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!

8.27.07 : : MANi's and Pedi's

Yes, that is my husband and his friends sitting at a nail spa getting pedicures this evening.

Jason and I are part of a Bible study group that meets every Monday. Tonight, the boys thought they were going to our study as normal, but us girls had another plan...

It all started this summer when the girls in the group and I had all gotten together for our first pedi's of the season. We were sitting in the above chairs talking about how fabulous we felt and how the guys were really missing out. The salon owner said, 'why not bring them sometime? You can bring wine and have a great time of it!'. Well, that got our wheels spinning so we decided to do just that. We packed up a picnic dinner consisting of wine, bread, cheese and fruit and other assorted goodness.

To see their faces as they stepped into the nail salon was priceless. I wish I could have taken the pictures of their expressesions but my arms were loaded up with the picnic dinner.



Jason was not quite sure what to think of this just yet. I think he may have had the hardest time feeling like this was ok for a boy to do.


Dan started to get into the spirit of it.

And 'Thank you' to all who wished us a Happy Anniversary! We had a fabulous time in Saugatuck today and since the below picture was what I wanted to do to my husband's cell phone after work called him continuously, I tried to respect our time as well and didn't spend the entire jaunt by the lakeshore taking pictures and doing my 'work'. So this is the only picture I have to share from our time together today. I would have loved to submerge the phone in the beer that filled the glass, but that would have been a waste of a tasty Oberon!

8.26.07 : : 2 Fabulous Years

Today my husband and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary. It is hard for both of us to believe that it's actually been two years since we walked down the aisle together!

We celebrated tonight by going out to dinner with my family at Bay Point...a beautiful restaurant nestled on Gun Lake. Monday we're taking the day off and spending it together, just the two of us, in Saugatuck by the lake.

The cake pictured above is by the fabulous Barb Hoek, who baked our wedding cake two years ago and was a gift from Sara and Chad, my bride and groom from Saturday. Sara actually works with Barb and Barb attended the reception and brought the cake to me Saturday night. It was such a sweet and thoughtful gesture.

8.25.07 : : Bride and Groom For Sale!

Today was one of those days that made me realize just how much I love my job.

Congratulations to Chad and Sara who were married today on the Blue Bridge downtown. Not only was the ceremony unique, so was this couple! After the ceremony we drove around the downtown Grand Rapids area looking for fun photo opportunities. They were game for all that was suggested and as we walked by 'Vertigo' a favorite music stop of theirs, we looked at the empty window display and thought we might be able to spice it up a bit. So in the couple went and the result is what you see posted! The only thing that would have made these pictures better was that darned window glare! But fun pictures none the less.

This is one wedding preview you won't want to miss. The pictures are fun, sassy and unique! Look for the pictures later this week.

8.24.07 : : A Wedding, a Stream, and a Ferris Wheel

Congratulations to Pete and Linda who were married today!

When I first met with Linda and Pete to discuss their wedding day, they originally wanted to go to the park to take pictures and then to the ceremony. Well, Mother Nature had a different plan (again) and we decided to wait until after the ceremony to go to the park. Linda told me that she actually had hoped it would start raining again because she thought it would be neat to do some pictures of them in their wedding attire getting rained on (LOVE her!). A chance for fun and unique pictures. Those who follow my blog know this is the stuff I love!

Well, it didn't start raining but there was a stream. And with my propensity for wanting brides to jump in the water with their wedding dresses on, Linda and Pete were totally game for this idea. So here they are, sitting in the water with their wedding clothes on. And for those that are totally appalled by this idea...the dress did get wet but is not ruined.

On the way home, my fabulous assistant Angie thought it might be neat to go to the Hudsonville Fair to do some time exposures. More fun pictures! I'm always gameand here are a few results.

8.23.07 : : Rocking Out in the Rain

The original plan for Eric's senior session tonight was at the beach in Grand Haven. But due to the torrential rain, lighting and high winds we wisely decided that may not be our best choice.

So we moved the session to my studio and rocked it out inside and even out in the rain for some fun urban pictures.

Eric is the boyfriend of Samantha, who's senior pictures I shot earlier this summer. You may remember her adorableness. Funny enough...her senior session was when I caught the big storm rolling in at the beach in Grand Haven last month. Here she is hanging with Eric's mom as we're shooting outside in the rain. Eric's dad graciously helped me by holding an umbrella over my head and my gear while I shot.

8.22.07 : : Beach Babes

This is Remington and Ethan, an adorable pair of kids I got to have fun with at the beach tonight!

And although the beach proved to be a bit more distracting than we had hoped for (hmmm...they could stare at a boring camera or play with sand! At the beach!) I am loving the pictures of these two blond-haired cuties.

8.21.07 : : Capturing Hummingbirds

Taking good pictures of hummingbirds is no easy feat. They are small, quick, and hard to focus on.

These were taken at my parent's house where all wild things roam and fly. If I am ever in need of inspiration or good photo ops, I know I can head right over there.

8.20.07 : : Happy Birthday Alyssa!

