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Yeah....!  Another little nephew for me!  This is my super cute little sister, Jill.  After two sweet little girls, she is finally giving me a nephew this April!  I can't wait to hold him, kiss him and take lots of pics of him!  He will be one cute little man!

This is her crazy, cute, fun little family!

I love this photo of Jill and Kenzie.  I think it is so sweet!

Of course, Miss Kenzie need some photos of herself!  What a little model :)

 

Check back in a few weeks to meet the lil guy! 

 

I adore my parents.  They are just awesome!  I know that most everyone will think their parents are the best, but I have proof to back up why mine actually are!

The Top Ten reasons why my parents are the best:

1 - They are so kind and so nice.  They would help anyone out in need and constantly are thinking of others.

2 - They believe in me.  One day I told them that I wanted to be a photographer - a couple weeks later, they purchased my first camera!

3 - They work hard and always have.  My brothers and sisters and I all inherited a good work ethic because of them.

4 - My dad is hilarious.  He always has a joke or a story to tell that usually leaves me crying and laughing all at the same time.

5 - My mom is so smart.  Growing up, my sister and I always asked her random questions...and she almost always knew the answers! 

6 - They are genuine.  You always know that they will be there for you and will tell you how it is even if it isn't what you want to hear.  This actually is a good thing :)

7 - They love unconditionally.  As teenagers (even as adults), we all do things wrong.  No matter the severity, they love us anyway!

8 - They raised us in a good home with good values.  Even though we stray from the right things at times, we always have that solid foundation to go back to.

9 - They are best friends.  It is so important that after 29 years of marriage, they are still best friends.  They give me someone to look up to in my marriage.

10 - Last but not least, they made me!  That right there makes them the best, right?  lol....

Here they are...my mom & dad!

They wanted snow for the pics....so we had to wait and wait with this crazy winter!

I look just like my dad, but with long hair.  My sister could be my mom's twin.....funny how that works out!

 

Love you guys!!

We had so much fun on our family/work vacation to Florida this year!  I could probably write a million pages about it....but I will let the photos tell the story :)

Before heading off on our sun-filled vacation in Florida (which you will hear much more about soon), I contacted Niesha....a fabulous photographer in Cape Coral, Florida.  I was really wanting to swap photo sessions while there....to take advantage of some of their beautiful sunshine!  I kinda doubted that I would be lucky enough to find someone to swap with me.....but Niesha jumped at the offer!!  Her and her husband, Matt, have a beautiful four month old daughter and haven't been able to have familiy photos taken of them yet....so it worked out perfectly.  She even grew up in Michigan....so I knew it was a match made in heaven!

Niesha and I talked about using props and other fun things for the session....and I became so thrilled and excited when she started texting ideas to me.  When I saw the little tent idea....I fell in love!  The game was on .... !

They are so cute!

I couldn't believe that Everly could already sit up at 4 months old!! 

She is sooo pretty!  Doesn't her name just make her sound fancy?  Like sweet little princess Everly.  What a doll!

Niesha has great style.  Her dress was GORGEOUS.  And believe it or not.....she made it herself!  (along with the headbands!)  If she ever starts selling her beautiful accessories...I will def make sure to let you know!

Niesha was in need for some new headshots for her website...I hope she likes them ;)

Beautiful momma....inside and out!

 

My new friend, Niesha - Thank you for being so easy to work with and for being so much fun!  You are so sweet and have an incredibly adorable family!  We can't wait for our next visit to sunny Florida to see you again!  Make sure to call us for dinner when you are visiting in Michigan :) 

I kept on promising everyone that I would add some photos to the blog of Addy's birthday party....so here they are!  It was a fun day....with lots of pink, great friends and good food! 

The cake was sooo good!  Made by Tasty Cakery in Fremont!

Cake pops are so much fun too!  Everyone loved them!  Thanks Cakabakery!

A winter party would not be complete without a hot cocoa station!  Even some mustache straws to go with the flavored milk!!

Addy's Sweet Shoppe!!

I think that Addy liked the cake....

I tried showing her the "correct" way to eat it....but....

