When Rachael reached out to book her session with me I was floored. I had offered up a canceled mini session spot in Kalamazoo and Rachael, from Grand Ledge said she wanted to take it! They drove all the way from Grand Ledge to get their family photos taken by me, an honor I didn’t think I deserved. Rachael is a photographer herself so I had put a lot of pressure on myself but when we first met it was as if I knew her for years. It was such fun chatting with her as we walked around Asylum Lake Preserve.

Their daughters are so full of spunk and personality and warmed up to the camera right away! You can tell they have a momma who loves photographing them. I was so glad that we were able to get out and enjoy the fall weather! These photos totally sum up the joy and love that this family has, they were all so great to work with and I really hope we can do it again soon!

On the eve of my 22nd birthday I find myself reflecting on all that I’ve learned, accomplished, and failed at so far in life. I figured since I love lists so much I might as well compile one and share it. So here we go, 21 things I’ve learned in 21 years.

1: Age is just a number

It might surprise you, depending on how well you know me, that I’m only turning 22. I’ve often used the “twenty-something” descriptor in order to be taken more seriously and hide the fact that I’m so young. But honestly, screw that! I’ve accomplished a lot in my 21 years and that number doesn’t determine my worth or legitimacy.

2: Find your voice and use it

This year I’ve been very vocal about my shift into being a visibly equality minded business. As a queer woman (see point 6), it’s important to me to use my voice and stand tall for my beliefs. It does no one any good by keeping quiet.

3: Sometimes you still need your mom

My mom and I have had a shift in our relationship as I’ve moved away, and even though we don’t talk constantly (mostly because my life is pretty boring day to day) I still find myself needing her. We took a mother daughter trip this summer (see photo below) and it was such a fun experience! No matter how old I get I know our bond will be special!

4: Taking a day during the week to refocus is key

Wednesdays are generally my days where I don’t look at work stuff. I focus on recharging during the middle of the week and quite honestly it’s what keeps me somewhat sane.

5: It’s ok to let go of toxic relationships

I’ve learned that letting go of relationships that do me more harm than good is the best act of self care. I need to be the best me in order to serve others well and if I find myself worrying over a situation in a relationship for too long I let it go. Not to say I stop talking to friends without reason, but if I feel in my gut that it’s not serving me in any way then it’s ok to move forward.

6: Identities shift and change as we age

When I first came out in middle school I had no idea that my identity would shift and change so much. Essentially I’m back to where I was when I first came out, but I had to remain open to myself and my identity as it changed. There is nothing wrong with growth!

7: It’s ok to have Taco Bell breakfast if you’re having a bad day

8: Even if you don’t like wine now eventually you’ll probably find one you love (St. Ambrose Cellars Secret Beach)

9: Holidays are still the best time of the year

10: Learning your Love Language is life changing

If you haven’t heard of the 5 Love Languages drop everything and google it! My love language is acts of service (I literally asked Maxx to clean the house for my birthday present). It helps me communicate my desires and needs better as well as understand where I might be missing the mark for my partner’s needs.

11: Get a good night of sleep every night

I’m already over the stage of staying up late and sleeping in. I’ve learned I’m most productive in the morning (see next bullet point) so it’s way healthier for me to be going to sleep at the same time and waking up at the same time every day. I feel refreshed and know exactly how to plan out my day.

12: Have a morning routine and stick to it

My morning begins with the same things each day. It helps me prepare myself for the day and get the most important things out of the way first thing.

13: You will “fail”

14: You will “succeed” 

15: No matter what find a lesson in all that you do

16: Sometimes you’ll be scared

If you feel scared to do something, most likely it’s super worth it. Take chances on life and do the things that terrify you. Obviously don’t put yourself in real danger, but my best moments were often the scariest! I have an amazing support system so the scary things become pretty easy. Even if it doesn’t work out perfectly, refer to bullet point 15.

17: Don’t compare your life path with anyone else

I often find myself wondering when I’ll be able to go full time into photography, when I’ll get married, have kids, but I have to remind myself my timeline in life is different than everyone else. The internet makes it nearly impossible to stop the comparison game, I’m getting better, but it’s often a daily struggle.

18: Mental health isn’t something to be ashamed of

As someone with an assortment of mental health “issues” I’ve learned to not be afraid of it and embrace it. Will I always have some sort of level of depression? Maybe. Will I always have anxiety? Most likely. I’ve tried to learn my triggers and combat them. One thing that I struggle with a lot is the changing of seasons. I got a sunlight lamp for my desk and I’ve noticed it helping already!

