PROPOSAL: Alex and Grace
Elk Rapids, Michigan
I felt a bit like an incognito CIA agent in sunglasses with a newspaper to my nose as I staked out the perfect spot. I was hiding out on the beach near the Airbnb Alex rented on the Grand Traverse Bay so he could have his surprise proposal to his longtime girlfriend, Grace, photographed. Everything went perfectly from the weather, to the kind neighbors who let me trespass on their property, to the proposal itself.
I’ll say it again. I feel this overwhelming honor at witnessing these moments of love. I’m so happy for you, Alex and Grace!
WILBURN FAMILY
Ravenna, Michigan
I love rural life. For anyone who doesn’t know, my minor is actually agriculture. Sooooo, the Wilburns are pretty much my favorite type of family. When your kids can walk down the middle of the road it’s a perfect place to grow up. And, my favorite moment of the night was when a frog jumped onto Marlee’s face (I still hope she isn’t too traumatized by that.) Wilburns, please have me back, I never got to take pictures in the chicken coop!
USS LST 393
I love Muskegon — my home now for over 16 years. I especially get excited when I get to be a tiny part of big project in our fabulous city. The USS LST 393 Veterans Museum used to be great but now it’s even better. With a fresh coat of “D-Day Gray,” she now looks the same as she did during the invasion of France on D-Day in 1944. Volunteers helped transform the floating museum just in time for a grand celebration that will happen Saturday, June 6th. Sadly, I won’t get to be there but come out and celebrate this local gem.
ENGAGEMENT: Barrett and Erin
Holland, Michigan
I applaud Barrett and Erin for agreeing to meet me at sunrise. Not many folks are willing to meet me with a smile at 6:45 am. We only had one tiny issue, there was no sunrise – – only rain and a very cold breeze. With purple toes and more goosebumps than you could count, Erin and Barrett just took it for an extra excuse to cuddle and laugh. I’d say these two will face marriage in the same way, with a whole lot of love and a go-with-the-flow attitude.
Renbarger Family
Portage, Michigan
I love families that play a little during their photo sessions and play the Renbargers did! We actually weren’t expecting snow during our session but down it came and the little ones had so much fun catching snowflakes with their tongues. The cold kept our session short but I’m so glad they were up for the outdoor challenge. Here are a few of my favorites!
“Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.” – John Ruskin
FAMILY: a frosty farm morning
Sparta, Michigan
Most people know that I have a degree in photojournalism but most people are unaware that my minor was agriculture. So, when I’m taking pictures AND I’m on a farm, it’s a match made in Heaven. Not to mention this gracious family got up really early so we could take advantage of the gorgeous light. Frost + Farm + Blue Skies + Red Barns + A Big Loving Family = Perfection.
Hanrahan Family
They flew or drove from Illinois, Virginia, South Carolina, New York and Atlanta to one central location: Michigan. The Hanrahan family came for one BIG reason: a baby. Thank you for allowing me to document this special gathering. May Michigan become your second home in the years to come.
