I share this with you….because it lays heavy on my heart and never feels like I’m doing enough. Our oldest is adopted after he lived in our home for 2 yrs through foster care (he was 3 1/2 when we first met him!). We have had other children live in our home for a year or so…and others we’ve had for a few days or weeks and will never see again. I won’t lie – it’s hard…but, has anything meaningful or rewarding in your life ~ ever come easily???

Orphan Sunday from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.

This is Crystal…she lived with us for a year when she was 10. I would like to think we totally rocked her world, and she will never be the same because of her time at the Ruffhouse! Crystal and I talk and text many times a week. …and she is an amazing girl. She has overcome so many obstacles…and is now a senior, and has already earned college credits for her nursing degree!! I am so proud of her. I pray we always stay this close, even though she’s not mine- I am so glad God placed her in our lives. It’s a relationship that constantly reminds me of how much God loves us all and is watching and does care about each and every life.

ps* isn’t she stunningly beautiful???? you would never know we laughed almost through her entire session…I seriously thought they were all going to be her funny faces!!

Love you Crystal!!

At any given time there are about 4,000 children in Michigan’s foster care system who are available and waiting to be adopted.

Adopting a child out of Michigan’s foster care system is not expensive. In most cases, you will only need to pay court costs, an average of $150 or less per child.

Most families who adopt are also licensed foster parents or relatives. In fact, last year in Michigan 93 percent of children adopted from the foster care system were adopted by a foster parent or relative.

Your first step in the adoption process is to get a home assessment completed. Contact your local adoption agency – or call the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange at 1-800-589-6273, we can help explain the entire process. The adoption process can approximately nine months.

Because the needs of each child are different, many different types of families are needed. You don’t have to married to adopt and you don’t need to be wealthy or own your own home.

Many of the children waiting for adoption are 10 years old or older, may need to be adopted along with siblings, or may have special placement needs..

I love color!! I do – but something about that clean white just makes cute little faces just pop out! I love these pics, they’re fresh! He did not want to keep his adorable little boots on..but the first picture here is my *favorite* new pic and is not on my website! Isn’t her adorable! We had a fun time at the studio getting these, he was happy the whole time! **now we just need to get some of big sis!

Georgia has incredible parents, Maggie & Chris who love her deeply….and it shows. Here is their story **blog** Just think – -not even a year ago, I was taking mom & dad’s pick to go in their adoption book – and here they are with Georgia who is 6 months!! She is a miracle! Here are just a few of my favorites!!!

**and Maggie – if you don’t blow that one up of the two of you – I will hurt you!

What a gorgeous day for a wedding! This was an amazing event with so many of their friends and family, thanks for including us – we had so much fun with you guys! It was really hard to choose…so of course – there are a gazillion! Amazing flowers and reception details by Modern Day Floral~ do you see the handle of the bouquet? That is AMAZING!!! I love the last shots of Jess with her grandpa – he LOVED to dance! At one point – Jess’s mom wanted a few more family shots during the dancing…and when I was trying to snag grandpa – he told me he couldn’t – he was dancing!! Love it! It was so fun to see Nathan & Ashleigh again at their wedding too!

Oh yes, I said published!! This is so exciting ~ because really in the past two insane years, my business has taken off, I have hardly had a minute to *think* let alone – sort through gazillions of amazing wedding images to submit for publishing. But it is so fun to see your work in a magazine. It’s a new publication just about Michigan Photographers! The one thing I know is that this mag will always have amazing photos…It’s called ” In Frame” , they have a website, where you can have a free copy mailed to you, and it’s being passed out at many bridal events & shows throughout the state. They featured 38 of michigan’s top photographers…glad to be one! They featured a fabulous wedding I shot of Keith & Amanda and shared their adorable story! They also featured a ttd photo of Beth in the snow….that was a fun *freezing* shoot, big props to Beth on that one! And also a few details of a cake, purse, and shoe shots on the middle and bottom of the last page…the copies are below!