....she thought her way was better!  haha..

My little family!

 

Winter weddings are be-a-u-tiful!!  Photos are always a little trickier because of the cold, but so totally worth it! 

Kyle and Alison had an amazing winter day for their wedding....the sun was shining, there was lots of white fluffy stuff on the ground and the roads weren't too treacherous!  :)  It was a sweet and happy day filled with laughter, lots of smiles and even a few happy tears.  A wonderful beginning to a great love story :)

Allison's Allure dress was one of my all time favorites.....there is even a surprise in store for later with it :)

Kyle carried his grandmother's handkerchief in his pocket for the day. 

The church was decorated beautifully....with purple lighting even brought in by the florist....simply divine!

These little kiddos were so cute!  They were even still going when we left the reception!!

This photo makes me want to get married again....in January....with white trees....and the same guy :)

Mr & Mrs!

Don't they just look cold?

....but so worth freezing your buns off :)

LOVE this shot that Terra captured!

Alison loves sunset photos......if you can remember back to their engagement session.....so we made sure to take lots on the big day!

So pretty...

Not too shabby himself.....

The reception was held at the Lakehouse at Shoreline Inn.....love this location! 

Delicious cake from Ryke's Bakery!

In order for the bride and groom to kiss....guests had to make a putt!!  Love it!

This couple had some tricks up their sleeves!  Kyle surprised Alison with a choreographed dance by him and his groomsmen!

Here is Alison's surprise!  During a fun song, Alison's bridesmaids pulled off the bottom portion of her dress....                                          which turned it into a short dress for dancing!  So...Much...Fun!

The party wasn't even close to being over when we left. 

We hope you two had a blast!!

 

Have a great time in Georgia!  (eat some peaches for us...lol)  :)

 

Here is a little more info on their fab vendors!

Ceremony:  Unity Reformed Church - Norton Shores, MI

Reception and Cocktail hour: Lakehouse at Shoreline Inn - Muskegon MI

Caterer:  Lakehouse

Cake:  Ryke's Bakery - Muskegon, MI

Florist:  Chalet Floral - Muskegon, MI

Transportation:  Trolley

Music & Entertainment:  LPentertainment

Hair & Make-up:  Salon 297 - Norton Shores, MI

Dress:  Allure

Chase, or as his mom would call him, Chasers, is 3 months old already!  He is super cute, super sweet and super cuddly!  I have been able to photograph him even before he was born, in his mommy's belly!  Meeting new people and them turning into friends is one reason that I love my job!!

The only smile he gave us, because his daddy walked into the room!

I simply adore this photo.  Cute little Chase and his very happy mommy!

This was not a posed photo...but I saw them laying there and had to take a shot.  Love it!

Fell asleep right in daddy's arms

Baby feet!

The whole family!

 

I can't wait to go outside next time for Chase's six month photos!!

 

What an exciting time for Derrick & Katie!  They were our first wedding couple of 2011 and now they are expecting their second sweet little girl!  I always love taking maternity photos for past wedding couples!  It is so much fun to see their families grow!

 

Katie is such a pretty mama!!

Emma is so excited to be a big sister!

If you can't tell by the look on her face....it was FREEZING!!

I can't wait to meet Ali!

I LOVE this photo of Katie!

We had to take some photos inside.  It was seriously the coldest photo shoot I have ever had!

I love Ali's personalized quilt and her shabby chic room!!

 

How is it possible that a year has already flown by?  I knew it coming in....but when it gets here, you just wonder, "How?".  Our sweet baby girl, Addison is one year old today!  It seems just like yesterday we found out that we were expecting!  She has been such an amazing addition to our family over the past year!  Everyone always says that your life changes so much.....and I totally agree, but I wouldn't change it back for the world!

Happy Birthday Addison!! 

Here she is, through the year!

Where it all began....

Only a few weeks old....

A whole month now!

Two months old....

Three and six months here...

Seven months :)

Nine months....getting so big!

10 months old...and a super windy day!

And here she is.....my big ONE year old!