19: Always say thank you

I’ve gotten further in life by saying thank you than anything else. Sending thank you notes for referrals, treating someone to coffee, sharing photos with vendors, the list goes on. People recognize kindness and gratitude and it will come back to you ten fold.

20: Always say “I love you” at the end of phone calls

In my life I’ve lost a handful of close family members, some very unexpectedly. I always end phone calls with an “I love you” because I don’t know when it will be the last time I say that.

21: Celebrate everything

It’s easy to get caught up in the day to day things, but I try and remember to celebrate victories, no matter how small. This year I graduated college, jumped into my business head first, celebrated 3 years with an amazing partner, made so many new friends. All of these things are celebration worthy! I think that’s why I love birthdays so much, it’s a time when everyone remembers to celebrate!

So if you’ve made it to the bottom of this list kudos to you! I’m thankful for the space to share my thoughts and even more thankful that people read it! It’s been an incredibly exciting year and I have so many fun things planned for my 22nd year of life. I hope that you’ll stick around for the journey and share in all of my celebrations!

When I met Eleni at my day job we instantly clicked. She lit up telling me about her son and I was so exited when she asked me to do his 2 year photos. She knew she wanted something less posed and focused on those candid moments. We headed out to Riverside Park in Grand Rapids and let Carl run around on the playground. I think it’s pretty obvious that he had a great time! This kid loves smiling and chasing geese. I’m so thankful to have met Eleni and gotten the opportunity to work with them!

These two had such a lovely celebration with their closest friends and family. Their commitment to family was so clear and I loved getting to be a part of their days. These ladies had a split wedding. Having an intimate ceremony one day and a larger reception a few weeks after. It was such a special way to extend the celebration and enjoy the time. They were able to have the feel of an elopement but hang out with everyone later! I’ve put together some of the highlights from their day and hope you enjoy them as much as I do! 

Alex and Jordan are definitely one of the most fun couples I’ve worked with! As soon as I met them they felt like old friends and it was great walking around Riverside Park during their engagement session. These two are new to the Grand Rapids area but they are loving checking out all of the amazing places it has to offer. I’m so happy that these two are together because their love for each other is so clear. Both of them make each other laugh so well.

While I’m so bummed I can’t photograph their wedding I know that they will have an amazing time. It was seriously such an honor to work with them and I’m so in love with these photos. Stepping around goose poop and almost getting hit by frisbees was so worth it. Thanks for trusting me with my ridiculous looking ideas!

 

Zoey and I recently reconnected after having some classes together in college. Luckily her humor matches mine and we get along swimmingly. She told me at the beginning of the Summer that she and her husband, Jake, were excepting their first child and I think I actually screamed! It’s so fun to watch a friend walk through pregnancy and I was so honored when she asked me to do maternity photos. Little Harrison is due in December so I knew we’d have to take advantage of the gorgeous fall colors before his arrival. We headed out to Robinette’s Orchard and Provin Trails in Grand Rapids for their maternity photos!

This was actually the first time I met Jake and I can tell why he’s so perfect for Zoey. They were constantly laughing and seeing him look at her made my heart so happy. They say a woman becomes a mother when she gets pregnant but a father becomes a dad when he meets the baby. Seeing how excited and caring Jake is already he’s totally prepared for the dad role! Harrison is so lucky to have you both and I’m incredibly lucky to call you friends.

When I was in high school I can remember hanging out with Morgan’s little sister at their house and always seeing Morgan and Abe together. Even then their love was so apparent and when Morgan hired me it was like a dream come true. Photographers talk a lot about “ideal clients” and while I have nothing but great things to say about all of my couples, these two really are my people. Their passion for activism, nature, and radiating joy makes them so much fun and so easy to work with.

We headed to Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan almost a year to the day before their wedding. These two wanted to take advantage of the fall colors and I am so happy that they did. Morgan is an artist and designer herself, so she was totally game for all of my experiments and quirky ideas. I played around with reflections, movement, and contrasty shadows, something I don’t always get to do! It was a session that was good for my creative soul.

When I asked Morgan about what she’s most excited for she happily said “Besides being legally bound to my partner and favorite person, it’s hard to pick one thing! I can’t wait to dance with all of our friends and family in a stony cabin under amber Edison bulbs, take pictures with Liv all over camp, eat apple cider donuts, and spend a beautiful fall morning getting ready with my five favorite ladies”. It’s clear to see why I’m so pumped and cannot wait to celebrate with them at their Michigan Camp Fall Wedding!