Today our friend's daughter turned the ripe old age of three years old. My husband and I first met Alyssa when she was just six weeks old. She was very small and didn't do much back then. But now she's a break-dancing, silly, and fashion-forward little toddler who loves the color pink with the same fervor that I do.

Happy Birthday Alyssa!

8.19.07 : : A Little Rain isn't Going to Get in Our Way!

This morning after our church's service, we had planned a picnic. A fabulous Water Day in fact! But the weather had other plans and we were forced to move our picnic inside.

Despite the change of plans, the picnic was a true success and everyone had a lot of fun!

8.18.07 : : Congratulations to Erin and Mike!

Despite the rain getting in the way of taking pictures at the beach, we headed to downtown Grand Haven, armed with our umbrellas, and took some fun pictures anyway. Erin made a beautiful bride and Mike couldn't have been a happier groom. Congratulations to Erin and Mike!

8.17.07 : : Congratulations to Hadaas and Jason!

Hadaas and Jason were married today in a beautiful outdoor ceremony at the Holland Fish and Game Club. The grounds there are beautiful and this picture was taken just minutes after they were married. Congratulations to the happy couple!

Alison and Eric Wedding Preview

When: Saturday, August 11, 2007

Where: Ceremony - Kentwood, MI

Reception - Home & Building Association of Greater Grand Rapids

Highlight of the Day: After the ceremony and before the reception we all headed downtown to take pictures. With the beautiful coral color of the bridesmaid dresses and flowers, the colors popped against the green grass and the skyline of downtown. Alison and Eric truly had fun with the camera and were game to take some fun and unique shots. Congratulations you two!

8.16.07 : : The Silver Lining

Today was another day full of meetings which left little time for venturing out taking pictures. This thistle plant was found while taking a walk and I noticed how the sun was outlining each thorn and thistle and thought that it made a striking picture. Thus, I present today's POTD.

8.15.07 : : Visiting Wetlands

In between running from meetings in both Grand Rapids and Holland today, I stopped at a favorite spot to catch a few pictures before rushing off to my next appointment. This particular spot never disappoints with opportunities for waterfoul pictures and I believe the bird in the above picture is a Snowy Egret (correct me if I'm wrong Mom. I know you will).

The pictures below are of a flock of swans and a Great Blue Heron. I am particularly drawn to long-necked birds. They are so graceful!

8.14.07 : : Kind of Cheating

Ok I have to confess...I did not take this picture today. I didn't take any pictures today which is a true rarity!

I did a lot of catch-up work actually, spending the majority of my time in front of my computer processing pictures, except for the brief break in my day to catch an Olive Garden lunch with friends.

So anyway, this picture was actually taken yesterday while spending time at the beach. It's pretty though right?

8.13.07 : : Close Encounters of the Bird Kind

Today was fun...filled with friends, the beach, the zoo, and birds.


This morning I visited the John Ball Zoo with some good family friends and we fed the 'budgies'...lots and lots of adorable, colorful birds that you could feed and admire. I also pet sting rays and a shark. Quite an adventure before noon on a Monday.


And later this evening my husband and I attended a birthday party for our good friend's son's 8th birthday. It's been an annual tradition to go to Tunnel Park in Holland and cook out, eat watermelon (that serves in lieu of birthday cake) and play in the water and on the beach. With a bit cooler and less humid temperatures, the weather was perfect. It couldn't have been a better summer day.

No babies were harmed or eaten in the course of the evening.

Budgies!

8.12.07 : : More Family Fun at the Beach

Tonight I headed back to the beach to do a family shoot. I love being out at the beach!

By the time we got there, the temperatures had cooled off a bit and we had a very fun session complete with a high-jumping Brody out in the water.

8.11.07 : : Congratulations Alison and Eric!

Today Alison and Eric were married at Alison's home church in Kentwood on a very hot, and very sunny day.

After the wedding ceremony we all headed downtown to take some pictures near the river. This one was taken just under one of the walking bridges in Grand Rapids.

Congratulations to Alison and Eric!

Maggie and Jon Wedding Preview!

When: Sunday, August 5, 2007

Where: Walloon Lake Country Club

Highlight(s) of the Day: I don't know if I can quite convey with words what an amazing wedding this was. The location was beautiful, the family was warm and welcoming and Maggie and Jon couldn't have been a more perfect couple. Many of the wedding guests and family came from across the country to celebrate this day with them. The ceremony overlooked Walloon Lake, which is a beautiful inland lake near Petoskey, Michigan.

They also had quite the wedding party, which included a 'Best Dog', a 'Flower Dog' and with my love for dogs, was quite fabulous.

Congratulations Jon and Maggie!

Angela and Jeffrey Wedding Preview!

When: Saturday, August 4, 2007

Where: Ceremony and Reception at the Frederik Meijer Gardens

Highlight of the Day: During the reception, Jeff surprised his new bride by performing a song for her on his ukelala that he had been learning to play for some time. Not only did the song have meaning to both of them, but Jeff was not the type to typically draw attention to himself, which truly showed just how enamored he was with his bride. Congratulations Angie and Jeff!

