Continuing my pursuit of blogging the events from last year, I’d like to introduce you to two people I am incredibly fond of, Diana and Tony. Beautiful, inside and out, with families that constantly amaze me with their thoughtfulness and gratitude.  I met Diana and her sweet family almost two years ago when I photographed her sister’s graduation open house.  In getting to know Diana and her family, I have to publicly thank Diana’s parents for the example they’ve been for me.  Raising children in our society is incredibly difficult.  Hearing their success stories, the struggles, and seeing the end result — two incredible women — has inspired me and given me courage for the teenage years that are just around the corner for us.

It was my absolute honor to do a low key, simple, & pure engagement session for Diana and Tony.  No hype, no props, no high fashion posing… just genuine photography.  They are as natural as they come, why make it any less than who they are?  I’m all about real these days.

While their engagement session was done last summer, the wedding took place in December.  Here is a sneak peak of what’s to come… can you say custom designed Monique Lhuillier?  This is just one of the many details that I swooned over!  Not that Tony and Diana needed any help, but a wedding designed and orchestrated by In Any Event is sure to be a crowd pleaser!  Can’t wait to show you the images…

Years ago I made the decision to focus my business.  I wanted to be the best event photographer I was capable of being.  I immersed myself into seminars, workshops, and mentor relationships that were so critical in my growth as a photographer.  Because I chose to focus on events and weddings which primarily occur during the summer and fall, that means I usually referred high school seniors which have their peak season at the same time.  I’m ok with not being everything to everyone.  However, I do open my schedule to a small handful of other types of photography to keep things fresh and interesting.  Or if the client begs.  :)  In the last few weeks, in addition to shooting amazing weddings in Minneapolis and Petoskey (which we still need to finish and blog), I was honored to shoot a pregnancy, hospital delivery, and newborn photos for a precious couple and their little girl (also plan on blogging at some point).  Today I had the joy of working with Lauren and her mother, Diane, for a senior portrait session!  I have two more seniors in the next week, along with another fabulous wedding at a private residence on Grand Traverse Bay!  Oh, and a small shoot for Mario Batali (if you’re up for a lovely evening in Traverse City, get your tickets HERE).  Yes, we’re very busy around here but we’re loving every minute!  Forgive me for blogging out of order, but I wanted to post a quick photo of Lauren!  Such a natural beauty with the sweetest spirit to match.  Special thanks to Julie Strating for her humidity-proof make-up talents!

In my effort to catch up on blog posts, meet four of my fabulous couples who have weddings approaching!

Reilly & Laura will be getting married in July in in Minneapolis with the reception held at this swanky, modern hotel!  For their engagement pictures, we wandered around Ann Arbor and U of M’s campus — where they met.  We followed the session with a lovely dinner with Reilly’s parents who were visiting from Canada and a previous bride and groom, Nick and Lindsey!  Extra engagement shoot perk: chocolate chip cookies!  I’ll let Reilly and Laura do the big unveil of those photos for their guests at the wedding.  ;)

Jen and Chris will be getting married in August at the Walloon Lake Country Club (north of Traverse City).  So honored to have been able to sit in on one of their planning meetings with Alicia of A Day In May Events.  Gives me a whole new level of respect for how much work an event designer and planner puts in behind the scenes!  Jen and Chris squeezed their engagement session in before a long drive back home to Pittsburgh.  A drizzly, cold November day provided the opportunity for great color for about 1/2 hour before we got completely rained out!

Next up is Michael and Andrea who will be celebrating their wedding in Grand Rapids later this fall with the help of the talented team lead by Jodi Bos of In Any Event.  Michael and Andrea flew in from NYC for a few days over Christmas — arguably the coldest days of the year!  We took most of the photos in the unfinished (and unheated) fourth floor of my studio’s building and a record five minute shoot downtown.  Seriously, it was that cold.  To say there were troopers is an understatement.  In addition to the relaxed, easy portraits, Andrea and Michael were totally up for a more stylized, high fashion set (second photo below)!

And lastly, Anne and Brian!  They will be getting married in Leland in August.  I have dreams of their country church and a white distressed wood Art Building that will host the guests for the reception!  After having to reschedule for rain, we ended up with the perfect evening for an engagement shoot that was uniquely them and completely natural.  Alicia will be setting the scene for their event as well!

I’m looking forward to all the moments these celebrations and new friendships hold!  Wedding season begins in just 18 days for another full year!  Thank you to so many who have invited us into these precious days!