Klaudyna + Kris: Engaged

I always get excited about a new location, and the Lightology store's rooftop was one of the best new locations I've found in a long time. Who knew such a quiet green space was nestled four stories above Chicago Avenue? The skyline views, blue skies, and hip furniture made a perfect setting for Klaudyna and Kris's engagement photos.


Klaudyna and Kris, I LOVE the images we made together! I'm really looking forward to your October wedding!!!

To see more, check out the slideshow.

Hello, Dane!

Oooh! Babies are so very sweet when they are this teeny tiny. Week-old baby Dane was a very good little boy, and slept through almost his entire session, only waking when he needed a little snack. The best part were the snuggles I got after the picture taking was finished. :-)

His slideshow is here. It's a beauty, if I do say so myself!

And here's a peek at his precious face:

Happy Birthday Dane!

I had the huge privilege last week to help support (and, of course, photograph) my dear friend LeAnn as she birthed her second son. There are just no words for what a sacred moment it is when a new life enters the world. I am REALLY looking forward to a newborn session with this little guy, but in the mean time, thought I'd share the slideshow I put together of his birthday. Welcome to the world, little guy!

Hello, Oliver

Oliver is a boy who knows what he wants. And pretty much all he wants is his mama to be holding and rocking him. I don't blame him one bit, since this little guy spent his first weeks in the NICU, being poked and prodded. To read Oliver's amazing story, check out his family's CaringBridge page here.

Despite a lot of fussing and fighting sleep, we had a wonderful afternoon making these photographs. Oliver's family is really special to me, and being able to meet him for the first time and catch up with these dear friends just made my day. My favorite moment came when we heard Oliver's dad and big sister playing in the basement, making all kinds of funny noises. "Does life get any better than this," I asked his mama, "having babies and growing families?" She and I agreed that our wonderful husbands and healthy children are precious blessings.

Oliver, you are an amazing little guy, and you've had to fight hard for these first several weeks. I know that God has special plans for you, so just keep doing your thing, getting bigger and stronger every day. I'm so excited to watch you grow!

Here's a peek at a few of my favorite images from his session:


And here's Oliver's slideshow. Enjoy!

Jessica & Marcus: Engaged

Two beautiful Calvin grads, a gorgeous sunset, and one of my favorite locations... Yep, it was one of those nights when I really loved my job. Jessica and Marcus were so alive and so in the moment that I couldn't help but capture their great smiles, their love for each other, and their general fabulousness. :-)

Take a look, and I think you'll agree that they are FABULOUS!








Jess & Marcus, I absolutely can't wait for your wedding in August! To see more from their session, check out their slideshow.

slideshow link should work now!

Okay... it's been a little trial and error in getting our web slideshows to work just right. I'm sorry if you tried to view it yesterday and it wasn't working. I think we've worked out the bugs, so give it another try. Mel and Zach's slideshow is here!

Melanie & Zach

Melanie is a little shy and sweet. Zach is a laid back but totally in charge kind of guy. And their wedding on Saturday was one of the most romantic we've been to in a long time. I can't remember the last time I met two people so very much in love!

Every detail of this wedding was absolutely beautiful, and a lot of TLC was evident: the hand-sewn flower girl dresses (5 of them!!!), the floral arrangements put together by Mel's mom and friends, the custom programs and escort cards... Melanie even choose unique vintage brooches for her bridesmaids to wear with their super cute dresses. When I asked her what three words she wanted to describe her wedding, she choose Vintage, Sweet, and Romantic. As I look back on their perfect day, I couldn't have picked better words to describe their celebration.

Congratulations, Melanie and Zach! Here's a sneak peek of some of my favorite images. To see more, check out your slideshow. Just a note that if you've linked to the blog from our website, remember to turn the website music off so you can hear the slideshow music. :-) Enjoy!