So I had a crazy thought back a few months ago. What if I had an intern? I love mentoring and I knew how important it was to get my first few weddings under a well known photographer. I started thinking of students at Kendall, where I just graduated, and Gabby came to mind. She had expressed an interest in learning more about the commercial side of photography and more specifically, weddings. I contacted her and we quickly set up a time to meet. I loved her energy and we clicked instantly. Gabby will be coming with me to 4 weddings, one of which was the amazing wedding in Grand Ledge this last weekend.

I asked her a few questions to introduce her to you and I hope you’ll join me in welcoming her to the team!

This sunset engagement session gave me all sorts of nostalgic feelings! Lia is one of my oldest friends, I knew her in kindergarten, and to see her fall in love is so special. When I found out she had gotten engaged on the 4th of July I was giddy! I knew that I wanted to get these two in front of my camera, so we made it happen! We headed to Asylum Lake preserve around sunset and trekked through the grass and only got poked a few times. I loved how enthusiastic they were to get down and dirty to get the shots I had envisioned. During our time together I got to witness how special this relationship is. I saw Lia open up in front of the camera and Wil was so supportive and just fun to be around. I’m so happy that we got to do this and can’t wait to see them grow together <3

When I found out that Lizzie was coordinating a same sex styled shoot I jumped at the chance to help! Lizzie is an amazing stylist at Bianka Bridal in Grand Rapids and when she attended a conference recently the idea for this shoot was born. She was interested in exploring neutrals, gorgeous florals by Damsel Floral, all paired with geometric backdrops. I think we nailed it to be honest! This was my first styled shoot and to say I was intimidated was an understatement, but Lizzie and the team at Bianka made me feel so welcome. Our gorgeous models Kierstynn and Anna rocked the hell out of these dresses and were so willing to try out my crazy ideas. I’m so honored that I was included in this experience and can’t wait to team up again!

Photography: Liv Lyszyk Photography

Florals: Damsel Florals

Styling: Lizzie Russell

Makeup: Valentina Vella

Jewelry: Haute Bride

Dresses: Bianka Bridal, Lazaro Bridal & Alessandra Rinaudo

Hey you,

I see you out there hustling your butt off just to make that passion project turn a profit. I see you endlessly scrolling on an app that doesn’t think of you as anything but a number. I see you feeling defeated, deflated, and doubtful. I’ve been in your shoes. In fact I’m usually wearing those shoes once a week if not more. But I want you to know that it’s worth it, and I want you to know that you are enough.

When I first thought of what it would be like to be a professional photographer I imagined traveling the country, having tons of clients that I loved, and being able to sleep in every day. If you think being an entrepreneur is going to be easy let’s get that thought right out of your head. It’s not. Do I travel? yep. Do I have lots of clients that I love? Sure do. Do I get to sleep in most days? well kinda. But I’ll be honest, there are more frustrating days than great ones. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it, and it doesn’t mean that this isn’t what I would choose to do with my life over and over.

If you haven’t read Elizabeth Gilbert’s book “Big Magic” stop reading this, go buy a copy, download it on audible, and soak it in. It’s life changing. One of the things that stood out to me most was when she wrote this passage, “‘What’s your favorite flavor of shit sandwich?’ What Manson means is that every single pursuit—no matter how wonderful and exciting and glamorous it may initially seem—comes with its own brand of shit sandwich, its own lousy side effects. As Manson writes with profound wisdom: ‘Everything sucks, some of the time.’ You just have to decide what sort of suckage you’re willing to deal with. So the question is not so much ‘What are you passionate about?’ The question is ‘What are you passionate enough about that you can endure the most disagreeable aspects of the work?'”. This is what it means to be a creative person.

When you truly love what it is that you do, you will stop at nothing to make it happen. Do you want to have your product in 10 local stores? Go out and knock on 30 doors, chances are at least one of them will love you. Do you want to write a book? Open your laptop or grab a pencil and just write, even if it’s only for a half hour. If you don’t think you can do it, I dare you to prove yourself wrong. Who cares if you only get your product in one store instead of 10? You did what a lot of people don’t ever do. Who cares if you don’t get a New York Times Bestseller spot? You wrote something that you loved. We need to stop making it about doing everything perfectly, and more about doing those few things we are so passionate it keeps us up at night, really really well.

Our talents are given to us for a purpose, even if it is to only make an impact on one person. Even that makes this worth it. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve wanted to give up. If I gave up I wouldn’t have gotten to capture images of a baby coming into this world, and I wouldn’t have captured a father daughter dance that they didn’t think would ever happen. Just because it might not mean something to the whole world, does not mean it doesn’t mean the world to someone. What you are doing matters. You have to remember that.