8.10.07 : : Simple.Beautiful

I don't have a great background story for this shot so instead I thought I would write a haiku.

Lovely in color
Complex yet simple and calm
Swirling in beauty

8.9.07 : : Do All Kids Grow This Fast?

I've been photographing little Christopher since he was just three months old. A few weeks ago he turned one. He is now a walking, talking little guy! I have a picture of him in my studio that I see often, and in my mind, that is the size he should be. So when I saw him this evening, I couldn't believe how much he'd grown and changed! Happy 1st Birthday little guy!

8.8.07 : : Why Dogs Attack Their Owners

This evening I had a meeting at my studio and decided to bring my dog Tanner with me.

So...after the meeting I thought that maybe it might be nice to get some nice studio shots of my dog. And that's when it all went horribly wrong and a pink children's skirt wound up framing his face.

8.7.07 : : Playing in the Water

This evening I had a shoot with William and his mom and dad in Grand Haven where they are vacationing this week.


William is one busy little guy and he was much more excited to see the water than he was to see me. Luckily, there is nothing more sweet than seeing a child splashing around in the water with his mom and dad.

8.6.07 : : She did WHAT in her wedding dress?

On Sunday my assistant and I shot Jon and Maggie's wedding and at some point during the evening as we were talking to the new bride, we started talking about the growing popularity of the 'Trash the Dress' sessions and she mentioned that might be something she wanted to do as well! Since we were staying in town that evening we were invited over the next day to enjoy a picnic lunch at the bride's families house on the lake and then Maggie got back into her wedding dress and we did a mini-session right there in the lake. Jon joined in the fun as well and they hopped onto a wave runner for a ride. They got some extremely surprised looks from nearby boaters!

Here are a few more from the session. And sorry for the delay in the past few day's postings of the POTD's, but I just got back into town this evening from an extremely busy weekend of weddings and the drive home today.

8.5.07 : : A Wedding to Remember

Congratulations to Maggie and Jon who were married in an outdoor ceremony today at the Walloon Lake Country Club!

This was truly an amazing wedding and one the guests will likely remember for years to come. Friends and family members traveled from all over the country to be a part of Maggie and Jon's day. And one of the many highlights for me was the incorporation of the couple's dog Phyllis acting as the "Best Dog" and the bride's sister's dog Belle serving as the flower dog, complete with matching bridesmaid dress!

8.4.07 : : A Wedding at the Gardens

Congratulations to Angie and Jeff who were married today in a beautiful ceremony at the Frederick Meijer Gardens.

The above picture was taken as Angie and Jeff first saw each other for the first time on their wedding day. It was taken at the hotel that the wedding party was getting ready at. We then took just the bride and groom downtown for a private shoot, just the two of them. It was a truly perfect day.

Lisa and Yohan Wedding Preview!

When: Saturday, June 28, 2007

Where: Ceremony - Townsend Park

Reception - Bridgewater Place

Highlight of the Day: The horse and carriage! Lisa rode up to the ceremony site on a horse-drawn carriage fit for a princess. After the ceremony Lisa and Yohan used it to make their grand escape.

8.3.07 : : A Fruit-ful Day

Today I intentionally laid low, relaxed and prepped myself for the busy weekend I have ahead. With a full day wedding tomorrow and another up in Walloon Lake (near Petoskey) on Sunday, I am going to be a busy, and tired, girl.

So because the most exciting thing I did was run to the health food store for some Turkish figs, it was also the only interesting item I could find to take a picture of. So here you have it, a fabulous Turkish fig. And if you've never had the pleasure of enjoying one of these...I highly recommend it!

8.2.07 : : Bugs Part Deux

In keeping with the bug theme from yesterday, a beautiful dragonfly perched atop a stick.

And in this picture below there is a smaller bug. A bit harder to spot.

8.1.07 : : A Creepier Side of Nature

If you remember a few weeks ago when I posted the pretty butterfly emerging out of its chrysalis, this bug (a cicada) is kind of doing the same manuever. Except that it's not pretty like a butterfly and it's emerging out of his old skin. Gross right?

I know this bug is a little creepy looking but I was extremely fascinated by this creature. He was hanging out on a tree letting his wings dry. Be glad I didn't post the extreme close up I had of him from my macro lens.

On a different note, tonight my husband and I had dinner with friends who recently purchased a Nintendo Wii. I had never played one, and since I don't have time for things like video games, never really gave this much thought. Until tonight. I HAVE to get one of these. I played tennis, golf, bowling and boxing! I had no idea!

Here is a picture of Jason and our friend boxing with the Wii. Seriously...I am hooked!

Jennifer and Brett Wedding Preview!

Date: Saturday, July 21, 2007

Where: Ceremony - Laketown, Saugatuck MI
Reception: Standale - Private Residence

Highlight of the Day: Getting to do pictures at the beach! With perfect weather for an outdoor ceremony and reception we had a lot of fun being outside in the sun. I loved the pink dresses against the bright blue sky!