Author Archives: jenn

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.

Posted in Blog | Tagged engagement | 2 Comments

john + lisa – ann arbor, mi

jenn | June 22, 2011 - 8:45 pm

Take a ceremony under the trees and a candlelit dinner on the patio… add a couple beautiful newlyweds and a roomful of guests bursting with love for them… and you’ve got the ingredients for the perfectly romantic summer wedding that happened in Ann Arbor this past Saturday. (Ok, that was long, but I’d like to see you fit the amazingness of John and Lisa’s wedding into a short sentence ;)).

Immediately upon arrival at The Michigan League, I could sense the excitement and joy – John and Lisa were finally going to be husband and wife! In front of an intimate gathering of close friends and family, the couple vowed “forever” to each other. It was a moment that they eagerly anticipated for a long time. After the beautiful ceremony in the courtyard, the guests were served sorbet and punch before they traveled a few blocks away to the Gandy Dancer for dinner. There, the celebration continued with delicious food, heartfelt toasts, dancing and merriment.

One more thing before the preview… I have to say that it was a pleasure to share the opportunity of capturing the day with Eric and the team from Epic Motion. If you can’t get enough of John + Lisa’s day from my preview, head on over to the Epic Motion blog for their Next Day Edit!

Now, without further adieu…

John + Lisa’s first dance was to the song “Dancing in the Minefields” by Andrew Peterson. Lisa apologized for stealing my song (see video here)… but I think it’s worth “stealing” even if I can’t claim it as my own :)

“i do” are the two most famous last words, the beginning of the end. but to lose your life for another, i’ve heard, is a good place to begin. because the only way to find your life is to lay your own life down and i believe its an easy price for the life that we have found. -andrew peterson

John + Lisa… enjoy this beautiful dance of marriage… don’t ever give up on each other.

Posted in Blog | Tagged wedding | 3 Comments

madison – 4 years

jenn | June 21, 2011 - 2:23 pm

I’ve said it before (and, I’ll probably say it again)… one of the many joys of my job is being able to watch kids (and families) grow. Last week, I met up with Kelly + Thomas and their beautiful daughter, Madison. I first met Madison shortly after her 2nd birthday and again last year for her 3rd birthday. Well, she just turned four last month which means it was time for another session! It was such a delight to see how her personality has blossomed over the years… we had so much fun!