products...

I had the opportunity of assisting a local photography company with photographing and organizing various photographs of a product called cards of wood.  They are based here in Western Michigan, and create their products all from wood - so invitations, business cards, Christmas cards, notebooks etc.

Through photographing different products, I was able to explore different options along with different settings to best represent the product.

Here are a few examples of some of the photographs I took.

blissful and fun

I had the opportunity of assisting with a wedding that was located in an adorable "mill" south of Grand Rapids, Michigan.  I have lived in Michigan for a good portion of my life and never realized this adorable area south of where I had spent my highschool and some of my college years.

As I walked into this area, I was overcomed with the beauty and angles in order to portray how quaint and adorable it was.

Here are a few examples - enjoy!

adventures and details

Since I've recently been married, my husband and I (I just love saying that).... have gone on a few adventures around where we live..... adventures that are not only fun for us, but something that we both look forward to.  Our goal is to eventually have seen and photographed all the lighthouses around Michigan - this might take us by the time we are 80, but that is ok - it is a great time to be together and see some beautiful, historical structures.

Recently, I've found a new love for not only photographing old buildings, but also antiques, houses and all the details that we take great time in creating..... an old house reminds me a little bit of a wedding (since I just planned one) - it not only has a lot of love, creativity and care in it, but we take a lot of time in the little details that at times are just overlooked, but were very important to us.  Which I feel is so very true for a wedding - you plan, care, and love that day and then passionately plan and create all these details that you notice but perhaps others won't - so I have a great passion for the details, the love, care and history in all around us.

So here is a little preview of what we saw and experience - Enjoy!

invitations....

It is amazing how things change in just 15 years - I remember when my older sister had to special order her invitations..... now today - you can find invitations at Hobby Lobby, Joann Fabrics and Michael's where you just need to add the names and date and there they are.

Well I can't say that is the route I went, I decided to make my own - for so many reasons, one to incorporate our theme.... the other because I'm cheap - I didn't want to spend a lot of money on invitations..... so here is the outcome.  I have to say I'm rather proud of them :)

My Ring!!! :)

So my amazing fiance was finally able to pick up my ring.... long story, but I have the "real" one now :)  Here are a few pictures that I took today - hated taking it off my finger, but wanted to get some good shots of this amazing ring!!!

scenery

I have had the amazing opportunity of traveling this amazing world that God has created and blessed us with.  Through both growing up and my employment; I've been able to see Brazil, Alaska, England, Israel and Italy.  Each of these places is unique and amazing yet through it all I still step by and look around and think - Wow Lord, this is amazing. 
As I was searching through my pictures, I came across these pictures that I've taken throughout my travels  - I'm fascinated with trees, beautiful old houses and barns.... I admit Turner Classic Movies is one of my favorite channels too :)  So enjoy!  As you step outside - thank God for what He has created!

wedding details

So I have to admit; my time is occupied with wedding stuff and work...... Wow - how crazy it can be, but I know it will be all worth it in the end.  In which - I feel very fortunate because my amazing mother is making my wedding dress and graciously helping me with the food for the reception.  Because it is a small wedding we are able to accomplish this and each weekend it seems that we've conquered the next "adventure" for the wedding.... here are a few pictures that I've taken through my adventure of wedding planning

The picture of the hand are my mother's hands - these are the hands that have loved me, cared for me, and wiped away my tears when needed..... they are amazingly sewing together my wedding dress for my special day!  I owe her so much more than I can give, but the only way I can sum it up is with how much I love her!

Then this strawberry is part of the picnic baskets that we'll have at the reception, my  mom and I tried this three different times and finally perfected it - I can't wait for everyone to enjoy them.... so to those that continue to plan their wedding - happy planning from one bride-to-be to another :)

my "save the date" invitations arrived!!!

They arrived and I'm so excited to send them out.....

is it spring yet?

We've had some amazing weather these past two weeks, which can and can't be normal for Michigan.... but hey I'm not complaining - I admit I'm ready for Spring.... flowers, the smell in the air and no more snow!  Yet, as much as I "hate" driving in snow (I really do) - it can make a great setting for photography and kids.... of course, kids love to make snowmen, have snowball fights and the best snow forts!!!  So today as I was once again going through some old photos that I had take - I came across these pictures of kids in snow.... yes as much as I hate driving in that white snow stuff - it sure did make some adorable pictures.  Enjoy!

details and more details

So I went to one of my favorite stores - yes I'll admit it - Kohl's.... they have my favorite jeans, some great tops and even some of the cutest flip flops.... but tonight I had a purpose.... my purpose was to look for a piece of jewelry that could go with my wedding dress :) Let me say with a huge smile - I succeeded!  I found it - the necklace that I want and not only that - I got it with Kohl's bucks (those who shop at Kohl's know how precious these Kohl's buck are!)  As I came home feeling like I just conquered the world, I thought it would fun to photograph this special piece of jewelry that would be worn on a day that I'm looking forward to and will always cherish..... so enjoy!

senior pictures

I was once again going through some old pictures that I've taken these past few years.... and I came across some Senior Pictures... always great fun because usually the seniors are "geek-ed" to do this.... here are a few of my favorites from a shoot that I had with my Pastor's daughter - we had over 400 pictures for them to go through and my pastors wife thought there were way too many options - which was a good sign.... Enjoy!

the ring

So when my amazing fiance proposed to me, he didn't have a ring..... he felt horrible, but I didn't mind one bit - it makes for a great story.  But there is no doubt that the ring is such a special part of the engagement and the girl just feels wonderful having it on her hand and showing it off...... so one way to show it off is through photography too - but choosing to photograph it in a unique location.

For instance, I choose to photograph "my temp" ring on a beautiful china saucer that was given to me - this saucer is special for many reasons but also is just beautiful..... so I thought - hey why not show off my ring this way - here is the outcome! :)

details....

I've been sorting through some old wedding photos that I've taken over the past few years and came across these..... this was one of my first weddings to photograph and I was so nervous!!!!  Though now as I'm planning my own wedding and working through all the details - even the small ones, I realize how precious these pictures can be..... they show all the details that one works through in order to create their perfect, dream-like day.

So as you work towards your dream wedding remember the details shouldn't and won't be forgotten!  Enjoy!

Children - Take 2

Here is another fun picture of Jacob... He was too cute peaking around the corner at me.... so photogenic.....

Children

We actually had beautiful weather up here in the north - so I decided to take my camera out and shoot a few pictures of my niece and nephews... which here is the outcome :) Well two of many....

Wedding Photography

Another example of some wedding photography I have done

Welcome

Welcome to my blog.... here are some examples of past photography up North :)