When meeting with this cute engaged couple from Mason, Michigan for their engagement photos, I instantly fell in love. These two are constantly smiling and joking with each other through their whole engagement session. I was excited when Kalee introduced me to McNamara Landing in Mason where they have such a gorgeous view of the river, and some amazing fields and trails. I love fall photos especially with all of the color that we get here! These two were up for all of my crazy ideas and I’m so happy with how everything turned out.

Kalee and David met in the 6th grade but just never got the timing right. Kalee says “We’d always talk about our ‘what if’ story, and joke about how we were the other person’s ‘one who got away’. Fast forward 4 years, the timing was finally right. We met up for drinks and the rest was history”. I’m so honored to get to capture their wedding next May at the Bengel Wildlife Center near Lansing. Their vision is coming together and I know their day will be everything they have been dreaming of! Congrats again guys!

This classic and elegant wedding blew me away. Jen and Bradon celebrated their love in Downtown Grand Rapids and I was so excited that they chose me to be their photographer! These two met online while in college and bonded over their love for video games and making each other laugh! They were both so excited about seeing each other for the first time while they walked down the aisle. These two instantly became some of my favorite clients!

When I arrived Jen and her ladies were relaxing in their gorgeous robes and finishing up hair and makeup. When I asked for some of the details and jewelry Jen told me she’d be wearing some of her Grandmother’s wedding jewelry. It was such a sweet testament to the power of family and tradition. Her pearls made Jen glow. The guys arrived and were instantly a fun bunch to hang out with. I tasked my intern Gabby with snapping some photos of them and she commented on how easy they made her job. I love when the wedding party is just as pumped for the wedding as the couple, and it was clear that was the case for Jen and Bradon.

One of the most fun moments was when the flowers from Events by Ludema’s arrived. The girls were so giddy to see all of the details coming together. Jen grabbed her bouquet and stood in front of the long mirror in her suite and commented on how real it finally felt. After getting buttoned up into her gorgeous gown from Bridal Elegance we all got out first look at her, Jen was so radiant, definitely a gorgeous bride.

The short and sweet ceremony led to a quick flip of the room as they signed their license and Jen realized how odd it was to sign her new name. We headed out with the wedding party and walked to the infamous Blue Bridge where there happened to be another wedding. We snapped some photos and as we were walking back I noticed an ivy covered parking garage. I asked if it would be crazy to have them go up because I had an idea. After a few minutes I see Bradon appear who tells me that the elevator was broken (sorry guys!) but if you ask me the photo is so worth it.

We then went to the reception where we enjoyed sweet toasts, delicious dinner, and fun dancing. It’s always fun to talk with guests and meeting Jen’s family at dinner was a special treat. Throughout the whole day we were both welcomed and included in everything as if we were family, not just photographers. Jen and Bradon made the day go so smoothly and we had a blast with them. I know that this is just the beginning of a wonderful married life for them and we are both so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their story.

Katie and Colin have to be two of the most laid back and in love people I’ve ever met. When I met with them to talk about their wedding they just gushed about how excited they were to tie the knot. This was a day full of elegant details and romantic elements. The couple wanted it to be a relaxed wedding and they definitely achieved that.

One of the most fun elements of the day was the venue itself. Wildwood Family Farms in Alto, Mi provided a gorgeous backdrop that guests kept commenting on. Their donkey Pepperjack was a highlight for many people and the couple made sure to get some photos with him throughout the day. Wildwood’s gorgeous flowers and peaceful fields looked even more amazing at sunset and I was lucky enough to snag the couple for some photos during golden hour. I love being able to sneak them away and have them enjoy a quiet moment as newlyweds.

Although the ceremony was one of the shortest I’ve been to, what they lacked in length they made up in heart. There was not a dry eye as the two tearfully exchanged vows. After the ceremony guests enjoyed cocktail hour complete with lawn games and custom corn hole boards! The reception was lively and the DJ got everyone dancing, it was truly one of the most energetic receptions!

Throughout the day it was clear how in love these two were, and how supported they are by both families. Their vendors all came together to create a seamless day and I know that this wedding will be one I remember for years to come.

The Amazing Vendors:

Venue: Wildwood Family Farms in Alto, Mi

Dress: Hayley Paige from Bianka Bridal, Grand Rapids, MI

Bridesmaids Dresses: Vera Wang from David’s Bridal

Tuxedos: The Combatant Gentleman 

Florals: Stems Market Grandville, MI

DJ: Moments in Time Disc Jockeys

Bakery: Cakabakery Grand Rapids, MI

Catering: Nighthawk Catering Alto, MI