Monthly Archives: June 2011

josh + alyssa – grand rapids, mi

jenn | June 30, 2011 - 10:51 am

Josh + Alyssa are the type of people you want to be friends with. They are sweet, super fun, genuine… and just plain awesome. These two wonderful people have been planning their wedding day for a while… and it finally came this past Saturday!

It was a perfectly sunny, blue-skied day. Spirits were high, the details were set and everyone was ready for this beautiful union. Speaking of details, it seemed like each one was handpicked because of their personal meaning. From being married in the church that Alyssa’s grandma grew up in, to wearing a string of pearls from Josh’s mom, cuff links featuring Josh’s hometown… these two were not only surrounded by friends and family, but donned with their mementos as well.

It was completely evident that these two are in love and are loved by others. Celebrating with them was a delight. Many congratulations, Josh + Alyssa!

Josh + Alyssa opted to do a “first look” to ease the schedule of the day and allow more time for awesome portraits!
Josh scored these sweet cuff links from an Etsy artist. They feature a tiny map of Camden, PN where Josh grew up!

The reception was held at the West Walker Sportsman Club in Grand Rapids, MI.
Josh + Alyssa, may God bless and keep you always. May your wishes all come true. May you always do for others and let others do for you. May you build a ladder to the stars and climb on every rung. And may you stay…

Posted in Blog | Tagged wedding | 3 Comments

life on “the stoop”

jenn | June 28, 2011 - 4:46 pm

One of the things we love about our apartment is our front porch.. which we affectionately call, “the stoop” (any Hey Arnold! fans out there?). If you walk, bike or drive by our house, it’s highly likely that you will see either one or both of us on the stoop because if we are home, we’re there (unless it’s too cold outside). Some days, our time on the stoop is especially sweet – whether we are relaxing on a Sunday afternoon, eating a delicious dinner or… playing with sidewalk chalk. This morning, it was the latter that filled up our time.

I took the morning off to play with two adorable boys – Judah, age 4 months and Boaz, age 3 1/2 years. They are two of my nephews and they are visiting us for the week! It was a joy to sit on the stoop, draw with sidewalk chalk, squirt each other with water guns and eat our meals together. Ok, baby Judah just sat and watched us, but Bo and I had a blast.

Happy Tuesday, folks! I hope you are able to enjoy some spontaneous precious moments today.

Posted in Blog | Tagged personal | 1 Comment

john + lisa // ann arbor, mi

jenn | June 28, 2011 - 3:57 pm

| This gallery contains photos.

todd + abby + baby!

jenn | June 27, 2011 - 2:41 pm

It was almost 5 years ago when I met Abby. She was marrying Todd – a guy my brother had been friends with since elementary school. I was really interested in getting to know Abby more since she was a recent college grad and had her own photography business started. Over the next couple years, she kindly assisted me as I purchased my first (used) DSLR, answered my one million questions about the photo biz and even let me shadow/2nd shoot for her before I began my own weddings. Abby has willingly shared her time, energy and resources with me and is constant source of wisdom and inspiration. She was my wedding photographer, she is a fellow photographer and more importantly, she is a dear friend. I honestly don’t think I’d be where I am today without her encouragement and assistance.

So, when she asked me a few months ago if I would photograph her maternity session… I was COMPLETELY humbled. I was nervous, super excited and so happy to be able to share these moments with the two of them! Abby & Todd are expecting their first child in August a baby boy and I couldn’t be more thrilled for them! These two are going to be awesome parents.

Congratulations, friends! Thanks for allowing me to capture this time in your lives – I can’t wait to meet the little guy!

Posted in Blog | Tagged family, maternity | 2 Comments

chelsie + brandon

jenn | June 24, 2011 - 3:53 pm

There’s something about being back around the “ol’ stomping grounds” that just feels right. You know the lay of the land… how to get from here to there on autopilot, where to get a quick bite to eat, which radio stations are the best. Yes, every day, Grand Rapids feels more comfortable to me, but Metro Detroit is where I was born and raised and it is what I know at my core. From Grosse Pointe to Milford, Rochester to Romulus… I think I have a pretty good grasp of Southeast Michigan. However, it’s been only recently that I have fallen more in love with the beauty and history of the actual city of Detroit.

As a child and teenager, my only time spent downtown was for sports games or concerts. Over the past few years, I’ve wandered around the city a little more and I’ve got to say… Detroit has a lot to offer. I’m excited about the dreams and the potential of the people of Detroit. In fact, some of those stories are going to be highlighted in an inspirational documentary called lemonadeDetroit. I’d encourage you to check out their site and watch the trailer to find out more information about steps that this great city is taking to rebuild. If you feel moved enough to contribute to the story, buy a frame or more and help share in the hope that Detroit possesses.

That being said, I had the pleasure of spending a couple hours in Detroit last week on Belle Isle. There, I met up with Brandon and Chelsie for their engagement session. These two will be getting married in Grand Rapids, but Metro Detroit is where they met and where they will establish their first home. We had a great time exploring the island together and capturing this special time in their lives. I can’t wait for their September wedding!

I’m a fan of this picture. Michigan love.