8.31.07 - Go Blue!

This afternoon I spent some time on the campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor doing an engagement session with Alexandria and Brett. Alex is a student at U of M and having their engagement pictures shot here meant a great deal to the couple. I was game and I was loving what we had to work with! Ivy-covered walls, old brick walls and glass plate windows...it all made for beautiful backdrops and great energy for the shoot.

It was also move-in week for the students so despite a little traffic and a lot of excited college students, we managed to get to the places we wanted and enjoyed getting some great shots.

The above shot is the couple's favorite deli which was in a kitshy little neighborhood not far from the bustle of the busy campus. I hope these are photographs they will forever treasure remembering this time, this start, in their journey together.

8.30.07 : : The Butterfly Tree

I have always had a love of butterflies. As a child I caught them, learned what species were around my house, raised them as caterpillars...basically lived and breathed these winged creatures. This summer I had a renewed interest in them, even raising a few again from caterpillars, as documented a few months ago.

This, however, was unlike anything I ever experienced before. As my mom and I were taking a walk (with our cameras. of course) we came upon a butterfly on a flower (a Red-Spotted Purple butterfly, to be exact). It happened to land on the very flower that has been making me sneeze like crazy all week. As I started snapping pictures, another came along and sat right down beside him. Can you see both?


He flew away but out of the corner of my eye I saw another fluttering about and landed on a nearby tree. We remembered it was called a Morning Cloak and it was kind enough to sit still while we snapped a few pictures.


While we were carefully composing our shot, a monarch landed above him.

And then a Comma butterfly (which I have actually not seen in person before).

And finally an Admiral butterfly. 4 butterflies. On the same tree! It was like a miracle. Like God, knowing my love of butterflies, placed them all there, just for us to enjoy. And enjoy we did! We sat there a long while taking pictures, completely amazed at what we were seeing.

Upon returning up to my parents house, a Painted Lady butterfly landed on a nearby plant and sat ever so patiently while we captured its unusual markings.
I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them! It was truly a moving experience and one my mom and I are not likely to forget anytime soon.

8.29.07 : : Robin's Getting Married!

Robin is my friend from back when we were in school together. Her and her fiance' Sam are getting married this fall on the beach in Jamaica (Jamaica!). I had so much fun working with them this evening for their engagement shoot! Sam was a bit leary when we started but I think he actually started to enjoy himself.

They even brought their cat, George! This was the first time I've photographed a cat during an engagement session. I loved it of course. Sadie is their beautiful black lab.

8.28.07 : : Rub A Dub Dub...

...a Baby in a Tub!

My penchant for putting people in the water is not just limited to brides!

This morning I had the pleasure of doing another shoot with little Madeline and even a few with her aunt! I did a session a few months ago with Madeline at my studio but this time her mom wanted a different feel and we headed to the park before the temperatures got too warm.

I also headed back out to Grand Haven again tonight to get those beach pictures we tried to get for Eric last week. Despite the wind, we had another great shoot!

Erin and Mike's Wedding Preview!

When: Saturday, August 18, 2007

Where: Ceremony at Christ Memorial Church in Holland

Reception at Portobello's in Grand Haven

Highlight of the Day: The rain! That might seem like an odd highlight but the light rain and umbrellas that were needed because of the rain truly made for some beautiful pictures. Erin and Mike were great sports and were a truly gracious couple. Ironically, when we scheduled their engagement shoot last fall it was originally scheduled to be at the beach but due to rain, we moved it inside her parents home in Holland. Fast forward to the wedding day, the Grand Haven beach was on the schedule for photo ops and due to rain, needed to be re-thought. So no beach pictures either day but I think they'll like these just as much. Congratulations Erin and Mike!

Hadaas and Jason Wedding Preview!

When: Friday, August 17, 2007

Where: Holland Fish and Game Club

Highlight of the day: The beautiful ceremony! Hadaas and Jason's wedding took place outside on the grounds of the Holland Fish and Game Club and their families put in a lot of work and personal touches to make it perfect for the couple. I also adored Hadaas's white and pink wedding gown that was actually made by her mom! The dress and material were exquisite and perfectly suited the pink touches Hadaas wanted for her day. Congratulations you two!