9.30.07 : : Merry Thanksgiving!

Today, our family celebrated both Thanksgiving and Christmas. And it was 81 degrees outside!

As some of you that follow my blog may know, is that my little brother Keith is in town after serving in the Air Force in Guam the last year and a half. My mom really missed having her whole family together last year for the holidays and didn't want to miss the opportunity again this year. So we changed the calendar a bit.

We enjoyed a full Thanksgiving dinner, complete with our favorite dishes. We then opened presents, shared some laughs and ate Christmas cookies. Seeing the floor full of presents and wrapping paper really did make it feel like Christmas! And the bonus was not having to go load our car in the snow and cold weather.

My contribution to our festivities was to bring wine (pictured above). I ran into World Market this afternoon looking for a nice merlot and found actual Christmas-themed wine! So of course I had to purchase some.

9.29.07 : : Congratulations Monica and Ryan!

Monica and Ryan were married today in downtown Grand Rapids. I loved all the victorian-themed touches Monica put into her day. The whites, creams and green colors were to die for. And my favorite part of the day was when Ryan saw his beautiful bride walk down the aisle. It was hard to hold back the tears!


Congratulations to the new husband and wife!


How beautiful is this bridal party?

9.28.07 : : A Sunset Garden Wedding

Congratulations to Blythe and Brent who were married today at the Meijer Gardens!

Blythe and Brent had a small wedding inside of the Gardens this evening followed up by a rockin' reception on the third floor of McFadden's in downtown Grand Rapids. It was a wedding that they wanted their guests to have fun at, to go and relax and have a good time. I think they accomplished thier mission!

Congratulations to the happy couple!

9.27.07 : : A Fun Day at Work

I just have to say again...I love doing senior photo shoots! And the girls always come with a full wardrobe complete with accessories. So fabulous!

This afternoon I had a session with Vivienne and rocked out a session in and around the studio.

9.26.07 : : Downtown at Dusk

Today was one of the few days that I didn't schedule any shoots and instead concentrated on getting through all of my recent sessions and weddings. I even got to enjoy a dinner out with girlfriends this evening, one of which is getting married in Jamaica next week! Congratulations again Sam and Robin!

9.25.07 : : Remington, Part II

Last month I did a beach photo session with Remington and her brother Ethan. Tonight, I did an urban session with just Remington featuring some of her fabulous new fall clothes. She was a great sport and nailed her poses perfectly. I also had a fabulous time catching up with her on Dora the Explorer's latest adventures.

We also got extremely lucky as it started raining just as we were heading back to our cars. I beat Mother Nature on this one!

Chris and Kate's Wedding Preview!

When: Saturday, September 8, 2007

Where: Ceremony - Fellowship Reformed Church, Hudsonville MI

Reception - Laketown Golf & Conference Center, Saugatuck MI

Highlight of the Day: Kate and Chris put so many personal touches into their wedding to make everyone there feel important, special and cared for. Even during the ceremony, they made mention to each and every one of their attendants and family members as to why they were so important to them in their lives. It was beautiful and eloquent, just as the rest of their day was.

Marilyn Monroe in training!

I loved how they set up their head table. It was right in the middle of the room and they could actually face each other while all seated for dinner.

9.24.07 : : A Better Beach Day

A few weeks ago Erika was hoping to have her senior pictures taken at the beach but Mother Nature had other plans. So tonight, we headed back to the beach and were greeted with beautiful balmy weather and some killer light.

Then it was back to G.R. for a meeting and another session, which was a head shot for a dentist-in-training. I know she's going to be fabulous!

9.23.07 : : Welcome Home Keith!

My little brother Keith is in the Air Force and has been in Guam since spring of last year. He got in last week and surprised us all with is his visit! It's been over a year since my family and I have been able to see him and we have all missed him greatly.

Keith turned 21 last month and since we weren't able to celebrate with him on his birthday, we celebrated his birthday last night at our parent's house. Next weekend: Christmas and Thanksgiving.

How cute is my mom?

9.22.07 : : Congratulations Crystal and Travis!

Crystal and Travis were married today in Jackson, MI. Crystal was quite wary about setting their wedding date for September as she was worried that it would be cold and rainy. Quite the opposite! Their wedding day weather was perfect...sunny, warm, and with a beautiful blue sky. I hope they are enjoying the same sunny and warm weather in Jamaica for their honeymoon!

Congratulations you two!

9.21.07 : : Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something....Green!

Congratulations to Laura and Brian who were married today in Spring Lake!

And yes, Laura's wedding dress was her favorite color, green. While not traditional, it was perfect for her. Perfect for the artist she is and a bride who wanted to buck the trend of white or ivory and do things her way. As the ceremony took place with the water in the background and a giant willow tree to shade their guests, it couldn't have been more perfect. Congratulations Laura and Brian!

9.20.07 : : Back to the Real World

We said goodbye to Vegas very early this morning to catch the red-eye back to Grand Rapids. We missed a night of sleep but it was oh so worth it! Vacations are always fabulous but there is something to be said for returning home, to unpack your things (especially your new things, like shoes!) and settle back into your routine. And my routine, of course, is taking pictures!

Tonight I had a family session for a wonderful family. I worked with Karrie last year as she hired me to shoot the pictures for her father's surprise anniversary and vow renewal to her mom, a touching and beautiful display of love and effection after 30 years. This evening however, was working with Karrie's husband's family for a photo session. As I was working with this family, specifically doing the featured shot above of the grandparents and grandchildren together, I thought about the memories being captured. I don't have any formal pictures (or really too many snapshots) of my brothers and I with our own grandparents. Putting these thoughts to light during shoots truly makes me feel like I'm doing something special, something meaningful, for these families I get to work with.

9.19.07 : : What Happens in Vegas...

...gets blogged about on the POTD!

Today was our last day in Vegas. Big Sigh. Our last day of irresponsible fun in the desert and lounging by our pool. We spent the last part of the day revisiting our favorite places along the strip (mine being high-end designer handbag stores while Jason walked into every place that sold sunglasses. Did you know they give you champagne in those stores? I caught onto that quick and all of a sudden I enjoyed sunglass shopping just as much!) and collectively any place that sold mojitos.

I took more pictures, trying to soak up all the sights and sounds of the city. I took thousands of pictures this week, but had time to just grab a few for today's entry. Enjoy!