These two were *oh*so*tiny when I first met them…now at 6 months…they’re a whole new ball of wax!! They have personality – and their own opinions of wanting their picture taken!! Olivia thought this was fabulous idea Graham ~in true boy fashion~ thought this was ridiculous and would much rather play with his dad…. If I only had video of mom & dad trying to entertain them….now that would be funny! I give major props to parents of multiples…you know their marriage has to be good – the amount of communication that has to take place with two babies…is huge! Now I’m not saying that it’s always *good* communication…but at least it’s still there!
**love this stroller – borrowed it from a friend- and it worked perfect for these two. enjoy!

Meet Johanna ~ sexy hot mamma ~ her hubby Jay and their two yr old son….who’s newborn pic is on my website! He has grown so much! I met them when they booked me 2yrs ago, for their last belly & baby. They had also booked me to photograph their son’s birth as well- but it ended up landing in the middle of a wedding day I had booked So my fabulous (life-saving) photog friend Marybeth went for me! So, I was super excited to hear from them again and get a second chance at that part! Low & behold I actually made it to the birth the second time around…but that’s for another post. Enjoy these photos that were taken at the studio…and yes, that’s my yummy bench – I got for a steal!

They are both chemists – smart cookies – that’s not at all intimidating!?!

I first met Stephanie and her mom over 2yrs ago for her consult—what did that tell me??? This girl is a planner! Soon after booking I realized because they lived in South Carolina – and both still going to school – there would be no engagement session. Bummer – I really love that time to get to know a bride and groom, but we knew each other quite well by the end of the day – Stephanie LOVES umbrella’s!!! No – it wasn’t raining at all…she just wanted them in her photos – I love them too!

Stephanie and Travis were surrounded by an amazing group of family & friends! Stephanie warned me about her sister….that she would keep me on my toes…I LOVED her! She was spunky, witty, and just as beautiful as her sister. They truly have a special bond, that was very evident, and confirmed by her speech at the reception…wish I had video! Stephanie & Travis opted to have a “first look” before the ceremony – which I love, it’s just a special moment that’s just them (and me from a distance!) **except the bridesmaids, they were spying on this one! They said they were up for anything – and totally trusted me – I love that! We had so much fun finding great colorful spots and even ventured to the roof! Stephanie had both her mom and her dad walk her down the aisle ~ it was precious. I was soooo very impressed with Stephanie’s mom- she practically ran the dessert station and enjoyed herself dancing – that’s a super mom! Travis & Stephanie ~ congrats! Tim & I enjoyed photographing your amazing day!

I apologize right now for this CRAZY long post….but it is sooo hard to choose! Paul & Adria were so much fun and it definitely shows below. Holly was their fabulous coordinator and did an amazing job (*she used to coordinate weddings at Disney World)! Every detail was just yummy. They got married in Holland and their reception continued at “Till Midnight” where it had fabulous natural light – which I LOVE! Elvis even came to visit and serenade them, which was followed by a night full of great dancing and late night coney dogs… The ring shot below – is the business card of the amazingly talented Ryan Prins shot with me for the entire day – and during dinner we get to relax a bit – and we’re discussing his new branding and the he hand me his new card which has his name on it and them I flip it over and it says “IN” …I said what’s IN…and he says..are you IN? LOVED IT – and then told him I was using for my ring shot. You see- anyone who shoots with me – my hubby, Betsy, knows…that I am picky about my ring shots! I DONT repeat ring shots. I will take one shot to show the rings – but then there’s the shot….the one that just comes to you as you..and that’s it. If your new to my work – feel free to check out my ring gallery. There are only a handful of photogs that really have fun with these..and I think it’s totally fun. Anyhoo – enjoy this GIGANTIC post and have a great weekend…I’ll be in Chicago..enjoying U2!!!

now~ by family session~ I mean that we took pictures of everyone in the family….I would never try to get family shots for an entire session – we would all be ready to be committed at the end of our attempts!! These fabulous ladies are from lansing and I usually visit them – but I thought the new studio was a great reason for them to come see me! I am so glad- I love every one of these shots! There adorable outfits are a huge thanks to grandma – can she be my grandma?? Terri – I am coming for those shoes- I know where you live! She was scared I was only taking pictures of her shoes..I promised her I wasn’t. Anywhoo – enough blabbering…..enjoy!