable son, Zander,
who was able to join us for a few family pictures.
He is such a sweetie, so cute and cuddly, and I can't wait to see
him all dressed up on Friday!





I've always felt like fall was a new beginning,
maybe because of the years of school instilling that routine,
or the memories it evokes as we approach the holidays.
It is by far my favorite season... although it is so short, it is so glorious!
And this is their new beginning.
I wish them all the excitement, anticipation, warmth,
and love this time of year brings...
on their wedding day, and for the rest of their lives.

Amy and LD braved some really cool temps with me
last week for their engagement session,
although you'd never know it to look at their pictures...
But what I really loved was spending a little time
with them again.
They are so down-to-earth, calm, and relaxed,
and already seem to be one with each other.
Looking back at their session I can really remember
feeling that vibe from them, and thinking
I am so lucky to have yet another wonderful wedding couple
to work with!

This one might be my favorite from the session...
I still can't decide! :)

I know it's almost a year away,
but I truly am looking forward to your wedding!
Congratulations again, and have fun planning your big day...
I know it will be beautiful!

Laura and Matt met up with me in Holland
on an absolutely perfect early fall afternoon for their engagement session.
They are such sweet people, and so cute together...
they were just naturally affectionate and comfortable
having their picture taken,
so I ended up with a lot of amazing images... :)








I found out about this park from a good relafriend (yes I just invented a word),
and I just love, love, love all these tall pines. Thank you, Trish!



I love the next few, with the little white flowers...
some of my favorite pictures ever ;)











Then we headed over to Tunnel Park for some beach pictures...
the sun was bright and it actually felt really warm!
You just never know what the weather will do in Michigan!



This was probably the last time my bare feet will be in Lake Michigan.
The waves were getting really big, and it was hard to get a shot
before the footprints were washed away!



We made the trek to the Tunnel and got a few more... :)




Love this one!




One more for the road...



Enjoy the excitement of planning for your big day,
it will be here before you know it!
I am so happy and honored that you have chosen me to be your photographer,
and I can't wait for your wedding! :)

I have been so lucky so far to get to work with such lovely clients.
Tashia and Bobby are getting married in 2010...
They are so down-to-earth and friendly, and
it was nice to meet them in person for the first time.

We met in South Haven, halfway between where we live.
It was ideal, and apparently a lot of other people thought so too,
because the town was busy!
We got away from the crowds though (as much as we could!)...



I loved this clock! How fitting for an engagement session
to have the symbol of "time". They have just over a year left until their big day,
but lots of plans are already in the works!

In fact, for these two, this all got started way back in middle school!
I think that is so amazing... and how exciting for their friends and families to see
this childhood romance evolve!




Aiming for some flare... :)






Some of my favorites... We were on the pier and the waves
crashing against the side made it in some of the shots... :)
As soon as I saw this dark, smooth puddle I was so excited because it was
this perfect situation to get a crystal clear reflection!





Back in the downtown area... I love the unique architecture in cities like this.






Tashia and Bobby, congratulations on your engagement
and thank you for choosing me to
photograph your wedding day, I can't wait!

Danielle and Dave are planning a wedding this fall, and we got together on a nice hazy summer afternoon at his parents' apple orchard for their e-session. I love this rural setting, it just seems so romantic and classical mid-west, and I love that the location has a personal significance.







Love old abandoned barns!!!
And I love the light here. They almost look like they're dancing...



I loved this in color too - but in this monochrome, it sort of reminded me of a starry sky... am I just being crazy? Probably... but if you stand back and squint you might see it too! :)





In a relatively short amount of time I got so many
fabulous images of these two, it was hard to narrow it down to share just these ones...
It was nice getting to know you each a little better,
and I can't wait for your wedding in October!

siempre [se-em'-pray] adverb - forever.

Kelly & Heath are getting ready for a June wedding
on the beach in Riviera Maya, Mexico! It is going to be beautiful...
They came from the Windy City to our neck of the woods, and I captured
some great engagement photos around Kelly's home town of Grand Rapids.
More to come...