 

Thanks to all of the amazing photographers who have captured perfect memories for our family this past year!  We truly appreciate it :)

Maternity:  SB Childs Photography

Newborn:  Ashley Folkema Photography

One Month:  Casey Johnson Photography

Ten Month:  Shutter Sam Photography

If you ever look at this blog....then you must know how much I LOVE sun in photos!  I think that it adds a sense of romance, some extra depth and light, and maybe even some interest to a photograph.  Although I love sun....I do have a confession to make.  When starting out as a photographer, I was super afraid of the sun during photo sessions.  I would schedule around the sun....trying to miss out on it as much as possible.  Overcast, boring skies were my friend....and bold, beautiful sunny days, not so much.  Man oh man am I glad that I got over that!  I was missing out on so much beauty and am now so happy with my sun shots!  I hope you love them too! 

Because I love these shots so much.....there are a ton here to look at.  I couldn't even possibly choose my favorite if I tried beacuse I love them all for so many different reasons!  Maybe you can help here.....which one is your favorite? 

 

 

 

We had so much fun at the 2012 GR Unveiled Bridal Show!  It was such a great show.....unique vendors, fun ideas and lots of energy.  When signing up to be a vendor at the show.....they highly recommended that we had a unique display ..... more than just an ordinary 10x10 space with one table where we put our products.  After I heard this....my mind started racing.  I had a great time going from antique shop to antique shop looking for just the right table, basket, chair, etc.  It was a blast!  I was able to pull it all off thanks to Joe's amazing "make-anything-work" ability and Terra's fun ideas!  Thanks to you both :)

Here are some photos of our booth that I know you all have been waiting for!  I hope you love it as much as I do....maybe even gives you some ideas for your own fun event!!

 

 

 

We hope to see you there next year!!

It's that time of the year again .... where we go through some of our favorite images from the short year before!  2011's recap is going to be great!  We will be posting anything from wedding details and best kisses to our favorite sunflares.. If you have anything else you would like to see, let me know!!

Katie A's Dress

Caryn's Dress

Desirae's Dress

Megan's Dress

Terra's Dress

Alicia's Dress

Amber's Dress

Andrea's Dress

Lauren's Dress

Kuirsta's Dress

Meg's Dress

Rachel's Dress

Trina's Dress

Shellee's Dress

Jessica's Dress

Katie D's Dress

Sarah's Dress

Erica's Dress

Michelle's Dress

Christine's Dress

 

Andrea called me late summer/early fall to set up a time to take her "LTD" photos (Love The Dress).  I was looking forward to this session for a few months....then had to wait until now to post the photos.  Good thing I had lots of work to do that helped me keep my mind off of it....b/c I was so excited to share these :) 

Andrea wanted to give some of these photos to her husband, Michael, for Christmas....I cannot believe that she kept the secret for so long!  Every year for Christmas, I have to buy Joe's gifts w/in a few weeks of the holiday because I can't wait! 

Here are some of my favorites from her session.  I love the fall look to them :)

There are even some pumpkins left in this shot!

I love these two...so pretty!

A couple of my faves!

 

Although we didn't "trash" her dress.....it was still fun to take photos in a different location from the wedding day.  I love these sessions soooo much because it gives us so much more time....even a second chance for a new hair-do or fun accessories. 

And if you are a little daring....rolling around in the dirt in your cowboy boots and fishnets may just be a good idea :)

What an absolutely beautiful, perfect little baby girl!  Charlotte was as sweet as can be and so adorable.  Her super soft skin and chubby cheeks need lots of kisses.....thankfully her mom and dad are there for that!  They love her so much.....which I doubt is very difficult :)

I was so excited when Dorothy contacted me about photographing Charlotte in her first month of her life.  Dorothy was one of the bridesmaids from one of our weddings this summer, so it is always nice to catch up and talk on a more personal level then we can on the wedding day. 

I can't wait to see this little one grow through the coming months.  I have no doubt that she will be gorgeous!

LOVE little baby feet!!

Fun angles add so much interest to a photo!

I adore this photo.....mom, dad and their sweet little baby :)