Ice Skating Engagement! Caitlin and Matt

Grand Rapids, MI
Rosa Parks Circle

Congratulations Caitlin and Matt! What a fun day for ice-skating in the city! It was actually beautiful, warm(er) for Michigan in February, and the sun was out. These two are so cool (not just because they were ice skating! Hee hee). Their warm personalities make you feel like you've been friends for years. I instantly connected with these two. Smiles, jokes, a little insecurity about skating and falling on your arse (Caitlin)... I am so excited for this couple and can't wait for the wedding! They are having their reception at McKay Tower, which is reflected in the buildings in some of these shots. Pretty cool.

(They never fell on their arses, but other people did. They're in the background in some of these... Thought it was funny since it's the Olympics and everyone cringes on the edge of their seats waiting for people to fall. You know you do.)

Caitlin and Matt met at her cousin's wedding. Matt actually crashed it- well, kind of. The best man asked him to go. But Caitlin says he crashed it. They were together for two years when Matt proposed. There was a love note on the bed, and when Caitlin turned around, he was on his knee. He always tries to surprise her, and it never works, so this time he didn't plan anything and just did it. He wanted to propose on the blue bridge and got shot down for lack of originality. Ha!

Well, just look at these two! I am genuinely so, so happy for them. My heart gets bigger knowing people like these guys...

Grandparents Visit- Family session

Grand Rapids, MI
Family Photography
 

Thank you to Karri, Brett, and Smith for choosing me to continue documenting your story! I'm so happy that I got to capture grandma and grandpa, while they were visiting from Australia over the holidays. 

If you missed the Smith's newborn session, you can check it out here:
http://lookatthebiggerpicture.com/blog/newborn

I love the warmth of this family, as well as their Aussie dialect, but I absolutley LOVE the faces grown-ups make at babies. I think I will have to do a book just on that-- just their faces alone. It makes you laugh. Bring some silliness to adulting too... It's a good idea. 

Thank you so much for sharing your holiday family time!

Rustic Backyard Wedding-Sara and Holly

Conklin, MI

Congratulations to these lovely ladies!! I am so honored that I had the opportunity to capture this day for Sara and Holly. These beautiful ladies met in their residency program, were together for two years before the proposal, and ended up living in Alaska! They BOTH proposed. Holly chose Christmas day, a picnic and a walk in the woods. Sara chose a weekend away, at a B&B in Seattle. She "stumbled through her words", full of emotion. I love that they both had to propose.

I believe our initial consult was over the phone while they were camping. I knew I liked them right then and there. They are unsure where they will land after the bit in Alaska (maybe Hawaii?!!), but I am sure their adventures will be amazing and keep going strong.

The wedding day began in fun (and sun!! This was the hottest day of the year! Wowza) as the group was getting ready at the gorgeous farmhouse. Lots of jokes, funny faces, and silly times. 

My favorite part of the day was actually the exchanging of the vows. If I could get a copy of those words... So honest. So true to love. I don't usually get to pay attention, as I am shooting, but I just had to stop and listen. They each talked of humility, insecurities we all carry when joining hearts, comforting and nourishing those insecurities in each other, and the honesty of love. They talked about staying true to yourself, holding onto your inner strength and self-love when finding a partner to share your world. It was absolutely brilliant and heartfelt, and I am not doing their words justice. These intelligent and insightful women could easily have been writers. 

I am so happy for you both! Thank you for choosing me to tell your story. Here is a preview of the day...