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!

Ryan and Logan {Marriage}

Although I promised the 2012 highlight reel today, I'm skipping ahead. I promise, that will come next week. Instead, I wanted to give you a little winter wonderland action.

It's hard to not gush over this couple, they are simply adorable! We braved the Michigan winter, but it was completely worth it to have frozen toes for a few hours :)

In April, Ryan and Logan will celebrate their two year anniversary, but sadly they will be separated. Ryan is heading to Afghanistan next month, so there was no better time to document their first year and half as a married couple. Now, Ryan will have pictures of his beautiful wife to stare at everyday while he is away. Here's a few from our snowy morning!

 Logan, you're simply beautiful!

Meet Ruger, their baby!

 A favorite :)

And here comes the snow!

Two for the modeling books...

Thanks for braving the snow with me you two (and Ruger!) Love you three :)

2012 Changes + The Good Lessons!

2012 was a time to test the waters. I tried some new things in my business, some of which I loved and some I realized I could have done better. One of the best parts about running your own business is knowing that you have to continually learn, pivot and apply lessons in order to continue to be successful. It's not always easy admitting when I've made a mistake, but it's those circumstances that continue to drive the success. The doses of humility are never lacking.

For example, I opened a Print Shop in January via my website. However, I learned quickly that my marketing technique needed to change regarding the prints. 2013 will be a time to do just that!
(In the mean time, the print shop is temporarily closed)

I also learned the hard way that it was difficult to write about our lives and share photo sessions on the same platform. That may be why this blog looks thinned out over the past six months, as so much of our lives is now shared on my personal blog.

Sadly, the result of that is the neglect of this blog. Many sessions haven't been posted (many times due to photographs being a gift for family members, etc), which is different than what I had done the previous year- which is post just about everything! This blog will be being filled out a bit more in the coming months!

Another huge change was locations! I started my business in Charlottesville, Virginia, and we now live in Ann Arbor, MI! A completely different market and culture. Establishing a new business in an already over-saturated market can be a very difficult task. Not to mention, I went from being surrounded by gorgeous mountains, vineyards, orchards and history to a completely different setting (nothing against Ann Arbor ;). It's definitely taught me to stretch my vision, and for that I'm grateful.(Although I really miss this view :)

As I continue to weave my way into a new market, and "find my niche," if you will, I am overwhelmed by amazing clients! I couldn't be more excited and honored that people trust me to capture such important moments in their lives. Photography can be a business that can easily be watered down by the new plethora of affordable cameras, better technology or simply the large selection of professionals. The fact that people hire me is a HUGE compliment. It's humbling and exciting and I can't THANK YOU or show my appreciation enough!

....Which leads to tomorrow's 2012 Highlight Reel. Stay Tuned!