Tag Archives: children

springtime

jenn | May 15, 2013 - 10:55 am

Well, spring is upon us and it seems that summer may be creeping in here very quickly… which I wouldn’t mind :). I apologize for the quietness on the blog the past few weeks. In April, I took about two weeks off – one week to reunite with my photography kin and one week to spend in the mountains of Asheville, NC celebrating the anniversary of my dear friends. Then, just like that, we were home and the flowers were blooming and sessions were in full swing and the wedding season kicked off. Phew.

As I figure out the new rhythm of the season, I’m excited for the newness that is to come in the next few months. New couples, new marriages, new families, new destinations… this summer is bound to be a great one and I can’t wait to share the adventures along the way! Tomorrow, I’m thrilled to share my 100th wedding with you – Jordan + Molly’s beautiful Birmingham nuptials from early last month. But while you wait in suspense, I thought I would share a few of my favorite images from the lifestyle family sessions I’ve had the passed few weeks!

First up, Baby Lucy, with her awesome parents, Mike + Janelle:

I was honored to spend some time with this handsome fella, Adam, who is no stranger to my camera! I can’t believe he is two already!!

Last week, I got to spend a couple hours with Paige and her family. Her big sister, Alaina, absolutely adores her and I thoroughly enjoyed capturing some sweet moments with them.

And finally, I’d like you to meet, Silas! This sweet babe is the firstborn of Tim + Lauren, dear friend’s of mine from our college days. The last time I photographed these two was on their wedding day, back in 2009. Amazing to see where life has taken all of us since then :)

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ben + stacie + jaden

jenn | March 28, 2013 - 4:02 pm

Jonathan and I were driving across the state on a sunny Thursday afternoon, when I received this text from my friend, Stacie, “Hey… wondering how busy you are the next couple days? Any free time?” Now, this is a normal text to receive, especially when Stacie and I had been chatting about grabbing coffee to catch-up… But when she called me a few minutes later needing to talk about specific details, I was a little caught off guard, to say the least. Let me rewind a bit…

Stacie, is married to Ben. They’ve been married almost six years and in that time have traveled the world together, lived in a few places (near and far), studied for graduate degrees, and shared a passion for students – specifically college students. Currently, they find themselves working at a college ministry in Michigan where they spend all hours of the day hanging out with and mentoring students (these two are pretty rad!). Throughout their relationship, Ben + Stacie have accomplished many dreams together, but there has been one that has specifically been on their hearts and minds in the most recent years – they have dreamt of being parents and raising a family! After much prayer, consideration and anticipation, it became evident that they should begin the journey to adopt. So they started the process, filed paperwork and readied their hearts to become adoptive parents. On Monday, February 18th, when almost everything was complete, Ben + Stacie joyfully emailed their close friends and family to announce that they were officially pursuing adoption! At that point, all they had left to do was wait…… and that waiting could take anywhere from three months to three years. So they invited their close community to pray for them and join in the excitement of anticipating a little one with them.

The next day (about 12 hours after sending the email), Ben + Stacie got a phone call from their case worker that would change their lives. A baby boy had been born on Monday and needed a home! “Would you like to be considered by the birth mom to adopt this baby boy?” the case worker asked them. This shocked Ben + Stacie because they were told they would probably wait at least a few months to hear anything and they still had a few minor paperwork things on their end to wrap up. The case worker assured them they could be considered if they were willing, but they needed to respond ASAP. Within the hour, Ben + Stacie affirmed that they would like to be considered as parents and they spent the afternoon chatting about potential baby names, praying and waiting…

Wednesday morning, the case worked called once again and announced that Ben + Stacie had been chosen by the birth mom!! The wait was over – they were finally going to be parents! They immediately jumped in the car and headed to the hospital a few hours away. That afternoon, less than 48 hours after announcing their plans to adopt, Ben + Stacie were holding their SON. That little one was a miracle, a blessing and the sign of many promises fulfilled. They named him Jaden, which means, “God hears us.” God had heard Ben + Stacie’s desire to become parents and blessed them with a handsome and healthy little child. What a joy!

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When Stacie called me that Thursday afternoon and said, “Jenn, I’m looking at my husband right now as he holds our son” it came as quite a surprise, since three days earlier I had received that email from them!! We immediately scheduled a newborn session and I could hardly wait to meet the sweet babe! Jaden is already loved by many and it was such a joy to spend a few hours with the three of them celebrating his arrival. Without further adieu, here are a few images of Jaden on one of his first days home with his mom + dad!

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alexis – a don’t give up story

jenn | October 13, 2012 - 10:48 am

If there’s one thing I’ve learned since picking up a camera – it’s that every image tells a story. However grand or insignificant the story may seem – there’s one to be told, shared, enjoyed, remembered… in every image. This is something I’ve been learning and processing since day one of being a photographer. I know how to technically and artistically make an image, but being a storyteller is something I’ve been recently figuring out and I think it is one of the most important parts of who I am. As I journey through my own story, I’m so grateful for the chance to come along others, watch their families grow, marriages blossom and lives continue to unfold. This past season, I’ve especially learned a lot about what it means to be storyteller and I’ve had the joy of spending much time with families and couples, young and old. I can’t wait to share more of this storytelling process and journey with you as time allows, but for now, I have a really wonderful story to share with you… one that hits very close to home…

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We were overjoyed when my brother, Peter, called last spring to announce that they were expecting another baby. This was to be their fifth child and they could not wait for his/her arrival. Having had a couple difficult pregnancies before, my sister-in-law, Nicole was put under the care of a high risk doctor. Unfortunately, in May, at about 18 weeks, there was little movement and doctor’s struggled to find a heartbeat. The baby’s fluid was dangerously low, to the point where doctors told my brother and his wife to “expect the worst.” One doctor even asked if they would prefer to terminate the pregnancy because it was highly probable that the baby would not live to see the light of day. Their answer was immediately, “no” – not only because they believe that God is author of life, but because they also were not just going to give up on this child. This baby, for however long they were given with him or her, was theirs to take care of and love and cherish. So, Nicole was placed on full bedrest and monitored for weeks (did I mention she had four other children at home??).