I’m not saying every day will get easier, but you can do it. There is power in perseverance and the right mindset. If you do nothing else today I want you to look in the mirror and say out loud “I can do this”. It may seem silly at first and really uncomfortable, but sending that thought into the universe will bring you exponential growth. That pit you feel in your stomach when you dream big is there for a reason. Listen to it and remember that this feeling is there to show you that you are doing something important. You can do big things. You are doing important things. You are enough and you can do it!

XOXO Liv

Every 4th of July that Maxx and I have been together we’ve gone up to his parents cabin in Port Austin, Michigan. For all of you non michiganders look at your right hand palm and go to the top of your thumb, that’s Port Austin. It’s a quite town, well village actually. 1 grocery store, 3 bars, 1 coffee shop, 3 putt putt places, and miles and miles of beach. It’s a cozy little town every weekend of the summer, except Labor Day, 4th of July, and Memorial Day. Those weekends thousands of people flock to the tip of the thumb to enjoy all that it has to offer. It’s crazy, but oh so much fun.

Before we went to the cabin we stopped at Maxx’s childhood home in Port Huron, sensing a Port theme? Take that same right hand palm and go to the first knuckle joint on your thumb, that’s Port Huron. We got jerky and amazing BBQ at the Country Smokehouse, that’s where the giant cow comes in. Then spent some time with some friends. After our time there we ventured up the thumb to a place I had never been before. The Sanilac Petroglyphs, ancient Native American carvings in sandstone that show some pretty awesome history. It was fun taking a little detour and getting to learn about the history of the area.

Once in Port Austin we enjoyed some awesome beer, good food, and exploring. There are tons of lighthouses in the area and we were lucky enough to see three of them, two pictured below. One of my most favorite parts of being there is going out on the boat. We tried fishing with no luck, but the views were pretty awesome! Turnip rock, a landmark in that area, was super fun to go around, especially at sunset!

Even though our time was short I loved getting away from the daily grind. It’s been an incredibly fulfilling summer with weddings, work, and friends, but getting out and seeing some new places always makes me happy. I hope that you all enjoyed your holiday weekend and got some time to relax too!

Zach and Kate brought their wild side from Portland during their May wedding. Both animal lovers, the pair decided to celebrate with their closest friends and family at the John Ball Zoo’s Bissell Treehouse. Wedding planner Kate Wert brought her A game and decorated the reception space with lots of vintage and gold accents. Guests were delighted to hang out with a small owl and chinchilla, courtesy of the zoo. Their simple ceremony at Fountain St. Church beforehand celebrated their love and friends shared some words on love and marriage. The best part was ringing the church bells as they exited, a loud, but beautiful tradition at the church.

Throughout the whole day Zach and Kate were so relaxed and genuinely excited. It was so refreshing to see such a laid back couple truly enjoy every moment of the day. One of the most special parts of their day was when the couple introduced each person at the reception. It was a unique way to learn about the guests and hear stories of how they knew the couple. I loved how intimate it was and made for a great way to connect people from around the country who were there.

The whole wedding went off without a hitch and everyone was so kind and friendly. It was clear how many people Zach and Kate had touched throughout their lives thus far, and each detail fit together in their vision perfectly.

Meeting Lisa and Brit for the first time was like coming home to be with old friends. Their love for each other and passion for nurturing others was evident. Immediately we were chatting about all of their amazing plans for their day and I was so excited about every part. Their wedding did not disappoint and was the most incredible “Love Fest” as Brit so lovingly called it. When I told them I was offering a discount for LGBT couples in Michigan and Grand Rapids they began to tear up. They had planned their February 2017 wedding around the same time as inauguration as their own celebration that Love Trumps Hate.

Brit and Lisa are both chiropractors and lived in Iowa at the time of the wedding. Both were finishing up school and had big plans to move back to Grand Rapids and open up their own unique Chiropractic space. Many of their friends and family traveled from all corners of the country, one even flew in just for the night of the event without even packing any bags. It was truly a culmination of all of the support they have had throughout their lives.

One of the most special parts of the day was including their daughter in the festivities. Even though they left her original bridesmaid dress back home in Iowa, they had a stroke of luck and found a dress that fit perfectly and matched her mom’s. The group got ready in the gorgeous Lamb Bride space and their first look was such a special moment. I’m always tearing up during wedding’s but seeing the look on Lisa’s face as she saw her bride for the first time was so special.

Their Downtown Market Grand Rapids greenhouse ceremony and reception space was the perfect way to bring the outdoors in, especially during a Michigan February. Long tables lined the space and were adorned with lush greenery provided by Eastern Floral. Although the decorations were minimal the couple’s style shined through, a simple and earth centered theme.

When I think of what it means to love unapologetically this family comes to mind. It was clear how much they do for others when hearing guests talk about how they were a part of the couple’s lives. It is weddings like this, the simple yet beautiful ones, that make a photographer’s job so easy and exciting. I know that they will achieve everything they’ve dreamed of and I cannot wait to see where their journey takes them.