for real….how ADORABLE! *had to share a few from this studio session

I met these two in Kalamazoo…Lucas is in the Air Force..so of course we shot at the air zoo….and then other yummy locations around town. Isn’t Jillian gorgeous!! …and their connection…adorable!! I so many more sessions to share!! Enjoy a few of my favorites!

a little update + thanks….

a bit ago…I presented a story to you about my precious and dear friends Matt + Lindsey DeYoung. Who a less than a year ago, sold everything they had, and moved to Africa to serve full time. Then were forced, months later to return to the US, with nothing but an overnight bag….to seek immediate treatment for their 5yr old daughter Lola, who’s body had been overtaken by Leukemia. She couldn’t even walk on her own. We immediately started a fundraiser for their family, to help get them back on their feet. YOU and hundreds of others who didn’t even know this family…GAVE. Our goal was $10,000 in 2 weeks…you did that in 4 days….and in two weeks time, raised $14,000 total. THIS IS AMAZING! YOU are amazing! Well, now, Lola is officially in her first remission, and cancer free. She still has so far to go. Matt + Lindsey are at the hospital on at least a weekly basis and will definitely be their regularly for the next 3 years. Lindsey’s blog is amazing, and if you’re interested in reading more, please **click here**

But, recently Lola has been feeling more like “herself” -which I might add is THE most polite child I have ever met! I asked Lindsey, “Why don’t we take some new family pics?!” So….I was thrilled to enjoy a visit with Matt, Lindsey, Lola + Kia….and snap some pics as well. They were adorable. Matt + Lindsey have been just amazing through all of this. They have chosen JOY…from day 1…and recently when talking with them heard something profound. While reflecting on the past few months and their journey….Matt says to me, “If it weren’t for the last year, we would not be able to handle what we’re going through right now, the same way. We’re different people today than we were a year ago.” ….seeing God’s plan when most others are wondering what in the world He’s doing with the DeYoung’s. THAT is who the DeYoung’s are. I am SO honored to somehow be apart of their story….and was so glad to capture some of that spirit in these images below…..

*LOLA*

*KIA*

** We even got a few of the two lovebirds **

What a fabulous couple and an amazing wedding!! Aaron + Kara live here in Kalamazoo, but were married where Kara grew up in New Jersey, I was so happy to be brought along The food at their wedding was AMAZING! DId you know that weddings on the east coast normally have a major dance party between EACH course???? LOVED that! They had fabulous drinks, ice sculptures, and michigan themed favors, and fries in cup at the end as you left left the reception! I think from the bajillion…(yep, I just used that word…) photos….you will see how fabulous it was! Enjoy some favorites!!

This photo session was on a warm day last October. This couple was married at Meadowbrook in Detroit last summer and really were not happy with their portraits together…(I did not shoot their wedding!) sadly ;( because as you can see….they have character!! So….they called me and asked if I could fit them in and shoot at Meadowbrook for some beautiful portraits. I agreed and can’t believe how it was difficult to capture these two…they were truly amazing, in love and easy to capture. So glad to have the opportunity! Here are a few faves!