After many big + little miracles, we were able to watch this sweet babe continue to grow and levels begin to stabilize. They found out they were having a baby girl and with every passing week, we praised the Lord because that meant we were potentially one step closer to meeting her! The initial goal was to make it to 24 weeks… and every week after that was a bonus!

The stakes were high even as this girl got close to full term (a miracle in itself!). People around the nation were praying and we were hoping and believing for the best. At 36 weeks, it was unclear whether or not it was a good time deliver, so they let her stay in for a few more days…

On September 5th, almost 20weeks after the doctors told her parents to give up, a healthy + happy baby girl named Alexis entered the world! She is a sweet, gentle girl, who is loved to pieces by her parents, four siblings and a plethora of family and friends. I can’t wait to watch her grow and see how her beautiful story develops! :)

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Friends, I believe this story is a testament to life and perseverance. I don’t know what trials you are facing in your life, in your relationships, with your health, your job or your loved ones… but don’t give up. We are only given one life, one story to share with the world. Fight + persevere through the tough days, snuggle + laugh on the sunny days and never, ever give up on believing in truth and love. This crazy life is worth fighting for and I hope this sweet babe can be a solid reminder of that to you today…

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august stories

jenn | September 26, 2012 - 12:42 pm

Before September quickly slips away, I want to share with you a few of the stories I had the honor to be a part of in August. The days were long, the temps were high, but it was a joy to be able to photograph these individuals and families as summer drew to an end.

First, I cannot pass up this opportunity to share some of my favorite snapshots from Crosby’s session last month. This guy is SO hilarious and SO precious. Look at him! I get to photograph his whole family next month and I can’t wait! But for now, here are a few of just this little 3-month-old….

The end of summer brings about lots of awesome senior sessions. Representing some of the best of the class of 2013, in no particular order…
Taylor – hanging out on Belle Isle in Detroit, MI

Caleb – in downtown Plymouth, MI

Bryce – adventuring through the family property in West Olive, MI

Olivia – enjoying the beautiful history and grounds of the Cranbrook House in West Bloomfield, MI

I had the joy of hanging out with a few couples in August… they all had a year or two of marriage under their belts and were excited to capture their stories as married couples. First off, if you are a veteran to this blog, you may recognize Josh + Alyssa. They vowed forever to each other last summer… and this summer, they were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their little boy (who arrived last week! congratulations, you two!!). Our time together was magical. Seriously, look at this grove…

I also shared a summer evening with Colin + Lisa! They will be married three years this winter! Yea, I think that’s a good excuse for updated photos of the two of them :)

And last, but not least, our friends Mike + Janelle just recently celebrated two years of marriage together. In fact, the day of our session was their actual anniversary! During the session, they revealed a little secret… they are expecting their first baby this spring!! Eee! We are so excited for them :)

Thanks to all of you who continue to entrust me to capture your smiles, personalities, your relationships and your love. It’s an honor and a joy to be able to do this everyday!

I’ve got lots more to share with you in the coming weeks. Keep an eye out for my August wedding previews VERY soon…. :)

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the month of july

jenn | August 14, 2012 - 11:32 am

Well, July has come and gone… and as August quickly passes, I wanted to take a minute to fill you in on some of the wonderful lifestyle sessions I was able to partake in in the toasty month of July (seriously, could it have been any hotter??).

There were so many babies and little ones to photograph! What a joy! I loved being invited in the lives of each of these families. For some, this is not the first time I’ve told part of their story – and each and every time, it’s a greater joy to see how the kids have grown, how the parents have learned, how families have changed and how the stories have continued to unfold. I wish I had the time to go into detail about each of these wonderful kiddos and families because a few images cannot give justice to all the awesome people in this post. However, I hope you enjoy a little glimpse into their lives and the beauty that each family possesses.

I had the privilege of spending a quiet morning with Adam and his parents – for the third time :) This time, he is a big one-year-old!

Last time I hung out with Ryan, he was about 3-weeks old. Now, he’s already 6-months old and such a happy, smiley babe!

Beautiful Grace, a vibrant, adventurous 3 1/2 year-old. We spent a hot, sunny morning exploring the fields and forests for Tigers and Bears…

Lucy is learning to love her little brother, James, and what it means to be a big sister :)

On a summer evening in the park, I met Andreas + Nikki to tell a bit of their maternity story. It’s been a long journey to parenthood and I was so honored to be able to spend some time with them and hear about the joys and challenges they have faced and make some really wonderful images of the “three” of them :) You can’t read all of it in this frame, but Andreas’ shirt says, “be a part of something beautiful”. Thank-you, A + N, for allowing me to be a part of your beautiful story – I can’t wait to meet your sweet baby next month!

I met sweet Ella when she was just a couple weeks old. She’s the firstborn, born on the 4th of July and her parents delight in her so much!

I photographed our dear friends, Sasha + Cody, just a couple weeks before they met their daughter…
… and their sweet Ember arrived a little early, but she is just as precious as can be. Sasha + Cody are awesome new parents, for real.

And of course, no summer month would be complete without a couple weddings. I’m excited to share with you the full wedding previews of Mike + Maggie and Mike + Kyle in the coming days! Here’s a sneaky peek of what you’re going to see…

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