Ian and Mandy {Maternity}

Baby boy McLaren is due next month, making this the perfect time to capture the glow of his parent's anticipation. Just one year ago, Mandy & Ian moved to Ann Arbor as newlyweds, ready to begin a new journey. Now, just twelve short months later, they have an entirely new reason to celebrate! It's obvious that Mandy and Ian are not only smitten with one another, they're so excited to meet their baby boy and start another new adventure. Together.

(As you'll notice, Duncan and Vernor - their first two puppies babies- are also quite excited to meet their little brother)

Jackson is One!

Time flies!
It seems like yesterday I was photographing little Jackson at 6 months, raising his head off the ground and beginning to crawl across the floor. Now, he's inches away from walking AND he's going to be a big brother (!!!). Of course, he still has those big brown eyes and pudgy cheeks that you can't stop kissing. I'm also convinced that he really enjoys camera time, he's a pure natural in front of the lens.

Kelly & Jeff's Wedding

Last summer, I met with Kelly in a coffee shop here in Ann Arbor, and she was smiling from ear to ear. It had been over 20 years since we had seen one another, so most of the conversation revolved around "do you remember," and sentiments of when our families attended the same church and school. The best part?
Her fiance also went there. No, they didn't have crushes on one another in middle school nor were they high school sweethearts. One could even say their story started when their grandparents were in one anothers weddings. Little did they know that their lives would intersect long after.
Kelly & Jeff found their way back to each other one year ago. "It's crazy," she said, her eyes gleaming with excitement. It didn't take long for both of them to know that they had found their other half. They made if official in Hawaii last fall, and celebrated with family & friends at a beautiful reception here in Michigan. Jeff's eyes teared up as the video played of their ceremony on the beach, followed by Kelly's father walking her into the room to Jeff.  One could say he's absolutely smitten by this girl, and she's nothing sort of head of heels for him. Surrounded by their loved ones, they exchanged Hawaiian leis and danced the night away, with eager anticipation for the lifetime they now have with each other.

Here's a few shots from their Michigan wedding (now their wedding album will cover each extreme climate :)

Even though it was freezing outside and drizzling rain, Kelly was such a trooper doing photographs!

A few from the reception:

Can't wait to see all of the exciting things coming your way, Mr. & Mrs. Thompson!

Baby Jackson {Family}

What is there to say about a child that you cannot get enough of? He's simply precious!
Who can resist those big eyes and cheeks?!


It was a chilly day, so we mostly hung out in the house, played with toys, the dogs and made googly eyes. I always prefer to shoot outside, but their home provided enough natural light to really capture Jackson in a typical day, in his favorite place: home.

A mothers love:

( we did sneak outside for a few minutes, but Jackson couldn't decide if he liked it or not.)

THOSE CHEEKS!

Oh Jackson, such a charmer ;)

Baby lashes!

Just another day hanging out as a family of three!

Somehow bed head is always cute on babies!

Jackson turns 1 in a few short months and I can't wait to capture him wobbling around, discovering everything new!

2012 Highlight Reel

Personally, 2012 was one crazy here (talked about here.) Professionally, it involved a lot of changes and reorganizing of priorities, dreams and desires. I've learned a lot and I can't wait to see those lessons in practical terms throughout 2013.

The reality is, I wouldn't be able to pick up a camera each day if it weren't for YOU. Those amazing clients that hire me, trust me and confide in me. It's an honor beyond words and a compliment dear to my heart.  A thank-you simply seems to small, so pretend I'm giving you a HUGE HUG! A few, actually!